Posts by Category: Buell

Buell December 16, 2021 posted by Donn

Raw Awesome Hyperbole – 1998 Buell S1W White Lightning

One of my first posts at RSBFS concerned one of these Buell beasties, and still pushes some buttons a few years down the road. This example is even nicer, low miles, original finishes and just a few dealer-installed upgrades.

1998 Buell S1W White Lightning for sale on eBay

Launched a few years after the Ducati Monster, it was Buell’s second road bike and their take on naked muscle. Each valve on the Evolution V-twin has its own short camshaft, gear driven and accounting for some of the signature H-D sound. 101 hp isn’t bad for an air-cooled 1200, and the great torque band made shifting gears an option. The S1W had updated cylinder heads and oceans of character. Sporty in a way the parent company never considered, the Lightning’s oversized single front brake and W-P suspension stopped and turned as well as it accelerated. Quirks abound, with the pull shock, underslung muffler and uni-planar engine mounts that really isolate the rattling engine in most of the powerband.

Showing just 5,537 miles, this S1W shows beautifully and is evidently on only its second collector. The original owner had a few choice options installed and verified their performance with a dyno session. Corrosion is isolated to a few fasteners and bare aluminum parts, but these would be almost a pleasure to correct. Looks like a big “return to duty” service just a few years ago and annual maintenance appears up to date. The seller has a very thorough walkaround – here – and details in the eBay auction:

This is a very special motorcycle. It is the holy grail for many Buell collectors, as it was for me. This is the demanded, one year only, 1998 S1W “White” Lightning retaining its striking, original, and demanded, Molten Orange and Nuclear Blue finishes. For those not familiar, the 1998 S1W Lightning from the factory has the better “Thunderstorm” heads (black) which increase the horsepower by about 10, and was a one year only model. This S1W has traveled only 5,500 miles and is very well sorted having received a significant amount of recent maintenance. It is ready for the road now and is a blast to ride. Another aspect that makes this S1W very special is the addition of the Buell factory “race kit” and a couple other special Buell items, AND stock parts being included too. The Buell Race Kit includes a better flowing air intake and filter, larger diameter header, and race muffler, a race “computer” is also present which raises the RPM range, and very hard to find Buell rear set foot pegs.

The torque and midrange power make this bike quite fun on the street. Dyno charts are included showing 90 hp and 80 ft lbs of torque to the rear wheel. This S1W was originally purchased by a gentleman that worked for a magazine which they featured the motorcycle in the magazine. A copy of the magazine, original Buell touch up paint, receipts, owner’s manual, stock parts, and some other goodies are included. This is a one year only special model motorcycle, in one of the most demanded and unique color combos, in great condition with low miles, featuring some factory Buell “race” goodies, with stock parts included, and some other goodies. All of these factors are considered when attempting to determine the value. This is a special collectible bike that can be ridden and enjoyed as is or be stored and continue to go up in value.

Most White Lightnings were predictably white, and molten orange scored only 295 builds. Over just a few years, Buell production numbers varied to a surprising degree, along with quality control. But rarity assured, maintenance isn’t difficult, and almost any Harley dealer can help out. This example won’t need much assistance to be a show winner, and a blast on the way.

-donn

Raw Awesome Hyperbole – 1998 Buell S1W White Lightning

Buell October 17, 2021 posted by William

Act Fast: Bargain 2009 Buell 1125R

The American V-Twin brings thoughts of open straight roads and a very specific sound. Potato, Potato, Potato. At one point a brilliant motorcycle designer thought that there was a way for the American V-Twin to be known for something else. Sublime handling.

Erik Buell started producing bikes and very quickly developed a reputation for amazing performance and a distinctive package. He was willing to push the envelope and try new and interesting engineering projects. Oil tanks in swingarms, fuel tanks in frames, rotors running around the outside of the wheel, shocks under the engine are just a few to that spring to mind. Early bikes sourced engines from Harley Davidson, but by the late 00’s a Rotax engine was being used.

