Buell

In 1985, Erik Buell’s fledgling company faced a daunting challenge: creating a street-legal motorcycle that could rival the performance of his highly successful AMA Formula 750 race bike, the RW750.

Buell’s innovative solution was to design a new motorcycle around the Harley-Davidson XR-1000 engine, which offered a potent combination of power and durability. The result was the Buell RR 1000 Battletwin, a machine that would redefine the boundaries of American motorcycle design.

With its raw, unbridled energy and aggressive styling, the RR 1000 Battletwin is an exhilarating ride that demands to be pushed to its limits. Its torque-rich engine and agile handling make it a thrilling companion for both street and track, ensuring that every ride is an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

And with only 50 units produced, the Buell RR 1000 Battletwin is an exclusive and highly coveted collector’s item, its legendary status cemented by its unique blend of raw power, innovative design, and limited production run.

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• Harley XR-1000 engine
• Street legal
• For sale to the public
• Designed for racing and street use
• Combination of power and handling
• Meets Federal noise, smog, and safety regulations
• 50 XR-1000 engines from HD’s Parts and Accessories warehouse
• Engines on credit from HD
• Production with HD supplying parts
• First American to start a street motorcycle manufacturing company since the 1920s
• Bodywork designed for racing performance
• Fast enough to beat Ducatis

The Buell RR1000R is a rare breed of motorcycle, born from the ashes of racing history. This beast was one of only three XR1000-powered bikes designed by Erik Buell before the road-going version emerged in the late 1980s.

With its compact wheelbase and aggressive steering head angle, the RR1000R cuts through corners with precision and agility. Its high-performance engine, positioned for optimal balance and stability, unleashes a torrent of torque and power that propels the bike to astonishing speeds – a maximum of about 280kph at Daytona.

As one rider notes, this motorcycle “goes, brakes, and handles superbly”. With its potent XR1000 engine and carefully crafted chassis, the Buell RR1000R is an experience unlike any other.

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• High-performance motorcycle with a convoluted history
• XR1000-powered engine
• Engine capacity: 997.10 cc
• Bore: 81mm
• Stroke: 96.80mm
• Storz camshafts with eccentric adjustment
• Four-valve cylinder heads with twin plugs and big titanium valves
• Roller cam followers, pushrods, and rocker arms
• Mikuni flat slide carburetors (2 x 40mm)
• Buell works exhaust system
• Carrillo connecting rods
• Gilardoni forged pistons
• Uniplaner engine mounting system
• Dry weight: 180kg
• Maximum lean angle: 55 degrees
• Wheels: 16 magnesium
• Forks: Marzocchi M1R or WP upside-down forks
• Rear suspension: under-engine placement
• Gearbox: standard, carefully assembled
• Clutch and chain primary: modified XR design
• Engine running on race fuel produces 94HP

Erik Buell’s passion for motorcycles began as a farm boy in Pennsylvania, where he honed his skills racing motocross and later road racing. This experience would eventually lead him to become an engineer at Harley-Davidson, where he continued to pursue his racing career.

Buell’s engineering expertise was put to the test when he developed a championship-winning motorcycle, powered by a 750cc square-four two-stroke engine. However, this engine proved unreliable and prone to handling issues. Undeterred, Buell refined the design and eventually partnered with Harley-Davidson to produce the RR1200.

The RR1200 was a game-changer in 1988, boasting streamlined bodywork, a rubber-mounted Evolution Sportster engine, and innovative four-piston front brakes. This machine not only showcased Erik Buell’s vision for a sportbike but also marked the beginning of his eponymous brand’s journey to creating high-performance street motorcycles that would captivate enthusiasts worldwide.

The RR1200 Battletwin set the stage for Buell’s future innovations, and with Harley-Davidson’s financial support and Buell’s unwavering dedication, the company went on to create iconic models like the Blast, Firebolt, and Lightning.

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• Streamlined bodywork
• Rubber-mounted Harley engine
• Four-piston front brakes (Buell-designed)
• Works Performance rear monoshock mounted under the engine
• Chassis designed by Erik Buell
• Suspension designed by Erik Buell
• Brakes designed by Erik Buell
• Harley-Davidson 1,200cc Evolution Sportster engine

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.

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• 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
• Wheels: 17-inch polished aluminium wheels with broad, sticky Dunlop Elite tyres
• 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

The Buell RSS 1200 Westwind is a high-performance motorcycle that embodies the essence of American engineering ingenuity. Its 45-degree V-twin powerplant delivers a rich, pulsing soundtrack as it unleashes its potent 85 horsepower.

