Posts by Category: Buell

Buell October 15, 2018 posted by Mike

NOS: 2013 Buell 1190 RS Carbon Edition (NEW!)

There have been a few interesting Buell-related offerings on the pages of RSBFS as of late, each with an interesting history. This particular model is a 1190 RS Carbon Edition, one of the few produced by Erik & Co after his acrimonious divorce from H-D. Powered by something meatier than a muted potato-potato sound, this Rotax powered beast was at the apex of Erik's design brilliance, and the best chance an American motorcycle had at taking the fight to the Japanese and the Italians. Sadly it was not in the making, as financial woes eventually liquidated the Buell factory. But the 1190 RS model was a standout, introduced first as a racer (RR model), and then homologated for street use (100 units). This particular example claims to be farm-to-table fresh, right out of the box.

NEW 2013 Buell 1190 RS for sale on eBay

The 1190 RS was essentially built on the bones of the excellent 1125 R - the first modern Buell to introduce Rotax power. The Rotax mill was born in Austria, bored in Michigan, received new pistons from SoCal, and a few other beef ups on the way to 1190cc and nearly 180 HP. Suspension is top shelf of the top shelf: 30mm Ohlins cartridge forks similar to what you would find on a contemporary AMA Superbike or WSBK machine. Slipper clutch by Swiss firm Sutter (you might know them by their Moto2 efforts). Tweak and tricks are everywhere on this bike, bringing curb weight way down, and performance sky high. Figure 370 lbs curb weight. Got your attention? When Cycle World tested the 1190 RS at Road America, Geoff May (then EBR factory rider) was on hand and commented: “This thing is too good to be a streetbike. It’s faster than my 1125RR.”

From the seller:
Beautiful 2013 Carbon Red EBR 1190RS Vin 0017. One of less than 100 made! This bike was a factory race bike, straight out of the crate race ready. Carbon Fiber, Ohlins Forks.

THIS VIN 0017 BIKE IS STILL IN THE CRATE!

This Erik Buell Racing EBR 1190 RS motorcycle is sold with a title.

NEW! Local pickup in Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Or shipping can be arranged for an additional $500-$600 in the US.

EBR went into liquidation in 2015. Assets were sold at auction, and an attempt was made to re-start the production lines. Sadly, that effort ceased production in 2017, leaving the world without much in the way of Buell tech. Fortunately, there are a good number of survivors - many with low miles. Today's example has lower miles than most - a reported grand total of 4. That is pre-delivery test mileage at best, making this to as new as a new EBR-era Buell as you are likely to get. The bike looks fantastic, and clean in the un-ridden way you might expect. No sight of a crate around (the ad does mention that it is still in the crate - which would make photography difficult), but otherwise looks to be legit. That also explains the Buy It Now price of $26,999. The seller is open to offers, however, so you might just get into the EBR game for less. Check it out here, and then jump back to the comments and share your opinion of Buell. Do you have a favorite E.B. model? Let us know, and good luck!!

Buell October 6, 2018 posted by Donn

Imminent Departure – 2009 Buell 1125CR

Buell's last model under the H-D umbrella was the 1125CR, a space-age café racer with a high-tech Austrian V-twin. Despite the prominent scoops to cool the radiators, the 1125CR makes room for Buell's many innovations. This two-owner example seems cared-for and maintained.

2009 Buell 1125CR for sale on eBay

With its up-to-date gear-driven double overhead cams and fuel injection, Buell's choice of Rotax-based power got them to the 150hp doorstep. Water cooling also brought the engine under current noise regulations. Buell fans will recognize the frame with 5-plus gallons of fuel tankage, zero-torsion-load front brake, mass-centralized underslung muffler, and maintenance-free belt drive. High-end Showa suspension was specified, with fully adjustable 47mm forks and monoshock. A vacuum-actuated slipper clutch helped keep things organized when downshifting.

