Erik Buell regrouped after Harley retired the brand and began as he had before, with a racebike design followed by a flagship superbike, followed by a more affordable machine. The 1190RS was their big money racer-with-lights, with direct lineage from the -RR. Though 2012 was the introductory year, a few were made for 2013 as the company transitioned to the -RX.
2013 EBR 1190RS Carbon Edition
Buell had peeked over the engine horizon in 2007 with the 1125cc Rotax-based engine, and the 1190 was a descendant, a 72-degree V-twin with four chain/gear-driven cams. Channeling 175hp through two small contact patches requires electronic intervention, with 21-setting traction control and a vacuum-actuated slipper clutch. Classic Buell concepts such as fuel-in-frame, ZTL front brake, mass-centralized muffler, and oil in the swingarm are all present. Öhlins turned to their racing department for the 43mm cartridge forks, and twin-tube rear monoshock. The bodywork for the carbon edition is hand-laid and gorgeous, and helps the 1190RS stay under the 400 lbs. mark.
Evidently kept in its shipping crate until a year ago, this -RS looks new and hasn’t reached the break-in oil change yet. The orangey-red accents look great with the carbon and it’s gonna wake the neighbors without the twin secondary mufflers some 1190’s came with. Seems like there’d be a back story for a crate unopened for four years, but here’s what the owner would divulge in the eBay auction:
No. 7 of 35 2013’s. New MSRP, set-up like this was just over $50,000. Original owner. Factory race exhaust (Euro) with 93 octane race ECU; extra carbon rear fender; lots of Ti and a Lithium Battery Tender. 500 miles +/-. Gentle street break-in miles only. Not quite fully broken-in. I am a retired championship winning racer/mechanic and treat my bikes with respect. Comes with all original parts as well as an uninstalled full Bazzaz system with the quick-shifter and remote. Comes with all the original parts.
I uncrated it last fall. It has never been in the rain. It has always been garaged or in my living room (all last winter). The engine is hand-built and full of exotic parts. This is literally a race-bike – with lights and mirrors. It has the most immediate power delivery of any street bike that I’ve owned (of well over 100). Original MSRP for replacement engine is $27,000+. The suspension is from Ohlins’ race catalog – not the normal street and track line which is less exotic. Excellent condition. One tiny stone chip in the clear coat.
I will include a 1/2 case of the required AMSOIL full synthetic racing oil and filter for the break-in service. Also all of the stuff that came with it including EBR tie-downs and the EBR crate tarp.
EBR’s new machines enticed some enterprise-level investors, but even 999 looks and Panigale performance couldn’t hold back the red ink for more than a couple of years. Though it’s a very together machine, and any savvy Aprilia wrench could make repairs, lack of support is factored in to the sensible BIN and low-ball bids. Probably better for a shop owner or their very good customer than a one bike garage. While we wait for Erik Buell’s next chapter to unfold, this -RS is a pleasant daydream…
-donn
Remember seeing an 1190RS @ the Chicago IMS some years back. Wow. Made my much missed ’07 XB9R look like a play bike.
Most likely the last guy to have his name on a mass produced bike. Too bad.
I really enjoy looking at these late EBR bikes. I think they are a fantastic package and really was the best showcase of Erik Buell’s technological know-how, dreams and prowess. This begs me to ask the question. When Buell does come back. What will they need to succeed?
Like Harley-Davidson, i think Buell needs to diversify their lineup. Obviously, they will always have Their full fairing bike and the street fighter version but they should consider sprinkling in an ADV bike (maybe a hardcore version ala Pikes peak Multistrada). Also, a good commuter bike like a Duc scrambler. To top it off, they will need another good (not the blast) entry level bike like a KTM RC390.
As a previous XB12r owner, i really want Buell to succeed this time. Perhaps a company like Bombardier will save the company. I hope to see some moves made soon.