A few days ago we saw a ‘teaser’ of two new bikes that Buell was going to present, the 1190 Super Touring and the 1190 Baja DR and he has finally revealed them.
In the first case, the Buell 1190 Super Touring, it is an asphalt trail bike with the 72º V-twin Rotax engine of 1,190 cc and 185 hp that the Hammershead mounts.
Leaving aside its more than debatable aesthetics, the twin-cylinder is riding on a double beam chassis that seems to be the same as the 1125R of 15 years ago – and that acts as a fuel tank – as well as the swingarm. It mounts 17” alloy wheels, with a perimeter disc and six-piston caliper, like the first Buells with a Harley engine from the beginning of the 21st century.
The fork is inverted and the rear shock is anchored to the swingarm without links.
As for everything else… starting with the seat, the tremendously thin foam seems to indicate that it won’t be very comfortable for either the driver or the passenger.
The front… well, it gives the impression of being something temporary or handcrafted, with a very basic headlight bracket. By the way, the two main headlights are round and LED, and under them there is a rectangular LED unit that must be the daylight.
The screen is huge and practically vertical, so it must notably protect from the air. The false tank and the front fender are carbon. The bike in the photos incorporates a pair of aluminum panniers, possibly optional.
Low DR, a rarity
The 1190 Baja DR (Dune Race) is even more surreal. Buell advertised it as “the fastest off road motorcycle in the world”. Well, with its 175 hp, it certainly should be. It is inspired by the ‘hillclimbing’ bikes, very popular in the US.
In this case, the original Rotax twin-cylinder is mounted on a curious tubular chassis, with a no less curious subframe and a very long swingarm and a very long and adjustable wheelbase between 1,676 mm and 1,778 mm, with a high seat, no less. than 940 mm from the ground.
The WP suspensions are long travel, with 21” and 18” wheels, and the front brake is conventional, not perimeter like on the road bike.
Reservations are already accepted for both motorcycles, although it gives the impression that they are not totally definitive versions. Pricing for the 1190 Super Touring in the US is $21,995 and for the 1190 Baja DR it’s $19,995.
