Buells final catalogue
We were all blown away when parent company Harley-Davidson announced that it was discontinuing Buell production at the end of last year. While Harley have not changed their mind, it is not all bad news on the Buell front.
First up, there is a new or highly revised 2010 range of Buell motorcycles. The bit that sucks is that despite Harley-Davidson saying, "it was business as usual for the 2010 range", speaking to some local H-D dealers, it seems there was only a small allocation of 2010 Buell's for Australia, and not unexpectedly, they have all been snapped up, leaving the average punter with little chance of getting one of the last models through an Aussie dealer.
It is with a dash of nostalgia that these models are sure to become collector's items and so we are highlighting the final catalogue of Buell's offered. Only 5 of the 8 final Buell models will be offered in Australia. Take a good look at some of these bikes - there are some beauties - and their demise is certainly the rider's loss. The other good news, is that as headlined in Just Bikes last month, Harley-Davidson have given Erik Buell the go ahead to form his own business - Erik Buell Racing. Erik was chairman and chief technical officer of Buell Motorcycle Company and is going to specialise in the supply of race use only Buell motorcycles. It is good that the Buell name will continue - at least on the race track - and Erik intends to base his race bikes on the 2010 Buell 1125R model, under licence from Harley-Davidson. As we went to press the news came through that Erik Buell Racing has sold its first racing motorcycles.
It is reported that a pair of 1190RR superbikes were purchased by a European privateer squad, the Pegasusraceteam.com Team. The two bikes will be campaigned in the European Sound of Thunder Series. The German based team will also race the Buell 1125R and XB12R in support classes for the European series.
The final production Buell - a 2010 lightning XB12Scg - came off the company's East Troy production line on October 30, last year. It was the 136, 923rd final motorcycle built in Buell's 26 year history. The last Buell joins 11 other Buells that were donated to the Barber Motorsports Museum, that also received some modified stunt bikes used by Craig Jones and Bubba Blackwell, and several clay model prototype mock-ups.
In previewing the 2010 Buell range, Erik Buell said, "The story of Buell motorcycles shows that great things can happen with creativity, vision and hard work."
"A dream that started with a few of us getting our hands dirty in garages and on race tracks in the 1980s is now providing riders with quality American built motorcycles and winning at the top levels of AMA Pro Racing." It is perhaps ironic, that in the middle of 2009 when Erik was previewing the new model range, that the Buell name was so close to being relegated to the archives by Harley-Davidson.
2010 Buell model range
New - Lightning CityX XB12SX.
Sport - 1125R; Firebolt XB12R.
Adventure - Ulysses XB12X; XB12XT
Street - 1125CR; Lightning XB12Ss; Lightning XB12Scg; Lightning XB9SX
Police - XB12XP
The Buell riding experience embodies radical designs and intuitive performance that rewards uncompromising riders. From the race track to the back road, a Buell motorcycle will take any path necessary to put its rider out front because Buell believes a deep bond between rider and machine is the essence of motorcycling. Buell maintains its defiant stance in 2010 with a versatile line-up of motorcycles designed to inspire riders to achieve ultimate performance.
For the street, the 1125CR café racer with new upright handlebars, and the extended XB Lightning line-up for Europe - including the new Lightning CityX XB12SX - are now packing more style and power than ever. In the sportbike category, in a nod to Buell's increasing victories and success on track, riders will see even more of Buell's convention breaking liquid-cooled 1125R. For adventures that go way beyond the road, the Ulysses XB12 range sees various upgrades make it the most exhilarating ride yet.
In 2010 Buell continues to focus on the ride with the addition of features like front brake master cylinder piston seals and rotor mountings, LED tail lights and rear turn signals, oxygen sensors and tyres, as well as new graphics and bodywork. Whether it's the 1125cc Helicon liquid-cooled, four-stroke, fuel injected 72-degree V-Twin engine or the 1203cc Thunderstorm air/oil/fan cooled, four-stroke, fuel-injected 45 V-Twin engine, Buell blends original design with productive power and dynamic performance for a light and tight ride.
Always willing to challenge conventional motorcycle design with leading edge innovations like fuel in the frame, oil in the swing arm or a perimeter-mounted front brake, Buell continues to give its riders what they want in a performance sport bike. The Buell Trilogy of Technology principles of low unsprung weight, mass centralisation and chassis rigidity have long guided the Buell ruthless approach to motorcycle engineering. This approach ensures that riding a Buell motorcycle is a fully satisfying experience, whether weaving through the city streets, taking on a tight corner on the track, or tackling off road terrain.
Overview: Buell 2010 models
Buells have never been perfect, but 2010 did bring with it a host of important revisions and tweaks that greatly enhanced the model range. All models now have a new front brake master cylinder, LED rear lights and new turn signals.