No apparent damage on this Long Island native, with an on-the-low-side 13,500 miles. An upgraded charging system is a mod with value, and the carbon headlight fairing adds some more visible interest. Otherwise stock with recent battery and tires. From the eBay auction:

Second owner and owned for the past 4 years, meticulously maintained, with tasteful aftermarket additions, garage kept its whole life. 135xx miles. Dunlop Q3's installed last fall with 500 miles on them. Have spare key and buyer is welcome to whatever parts/accessories I have specific for this bike including: Castrol 4T 20W-50 synthetic oil (6 qts?), oil filters, o-rings, washers, and anything else I find around. Bike is in excellent used condition.

Aftermarket parts include:
- Ricks Motorsport Stator
- EBR Oiling Rotor
- Factory ECM with race map programmed
- Clubman handlebars
- HID low beam
- Fender eliminator
- New Deka battery this year
- Carbon fiber front cowl which adds an obvious 57whp

I have taken the bike on 250 mile trips to upstate NY and it has never missed a beat. Any charging issues the 2009 1125's were known for are resolved with the installed stator and rotor. I have receipts for the stator, rotor and new rotor nut purchase, I did the installation. Passenger sets are not installed, but are included. Only selling as I am getting a new bike and I have learned from past experience to keep the seat to arse ratio at 1:1.

Reviewers found the -CR's fuel injection much better than the introductory 1125R's, and despite its light weight and tight dimensions, handling with the top-shelf Showa dampers was composed. The design might take a little getting used to, but not the performance. A more modern V-twin was a change-up for Buell, but the experience no doubt helped EBR after Harley retired the Buell brand late in 2009. A serious Buell statement, and the buy-it-now attempts to address long term concerns with Buell and EBR both retired...

-donn

Buell September 27, 2018 posted by Aaron

Last Yankee Superbike: 2012 Erik Buell Racing 1190RS

There really isn't a way to describe quite how sad it is that Buell went the way of the dinosaur, but here we sit, with just a few examples of some truly American, truly brawny world-beating machines kicking around the Internet to remind of what once was. The wild, slightly redneck, fully awesome creations of an enterprising Harley-Davidson engineer, the bikes proved that there is life beyond cruiser for American muscle, wrapping taught frames around torquey, big-inch mills from Milwaukee. They were grassroots two-wheeled hot rods with factory backing. As American as burnouts and illicit Saturday night drags.

2012 Erik Buell Racing 1190RS for sale on eBay

The bikes may have had a rep thanks to their roots, but they turned and stopped with the best of them, and were prized for walking the walk as well as looking the part. Sadly, the company closed its doors in 2009, when Harley backed out of its 51 percent ownership stake. Shortly thereafter, Buell reformed into Erik Buell Racing, which kicked out the epic machine you see today. The 2012 EBR 1190RS was the carbon fiber-decked track-focused update of the 1125R, the company's comeback bike.

They made just 100 of the 1190RS, which could be had with a race exhaust system and ECU that dropped its weight to just 397 pounds with a full tank of gas. That mass was propelled by an absolutely maniacal 1190cc v-twin that made 175 horsepower. When tested by CycleWorld, the street legal 1190RS outpaced the 1125R that the company had been campaigning in AMA Superbike.

The example you see here is, as you might imagine, flawless, and has covered less than 25 miles. As much fun as it would be to crack down a backroad with the big twin at full chat, this bike probably belongs in a museum or a quiet private collection.

From the eBay listing:

Beautiful 2012 EBR 1190RS Vin 0051. One of less than 100 made! This bike was a factory race bike, straight out of the crate race ready. Carbon Fiber, Ohlins Forks.

This Erik Buell Racing EBR 1190 RS motorcycle is sold with a title.

NEW! Local pickup in Grand Rapids, MI 49525.

Or shipping can be arranged for an additional $500-$600 in the US.

Despite the scant description, the bike is a collector's dream that ought not be missed.

