The Buell Motorcycle Company was an American motorcycle manufacturer based in East Troy, Wisconsin and founded by ex-Harley-Davidson engineer Erik Buell. The company first partnered with Harley-Davidson in 1993, and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Harley by 2003. On November 17, 2006, Buell announced that it had produced and shipped its 100,000th motorcycle.
On October 15, 2009, Harley-Davidson announced the discontinuation of the Buell product line as part of its strategy to focus on the Harley-Davidson brand. The last motorcycle was produced on October 30, bringing the number manufactured to 136,923.
In November 2009, Buell and Harley-Davidson announced the launch of Erik Buell Racing, an independent company run by Erik Buell which will produce race-only versions of the 1125R model.
History
The first Buell motorcycle, the RW750, was built in 1983 purely for competing in the AMA Formula 1 motorcycle road racing championship. At that time, Erik Buell was a top contending privateer motorcycle racer. After completion of the first two RW750 racing machines, one of which was sold to another racing team, the Formula 1 series was cancelled. Buell then turned his focus towards racing-inspired, street-going machines using engines manufactured by Harley. In 1993, Harley-Davidson Incorporated joined in partnership with Buell Motor Company as a 49% stakeholding minority partner and the company formed was renamed "Buell Motorcycle Company". In 1998, Harley purchased majority control of Buell, and it has been a subsidiary ever since. Since then, Buell has used modified Harley-Davidson Sportster engines to power its motorcycles.
Most Buell motorcycles use four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engines, originally built from XR1000 Sportster engines. After these were depleted, a basic 1200 Sportster engine was used. In 1995, the engines were upgraded with Buell engineered high performance parts and further upgraded in 1998.
On October 15, 2009, Harley Davidson Inc. announced the end of production of Buell Motorcycles to focus more on the Harley Davidson brand.
Technology
Buell XB models also incorporated the industry's first ever Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) perimeter floating front disc brake system, a patented "inside-out" wheel/brake design that puts the brake disc on the outer edge of the wheel, rather than at the hub. This lets the suspension function better, improving control and traction, through reducing unsprung weight on the front wheel, because only a single disc and caliper—with a corresponding reduction in bolts and brake fluid—is needed compared with the conventional dual-disc brake setup on most modern sport bikes. In an exchange in the pages of Motorcyclist magazine between Suzuki engineer James Parker, creator of the GSX-RADD hub-center steering system, and Buell's Director of Analysis, Test & Engineering Process, Abraham Askenazi, Parker conceded the ZTL system's advantage in unsprung weight. But he pointed out the remaining weight is located further out on the rim where it is most detrimental to acceleration and braking, and that there were potential heat transfer issues, and the need for one fork leg to be stronger than the other. Responding, Askenazi disputed all of Parker's criticisms, saying the ZTL system was 30% lighter than the brakes on the Suzuki GSX-R1000, and that the inertia of having the weight further out on the rim, and the heat generation near the tire, were not negative factors, based on testing. Askenazi concluded that testing and race track experience had proven the ZTL to be "state of the art."
Other industry innovations introduced by Buell in the XB lineup were the fuel in frame technology , and the dual use of the swingarm as an oil tank. Also, all Buell models feature a dual-purpose muffler mounted below the engine which helps keep mass centralized and maximizes torque through the use of a computer-controlled valve to switch between two exhaust paths as necessary.
Buell designs focus on providing good handling, comfortable riding, easy maintenance, and street-friendly real-world performance. Buell motorcycles are engineered with an emphasis on what they call the "Trilogy of Tech": mass centralization, low unsprung weight, and frame rigidity.
Buell engines are designed to be street-friendly both in fuel efficiency (up to 70 mpg (3.4 L/100 km; 84 mpg ) with the Blast), and in power (the 1,203 cc version produces over 100 hp (75 kW)). They are also simple and easy to maintain. Buell two-cylinder engines utilize computer controlled ducted forced air cooling (no radiator or liquid coolant, just a variable speed fan that only activates as required), two valves per cylinder, a single throttle body, zero maintenance hydraulic valve actuation, and zero maintenance gear-driven cams.
Current Models
Blast
Main article: Buell BlastThe Blast is Buell's only model to use a single-cylinder engine. With 492 cc (30.0 cu in) displacement and 360 lb (160 kg) dry weight, it is their smallest model, often used in Harley-Davidson's "Rider's Edge" new rider instruction/riding schools. To date the Buell Blast is Buell's best selling model.
In July 2009, Buell ran an ad campaign stating that the Buell Blast would no longer appear in their line-up. The ad featured a Buell Blast being destroyed in an automobile crusher.
Firebolt
The Firebolt XB12R is marketed by Buell as a sportbike.
Lightning
- Lightning CityX XB9SX
- Lightning XB12S
- Lightning Low XB12Scg
- Lightning Long XB12Ss
- Lightning Super TT XB12STT
The Lightning is marketed by Buell as a streetfighter motorcycle.
