Buell get set for SuperTouring: Buell shed light on V-twin model ahead of production

Buell used Daytona Bike Week to reveal a more refined version of their 185hp V-twin SuperTouring, which is now slated for 2025 production.

The boxy bruiser will likely divide opinion, with its large bug-eyed headlights, flat front screen, and exposed trellis subframe, but it’s come a long way since we first caught glimpse of it back in 2022.

“The ST provided a great opportunity for us to hear and engage with our fanbase,” said Buell engineer, Jacob Stark. “It led to exploring new ideas, experimenting, and using the ST platform to stretch our comfort zone.”

Buell estimate the bike will cost $21,995 (around £18,580), with the 1190cc V-twin producing a claimed 182.5bhp at 10,600rpm and 101.6lb.ft of torque at 8200rpm. 

Both the price and punch put the ST firmly in the camp of the established European competition, which consists of the £18,799 KTM 1290 Super Duke GT, £15,740 BMW S1000XR, and £26,595 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak.

Alongside the thundering engine, there’s the same aluminium frame as seen on Buell’s Hammerhead 1190 superbike. Showcasing a new modular fairing and headlamps at Daytona, the firm say that the bike can be converted to a track-ready motorcycle in under an hour.

“Buell is back and building a strong reputation as a small, responsive company building bikes to order and providing a unique customer experience,” said CEO, Bill Melvin. “We’ve tuned our approach to match customer feedback and will continue making the changes that deliver the best riding experience possible.”

Other new additions include higher bars, foot-forward controls, a new single-unit leather seat, and squared luggage boxes – which provide a rugged, durable look that would arguably be more at home on a traditional adventure bike.

Buell SuperTouring in detail

• Quality rubber: Helping to control the power of the V-twin engine is a set of quality Pirelli tyres. Rims are 17in so there will be a wide range of replacements to choose from.
• Buell quirks: Buell are sticking with their trademark rim-mounted brake with a single disc up front.
• Modular design: The 1190cc V-twin engine is used across the Buell range – saving development costs whilst re-establishing the brand. This is in everything from cruisers to superbikes.
• Updated design: Although the look of the SuperTouring won’t be to everyone’s taste, it looks considerably better finished than when first displayed last year.
• Room for two: The single sculpted leather seat comes with red stitching and graphics, with space for both a pillion and rider.

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SuperTouring superbike: Buell make mad 182bhp V-twin adventure tourer

First published 8 March 2022 by Jordan Gibbons

Buell have burst back onto the scene in a big way, unveiling two new bikes powered by the engine from their Hammerhead 1190 superbike offering.

The Buell name was all but defunct until recently, when Liquid Asset Partners successfully purchased the name from Harley-Davidson after buying the remains of the follow-up business Erik Buell Racing.

Having released the Hammerhead last year, Buell have now followed it up with the sports-touring SuperTouring and off-road lunatic Baja DR.

Of the two, the SuperTouring is the most ‘normal’ but even then, it’s anything but. The SuperTouring is powered by the 1190cc V-twin from the Hammerhead, which itself is a bored out version of the 1125R developed by Rotax for the Buell with the same name.

That engine has a whopping 182bhp on tap as well as 101lb.ft, which puts it well ahead of similar performance machines such as the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT.

Interestingly, despite its adventurous looks and big alloy boxes, Buell are not suggesting this thing goes anywhere near a dirt track – certainly not if the 17in wheels and sticky Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II rubber are anything to go by.

Sticking with Buell’s tried and tested formula, the engine is housed in one of the firm’s signature aluminium beam frames that also incorporates the fuel, while the ‘tank’ houses the airbox and the brains of the bike.

The SuperTourer also sports another of Buell’s famous touches – the 386mm perimeter disc rotor combined with an eight piston caliper.

Buell have always maintained it offers improved performance over traditional setups although reaction has always been mixed – especially on their superbikes. Either way, it should offer more than enough performance for a sports-tourer.

The final chassis set up is carried over from the naked 1190SX, albeit with a more upright riding position, giant screen (practical if a bit ‘visually divisive’) and twin headlights.

Elsewhere the bike is dripping in carbon fibre including the ‘tank’, side panels and front mudguard. The machine we see here is still a prototype, so final figures aren’t available but based on the Hammerhead’s wet weight (minus fuel) of 190kg, we’d expect this to be around 235kg fuelled to the brim.

Buell are saying they plan to put the SuperTourer into production in the autumn, with an RRP of $21,995 (approx. £16,700). If you’re mega keen to bag your spot in the queue, you can reserve one now via their website.

Buell SuperTouring highlights

• 1190cc V-twin 
• 182bhp @ 10,600rpm 
• 101lb.ft @ 8200rpm 
• Production in autumn 
• £16,700 (estimated)

Meet the badass Baja

If you think the SuperTouring is a wild machine then take a look at the Baja DR – what Buell as describing as “the world’s fastest production dirt bike”.

Based on Buell’s hillclimbing race winner, it’s effectively the same engine as the SuperTouring detuned to a much more modest 172bhp.

The engine bolted into a tube steel off-road frame, with associated long travel suspension. The hillclimb DNA is obvious with the huge swingarm and adjustable wheelbase. Buell are also accepting orders on the Baja, priced at $19,995 (approx. £15,200).