Out in the Street
For those looking for a bike with agile handling, as well as serious torque and acceleration for real urban power, 2010 sees the introduction of the new Lightning CityX XB12SX. Receiving its debut in Europe, the XB12SX marries the sheer power of the Thunderstorm 1203cc V-Twin engine with Buell's popular Lightning CityX XB9SX chassis and suspension, inspired by the needs of today's urban rider. Delivering a whopping 104Nm of torque, the bike is available in Valencia Orange translucent & Hero Blue translucent, both with black wheels.
Meanwhile the Lightning CityX XB9SX, is readier than ever for a street fight, with the broad, smooth power of its Thunderstorm 984 V-Twin engine, wind deflectors, frame pucks, headlight grille, airbox cover X-guard and new designer black wheels. Features such as the upright rider position, wide Supermoto style handle bars and intuitive handling help the Lightning CityX XB9SX and XB12SX dodge through back streets and effortlessly pull away from the traffic - enabling the ultimate urban riding experience.
Buell XB Lightning streetfighters, powered by an air/oil/fan-cooled Thunderstorm V-Twin engine, have a ferocious look with new airbox cover graphics added to blacked-out frame, forks, engine and other components. Lightning XB models receive a new oxygen sensor with updated calibration, fuel pump and sensor, front brake piston seal and LED tail light, and front and rear turn signals. The XB12Ss with super moto inspired long suspension has size, comfort and convenience, and the Lightning XB12Scg road hugging suspension for a low centre of gravity. As a modern café racer, the Buell 1125CR motorcycle is powered by a 146-hp, liquid cooled Helicon 1125 V-Twin engine with Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC), new upright tapered aluminium streetfighter handle bar, and new graphics to deliver top sportbike handling in style. Final drive gearing optimises acceleration and performance, along with new water pump bearing, front brake piston seals and rear wheel bearings and axle. The 1125CR is available in arctic white, midnight black or new racing red bodywork.
Taking it to the Track
Whether on the street or the track, Buell sportbikes are engineered for high levels of performance and handling - providing a ride no less exhilarating than a bike built specifically for racing. This is perfectly illustrated by the Buell 1125R. European sport performance riders will see more of this convention breaking, large capacity sport motorcycle in 2010. With its 72 liquid-cooled V-Twin 1125cc BRP-Rotax engine - exclusively designed to Buell specifications, all new Buell IRC (Intuitive Response Chassis) - the stiffest chassis ever offered by Buell, quiet zone aero-dynamics, and fully adjustable Showa piggyback suspension, the 1125R motorcycle offers power, torque, handling and agility that takes its owner to a new level of riding experience. Available in arctic white, racing red or midnight black bodywork and with distinctive styling that leaves many of its mechanical components exposed, the bike has a uniquely aggressive look. This is further enhanced by an athletic riding position allowing for unparalleled comfort whilst in pursuit of superior street or track performance.
On and off road
The sport-touring Buell Ulysses XB12XT and the versatile, all road Ulysses XB12X are equally exhilarating rides in the Buell Adventure Sportbike category. Both Ulysses models feature a new right side air scoop, fan shroud, header shield, and ECM calibration that work together to reduce heat and improve rider comfort. Light and agile on any kind of road, the Ulysses XB12X is equipped with a broad, usable Thunderstorm 1203cc V-Twin engine, rugged protective features like frame pucks, headlight grille and wind deflectors.
The XB12X has a new blacked out phantom metallic frame, swingarm, and foot rest supports, and triple clamps, as well as new sunfire yellow bodywork and smoked windscreen.
The Ulysses XB12XT is ready to carve the continents on new Pirelli Angel ST tyres with side and top cases, heated grips and a tall windscreen. Both Ulysses models feature the patented Triple Tail system that adjusts between three functional positions.
www.buell.com
STREET MODELS
Lightning CityX XB12SX
New Lightning CityX XB12SX brings more power to the streets. This urban warrior comes equipped to handle whatever the city throws your way, with standard wind deflectors, frame pucks, headlight grille, and the unique X-guard to protect the airbox cover from your tank bag. Light, nimble and aggressive, it's powered by a 1203cc Thunderstorm air/oil/fan cooled, fuel injected, 45 V-Twin. Key Specs: Engine: 1203cc, Thunderstorm 45 V-Twin. Max. power/torque: 69kW/104Nm, Drivetrain: chain. Transmission: 5-speed, helical gear. Front fork: Showa inverted forks with adjustable damping,120mm travel. Rear suspension: Showa coil over monoshock, adjustable compression damping.
1125R & XB9SX
The Buell 1125CR is a 21st Century Cafe racer - part sport bike, and part street fighter. It is Erik Buell's vision of a modern day cafe racer. It offers the same power and agility as its 1125R brother, with a raw one of a kind sound and performance, proven handling, liquid cooling technology and V-Twin power. The XB9SX is an urban warrior that is at home in the city as well as in the country. It is powered by a 984cc Thunderstorm V-Twin.
With a lower seat and lowered suspension the XB12Scg is a gutsy street brawler with a lower centre of gravity and minimalist styling that separates the Lightning line-up from the pack.