The 1125 series weighed in at 375 pounds, one of the lightest sport bikes on the market. Power came in at just a hair under the 150 horsepower mark. The CR was aimed at the super naked group with slightly more upright bars then other offerings in the line. None were said to be easy on the eyes, but the riding experience is said to make up for the looks.

From The Seller’s eBay Listing:

Your Bidding on 2009 Buell 1125cr. It is stock except for Power shifter for clutch less shifts, Bluetooth tuning, K&N filter with ECM Map. No warranty, sold as/is.

With just over 12k miles and a Buy It Now price of $3200 this bike is sure to find a new home fast. These have a cult like status among owners. Known for being reliable, fun and easy to live with. There is little at this price point that can compete in terms of performance and uniqueness.
If a reader here ends up snagging this bargain please be sure to let us know about it in the comments.

Buell July 25, 2021 posted by William

The American Superbike: EBR 1190RX

So you are shopping for a 180 horsepower V Twin superbike, but you find the offerings from Ducati a little too……what is the word?….Italian. You want something different, not a bike that you will see very often. You love a good story and racing history. Enter the EBR 1190RX. Mr Buell has one of the most amazing stories in modern motorcycling. No doubt will end up in the history books.

2014 EBR 1190RXfor sale on eBay

These bikes are dripping with interesting engineering. Almost every review raves about how well they handle and how nice they are to live with. Rotax supplied engines ensure power and reliability. The styling can be mistaken for a brand new model. Production data is limited, but it is safe to say EBR did not make thousands of these. The owners groups are very loyal and provide a robust network of knowledgeable people to keep these on the road should an issue ever arise.

Listing is lacking some details, but appears to honestly list an faults. The new owner should budget for a new set of tires and a basic service as with anything with low miles, tires age out.

From the seller’s eBay listing:

2014 Ebr 1190 Rx , origonal owner bought new in april 2014. Near perfect condition, small tear in rear seat and hairline crack in side fairing about an inch long. Completely stock other than super bright led tailights and rear turn signals. Come with original tailight bracket and turn signal and rear stand. Well maintained and hardly ridden.

The current Buy It Now price of $9,000 is roughly half what this bike would have sold for new. With just 2353 miles on the clock this could appeal to either a collector or a rider. A rider will be treated to amazing performance for the entry price.

Buell April 5, 2021 posted by Donn

Nyellow – 2003 Buell Lightning XB9S

A world away from their earlier tube-framed generation, Buell introduced their Lightning XB9S. Today’s Buell is a 2003 model with just 5,718 miles.

2003 Buell Lightning XB9S for sale on eBay

Buell packed a helping of their design paradigms into the XB9S, starting with the alloy chassis whose spars held 3.8 gallons of fuel, the “tank” housing the airbox. Harley’s 984cc twin resided under the frame, and delivered 92 hp. Showa usd forks worked well up front, and the alloy monoshock held the dry sump’s oil supply. The rim-mounted 375mm front brake theoretically allowed the wheel to be built lighter, reducing unsprung weight. After slinging the exhaust and rear damper under the engine, not much mass was left to de-centralize. Sunny day bodywork included short fenders and a body-color fly screen.

As dealers often do, no history is offered for this great-looking Lightning. The presentation is lightly used and undamaged, and levers have had a nice upgrade. Summer yellow bodywork is a lighthearted color for such a rumbly streetfighter.

With Harley’s production engineering help, Buell pushed a few over a thousand XB9’s out the door each year, over its seven year run – with a couple of special editions to boot. They asked a premium price and Buell’s advanced ideas made it worth the upcharge. This example doesn’t appear abused or neglected, and doesn’t ask much of a premium for good looking copy.

-donn

Buell January 6, 2021 posted by Donn

Lightning Strikes Twice – 2000 Buell X1 Lightning

Buell kept the Lightning name but introduced many welcome changes when the S1 was updated to X1 for 1999. This Florida rider kept the earlier blue and orange paint scheme, and boasts recent tires and valve maintenance.

