Buell Motorcycle Company
Encyclopedia
The Buell Motorcycle Company was an American motorcycle
manufacturer based in East Troy, Wisconsin
and founded in 1983 by ex-Harley-Davidson
engineer Erik Buell
.
Harley-Davidson acquired 49% of Buell in 1993, and it became a wholly owned subsidiary by 2003.
On November 17, 2006, Buell announced that it had produced and shipped its 100,000th motorcycle.
On October 15, 2009, Harley-Davidson announced the discontinuation of the Buell product line as part of its strategy to focus on the Harley-Davidson brand. The last motorcycle was produced on October 30, bringing the number manufactured to 136,923.
In November 2009, Buell and Harley-Davidson announced the launch of Erik Buell Racing
, an independent company run by Erik Buell which will produce race-only versions of the 1125R
model.
In 1993, Harley-Davidson purchased 49% of Buell, investing $500,000 and taking Erik Buell's house as security. Erik Buell took the deal, against strong advice from his attorney. Harley-Davidson CEO Jeffrey Bleustein had bought it as a skunkworks
development.
In 1998, Harley-Davidson bought a majority stake and took control of Buell, and it has been a subsidiary ever since. Since then, Buell used modified Harley-Davidson engines, primarily from the Sportster, to power its motorcycles.
Most Buell motorcycles use four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engines, originally built from XR1000 Sportster engines. After these were depleted, a basic 1200 Sportster engine was used. In 1995, the engines were upgraded with Buell engineered high-performance parts and further upgraded in 1998.
The liquid-cooled Harley V-Rod
motor, developed by Harley-Davidson then made street legal according to the EPA by Porsche, was originally an Erik Buell project, designed for a fully faired AMA Superbike
Buell by 1998. Harley decided the engine should also be used in a sport-cruiser, then took over development, making it "too big, too heavy, too expensive and too late" for Buell.
Harley-Davidson forced Buell to follow the rigid product planning and distribution process beginning in the 1990s, with the philosophy that Buell was the starter brand, and customers would eventually trade up to a Harley. By 2008, Harley's credit arm, Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), was struggling, and the lower resale value of Buell motorcycles meant that new bike sales were significantly affected. When Harley CEO Keith Wandell was hired, he immediately questioned why Harley even owned Buell. Wandell had never been on a Harley before being hired, was heard talking about "Erik's racing hobby", and questioned "why anyone would even want to ride a sportbike". He organized a team to analyze "the adrenaline market", and concluded that sportbikes
would encounter high competition and low profits, while cruisers had high returns.
On October 15, 2009, Harley Davidson Inc. announced the end of production of Buell Motorcycles to focus more on the Harley Davidson brand. Selling Buell was not legitimately considered, as Harley didn't want their Harley dealerships to sell an outside brand, and Harley didn't feel Buell had much value without the dealer network. Closing the Buell brand was estimated to cost Harley approximately the same as their total investment in Buell over the past 25 years. Erik Buell immediately began looking for outside buyers, finding BRP
(who owns the Austrian Rotax
engine manufacturer BRP-Powertrain) a good choice, especially since Harley would have to pay Rotax "an eight-figure sum" for the 1,125 cc engine contract.
Erik Buell later founded Erik Buell Racing
to provide support for 1125 and XB privateer race efforts.
system, a patent
ed "inside-out" wheel/brake design that puts the brake disc on the outer edge of the wheel,
rather than at the hub. This lets the suspension function better, improving control and traction, through reducing unsprung weight
on the front wheel, because only a single disc and caliper—with a corresponding reduction in bolts and brake fluid—is needed compared with the conventional dual-disc brake setup on most modern sport bike
s. In an exchange in the pages of Motorcyclist
magazine between Suzuki engineer James Parker, creator of the GSX-RADD hub-center steering
system,
and Buell's Director of Analysis, Test & Engineering Process, Abraham Askenazi, Parker conceded the ZTL system's advantage in unsprung weight. But he pointed out the remaining weight is located further out on the rim where it is most detrimental to acceleration and braking, and that there were potential heat transfer issues, and the need for one fork leg to be stronger than the other. Responding, Askenazi disputed all of Parker's criticisms, saying the ZTL system was 30% lighter than the brakes on the Suzuki GSX-R1000
, and that the inertia of having the weight further out on the rim, and the heat generation near the tire, were not negative factors, based on testing. Askenazi concluded that testing and race track experience had proven the ZTL to be "state of the art."