In brief:
1125CR - 1125cc Helicon 72 V-Twin, 146Nm, 6-speed transmission
XB9SX - 984cc Thunderstom 45 V-Twin, 92Nm, 5-speed transmission
XB12Scg - 1203cc Thunderstorm V-Twin, 103Nm, 5-speed transmisision
Suspension: all employ Showa inverted forks, respectively 47mm, 43mm & 41mm at the front. Rear being Showa coil over monoshocks.
Brakes - All use ZTL-type front brake.
Dry weight: Respectively, 170kg, 177kg & 179kg
The Lightning Long XB12Ss delivers classic American brute performance, along with bold, edgy looks from the original XB12S, with stretched chassis dimensions and ergonomics for more size, comfort and convenience. The XB12Ss has supermoto inspired long travel front and rear suspension.
LIGHTNING LONG XB12Ss
Engine: 1203cc Thunderstorm air/oil/fan cooled, 4-stroke, 45 twin. Max. Torque: 103 Nm. Transmission: 5-speed Helical gear . Suspension, front: 43mm Showa inverted forks with adjustable compresssion damping and spring preload. Suspension, rear: Showa coil over monoshock with remote, under seat reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring pre-load. Brake, front: ZTL2 Type brake, 8-piston, fixed caliper, 375mm single sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor. Brake, rear: Single piston, floating caliper, 240mm stainless steel, fixed rotor
Rake/trail: 231/119mm Wheelbase: 1364mm Seat height: 776mm Dry weight: 181kg Tyres: Pirelli Scorpion.
SPORT MODELS - 1125R & XB12R
Designed for the rider, the Buell 1125R model combines performance you would expect in a sport bike - power and agility - with the character, attitude and exotic styling to stand out from the pack.
The Buell Firebolt XB12R is a sport bike that exists outside the square. Buell ignored the accepted rules in creating the Firebolt and says it redefines what a frame should be, what a front brake should be and what a sporting engine should be. This is a motorcycle that they say is for riders who value the lightweight and razor sharp agility of a sport bike, but crave the look, sound and feel of a V-Twin. Its torque rich power plant, intuitive handling and reliability make it a potent contender.
1125R
Engine: 1125cc helicon liquid-cooled 4-stroke, 72 V-Twin. Max. torque: 146Nm. Transmission: 6-speed straight cut. Suspension front: 47mm Showa inverted forks with adjustable compression damping and spring pre-load. Suspension rear: Showa coil-over monoshock, with adjustable compressed damping and spring pre-load. Brakes f/r: ZTL-type brake as per the XB12XT
XB12R
Engine: 1203cc Thundestorm air/oil/fan cooled 4-stroke, 45 V-Twin. Max. torque: 103m Transmission: 5-speed Helical gear. Suspension front: 43mm Showa inverted forks, Rear: As per XB9SX. Wheelbase: 1320mm, Dry weight: 179kg, Seat height: 775mm
ADVENTURE MODELS -XB12X
The XB12X is an adventure sport bike with few limitations. As light and agile on rough roads as it is on smooth ones, Buell says the Ulysses XB12X comes equipped with rugged protective features, a broad usable powerband and the right amount of suspension travel to swallow up whatever lies ahead.
ULYSSES XB12X
Engine: 1203cc Thundestorm air/oil/fan cooled 4-stroke, 45 V-Twin. Max. torque: 103m. Transmission: 5-speed Helical gear. Suspension front: 47mm Showa inverted forks with rear offset axle and fully adjustable compression damping and spring pre-load. Suspension rear: Showa coil-over monoshock, remote spring preload adjustment, adjustable compressed damping. Brakes f/r: ZTL-type brake as per the XB12XT. Seat height: 808mm. Wheelbase: 1374mm. Dry weight: 193kg. Tyres F/R: Pirelli Scorpion Sync
ULYSSES XB12XT
The sports bike designed for touring, the Buell Ulysses XB12XT is an adventure sport touring motorcycle for riders who refuse to accept the notion that comfort and practicality have to come with sacrifices. Across town or across country, this bike does it all. It combines nimble handling and a well tuned, sport inspired suspension with a smooth, reliable 1203cc, air cooled engine. One of its more attractive features is that many accessory items that you would expect as ‘add-ons' come as standard. These include side and top cases, heated hand grips and a tall windscreen.
ULYSSES XB12XT
Engine: 1203cc Thundestorm air/oil/fan cooled 4-stroke, 45 V-Twin. Max. torque: 84Nm. Transmission: 5-speed Helical gear. Suspension front: 43mm Showa inverted forks, fully adjustable. Suspension rear: Showa coil-over monoshock, remote spring preload adjustment, adjustable compressed damping. Brakes front: ZTL-type brake and 6-piston, fixed caliper 375mm. Brakes rear: Single piston, floating caliper, 240mm. Seat height: 780mm. Wheelbase: 1370mm. Dry weight: 211kg. Tyres F/R: Pirelli Angel STE