2000 Buell X1 Lightning for sale on eBay

Buell kept a lot of the good things about the S1, especially the 1203cc V-twin, now with Thunderstorm heads which made 88 hp. The bent tubing frame was retained, and the trademark Buell components like the oversized “zero torque load” front brake, uni-planar engine mounts, and underslung pull shock. The sculptural exhaust heading to the centralized muffler remained part of the visual statement. New for the X1 was a brushed aluminum subframe supporting a more generous seat, nicer Showa dampers and an engine scoop to hide some of the mechanicals.

Offered by a private owner, this X1 looks very good for its 20,400 miles, with a quite stock appearance. The seller seems to have tried to lighten the look with a smaller air filter and removing the belly pan. A D&D muffler is hiding down there, and the stepped Corbin looks to be wider all around. Comments from the eBay auction:

2000 X1 that I have owned for several years and is in very nice condition. I am not going to go on and on about, you need any info please email and I will tell you all about it, it needs nothing, has brand new less than 100 miles on tires, has new top end and you will not find a cleaner x1. This is all factory the way it came out of show room except for exhaust, levers and air cleaner. Also comes with chin fairing that can be seen in photo, chin fairing does have some chips in the paint.

Like the S1 before it, the X1 was the back-to-basics machine in Buell’s line-up, with the advanced suspension and brake components to cope with the monster torque. As Buell was becoming more Harley-ized, production engineering and build quality were improving as well. Though an X1 from a collector’s hallway might be nicer, it seems like a lot of bike is packed into the buy-it-now, along with the lack of damage and recent maintenance.

-donn

Lightning Strikes Twice – 2000 Buell X1 Lightning

Buell July 28, 2020 posted by Donn

WannaBe(emer) – 2002 Buell S3T Thunderbolt

Marketeers at Buell must have looked longingly at BMW’s fanbase and wanted to access some of that longer-than-an-afternoon enthusiasm. This S3T has all the last year of production improvements, light mileage, and excellent cosmetics.

2002 Buell S3T Thunderbolt for sale on eBay

Late in the Thunderbolt program, Buell had made a lot of updates to the S3T, like electronic fuel injection tailoring the mixture to 101 hp. The long stroke of the 1203cc Sporty motor, with factory Thunderstorm heads, takes care of providing a healthy 66 ft.-lbs torque at 5,500 rpm. The almost maintenance-free belt drive smooths out most driveline lash and is lighter than a chain. Showa provided their multi-adjustable 40mm fork and underslung rear shock. Buell’s signature 340mm single disk is up front, with a six-puck caliper, mounted to a set of very pretty fabricated Comstar-type wheels. The rear exhaust is tucked inside the frame of its way to the central muffler, and can’t get to your leg. The seat shape was also improved over the years, and the fairing is a nice compromise between local and long distance.

No ownership history is provided, but this S3T has been cared for and shows beautifully. Seems little needed to be done to improve on the factory’s ideals, with just an intake added. Its chunky good looks visually prepare you for the 500 lb. riding weight. The bags are enormous and aren’t an everyday on-off item like the BMW, so they can stay off until a long trip beckons. Comments from the eBay auction:

Buell’s top of the line bike in 2002 with MSRP of $13,395
Equipped with the Deep-sized Detachable Color Matched Saddle Bags that
have fitted removeable luggage per picture.
Wheels are the factory optional Performance Machine Polished Aluminum.
Factory rated at 101 Horsepower and 90 ft-lbs of torque it is not for the timid.
Fuel Injected and with the Harley Belt Drive it is very low maintenance.
Being the last year of the Tube Framed Buell’s it is a future collectable
especially with the rare color combination. (Volcano Gray / Blaze Orange)
This bike is factory stock with the exception of the upgraded Uno air cleaner
and vinyl rim stripes.
Bike is in very good condition with some minor imperfections.
See scratch on front fender in picture five.
Right passenger saddle bag has a minor scuff on side.
Plastic fuel tank cover has some typical Buell air bubbles in the paint.