Last Yankee Superbike: 2012 Erik Buell Racing 1190RS

Buell September 5, 2018 posted by Donn

Buell, Interrupted – 2013 EBR 1190RS Carbon Edition

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

Buell, Interrupted – 2013 EBR 1190RS Carbon Edition

Buell August 23, 2018 posted by Mike

Was Not Was: 2012 Buell EBR 1190RS Carbon Fiber Edition

Consider the curious case of one Erik Buell. By all counts a mad genius who was able to make even the archaic push-rod Harley lump semi-attractive to sporting riders, he is also the embodiment of a tragic hero from an Euripides epic, fatally flawed and ultimately falling short of immortality. The shades of gray that paint the portrait of Erik Buell are not negatives of character, perseverance or engineering skill, but rather a "wrong partner, right dance" situation. From the inception of The Buell Motor Company - first banking on imported "Barton" engines for AMA racing usage (upon which rules changes rendered them obsolete), then using connections to H-D as an engine supplier but remaining wholly separate, to the Buell American Motorcycle company (a subsidiary of H-D), to the shuttering of the effort due to H-D finances (they also sold off MV Agusta during this time), Erik continued to rise from the ashes. Kicked to the curb by H-D, Erik formed EBR - or Erik Buell racing - and returned to his love of roadracing. Devoid of having to deal with street bike regulations, EBR focused entirely on support of the 1125R, but there was more to come in this story.

2012 EBR 1190RS Carbon Fiber Edition #26

In many ways, Buell parted company with H-D long before they cut the ties. The 1125R, the last of the H-D owned machines, plunked the 45 degree v-twin relic in the trash and adopted the Rotax Helicon 72 degree powerplant. A modern engine with liquid cooling, overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, Rotax was a willing partner and a good motive power choice from a racing perspective. An updated design built specifically for racing, the bored-out 1190RR took the track goodness one further. But not done with the street bike scene just yet, Erik devised an updated 1190 that would take the Buell name back to the showroom. It was from these roots and from this distinctly non-H-D platform that today's bike, a rare 1190RS was born. With a relatively high price tag and a small distribution footprint, only 100 of the base model were to be built. But the highest spec - and the true homage to the racer - was the Carbon Fiber Edition. Littered with (as the name would imply) carbon fiber components, the CF Edition was a rare add-on to a platform that already glittered with farkles from Ohlins front an rear. Buell's ubiquitous Zero Torsion Load single front brake rotor contained a nifty cooling duct. The chassis (containing the fuel load, naturally) was aluminum. All told, this is a 175 HP, sub 400 pound (wet) track scalpel. With lights. And plates. And registration.

From the seller:
Rare opportunity awaits to purchase one of the finest crafted American sportbike ever engineered. Simply put, 1190RS Carbon Edition motorcycle is Erik Buell’s masterpiece. Of of 44 Carbon Editions built, this #26 collectors bike stands out amongst the crowd. EBR spared no expensive designing this work of art, which was hand-built with the finest components. While the 1190RS is already one of the finest superbikes ever built, this particular bike is truly one of a kind, crafted with the utmost attention to detail including the lightest magnesium wheels in the world and Track-Day exhaust option, both upgrades on the original design, over $10,000 in upgrades vs. other EBR1190RS bikes on the market. Eric felt such pride in this bike, it adorns his golden signature.

More from the seller:
Not only is the EBR 1190RS Carbon Edition rare, but #26 has a colorful story to tell, one of embezzlement, lies, and a lavish lifestyle of rare motor vehicles. #26 was a show room model at Reno Powersports KC and it still maintains its original shine and luster and sits pretty with only 89 total odometer miles.

-Less than 100 1190RS bikes ever made (even less with the carbon edition (44))
-Only EBR 1190 RS Carbon with a rich history and documents to support it.
-ORIGINAL factory Magnesium wheels (lightest in the world) to minimize unsprung weight.
-ORIGINAL Track-Day exhaust (Buell claims curb weight is 384 lbs. with the street-legal, dual-chamber exhaust. With the optional track-day exhaust shown here, it's said to weigh just 369 lbs. motorcyclistonline.com, By Aaron Frank, June 16, 2011)
-Authentic Signature on the tail of the bike by Eric Buell himself (Only a couple I know have this)

With upgrades, the bike totaled over $50,000 MSRP. Clean title.