Other industry innovations introduced by Buell in the XB lineup were the "fuel in frame" technology, and the dual use of the swingarm as an oil tank.
Also, all Buell models feature a muffler mounted below the engine which helps keep mass centralized with some models featuring a computer-controlled valve to switch between two exhaust paths as necessary to maximize torque.
Buell designs focus on providing good handling, comfortable riding, easy maintenance, and street-friendly real-world performance. Buell motorcycles were engineered with an emphasis on what they called the "Trilogy of Tech": mass centralization, low unsprung weight, and frame rigidity.
Buell engines were designed to be street-friendly both in fuel efficiency (up to 70 mpgU.S. (29.8 km/L) with the Blast), and in torque (the 1,203 cc version produces 110 N·m (81.1 ft·lbf)). They are also simple and easy to maintain. Most Buell two-cylinder engines utilize computer controlled ducted forced air cooling (variable speed fan that only activates as required), two valves per cylinder, a single throttle body, zero maintenance hydraulic valve actuation, and zero maintenance gear-driven cams.
Variations on the RR 1000 Battletwin include the RR 1200 Battletwin (1988–1990), the RS 1200 Westwind (1989), the RS 1200/5 Westwind (1990–1992) and the RSS 1200 Westwind (1991).
front suspension forks and rear shock. The front brake caliper, while still a six-piston unit, was now made by Nissin. The most technological change came in the new Dynamic Digital Fuel Injection (DDFI) system, replacing the old carburetor.
The S3 featured a half faring that surrounded the headlight and gave decent wind protection for the rider's torso. The S3T model then added lower fairing extensions that gave better wind protection to the rider's legs. The S3T also featured hard saddlebags that could be color-matched to the bike color and were available in either "wide" for maximum storage, or "narrow" for a lighter feel. In addition to the lower fairings and the saddlebags, the S3T also came with a taller handlebar for a more upright, relaxed riding position. Each of the parts that set the S3T apart were available as accessories for the standard S3 model.
was Buell's only model to use a single-cylinder engine. With 492 cc displacement and 360 lb (163.3 kg) dry weight, it was their smallest model, often used in Harley-Davidson's "Rider's Edge" new rider instruction/riding schools. This filled Harley CEO Jeff Bleustein's idea of having a make-specific training bike, since many students end up buying a bike from the dealer where they trained.
The Blast came from a quick proof-of-concept at the Buell factory. It originally used half of a Sportster 883 engine. The engine ended up 80 percent over budget and very expensive compared to the higher-technology Rotax
engines available from outside the company. Cycle World
wrote "Such an overrun would be unheard of from an outside supplier, but when your supplier also owns you, you grin and bear it." The Blast was ultimately the most expensive development project Buell undertook.
Because the engine was overpriced, it ended up making money for Harley while losing money for Buell. It was regarded as a technical success.
In July 2009, Buell ran an ad campaign stating that the Blast would no longer appear in their line-up. The ad featured a Buell Blast being destroyed in an automobile crusher.
was to be sourced from Aerocharger to help pump the XB horsepower to 150 hp, but the Aerocharger supplier deal fell through when Harley Davidson decided to engineer one in house. That project was a failure, despite "millions of dollars" spent.
The first XB9 engines had a 985 cc displacement, the later XB12 engines had 1203 cc.
Before the first XB was sold, the cost was well over the target, leading to a sales price increase from the original price point of $7,995 to $9,995. It was a popular bike, but never sold at Harley marketing departments expected volume, partly due to the significantly higher price.
Buell introduced the XB frame in the 2002 Firebolt XB9R sportbike. The Firebolt XB12R was introduced in 2004 and was initially sold alongside the smaller displacement Firebolt XB9R. The Lightning came in 2003 and was marketed by Buell as a streetfighter
motorcycle.
Buell's Ulysses XB12X debuted in July 2005. It offers seating, ergonomics, and long-travel suspension that are well-suited for use on unpaved and rough (fire)roads. Buell advertised the Ulysses as "the world's first adventure sportbike." For 2008, among other changes, XBRR oil pump and ignition timing systems have been changed tapping into the XBRR race bike as well as the addition of heated grips and increased turning fork swing from 54° to 74°. The Ulysses XB12XT differs from the Ulysses XB12X in several areas. It has a different front fender, unlike the Enduro
-front fender
that comes on the XB12X and lower fork protection is not as pronounced as on the XB12X, due to the intended purpose of the XB12XT which is more street than dirt oriented. Other major differences include the suspension which is completely different between the two bikes, being about an inch lower on the XB12XT and tuned more for street riding, vs. the XB12X's slightly taller and softer suspension better tuned for dirt use. Along with factory Hepco & Becker hard pannier
s and top box, tall windshield and a 30.9 in (785 mm) seat height, the XB12XT also has wheels that are approximately 1 lb (453.6 g) lighter than those found on the XB12X, which have added mass to make them stronger for off paved road use. The XB12XP is a police model that was available for the 2009 model year.
