Harley engineer Erik Buell has had one heck of a ride since leaving H-D in 1983 and starting his own company. On the roller-coaster of race, road, and corporate financing, Buell Motorcycles and Erik Buell Racing has produced some memorable muscle bikes, mostly Harley-Davidson based, but more recently with Rotax power. One of the final introductions before the company closed was the 1190RX, a 185 hp sportbike. Assets bought by a corporate turnaround specialist, EBR is back in business and the 1190RX could be a future classic, but at the very least is the best ever American-made superbike.
2014 EBR 1190RX for sale on eBay
Based on the 1190RS race bike, the RX was introduced in late 2013 with an aluminum perimeter frame and v-twin developed by Rotax. The nicely oversquare engine has 13.4:1 compression, two port injectors and shower injectors, and lays down 101 ft-lbs torque. Showa supplies the “big piston” forks and monoshock rear which rides the stamped and welded aluminum swingarm. Signature Buell perimeter front brake is 386 mm and has a 8-piston caliper. Slipper clutch and steering damper are standard equipment. Theoretical biposto body has a neat cast seat subframe, and slick fairing with radiators visible in the side vents, and is a little reminiscent of a Ducati 999. Full-featured digital dash has multiple timers and adjustable traction control.
Listed by a Florida Harley dealer, it’s a new bike with 12 miles, and has a yellow twin at the dealer also. The bike reviewed as fully competitive with the similarly-priced Panigale, that is to say a chore in town but a joy out in the open. Weight is just over 400 lbs. wet, and chassis architecture short and steep, very flickable. An acceleration monster, one of Cycle World’s only regrets was the lack of upshift lights to help them avoid the rev limiter.
Sharing the runway with a Panigale, S1000RR, and RC8 is a pretty special event, and while one could quibble over refinements, it’s an amazing introduction. Might end up the only American WSBK points-scorer, maybe just the first. The buy-it-now is just 2/3 of the MSRP, and it’s an unused two year-old bike ! But support is a nagging concern, as EBR is back on their own ten yard-line looking for a big play. A crap-shoot as with everything worth doing, you’ll have to weigh the risk and return in your own mind…
-donn
Can’t quite wrap my brain around this one, I think I’ll take the TZ instead.
the initial run of these had poorly machined front brake rotors that shouldve been replaced under warranty, they caused shuddering under hard use. as usual do your homework before buying
I have done quite a little bit of research on these last EBR’s and did not find anything about front rotor being bad or needed to be replaced, don’t even thing they sold enough units for anyone to leave some pertinent reviews, anyone here had a chance to ride and experience these bikes? Thx
LT Snyder of DesmoTimes has taken an interest in Buells and blogs on Facebook, search Bueller… 🙂
I would love to have one of these, but even an avid Buell kool-aide drinker such as I am knows little issues will come with ownership. Maybe some major issues. That being said, what they did with such a small team is pretty amazing. Even the hard ass amd not always kind British bike mags liked these bikes.
That is a mean looking bike. So sad they had to shut down 🙁
The very first link I checked for a review on these bikes mentions the rotor problem, including an explanation by Erik himself: http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/06/13/ducati-1199-panigale-vs-ebr-1190rx-superbike-comparison-test-review-photos-specifications/
I never paid much attention to these when they were new, but I have to say I am somewhat intrigued now. Tempted to try a ‘best offer’ and see what happens…
Breaking news: Buell is back in business! Press launch day and first new bikes off assembly line is March 17, 2016
http://cyrilhuzeblog.com/2016/03/01/erik-buell-racing-is-back-in-business-inviting-press-enthusiasts-to-celebrate-with-the-team/
I own one of these personally – and ironically enough I had some issues with the front rotor, as far as I know I am only the only person who had trouble and it was an easy fix.
The thing that no one is mentioning here, is that parts from the liquidation of EBR are relatively cheap. I would expect to purchase about 2/3k in spare parts on top of this price, but those should keep it running for at least five years.
If you are cool with wrenching on your own machine I definitely suggest you check one of these out. It absolutely handles like a 600.
Ciprian – if you have any questions about owning one of these bikes feel free to email me at jbaker229@gmail.com. I would be happy to answer any question you have about owning one of these from a street riders’ perspective. It is an incredible bike – as I mentioned earlier I had brake issues, but that was attributed to pads not the rotor – and one note regarding the brake, it works incredibly well and has the best feel out of any front brake I have ever used.
Best,
Jeff
There are also a couple for sale in PA at Fast By Ferracci along with a white SX I would love to have.
http://www.ferracci.com/bikes-showroom/erik-buell-racing.html