EBR was founded in 2009 and lasted until 2015. Not even a partnership with India giant Hero MotoCorp in 2013 could help keep EBR afloat, and the bankruptcy announcement in 2015 was another nail in that coffin. But whoever wants to bury Buell better bring more nails, because that coffin still isn't fully closed. The Buell Motor Company, Buell American Motorcycles and EBR are all gone now, yet Erik is looking to the future as a founding partner in the electric mobility startup VANGUARDSPARK. Meanwhile his wondrous creations continue to pop up time and again in various formats. There is no doubt that the EBR era bikes are the most potent, and this Carbon Fiber Edition model is undoubtedly rare. The seller claims only 89 miles on the cool digital clocks (sadly no pictures of the dash in operation, but a brief view in the video), making this about as close as you can get to a new Erik Buell creation these days.

The embezzlement and intrigue associated with this particular bike as noted by the seller in the text relates to an accountant who cooked client books and spent the ill-gotten gains on cars, motorcycles and jewelry. The subsequent arrest might explain the low miles, but given that we have seen this bike before at auction (and on the pages of RSBFS) a year ago, not much has really changed. It's still a looker, it is still very, very rare, and it is still at the $20k mark regarding price. Check it out here. This is really a fantastic motorcycle - a real American Bimota, if you will - that was lost in the potato-potato noise when Erik Buell was whitewashed with the H-D paintbrush. This EBR stacks up nicely with any Ducati, Aprilia or MV Agusta and would make a wonderful edition to a collection. Good Luck!!

Buell June 17, 2018 posted by Donn

One of Almost 100 – 1992 Buell RSS1200

The big domestic iron is usually made in generous quantities, but in the early days at Buell they were handcrafted in a suburban Milwaukee quonset hut. The early RSS1200 monoposto was made for only a couple of years and totalled just 98. This original owner put on just 12,000 miles during the 25-plus years of caretaking and improvements.

1992 Buell RSS1200 for sale on eBay

Buell shoehorned the 1200cc Sporty motor into the Battletwin-derived frame, using the patented Isoplanar engine mounts to keep the mirrors usable. Beside the Marzocchi forks with Buell anti-dive, many of the company's durable concepts are there - the oversize single front brake, underslung pull shock, and shorty SuperTrapp exhaust. The super sport fairing shows off H-D's finest, and the seat fairing is cleaned up without the folding pillion backrest used on the RS.

A proud single owner started out with a prototypical Buell and has been updating as well as keeping the cosmetics pristine. A lot of Harley-powered Buells have had engine work, but the stocker has plenty of torque. Components from the factory are good but the eBay auction details changes to the oil supply and venting, fuel tank, primary drive, and ignition:

I have sorted this bike over the past 26 years of ownership. It does not leak, smoke or puke oil. The breathers have been re-routed so there is no oil mess from the aircleaner. The upgraded oil pump with improved scavenging was fitted. The famously leaky composite fuel tank has been permanently repaired by installing a custom made aluminum inner tank inside the original tank. I retained the original Buell electric fuel valves. This bike is fully operational and trustworthy. White Power suspension front and rear, Performance Machine wheels and front brake, Wilwood Gambler rear brake are all original fitment from the factory and are flawless. A Buell accessory carbon fibre air filter cover is installed. The original (ugly) chrome cover will be included. The bike retains its original paint and graphics. All in excellent shape. It rolls on Avon 3-D Ultra Supersport rubber. Always garaged, never run in the rain. It is probably one of the nicest fully operational RSS bikes in the country. It does not leak thanks to James metal gaskets in the top end. Factory oil cooler and temp gauge. A Hayden self adjusting primary chain tensioner was installed right after purchase. Thanks to a Screaming Eagle ignition module it runs smartly to red line in every gear giving a top speed of about 132 mile per hour.

Unable to repeal the law of gravity, the RSS was overweight but handled well enough for some spirited riding. Not overly photographed and asking a pretty penny, so as good as it looks, an inspection is mandatory. The Westwinds have pretty good lineage from Buell's early race machines, though this is more of a sporting fun machine. Many ads and auctions say " fly in and ride it home " but this one looks like that would actually be something to think about...

-donn