that departed from Buell's history of using Harley-Davidson Sportster based middle weight powertrains and tapping into the XBRR racing bike learnings. The Rotax
Helicon powertrain uses four valves per cylinder, dual over-head cam, liquid-cooled 72 degree V-Twin displacing 1,125 cc and producing 146 hp. It produces 83 ft.lbf of peak torque but varies less than 6 ft.lbf of torque from 3,000 to 10,500 rpm. There is a vacuum assist slipper clutch
to give predictable drive performance in hard cornering and deceleration and a six-speed transmission.
The Helicon engine was developed and built by BRP-Powertrain
in Austria. The design had significant Buell input, and was funded through Buell's cashflow, likely for 15–20% of the V-Rod engine development cost.
The 1125R did not have a full fairing, as that would have put it in the same class as Japanese sportbikes. Erik Buell agonized over this, saying "it's not about listening to the voice of the customer." Cycle World magazine said the 1125R was "a bit of an oddity." The bike was initially released with a crude spark map, leading to criticism of the bike at low speeds. The Rotax Helicon also ended up costing significantly more by production time due to fluctuation in exchange rates.
style. This was done in response to customer feedback, which said the 1125R wasn't what was wanted, and causing Buell to shelve plans for a Streetfighter
, going for a cafe racer instead. The 1125CR has a longer swingarm, a longer wheelbase and a shorter secondary drive ratio.
racing teams. The XBRR frame was a XB1/XB2 hybrid, the suspension came from Swedish manufacturer Öhlins
, and the wheels were made of magnesium. It was the first model using the ZTL2 eight-piston caliper by Nissin.
and a chain drive.
On September 9, 2009, Buell won its first AMA Pro racing championship. Rider Danny Eslick clinched the title at New Jersey Motorsports Park on Buell's 1125R model.
On November 15, 2009, Buell won its first NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship. Rider Hector Arana clinched the title at Southern California NHRA Finals on a Lucas Oil backed Buell.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
manufacturer based in East Troy, Wisconsin
East Troy, Wisconsin
East Troy is a village in Walworth County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 3,564 at the 2000 census. The village is located southeast of the Town of East Troy. A small portion extends into the adjacent Town of Troy...
and founded in 1983 by ex-Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression...
engineer Erik Buell
Erik Buell
Erik F. Buell is the founder, former Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of the Buell Motorcycle Company, which eventually merged with Harley-Davidson Corp. Buell is a pioneer of modern race motorcycle technology...
.
Harley-Davidson acquired 49% of Buell in 1993, and it became a wholly owned subsidiary by 2003.
On November 17, 2006, Buell announced that it had produced and shipped its 100,000th motorcycle.
On October 15, 2009, Harley-Davidson announced the discontinuation of the Buell product line as part of its strategy to focus on the Harley-Davidson brand. The last motorcycle was produced on October 30, bringing the number manufactured to 136,923.
In November 2009, Buell and Harley-Davidson announced the launch of Erik Buell Racing
Erik Buell Racing
Erik Buell Racing is a motorcycle sport company which produces street and racing motorcycles, based in East Troy, Wisconsin, USA. Erik Buell founded the company in November 2009 following the shutdown of his previous company, Buell Motorcycle Company, by parent company/majority stakeholder Harley...
, an independent company run by Erik Buell which will produce race-only versions of the 1125R
Buell 1125R
The Buell 1125R is a sport bike that was manufactured by Buell Motorcycle Company in the United States. It was introduced in July 2007 for the 2008 model year. Production of road-going models ceased in October 2009, when Erik Buell announced the cessation of production for the entire Buell range...
model.
