Posts by Category: Buell

Buell August 23, 2019 posted by Donn

Eleventh Hour – 2008 Buell 1125R

Erik Buell finally convinced his overseers at H-D to use the turn-key Rotax twin, and it became the basis for Buell’s most modern sportbike. Unfortunately, a new management team saw the brands as diverging, and pulled the plug a couple of years later.

2008 Buell 1125R for sale on eBay

As an engineer, Buell stressed three themes in all his designs – lighter weight, mass centralization, and chassis rigidity. The 1125R makes strides in each of them, with a stamped and welded aluminum frame which also serves as the fuel tank. The 1125cc V-twin is an integral part of the chassis, providing the swingarm pivots and supporting the underslung exhaust, not to mention 146 hp. The classic Buell Zero Torque Load front brake is larger than life at 375 mm, with the eight piston caliper mounted inside the rotor. Harley pioneered use of belt drive instead of a chain, and it saves the 1125R a few pounds and quite a bit of maintenance. The adjustable Showa suspension and alloy subframe could accommodate a theoretical passenger.

Like so many fairly extreme superbikes, this 1125R has been ridden just 2,674 miles and barely personalized, with only a license plate mount and levers to show. Luckily the chain-driven cams of the Helicon engine don’t suffer much during long rests, and should require just an oil change before setting off. The matte blue frame and wheels accent the black bodywork nicely, and all look undamaged. From the eBay auction:

This 1125R is stock with the exception of a license plate re-locator to tuck it closer to the rear fender and the levers have been replaced with shorter (and more comfortable) machined aluminum, black anodized – see pics.

Everything is 100% functional and in excellent condition. There is a new cover included.

With a low starting bid, the new owner will get a big helping of superbike for the money, though support might be the elephant no longer in the room. The drivetrain should be service-able by any indie with Aprilia experience, with special parts needing a little searching. But you can only pick two, as the old adage says – performance, economy, or reliability. Too bad the mother ship didn’t find a buyer for their very sporty fledgling.

-donn

Buell August 4, 2019 posted by Donn

1992 Buell RSS1200 Westwind

Few riders could have foreseen the roller coaster ride Harley-Davidson in store for Erik Buell, but a previous owner of this RSS1200 Westwind saw a future classic in the big twin. With just 1,800 miles this gem is very original and has been protected from life’s bumps and bruises.

1992 Buell RSS1200 Westwind for sale on eBay

Buell had recently started to specify the 1198cc Sportster powerplant, and used the new isoplanar engine mounts to tame the drumbeat of the 61 hp but very torquey engine. The mill hung in the factory’s own ladder frame, using the engine case to locate the front of the underslung pull shock. Up front the suspension was more conventional with upside-down WP forks, and the dual front brakes with six-piston calipers pre-date any Zero Torque Load patents. Sharing space under the engine is a short Supertrapp exhaust, fairly inadequate but at least lightweight and centralized. The monoposto seat is cleaned up substantially from the previous flip-up dual seat.

It looks like the second owner ( of three ) was the superfan, going through the comprehensive brake rebuild, fork swap, and fastener-level refinishing. The seller has owned the RSS for 5 years, and kept the notes from the everything-but restoration:

Finished in Transparent Ruby Red. An original single seat bike, not converted from RS twin seat. This machine has been rebuilt over the last 4 years to original and as delivered condition from a very original low mileage bike. It is not a restoration, though in the interest of mechanical functionality tires, brake and fuel lines, chain, battery, caliper and shock rebuilds have been performed.

All original decals are on frame, with original paint excepting side stand which was powder coated. All chrome has been redone to show standards, including truss head bodywork screws, and banjo bolts. All Wellnuts have been replaced. Fasteners used in the rebuild are zinc di-chromate where originally used, otherwise plating is bright zinc. This bike had a chrome chain guard which appears to be original and remains in place, though I cannot find any original photos with a chrome guard.

All bodywork is original and shows no signs of damage. The paint was buffed to a high gloss by a professional restoration painter, it was not repainted. Windscreen is the original Gustafsson piece, headlight cover was remade and drilled to fit the fairing in California by Cee Bailey Plastics. The fuel tank was cleaned and recoated inside with modern sealant not reactive to unleaded ethanol fuel. No gas has been put into tank since recoating. Electric solenoid fuel valves were removed, cleaned, new wiring spliced, new gas lines throughout. Napoleon mirror identification decals were made as original, as was the fuel reserve switch decal.