The S3T reviewed as a sport tourer that didn’t forget about the sport, with the big torquey lump that made the sections between corners disappear. Quality control issues seem to have been largely put to bed this late in the game, though even with the isoplanar engine mount stuff wants to come apart. This Thunderbolt looks unfettered and ready for another 20K miles.

-donn

WannaBe(emer) – 2002 Buell S3T Thunderbolt

Buell July 5, 2020 posted by Donn

Secret Weapon – 1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt

Early in the Buell / Harley-Dave relationship, the racer and design engineer was thought to be the icon’s entreé into sportbikes. This immaculate S2 has access to plenty of thunder, and every update imaginable.

1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt for sale on eBay

The S2 had production versions of most of the ideas Erik Buell had been incubating for several years, the quick-steering tube frame, Uni-Planar engine mounts, underslung rear shock and muffler, and extra-large diameter single front disk – all surrounding Harley’s torquey 1203 cc motor. WP supplied upside-down forks and the unusual monoshock which extends as the chassis compresses is from Showa. H-D production engineers fitted their belt drive and put their manufacturing expertise into the sculptural exhaust system. For a bike with planned production of 300 units per year, the frame-mounted fairing, tank and seat console flow together very well.

Obviously owned by a real fan, this Buell looks excellent an has been carefully updated with choice parts, addressing many of the model’s foibles. As much as the tank bra breaks up the lines of the bodywork, the next owner will appreciate all the scratches the tank doesn’t have. The auction shares a – video – and says it’s by the previous owner, which indicates that most of the pictures are as well, so a question or two there. A long list from the eBay auction:

Work and upgrades:

• Borla muffler

• Piggyback kickstand plate (prevents the motorcycle from leaning too much to prevent a fall)

• Updated ISO’s all around (Buell redesigned the ISO mounts in 2001)

• Updated exhaust hanger (Buell redesigned the muffler hanger mount in 2001)

• Updated primary tensioner (HD/Buell update to all Sportsters and Buell in 1999)

• Updated shifter detent plate

• Updated crank seal

• Bronze oil pump gear

• All new James top end gaskets with jug pigtails

• KT Performance heat shield

• Shorai Battery (Lithium light weight battery)

• Original Rear Shock rebuilt by RaceTech

• Original Front Shocks rebuilt by Lance Kuglar (St. Paul HD)

• Corbin Seat Recovered by Baldwin

• Under seat tote and fairing bags

• Screaming Eagle CDI Box

• New signal light control box

• Zero gravity smoke windscreen

• Updated/late style front rotor (Buell redesigned the front brake rotor in 2001)

• Newer continental tires

• Jim’s Mega-nut on bead blasted and sealed front pulley

• CV Performance Carb Kit

Accompanied with the bike:

• Rising road service and parts manuals

• Sales brochures (with some pricing scribbles from 95)

• Borla brochure

• Buell sticker and postcard from the period

• Owner’s manual

• Stock muffler in like new condition

• Rubber stock foot pegs

• Additional lower belt guard

The T-Bolt sold better than expected right away, and the two companies had several good years together, but eventually applied for an uncontested divorce. Even though the S2 is on the softer side of sports-biking, the turn and squirt ( maybe even shift ) ride got great reviews. It’s a strong starting bid for the first real production bike from Erik Buell and friends, but it is a sharp example with all the right upgrades.

-donn

Secret Weapon – 1995 Buell S2 Thunderbolt

Buell March 2, 2020 posted by Mike

Rarely Seen: 2013 EBR 1190 RS Carbon Edition

Back on eBay after last being posted in June of 2019, this rare EBR 1190 RS Carbon Edition is still looking for a new home. Miles are still claimed as 500, with new pics in the ad. All links updated.

