Motorcycle Review: Buell Super Cruiser 1190 x RSD

Buell Motorcycle announced this week that a new Buell Super Cruiser designed by Roland Sands of Roland Sands Design, is in development.

Two iconic brands (Buell and Roland Sands Design) together to create a one-of-a-kind Buell Super Cruiser motorcycle with a West Coast attitude. “We are excited to take another big step forward in the continued growth of Buell. Today that big step forward is growing the Buell team here in West Michigan,” said Steve Laham, Chief Products, Development & Strategist Buell Motorcycle Co. “The Buell team’s expansion is in a multitude of areas of growth and will allow us to continue providing high performance motorcycles in the marketplace.”

New Buell Motorcycles and Roland Sands Design Super Cruiser.
New Buell Motorcycles and Roland Sands Design Super Cruiser.

Roland Sands & Roland Sands Design will bring the heat. Champion motorcycle racer turned custom bike builder, Sands is considered the King of Cool in styling cruisers, café racers, and many top brands’ iconic built bikes.

“When Bill first approached us about building a high-performance cruiser using the Buell motor, it was as if the bike designed itself,” said Roland Sands. “Considering the history of Buell and the market’s need for a truly high-performance cruiser, and the build quality of the existing Buell chassis parts, motor, and rolling kit, the project was a natural fit.”

Roland Sands burning through tires on the Buell Super Cruiser prototype.
Roland Sands burning through tires on the Buell Super Cruiser prototype.

The Super Cruiser will take advantage of Buell’s unique high-performance V-twin engine and innovative perimeter braking system and structural swingarm, delivering a bike with exceptional handling in a non-sport bike format.

“The design lends itself to the West coast scene where customization is part of bike culture,” said Melvin. “And Roland was enthusiastic about incorporating Buell technology into that culture, creating the fastest, coolest cruiser on the market.”

New Buell Motorcycles and Roland Sands Design Super Cruiser.

“I’ve been working on projects like this for 20-plus years, and this is the first time we’ve been able to build a performance cruiser without the typical V-twin performance compromises of weight and motor width and length,” said Sands.

At 450 lbs. and 175 hp, Sands’ chassis geometry delivers road-friendly handling that’s ready for the track. Using much of the standard Buell rolling kit, Sands engineered his chassis design to work with the swingarm, forks, original 17″ wheels, and brake system. “Ground clearance, bar position, and comfortable seating and foot positions are key to getting the cruiser look with sport bike handling,” said Sands.

Roland Sands gets a wheel up on the Buell Sport Cruiser
Roland Sands gets a wheel up on the Buell Sport Cruiser

The Super Cruiser solidifies that Buell is Back and building more than sport bikes. Out of the gate, this cruiser will lead performance in the category. It’s light, nimble, and high torque, incorporating all the main points that connect the rider to the ground, and it’s cracking open another part of the market – a younger crowd craving speed and performance in a cruiser.

The new Buell is a good-looking California-style Sport Cruiser.
The new Buell is a good-looking California-style Sport Cruiser.

Buell previewed the Super Cruiser’s proof of concept at a Private VIP Reveal Party at Roland Sands Design shop in Long Beach, CA on February 10.

About its potential, Sands is confident. “With correct geometry and an attitude to match? Yeah, that’s the business right there,” he said. RC

To view the build and more info about the Buell Super Cruiser, CLICK HERE.

To see the Buell Motorcycle Line-Up, CLICK HERE.

Motorcycle News: Buell Motorcycles Are Back

The new Buell® Motorcycles will launch 10 performance models by the 2024 model year. The exciting models will be representative of the superbike performance and handling expected of the legendary Buell brand. Exciting times ahead for fans of American Motorcycles.

“Buell is back!” said Bill Melvin, CEO. “We are excited to bring Buell back with this awesome assortment of superbikes and performance motorcycles. We start with the fastest American production motorcycles, hand built in the USA, so that’s a nice start! We’re building out those platforms for more touring & adventure models, then we’re expanding our displacements to be competitive with other global brands. The passionate Buell Nation can grow and thrive again.”

Buell Hammerhead 1190RX
The 2021 Buell Hammerhead 1190RX Carbon

Buell Motorcycle upcoming models will include variants for dirt, dual-sport, touring, and cruisers while expanding the line up to include medium and small displacement motors. Buell is also in the initial exploration phases for a high-performance Electric model and is open to collaboration ideas with other companies. The models currently in production are built by hand in Grand Rapids, Michigan and based on the high-performance 1190 platform, known for the innovation of Fuel in Frame, Perimeter Brake Rotor, exceptional handling, and high horsepower.

Buell 1190SX
The 2021 Buell 1190SX

“Buell is known as the American brand for high performance, innovation, & adventure. Fast is fun again on a Buell. We will continue and expand on that,” said Melvin. “We have already launched a dirt bike with Cipala Racing that won an AMA Championship and Buell will be dominating at NHRA this year. Follow us Facebook and Instagram where we’ll showcase passionate fans, new developments, as well as racers and riders having fun on a Buell. The future will be fast and fun on a Buell.”

EBR Motorcycles acquired the Buell brand in early 2020 and began developments to bring Buell back. Buell will be present at Daytona Bike Week 2021 at J&P Cycles Destination Daytona Mega Store. Visit the Buell booth for gear, to view current models, and learn about the developments of the fast and fun American Motorcycle brand.

Visit Buell Motorcycles for more information about their 2021 and future lineup.