A symphony of mechanical innovation underpins this exceptional machine. The ladder-style steel tubes form the backbone of Buell’s Uniplanar frame design, which incorporates a unique anti-vibration system to ensure that only vertical plane movement is transmitted to the rider.

As you wrap your hands around the throttle and lean into the corners, the Westwind reveals its true character: a razor-sharp response coupled with an uncanny ability to stick to the tarmac. The Marzocchi forks and Works Performance rear shock unit work in harmony to deliver a ride that is both precise and comfortable.

The Buell RSS 1200 Westwind is the epitome of high-performance motorcycling, where every nuance of its design has been carefully crafted to deliver an exhilarating riding experience.

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• Here is the list of key features:
• 45 V-Twin engine
• Four stroke design
• Pushrod actuated overhead valve system
• Hydraulic self-adjusting lifters
• 2 valves per cylinder
• Ladder style steel tubes with anti-vibration system
• Telescopic forks with adjustable compression and rebound damping
• Single shock absorber with adjustable compression and rebound damping, spring preload
• Harley-Davidson V-twin engine internally standard
• SuperTrapp exhaust system for increased output
• 1200 Sportster powerplant
• Uniplanar frame design
• Marzocchi forks with Buell’s anti-dive system
• Performance Machine four-piston calipers
• Polished aluminium 17-inch wheels
• Dunlop Elite tyres
• Integrated half-fairing bodywork
• Generous low- and mid-range torque

The Buell S2T Thunderbolt embodies the perfect blend of performance and style. Powering this sleek machine is a 45-degree V-Twin engine, a descendant of Harley-Davidson’s iconic 1200 Sportster.

With its hydraulic self-adjusting lifters and 2 valves per cylinder, this engine delivers a robust 76 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, accompanied by an equally impressive 76 lb-ft of torque. The Thunderbolt’s riding position is a masterful compromise between the aggressive crouch of a racer and the relaxed slouch of a cruiser.

The bike’s advanced technology features are on full display, from its massive disc brake with 6-piston caliper to its inverted fork and subverted shock absorber. With an impressive curb weight of just 481 pounds, the Thunderbolt is ready to devour twisties and carve up corners with ease, making it a true thrill ride for any rider.

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• 45 V-Twin engine
• Four stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve design
• Hydraulic self-adjusting lifters
• 2 valves per cylinder
• 76 horsepower at 5,200 rpm
• Matching torque rating as horsepower
• Huge disc brake with 6-piston caliper
• Inverted fork
• Subverted shock absorber
• Carbon-fiber air cleaner cover
• Oversize muffler for performance tuning
• Curb weight of 481 pounds (218kg)
• Production schedule of 300 units in debut year
• S2T model introduced in 1996 with touring features
• Color-coordinated saddlebags and fairing lowers on S2T
• Touring handlebars and footpegs on S2T

The Buell S2 Thunderbolt, a radical departure from the cruiser-dominated landscape. At its heart beats a 45-degree V-Twin engine, bred from Harley-Davidson’s 1200 Sportster platform but tweaked to unleash 76 horsepower at 5,200 rpm.

The chassis, unchanged in wheelbase and steering geometry, now proudly displays more of both the engine and frame, creating a striking visual presence. The riding position has been expertly balanced between aggressive crouch and relaxed cruiser stance.

Bristling with cutting-edge components, including inverted fork, massive disc brake, and subverted shock absorber, this motorcycle is an exercise in innovation. Its 481-pound curb weight belies its potent performance capabilities. With a production run of just 300 units for its inaugural year, the Buell S2 Thunderbolt sets a new benchmark for sport bikes, one that would soon be echoed by its touring counterpart. It’s clear: this bike is not just a Harley-Davidson engine under a Buell badge, but a genuine game-changer in the world of motorcycling.

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• 45 V-Twin engine
• Four stroke engine design
• Pushrod actuated overhead valve
• Hydraulic self-adjusting lifters
• 2 valves per cylinder
• Huge disc brake with 6-piston caliper
• Inverted fork suspension
• Subverted shock absorber
• Carbon-fiber air cleaner cover
• Oversize muffler for performance tuning
• 76 horsepower at 5,200 rpm
• 76 lb-ft torque at 5,200 rpm
• Curb weight of 481 pounds (218kg)
• Production schedule of 300 units in debut year
• Available in S2T touring model with color-coordinated accessories

The Buell S1 Lightning – a rebuke to those who thought the independent spirit of Erik Buell’s company had been extinguished by its partnership with Harley-Davidson. This potent 45 V-Twin, with its 10:1 compression ratio and 91 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, is the antithesis of compromise.