History
The first Buell motorcycle, the RW750, was built in 1983 purely for competing in the AMA Formula 1 motorcycle road racing championship. At that time, Erik Buell was a top contending privateer motorcycle racer. After completion of the first two RW750 racing machines, one of which was sold to another racing team, the Formula 1 series was canceled. Buell then turned his focus towards racing-inspired, street-going machines using engines manufactured by Harley.In 1993, Harley-Davidson purchased 49% of Buell, investing $500,000 and taking Erik Buell's house as security. Erik Buell took the deal, against strong advice from his attorney. Harley-Davidson CEO Jeffrey Bleustein had bought it as a skunkworks
Skunkworks project
A skunkworks project is one typically developed by a small and loosely structured group of people who research and develop a project primarily for the sake of radical innovation. The term typically refers to technology projects, and originated with Skunk Works, an official alias for the Lockheed...
development.
In 1998, Harley-Davidson bought a majority stake and took control of Buell, and it has been a subsidiary ever since. Since then, Buell used modified Harley-Davidson engines, primarily from the Sportster, to power its motorcycles.
Most Buell motorcycles use four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engines, originally built from XR1000 Sportster engines. After these were depleted, a basic 1200 Sportster engine was used. In 1995, the engines were upgraded with Buell engineered high-performance parts and further upgraded in 1998.
The liquid-cooled Harley V-Rod
Harley-Davidson VRSC
The Harley-Davidson VRSC family of cruiser motorcycles was introduced in 2001 in a single model called the V-Rod. The V-Rod was developed by Harley-Davidson to compete against Japanese and American muscle bikes...
motor, developed by Harley-Davidson then made street legal according to the EPA by Porsche, was originally an Erik Buell project, designed for a fully faired AMA Superbike
AMA Superbike
AMA Pro Superbike is the premiere superbike racing series in the United States. It is part of the AMA Pro Racing series which was sold to and is managed by the Daytona Motorsports Group...
Buell by 1998. Harley decided the engine should also be used in a sport-cruiser, then took over development, making it "too big, too heavy, too expensive and too late" for Buell.
Harley-Davidson forced Buell to follow the rigid product planning and distribution process beginning in the 1990s, with the philosophy that Buell was the starter brand, and customers would eventually trade up to a Harley. By 2008, Harley's credit arm, Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), was struggling, and the lower resale value of Buell motorcycles meant that new bike sales were significantly affected. When Harley CEO Keith Wandell was hired, he immediately questioned why Harley even owned Buell. Wandell had never been on a Harley before being hired, was heard talking about "Erik's racing hobby", and questioned "why anyone would even want to ride a sportbike". He organized a team to analyze "the adrenaline market", and concluded that sportbikes
Sport bike
A sport bike, also written as sportbike, is a motorcycle optimized for speed, acceleration, braking, and cornering on paved roads, typically at the expense of comfort and fuel economy in comparison to less specialized motorcycles...
would encounter high competition and low profits, while cruisers had high returns.
On October 15, 2009, Harley Davidson Inc. announced the end of production of Buell Motorcycles to focus more on the Harley Davidson brand. Selling Buell was not legitimately considered, as Harley didn't want their Harley dealerships to sell an outside brand, and Harley didn't feel Buell had much value without the dealer network. Closing the Buell brand was estimated to cost Harley approximately the same as their total investment in Buell over the past 25 years. Erik Buell immediately began looking for outside buyers, finding BRP
Bombardier Recreational Products
Bombardier Recreational Products or BRP is a Canadian company that traces its roots back to the year 1942 when Joseph-Armand Bombardier founded L'Auto-Neige Bombardier Limitée in Valcourt in the Eastern Townships, Quebec.In 2003, Bombardier Inc...
(who owns the Austrian Rotax
Rotax
BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG , commonly known simply as Rotax, is an Austrian engine manufacturer. It develops and produces four-stroke and advanced two-stroke engines for Bombardier Recreational Products products as well as for motorcycles, karts,...
engine manufacturer BRP-Powertrain) a good choice, especially since Harley would have to pay Rotax "an eight-figure sum" for the 1,125 cc engine contract.
Erik Buell later founded Erik Buell Racing
Erik Buell Racing
Erik Buell Racing is a motorcycle sport company which produces street and racing motorcycles, based in East Troy, Wisconsin, USA. Erik Buell founded the company in November 2009 following the shutdown of his previous company, Buell Motorcycle Company, by parent company/majority stakeholder Harley...
to provide support for 1125 and XB privateer race efforts.
