The American sports bike scene has been revolutionized by Erik Buell’s innovative designs, and the RS1200/5 Westwind is a prime example of this ingenuity.
With its sleek half-fairing design, the Westwind showcases not only the 1200 Sportster powerplant but also Buell’s ingenious Uniplanar frame. This unique chassis combines a Ducati-style ladder of steel tubes with an anti-vibration system that restricts engine shaking to the vertical plane only.
The result is a bike that’s both agile and stable, thanks in part to its Marzocchi forks equipped with Buell’s own anti-dive system. The Works Performance rear shock unit adds to this stability, adapting to bumps rather than simply compressing over them.
The Westwind’s brakes are also custom-designed by Buell, with big twin front discs gripping broad, sticky Dunlop Elite tyres on 17-inch polished aluminium wheels.
Key Specifications
Engine Type
45 V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve.hydraulic self-adjusting lifters,2 valve per cylinder.
Engine Capacity
1198 cc / 73.1 cu in
Max Power
44.7 kw / 60 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity
13.5 L / 3.6 US gal
*n/a – information not provided by manufacturer
All Specifications
Make & Model
Model
Buell RS1200/5 Westwind
Year
1989
Engine
Engine Type
45 V-Twin, four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve.hydraulic self-adjusting lifters,2 valve per cylinder.
Displacement
1198 cc / 73.1 cu in
Bore x Stroke
88.9 x 98.8 mm
Compression Ratio
9.0:1
Max Horsepower
44.7 kw / 60 hp
Engine Management System
40 mm Keihin carburetor
Cooling System
Air cooled
Exhaust
SuperTrapp exhaust system
Performance
Top Speed
n/a
*n/a – information not provided by manufacturer
Transmission
Gearbox
4 Speed
Final Drive
Chain
Electrical & Electronics System
Starter
Electric
Chassis & Suspension
Frame Type
‘Uniplanar’ frame design combined with a ladder of slender steel tubes with a unique anti-vibration system
Front Suspension
Marzocchi telescopic forks, anti-dive system
Rear Suspension
Single shock, horizontally below engine
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tire Size
120/60 VB17
Rear Tire Size
170/70 VB17
Front Brakes
2 x Discs, 4 piston calipers
Rear Brakes
Single disc
Dimension & Weights
Fuel Tank Capacity
13.5 L / 3.6 US gal
Dry Weight
215 kg / 474 lbs
Features
45-degree V-twin motor with internal Harley-Davidson engine standard
Uniplanar frame design combining Ducati-style ladder of steel tubes and anti-vibration system
Four adjustable rods joining engine and frame to restrict vibration to vertical plane only
Marzocchi forks fitted with Buell’s own anti-dive system
Works Performance rear shock unit placed horizontally beneath the engine
Brakes: big twin front discs gripped by four-piston calipers designed by Buell and built by Performance Machine
Bodywork: fairing blended neatly into tank/seat unit; seat features hinged pillion back-rest
SuperTrapp exhaust system boosting maximum output to about 60bhp at 5000rpm
Generous levels of low- and mid-range torque for effortless acceleration with twist of throttle
Top speed: 120mph
Chassis design encouraging hard riding on twisty roads
*We strive to provide the most comprehensive and accurate specifications possible. However, certain details may not be available if the manufacturer did not disclose them or if the information is no longer publicly accessible. If you find any discrepancy with any data on this site, please feel free to let us know at contact@throttlecraze.com