Ulysses
- Ulysses XB12X
- Ulysses XB12XP
- Ulysses XB12XT
Buell's XB12X Ulysses debuted in July 2005. It offers seating, ergonomics, and long-travel suspension that are well-suited for use on unpaved and rough roads. Buell advertises the Ulysses as "the world's first adventure sportbike". For 2008, among other changes, XBRR oil pump and ignition timing systems have been changed tapping into the XBRR race bike as well as the addition of heated grips and increased turning fork swing from 54° to 74°. The Ulysses XB12XT differs from the XB12X Ulysses in several areas. It has a different front fender, unlike the Enduro-front fender that comes on the X and lower fork protection is not as pronounced as on the X, due to the intended purpose of the XT which is more street than dirt oriented. Other major differences include the suspension which is completely different between the two bikes, being about an inch lower on the XT and tuned more for street riding, vs. the X's slightly taller and softer suspension better tuned for dirt use. Along with factory Hepco and Becker hard saddlebags and top box, tall windshield and a 30.9 in (784.9 mm) seat height, the XT also has wheels that are approximately 1 full pound lighter than those found on the X, which have added mass to make them stronger for off paved road use. The XB12XP is a police model available for the 2009 model year.
1125R
Main article: Buell 1125RIn July 2007, Buell announced the 1125R, a sportbike which departed from Buell's history of using Harley-Davidson Sportster based engines and tapping into the XBRR racing bike learnings. The Helicon engine uses four vertical valves per cylinder, dual over-head cam, liquid-cooled 72 degree V-Twin displacing 1125 cc and producing 146 hp (109 kW). It produces 83 ft·lbf (113 N·m) of peak torque but varies less than 6 ft·lbf (8.1 N·m) of torque from 3000 to 10500 rpm. There is a vacuum assist slipper clutch to give predictable drive performance in hard cornering and deceleration and a 6-speed transmission. Although this powerplant is manufactured by BRP-Rotax, Austria, it is in fact designed to detailed Buell specifications.
Said to be designed from the rider down, the engineering shows the Buell trilogy of technology: low unsprung weight, mass centralization and chassis rigidity. The radiator is split and mounted laterally on the bike and air flow managed to lessen the residual heat the rider feels. The split radiator, coupled with the 72 degree twin layout, allows for a more compact and centralized mass making cornering more responsive with the bike's forward weight bias. The 1125R has the greatest lean angle of any Buell. The innovative braking has been further improved by a ZTL2, using four pads and 8 pistons in the caliper with less unsprung weight. The innovative gasoline-in-frame design has been improved further for rigidity while being 10 lb (4.5 kg) lighter than previous designs and an industry first 47 mm inverted forks were matched to improve both squat and dive characte
Chicago Harley-Davidson, Chicagoland Harley-Davidson,Dealer - City ...
City Limits sister store Wild Fire Harley-Davidson in Villa Park offers the Rider's Edge® Learn-to-Ride Motorcycle School. Prepare for your M-Class License in 2 nights and 2 days
Calgary Harley - Davidson® - Buell®
Motorcycle School - season is now over, stay tuned in December for 2010 information. We train on a fleet of 500cc Buell™ Blast® motorcycles.
J&K Cycle Motorcycle Shop - Louisville, KY - Motorcycle parts and ...
Louisville Kentucky KY Harley Davidson motorcycle Parts and accessories parts unlimited drag ... leperra mid-usa mid usa midusa spiegler HD daytona helmets old school ...
Harley Davidson Rides Sightseeing Tours Melbourne,Mornington Peninsula ...
Harley Davidson Motorcycle Tours * Harley Joy Rides * Mellbourne * Harley Sightseeing Tours ... Harley Hens Nights * Harley Bucks Nights * Chauffeured Harley for School ...
2010 Wide Glide | Harley-Davidson Motorcycles | USA
The Harley-Davidson Wide Glide® motorcycle is low-down with old-school chopper looks " the comfort of a modern ride. See it at the official H-D site.
Harley-Davidson Repair School
WyoTech provides repair training in automotive technology, autobody, diesel, aviation, HVAC, chassis fabrication and high performance engines, street rod and custom fabrication.
Harley Davidson Ride & Tours Melbourne VMTOA Corporate, Conference ...
Harley Davidson Motorcycle Tours * Corporate Events Melbourne * Harley Joy Rides ... Shoots * Harley Hens Nights * Harley Bucks Nights * Chauffered Harley for School ...
1948 Harley-Davidson PAN / SHOVEL For Sale : Used Motorcycle ...
Check out this Used 1948 Harley-Davidson PAN / SHOVEL Motorcycle for sale in our used Motorcycle ... Old School Chopper / Not for the faint of Heart KICK START ONLY STROKER ...
Parts and Accessories for New and Vintage Harley-Davidson
Parts and Accessories for Vintage Harley-Davidson, Old School MC Service, Vintage Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, Bobbers, S&S performance, H-D Classifieds and Forum, Custom Chrome ...
Chicago Harley-Davidson Dealer, Illinois Motorcycle Dealer, Wild Fire ...
Wild Fire Harley-Davidson offers the Rider's Edge® Learn-to-Ride Motorcycle School. Prepare for your M-Class License with Wild Fire in 2 nights and 2 days.