Technology
Buell XB models also incorporated the industry's first Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) perimeter floating front disc brakeDisc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
system, a patent
Patent
A patent is a form of intellectual property. It consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a sovereign state to an inventor or their assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an invention....
ed "inside-out" wheel/brake design that puts the brake disc on the outer edge of the wheel,
rather than at the hub. This lets the suspension function better, improving control and traction, through reducing unsprung weight
Unsprung weight
In a ground vehicle with a suspension, the unsprung weight is the mass of the suspension, wheels or tracks , and other components directly connected to them, rather than supported by the suspension...
on the front wheel, because only a single disc and caliper—with a corresponding reduction in bolts and brake fluid—is needed compared with the conventional dual-disc brake setup on most modern sport bike
Sport bike
A sport bike, also written as sportbike, is a motorcycle optimized for speed, acceleration, braking, and cornering on paved roads, typically at the expense of comfort and fuel economy in comparison to less specialized motorcycles...
s. In an exchange in the pages of Motorcyclist
Motorcyclist (magazine)
Motorcyclist is a motorcycling magazine in the United States. The magazine is headquartered in Los Angeles, and is published by Source Interlink Media. The current Editor in Chief, Brian Catterson, was formerly Executive Editor at rival Cycle World....
magazine between Suzuki engineer James Parker, creator of the GSX-RADD hub-center steering
Hub-center steering
Hub-center steering is one of several different types of front end suspension/steering mechanisms used in motorcycles. Hub-center steering is characterized by a swingarm that extends from the bottom of the engine/frame to the centre of the front wheel instead of two forks.The advantages of using a...
system,
and Buell's Director of Analysis, Test & Engineering Process, Abraham Askenazi, Parker conceded the ZTL system's advantage in unsprung weight. But he pointed out the remaining weight is located further out on the rim where it is most detrimental to acceleration and braking, and that there were potential heat transfer issues, and the need for one fork leg to be stronger than the other. Responding, Askenazi disputed all of Parker's criticisms, saying the ZTL system was 30% lighter than the brakes on the Suzuki GSX-R1000
Suzuki GSX-R1000
The GSX-R1000 is a sport bike from Suzuki's GSX-R series of motorcycles. It was introduced in 2001 to replace the GSX-R1100 and is powered by a liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder, four-stroke engine.-2001:...
, and that the inertia of having the weight further out on the rim, and the heat generation near the tire, were not negative factors, based on testing. Askenazi concluded that testing and race track experience had proven the ZTL to be "state of the art."
Other industry innovations introduced by Buell in the XB lineup were the "fuel in frame" technology, and the dual use of the swingarm as an oil tank.
Also, all Buell models feature a muffler mounted below the engine which helps keep mass centralized with some models featuring a computer-controlled valve to switch between two exhaust paths as necessary to maximize torque.
Buell designs focus on providing good handling, comfortable riding, easy maintenance, and street-friendly real-world performance. Buell motorcycles were engineered with an emphasis on what they called the "Trilogy of Tech": mass centralization, low unsprung weight, and frame rigidity.
Buell engines were designed to be street-friendly both in fuel efficiency (up to 70 mpgU.S. (29.8 km/L) with the Blast), and in torque (the 1,203 cc version produces 110 N·m (81.1 ft·lbf)). They are also simple and easy to maintain. Most Buell two-cylinder engines utilize computer controlled ducted forced air cooling (variable speed fan that only activates as required), two valves per cylinder, a single throttle body, zero maintenance hydraulic valve actuation, and zero maintenance gear-driven cams.
RW 750 Road Warrior (1984)
The RW 750 was a development of the Barton Formula One racing motorcycle. Buell bought the parts and tooling from the failed Barton concern and developed the RW 750 for his own use and for sale to private entrants. The engine was a liquid-cooled two-stroke square four. Buell's development resulted in a more competitive racer, but production ceased when the AMA discontinued the Formula One class.RR 1000 Battletwin (1987–1988)
The RR 1000 Battletwin was a street sportbike using a modified Road Warrior chassis and a Harley-Davidson XR1000 engine. Buell invented the Isoplanar engine mounting system to allow the heavy, vibration-prone engine to be used as a structural member of the frame without transmitting the engine vibrations to the frame. Lack of space caused Buell to put the suspension components under the engine. The linkage caused the spring and the shock absorber to extend when the wheel went up.Variations on the RR 1000 Battletwin include the RR 1200 Battletwin (1988–1990), the RS 1200 Westwind (1989), the RS 1200/5 Westwind (1990–1992) and the RSS 1200 Westwind (1991).