Buell fans might be out there, looking to complete the pre-Harley section of their collection. Or maybe this could just be a smashing occasional rider, its exhaust note, big fairing and unusual color certain to grab some eyeballs wherever it goes. Either way, the mechanical and cosmetic work make it even better than new, and though the starting bid is up there it looks like it’d be worth it.

-donn

Buell July 4, 2019 posted by Mike

Carbonated: 2013 EBR 1190RS Carbon Edition

Today – of all days on the calendar – it seemed appropriate to post this magnificent Erik Buell Racing 1190RS Carbon Edition beauty with nothing but delivery miles on the counter. Claimed to be crated (not sure what that means as there is no crate in sight in the pics), this is as close to a brand new EBR that you can buy without dealing directly with Erik himself. And as far as brand new EBRs go, the 1190RS was the ultimate form of Buell street bike greatness, made right here in the land of hot dogs, baseball and fireworks. Yee Haw!

2013 EBR 1190RS Carbon Edition for sale on eBay

As written elsewhere, the EBR 1190Rs took its roots from the 1125 race bike. The Rotax-sourced mill was bored out in Michigan and fitted with components made right here in the states. This was a homologation machine for the aspiring racer, and would certainly have been a serious player on the SBK scene had the Buell business model not tucked the front under trail braking, while diving to the apex of the tricky series of hairpins best known as the corporate investment partners complex. When the hero angel investor pulled out of the deal (no hero, indeed), momentum and traction were lost. EBR chalked up a stunning DNF as a business, and ceased to exist.

From the seller:
Crated 2013 EBR 1190RS Black

The Carbon Edition bikes were the final of the final editions of the final EBRs ever made. Only 100 of the 1190RS units were ever planned, and records are uncertain as to whether or not that number was accomplished. A much smaller number of these 1190RS models were to be decked out in full carbon regalia, making the 1190 RS a rare bird. Even more rare is the fact that this one sports only THREE accumulated miles. Forget the nearly 180 horsepower, the race-spec Ohlins gear front and rear, the multi-adjustments available to the professional rider and everything else that makes this bike a missile in the making. You could PUSH this bike the three lousy miles it has traveled. And while I’m sure Erik Buell would see the cruel irony in one of his creations becoming a collector item, my understanding of the man was he thrived on problem solving; the 1190RS solved the problem of American-born speed in an amazing fashion. Priced right in line with other offerings we have seen, you can light the fuse on this new EBR for just over $25k (or best offer). Happy Fourth of July everyone, and Good Luck!!

Buell June 15, 2019 posted by Mike

Rarely Seen: 2013 EBR 1190 RS Carbon Edition

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!!

Bimota February 13, 2019 posted by Donn

Mid-Winter Roundup of Featured Listings

Even though there are prodigious cold fronts trained on both coasts, planning ahead is always in season. Here’s a little review of RSBFS’ recent features:

Let’s start with a couple of smokin’ race machines –

Featured Listing: 2018 Honda NSF250R Moto 3 Race Bike For Sale

Featured Listing: 2017 Suter MMX500 for Sale

From the 1980’s we have two classic supersports, plus a unique Harley-Davidson –

Sponsored Listing: Zero-mile, 1-of-25 road-going 1994 Harley-Davidson VR1000!

Sponsored Listing: 1983 Honda CB1100F

Featured Listing – 1982 Honda CB750F Super Sport

These three are more along GT lines but very sporty –

Sponsored Listing: 1994 Suzuki GSXR-1100

Featured Listing – 1995 Yamaha GTS 1000 Euro Edition

Featured Listing: 1984 Honda CX650 Turbo!

If you are a skilled track rider there are four big-displacement racers, from classic to modern –

Featured Listing: 1991 Yamaha OW01 FZR750R Race Bike

Featured Listing: 2004 Moto Guzzi MGS-01 Corsa

Featured Listing: 2000 Ducati 748RS track bike

Featured Listing: Honest-to-God 2012 Suter BMW MotoGP bike

The 1990’s were a sweet sportbike spot, and we have four currently –

Sponsored Listing: 1990 Honda CBR400RR NC29 for Sale

Sponsored Listing: 1991 Bimota YB10 Dieci for Sale

Featured Listing: 1993 Moto Guzzi Daytona 1000

Featured Listing: 1990 Yamaha FZR750R OW01

The rest are a little of this and a little of that, or more accurately a lot of this and a lot of that –

Like a naked 2003 Yamaha R1 –

Featured Listing – 2003 Yamaha FZ1 with just 661 Miles !