Resembling a 1125 RR race bike for the street, the 1190 RS was a homologation machine from Erik Buell Racing in the post-Harley Davidson era. Freed from the Milwaukee boat anchor that powered earlier incarnations of the Buell product line, the EBR series utilized a technologically superior unit from Rotax. Delivering over 175 HP in under 400 lbs package (wet weight, ready to race), the EBR 1190 RS had the goods to take the fight to the top level of Superbike racing – right until the bottom fell out. Ultimately the company was liquidated and thus ended the dream of an American top-tier Superbike offering. But what an offering the 1190RS Carbon Edition was!

2013 EBR 1190 RS Carbon Edition for sale on eBay

The EBR 1190 RS started life as a $40,000+ machine. The Carbon Edition tipped that sum past the $50k mark. But for the money, you received the very best of the best across the board. Start with the Erik Buell exclusives, such as the hollow aluminum frame member that doubles as the gas tank. The single, perimeter rotor front brake is a Buell specialty, offering a zero torque load to the race spec Ohlins front fork under hard braking. Yes, that’s an eight piston caliper gripping that massive rotor. Out back the signature high-arc swingarm operates against another race spec Ohlins product, a TTX shock unit. There are enough adjustments here to provide setup across an amazing number of conditions – or riders. That healthy 175+ HP comes courtesy of a Rotax 1125 mill that EBR bored out and refitted with racing componentry such as forged rods, titanium valves and specialty made aluminum pistons. Other than the wheels which are US-made magnesium pieces, the rest is pretty much carbon fiber. Add up the cost of just some of these components and you will start to see where the MSRP starts to make sense.

From the seller:
Very rare bike. 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; 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 myself. 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 racebike 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 a replacement engine alone was $27,000+/-. The suspension is from Ohlins’ race catalog – not the typical street and track line which is less exotic. Excellent condition. One stone chip in the clear coat which can easily be fixed. 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. Feel free to take a look if local but please – only if you intend to buy it.

Do your research and check the reviews. An amazing bike in near-new condition for well less than half of the original price. This is a very rare and special bike that you can buy, ride and enjoy and not see a big drop in value over time. The RS’s are almost certain to appreciate in the future. I’m only selling because I no longer see myself tracking it and I’m getting into a nice cabin cruiser. I reserve the right to end the listing early.

Thanks for looking! As noted the stock exhaust, ECU, turn signals, etc are all included…

Today Buell as an H-D company is no longer. EBR had a brief flash before it also fell by the wayside. But of all the bikes Erik has touched, the 1190 RS is certainly the most technological. This is the apex of the path Buell was on, and the Carbon Edition represents the best of the best of the last. Only 100 1190 RS bikes were planned, and few of that number were the final Carbon models. This is as exclusive as any homologation superbike, but without the star power or Italian mystique. That is a shame, as these late edition EBRs are as capable as any bike of the era, and continue to be amazing riders to this day.

This particular 1190 RS Carbon Edition example has a claimed <500 miles on the odometer - which means it has not even been fully broken in! It has all of the goods included, and the seller has the stock pieces to go along with the ride. The bike looks very clean, well cared for, and includes a photo of its indoor parking spot. This has obviously not been abused, and with the low mileage one might consider this nearly new. Which brings us to the elephant in Erik's room. Buells in general are wonderful, iconic and unique motorcycles. As a low-volume manufacturer, many Buell models can be considered rare. But as an American manufacturer, EB has never quite reached the collector status deserved by the quality of his creations. Thus you can sweep up this lightly used 1190 RS Carbon Edition for a fraction of the original MSRP asking price (probably lower than we have ever seen). There is likely a future for key EBR models in the market, but that future looks to be quite a few years hence. Until then, my vote is that someone needs to pick up this bike and ride it like it was meant to be ridden. We need a hero to make the world a better place. Check it out here – and Good Luck!!