S2 Thunderbolt (1994–1995)
Two-seater with Road Warrior based chassis and Sportster engine. The S2T Thunderbolt (1995–1996) was a touring version, with saddlebags. The S2 was inexpensive to develop (around $100,000), and 1,400 units were sold in the first year—well over the 300 units Buell had projected.S1 Lightning (1996–1998)
The S1 Lightning was a more fundamental sportbike than the S3 Thunderbolt and M2 Cyclone that it was marketed alongside. Variants of this version of the Lightning were the S1 Lightning (1996/1997/1998), S1W Lightning (1998) and the S1W White Lightning (1998). The S1W came with a larger tank and Thunderstorm cylinder heads which gave an extra 10 hp.X1 Lightning (1999–2002)
The X1 Lightning was the successor to the S1 Lightning line. They all used the Thunderstorm heads, fuel injection (Dynamic Digital Fuel Injection) and incorporated larger fuel tanks as well as completely different body designs. The most recognizable frame piece was the brushed aluminum tail section that swept upward and back underneath the two-up seat. The 1999 X1 Lightning was awarded motorcycle of the year in Japan.S3 Thunderbolt (1997–2002) and S3T Thunderbolt (1997–2000)
The S3 Thunderbolt sport-touring model was produced from 1997 through 2002, along with a mechanically identical S3T "Touring" model that ran through model year 2000. The 1,203 cc air-cooled V-Twin engine was mounted as a stressed member in a tubular frame. The powerplant output 91 hp in 1997 and jumped to 101 hp in the following years due to revised cam profiles and the new Thunderstorm cylinder heads. While the bike's overall look was the same throughout the model run, there were significant changes made in 1999 that set it, and later models, apart from the 1997 and 1998 bikes. The early bikes used a rectangular section steel rear swingarm, WP Suspension front forks and rear shock, a Keihin 40 mm CV carburetor, and a Performance Machine six-piston front brake caliper. Beginning in 1999 a new cast aluminum rear swingarm was utilized along with ShowaShowa Corporation
is a manufacturer of high-performance automotive, motorcycle and outboard suspension systems based in Gyoda, Saitama in Japan.Founded in October 1938 in Japan's drive to develop its military capability in preparation for World War II, Showa supplied aircraft suspension and landing systems to...
front suspension forks and rear shock. The front brake caliper, while still a six-piston unit, was now made by Nissin. The most technological change came in the new Dynamic Digital Fuel Injection (DDFI) system, replacing the old carburetor.
The S3 featured a half faring that surrounded the headlight and gave decent wind protection for the rider's torso. The S3T model then added lower fairing extensions that gave better wind protection to the rider's legs. The S3T also featured hard saddlebags that could be color-matched to the bike color and were available in either "wide" for maximum storage, or "narrow" for a lighter feel. In addition to the lower fairings and the saddlebags, the S3T also came with a taller handlebar for a more upright, relaxed riding position. Each of the parts that set the S3T apart were available as accessories for the standard S3 model.
M2 Cyclone (1997–2002)
The M2 Cyclone was produced from 1997 to 2002. It was in the middle of the Buell line up between the puristic S1 Lightning and the more comfortable but heavier S3 Thunderbolt. The S1 Lightning being the fastest and lightest of the bunch but offered a very narrow seat due to its minimalist approach for weight saving in this sport bike. The S3 Thunderbolt was a touring bike that offered a bigger wider seat and more comfortable riding position but was also a heavier motorcycle. The M2 Cyclone filled the gap between the sport and touring models with a bigger seat than the S1 Lightning and lighter and faster than the S3 Thunderbolt. The M2 was only available with the 1,200 cc engine and five-speed transmission. The frame was of the tubular CrMo steel type.Blast (2000–2009)
The BlastBuell Blast
The Buell Blast is a motorcycle that was made by the Buell Motorcycle Company from 2000 to 2009. It was the smallest motorcycle and the first single cylinder motorcycle made by any subsidiary of Harley-Davidson since the sale of Aermacchi's motorcycle division in 1978, and the first single...
was Buell's only model to use a single-cylinder engine. With 492 cc displacement and 360 lb (163.3 kg) dry weight, it was their smallest model, often used in Harley-Davidson's "Rider's Edge" new rider instruction/riding schools. This filled Harley CEO Jeff Bleustein's idea of having a make-specific training bike, since many students end up buying a bike from the dealer where they trained.