Here’s Honda’s own winning V-twin, the 2005 RC51 SP2 –

Featured Listing: 2005 Honda RC51 SP2

Or this stealthily accessorized Monster –

Featured Listing: 2006 Ducati Monster S2R 1000 build!

This ’06 SportClassic is a custom using the factory Paul Smart fairing –

Featured Listing – 2006 SportClassic 1000 with Paul Smart Fairing

From just last year, here’s a Kawasaki H2R with road registration –

Featured Listing: Street-Titled 2018 Kawasaki H2R for Sale

Also looking very ready for the track, this 2004 999R is an homologation special –

Featured Listing: 2004 Ducati 999R FILA

We had two MH900E’s but one has sold. This one has never been registered –

Featured Listing: 2001 Parking Space Odyssey – NEW 2001 Ducati MH900e

And our most recent feature is this ’08 1098S, fully decked out in carbon and billet aluminum –

Featured Listing: 2008 Ducati 1098S for Sale

When you’re not chipping the ice off something or throwing things at the weather broadcast, check the right column on RSBFS for our sponsors and friends’ latest features ! Spring is just around the corner…

Donn

Buell January 23, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured listing: 2014 Buell 1190RX

Update 1.29.19: This bike has SOLD! Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

This 2014 Buell 1190RX has been stored properly, ridden rarely, modded carefully and babied by one owner. It has a tasteful collection of carbon fiber accent pieces and a Dean Adams exhaust with the accompanying ECU tune, but is otherwise as it rolled out of the showroom. The seller says he’s moving it along because he ran out of time to ride, which is evidenced by the bike’s scant 3,200 miles.

2014 Buell 1190RX for sale on eBay

The 2014 Buell 1190RX was Erik Buell’s stab at returning from an ugly split with Harley-Davidson to once again build fast, well thought-out USA-made sportbikes on a large scale. Though the effort was ultimately doomed, the bikes he screwed together in the process were real marvels. The 1190RX’s big twin pushed out 185 horsepower, got within a few hundredths of a second of the mighty Ducati Panigale 1199R in magazine testing and was not extravagantly expensive, at least by top-of-the-heap open-class sportbike standards.

The 72-degree v-twin that powered the beast was praised for its torquey delivery, while the fuel-in-frame chassis was accurate, fun and confidence inspiring in corners. The moonshot 1190RX may have ultimately failed to make Buell a household name, but it damn sure made a valiant effort.

This example is resplendent in red and black, and looks like it was given care commensurate with its special place in motorcycling history. It’s clean everywhere, and has spent most of its time in a climate-controlled garage. The pictures don’t get to the minute details, but we’ve checked them out thoroughly and can’t find any issues.

From the eBay listing:

No reserve!

2014 EBR 1190rx in perfect condition. I am the original owner and have only put on a total of 3200 miles or so in the past few years as I dont have much time for riding anymore. Bike needs nothing and has never been raced or on track and is adult ridden. Bike needs nothing but a new home.

A few minor modifications were done immediately at time of original purchase but I have all the brand new original parts that go with the bike.

Dean Adam’s exhaust
Dean Adam’s tuned ecm
Carbon fiber front fender
Carbon fiber rear tire hugger
Carbon fiber side fairing fan shrouds
Carbon fiber chain case cover
Carbon fiber fender eliminator with integrated led brake/turn lights and plate holder.

Bike is in excellent condition and has been my absolute favorite bike I’ve ever owned. Winter storage was even kept in heated climate control area in my house.

NOTE: I may be able to deliver for Free to anywhere in WI, IL, IN, OH or possibly other areas in the mid-west as I am on the road all over for work OR help with arranging shipping at a discounted price through a friends motorcycle transport company to anywhere in the U.S. please message me before bidding to confirm drop off options.

The bike is listed for just south of $8,000, which is a legit deal when you consider that these things were $18,500 just five years ago. With so few miles, all its stock pieces and such fastidious care, this thing is very close to a new bike. What’s more, they aren’t making more of them, so it will only gain collector panache as time goes by.

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