The engine character is raw and immediate, with a snarl that belies its relatively modest weight of 440 pounds (200kg). The Lightning’s unique windscreen, tank, seat, and rear fender all contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency and 25-pound weight advantage over the Thunderbolt.

As a result, the S1 delivers blistering acceleration and speed – quarter-mile times under 12 seconds at 114 mph (183km/h), with a top speed of 130 (209km/h). In short, the Buell S1 Lightning is an uncompromising American sport bike that proudly wears its heritage on its sleeve.

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Features

• 45 V-Twin engine
• Four-stroke, pushrod actuated overhead valve design
• Hydraulic self-adjusting lifters
• 2 valves per cylinder
• 91 horsepower at 5,800 rpm
• 10:1 compression ratio
• Curb weight of 440 pounds (200kg)
• Sport-touring configuration
• Unique windscreen and seat/tail section
• Rear fender unique to the Lightning model
• 4-gallon tank capacity
• Footpegs 2 inches farther aft on the Thunderbolt
• Racing-inspired riding position
• High-performance engine airbox on the Thunderbolt
• Quiet exhaust system with enlarged muffler
• Quarter-mile times under 12 seconds at 114 mph (183km/h)
• Top speed of 130 mph (209km/h)

The Buell S3T Thunderbolt: a motorcycle that defies categorization with its unique blend of style, performance, and character. Its 45-degree V-Twin engine pulses with energy, delivering a raw, unbridled power that’s impossible to ignore.

Underneath the sleek, sport-touring bodywork lies a Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 motor, modified to deliver maximum punch and minimum fuss. Hydraulic self-adjusting lifters and pushrod-actuated overhead valves ensure a smooth, consistent power delivery that belies its rugged roots.

But what truly sets the S3T apart is its riding experience – an unadulterated rush of adrenaline that’s as much about feeling as it is about speed. Every twist of the wrist, every shift of weight, and every throttle input is amplified by the bike’s incredible responsiveness and agility.

And then there’s the engine itself: left open to view in a beautiful display of mechanical artistry, its exposed innards a testament to Buell’s commitment to transparency and authenticity. It’s a machine that rewards attention to detail and demands involvement from its rider – a true partner in crime for anyone brave enough to take it on.

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Features

• 45 V-Twin engine
• Four stroke design
• Pushrod actuated overhead valve
• Hydraulic self-adjusting lifters
• 2 valves per cylinder
• Sport fairing designed to protect rider and gas tank
• Frame mounted sport fairing
• Variety of color combinations available
• Molten Orange fairing, tank, and tail section color option
• Nuclear Blue frame and wheels color option
• S3T touring package with touring handlebars
• Fairing lowers included in S3T package
• Two fitted soft storage bags for fairing
• Underseat tote bag for toolkit and small items
• Detachable hard saddlebags with removable liners

The 1997 Buell S3 Thunderbolt: a true iconoclast in the world of motorcycles. Powered by a potent 45-degree V-Twin engine, this machine exudes a raw energy and unbridled excitement.

As you sit atop the S3’s minimalist seat, the unmistakable rumble of its pushrod-actuated overhead valve engine comes alive beneath you. With hydraulic self-adjusting lifters and two valves per cylinder, every twist of the throttle unleashes a torrent of torque that’s nothing short of exhilarating.

The ride itself is nothing short of intoxicating – a symphony of speed, agility, and sheer riding joy that defies categorization. Buell enthusiasts will attest to this, having made the switch from other high-performance sport bikes to experience the unparalleled rush of the S3 Thunderbolt for themselves. With its reputation as the top-of-the-line model in the Buell stable, it’s clear why this motorcycle has captured the hearts of thrill-seekers everywhere: “The Buell S3 Thunderbolt is a riding experience like no other, an adrenaline-fueled ride that will leave you breathless and begging for more.

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Features

• 45 V-Twin engine
• Four stroke
• Pushrod actuated overhead valve
• Hydraulic self-adjusting lifters
• 2 valves per cylinder
• Sport-touring oriented design
• Modified Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 motor
• Visible V-twin motor
• Frame mounted sport fairing
• Fairing designed to protect rider and gas tank
• Variety of color combinations available
• Touring package with touring handlebars, fairing lowers, and storage bags
• Detachable, hard saddlebags
• Fitted removable liners in saddlebags
• Hydraulic self-adjusting lifters for quiet engine operation
• Engine left open to view