The Blast came from a quick proof-of-concept at the Buell factory. It originally used half of a Sportster 883 engine. The engine ended up 80 percent over budget and very expensive compared to the higher-technology Rotax
Rotax
BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG , commonly known simply as Rotax, is an Austrian engine manufacturer. It develops and produces four-stroke and advanced two-stroke engines for Bombardier Recreational Products products as well as for motorcycles, karts,...
engines available from outside the company. Cycle World
Cycle World
Cycle World is a motorcycling magazine in the United States. It was founded in 1962 by Joe Parkhurst, who was inducted to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame as "the person responsible for bringing a new era of objective journalism" to the U.S. and is now the largest motorcycling magazine in the world...
wrote "Such an overrun would be unheard of from an outside supplier, but when your supplier also owns you, you grin and bear it." The Blast was ultimately the most expensive development project Buell undertook.
Because the engine was overpriced, it ended up making money for Harley while losing money for Buell. It was regarded as a technical success.
In July 2009, Buell ran an ad campaign stating that the Blast would no longer appear in their line-up. The ad featured a Buell Blast being destroyed in an automobile crusher.
XB-series (2002–2010)
The XB powertrain still had its roots with the Harley Sportster powertrain, and was designed for both projects. Unfortunately, it was designed by Harley with minimum input from Buell. A turbochargerTurbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
was to be sourced from Aerocharger to help pump the XB horsepower to 150 hp, but the Aerocharger supplier deal fell through when Harley Davidson decided to engineer one in house. That project was a failure, despite "millions of dollars" spent.
The first XB9 engines had a 985 cc displacement, the later XB12 engines had 1203 cc.
Before the first XB was sold, the cost was well over the target, leading to a sales price increase from the original price point of $7,995 to $9,995. It was a popular bike, but never sold at Harley marketing departments expected volume, partly due to the significantly higher price.
Buell introduced the XB frame in the 2002 Firebolt XB9R sportbike. The Firebolt XB12R was introduced in 2004 and was initially sold alongside the smaller displacement Firebolt XB9R. The Lightning came in 2003 and was marketed by Buell as a streetfighter
Streetfighter
A streetfighter is a sport bike that is customized by removing the fairing, and making other changes that result in an overall more aggressive look. Beyond simply removing fairings, specific changes that exemplify the streetfighter look are a pair of large, round headlights, tall, upright...
motorcycle.
Buell's Ulysses XB12X debuted in July 2005. It offers seating, ergonomics, and long-travel suspension that are well-suited for use on unpaved and rough (fire)roads. Buell advertised the Ulysses as "the world's first adventure sportbike." For 2008, among other changes, XBRR oil pump and ignition timing systems have been changed tapping into the XBRR race bike as well as the addition of heated grips and increased turning fork swing from 54° to 74°. The Ulysses XB12XT differs from the Ulysses XB12X in several areas. It has a different front fender, unlike the Enduro
Enduro
Enduro is a form of motorcycle sport run on courses that are predominantly off-road. Enduro consists of many different obstacles and challenges...
-front fender
Fender (vehicle)
Fender is the US English term for the part of an automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle body that frames a wheel well . Its primary purpose is to prevent sand, mud, rocks, liquids, and other road spray from being thrown into the air by the rotating tire. Fenders are typically rigid and can be...
that comes on the XB12X and lower fork protection is not as pronounced as on the XB12X, due to the intended purpose of the XB12XT which is more street than dirt oriented. Other major differences include the suspension which is completely different between the two bikes, being about an inch lower on the XB12XT and tuned more for street riding, vs. the XB12X's slightly taller and softer suspension better tuned for dirt use. Along with factory Hepco & Becker hard pannier
Pannier
A pannier is a basket, bag, box, or similar container, carried in pairs either slung over the back of a beast of burden, or attached to the sides of a bicycle or motorcycle. The term derives from the Old French, from Classical Latin, word for bread basket....
s and top box, tall windshield and a 30.9 in (785 mm) seat height, the XB12XT also has wheels that are approximately 1 lb (453.6 g) lighter than those found on the XB12X, which have added mass to make them stronger for off paved road use. The XB12XP is a police model that was available for the 2009 model year.
XB1 type
- Firebolt XB9R
- Firebolt XB12R
- Lightning XB9S
- Lightning CityX XB9SX (MY 2010: Lightning XB9SX)
- Lightning XB12S
- Lightning Low XB12Scg
- Lightning XB12SX (MY 2010, Europe only)
XB2 type
(different frame with more fuel capacitiy, longer swing arm & wheelbase, 23.8°/23.5° steering axis angle, more trail)- Lightning Long XB12Ss
- Lightning Super TT XB12STT
- Ulysses XB12X
- Ulysses XB12XP
- Ulysses XB12XT
1125R
In July 2007, Buell announced the 1125R, a sport bikeSport bike
A sport bike, also written as sportbike, is a motorcycle optimized for speed, acceleration, braking, and cornering on paved roads, typically at the expense of comfort and fuel economy in comparison to less specialized motorcycles...
that departed from Buell's history of using Harley-Davidson Sportster based middle weight powertrains and tapping into the XBRR racing bike learnings. The Rotax
Rotax
BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG , commonly known simply as Rotax, is an Austrian engine manufacturer. It develops and produces four-stroke and advanced two-stroke engines for Bombardier Recreational Products products as well as for motorcycles, karts,...
Helicon powertrain uses four valves per cylinder, dual over-head cam, liquid-cooled 72 degree V-Twin displacing 1,125 cc and producing 146 hp. It produces 83 ft.lbf of peak torque but varies less than 6 ft.lbf of torque from 3,000 to 10,500 rpm. There is a vacuum assist slipper clutch
Slipper clutch
A slipper clutch is a specialized clutch developed for performance oriented motorcycles to mitigate the effects of engine braking when riders decelerate as they enter corners....
to give predictable drive performance in hard cornering and deceleration and a six-speed transmission.
The Helicon engine was developed and built by BRP-Powertrain
Rotax
BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG , commonly known simply as Rotax, is an Austrian engine manufacturer. It develops and produces four-stroke and advanced two-stroke engines for Bombardier Recreational Products products as well as for motorcycles, karts,...
in Austria. The design had significant Buell input, and was funded through Buell's cashflow, likely for 15–20% of the V-Rod engine development cost.
The 1125R did not have a full fairing, as that would have put it in the same class as Japanese sportbikes. Erik Buell agonized over this, saying "it's not about listening to the voice of the customer." Cycle World magazine said the 1125R was "a bit of an oddity." The bike was initially released with a crude spark map, leading to criticism of the bike at low speeds. The Rotax Helicon also ended up costing significantly more by production time due to fluctuation in exchange rates.
1125CR
For the 2009 model year, Buell introduced the 1125CR, a version of the 1125R in the cafe racerCafé racer
A café racer is a type of motorcycle as well as a type of motorcyclist. Both meanings have their roots in the 1960s British counterculture group the Rockers, or the Ton-up boys, although they were also common in Italy, Germany, and other European countries...
style. This was done in response to customer feedback, which said the 1125R wasn't what was wanted, and causing Buell to shelve plans for a Streetfighter
Streetfighter
A streetfighter is a sport bike that is customized by removing the fairing, and making other changes that result in an overall more aggressive look. Beyond simply removing fairings, specific changes that exemplify the streetfighter look are a pair of large, round headlights, tall, upright...
, going for a cafe racer instead. The 1125CR has a longer swingarm, a longer wheelbase and a shorter secondary drive ratio.
Buell XBRR
Buell also produced a limited series of 50 XBRR (1338.63 cc, 150 hp) racing-only machines for factory-backed and privateerPrivateer (motorsport)
In motor sport, a privateer is usually an entrant into a racing event that is not directly supported by an automobile manufacturer. Privateers teams are often found competing in rally and circuit racing events, and often include competitors who build and maintain their own vehicles...
racing teams. The XBRR frame was a XB1/XB2 hybrid, the suspension came from Swedish manufacturer Öhlins
Öhlins
Öhlins or Öhlins Racing AB, is a manufacturer of high-performance suspension systems for automotive, motorcycle, snowmobile, and ATV use. It is based in Upplands Väsby just north of Stockholm, Sweden...
, and the wheels were made of magnesium. It was the first model using the ZTL2 eight-piston caliper by Nissin.
Buell 1125RR
In 2009, Buell announced production of the 1125RR, also a race-only motorcycle. The bike was internally called the B2, aimed for the supersport market. Built from the 1125R, the 1125RR changes include a titanium exhaust, magnesium wheels, full fairingsMotorcycle fairing
A motorcycle fairing is a shell placed over the frame of some motorcycles, especially racing motorcycles and sport bikes, with the primary purpose to reduce air drag. The secondary functions are the protection of the rider from airborne hazards and wind-induced hypothermia and of the engine...
and a chain drive.
On September 9, 2009, Buell won its first AMA Pro racing championship. Rider Danny Eslick clinched the title at New Jersey Motorsports Park on Buell's 1125R model.
On November 15, 2009, Buell won its first NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world championship. Rider Hector Arana clinched the title at Southern California NHRA Finals on a Lucas Oil backed Buell.