Sneak Preview of the 2025 Buell Super Cruiser - Video Review Included

Buell stated in 2021 that by 2024, it would have 10 new models. We now have our first look at the newest product from the US manufacturer, which was created by none other than Roland Sands Design, even though it currently appears incredibly unlikely. The 1190SX powertrain from the Buell Super Cruiser concept car, which was revealed to the media on February 10 in Long Beach, California, joins with already-existing Buell parts in a wholly unique chassis created by RSD. The Super Cruiser's FXR-like shape will probably be recognizable to cruiser enthusiasts, but the performance ought to be unparalleled. Obviously, this is just a concept model, so when the Super Cruiser is put into production, we'll know more about what to anticipate.

Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell, just needed to see one of Roland's sketches before telling him to "build that one." Bill told me to use as many Buell components as I could because we have them, Sands recalled when Bill was explaining the build parameters. Melvin added, "And the performance is badass. The motor, swingarm, suspension, fork, wheels, handlebar controls, master cylinders, and electronics package are all Buell components (though these had not currently been tuned to work with the concept bike).

To make the bike as near to what one may anticipate from production as feasible, the RSD team set out to employ production-spec materials for this construction rather than the ultra-lightweight components seen on many RSD builds. Roland turned down Melvin's request to be involved in the real bike's construction because he preferred to work on custom and concept builds.

The motor only generates 180 horsepower, according to Sands and Melvin, and the bike weighs only 450 pounds when wet. These figures are definitely alluring, however one must anticipate that the weight will go up in the production trim. Roland noted that although the engine has been around for a while, the Super Cruiser has not yet been put through its paces. Of course, it goes without saying that packing an engine of that size into a "club bike" frame will result in a spicy sausage.

Whether you like it or not, the custom radiator is a beautifully made construction. To Roland's astonishment, Melvin said that this would be put into production; whether it will be left as bare metal or painted has not yet been determined.

The Super Cruiser is anticipated for the 2025 model year, while pricing is not to be determined. A small production will first take place, and then hopefully a larger production will follow. Pre-ordering is now available (with a modest payment).

Start of the press release: Roland Sands and Buell collaborated on the design of the new Super Cruiser.

10 February 2023, Grand Rapids, Michigan - This week, Buell Motorcycle revealed that a new Super Cruiser created by Roland Sands of Roland Sands Design, Long Beach, CA, is in the works for 2025. This collaboration of two venerable brands will result in a unique motorcycle with a West Coast attitude.

Bill Melvin, the chief executive officer of Buell Motorcycle Co., remarked, "Creating a cruiser was something we always considered. There are several American manufacturers on the market, but they are known for making massive, heavy bikes rather than fast, hot bikes like the renowned V-twins of the 1930s. The most popular motorcycle on the market will be our Buell Super Cruiser. Period.”

The heat will come from Roland Sands and Roland Sands Design. Sands, a former champion motorcycle racer who now builds custom bikes, is regarded as the King of Cool when it comes to styling cruisers, café racers, and many famous bikes made by top manufacturers.

It was as if the bike designed itself when Bill first approached us about creating a high-performance cruiser using the Buell motor, according to Roland Sands. The project was a perfect fit given the heritage of Buell, the demand on the market for a really high-performance cruiser, and the outstanding build quality of the existing Buell chassis parts, motor, and rolling kit.

By utilizing Buell's distinctive high-performance V-twin engine, cutting-edge perimeter braking system, and structural swingarm, the Super Cruiser will produce a bike with remarkable handling in a non-sport bike format.

According to Melvin, the design fits well into the West Coast lifestyle where customizing bikes is a way of life. The quickest, coolest cruiser on the market was created by Roland, who was excited about blending Buell technology into that culture.

This is the first time we've been able to construct a performance cruiser without the normal V-twin performance sacrifices of weight and motor width and length, according to Sands, who has been working on similar projects for more than 20 years.

Sands' chassis architecture produces road-friendly handling with 175 horsepower and 450 pounds of torque. Sands developed his chassis design to fit with the swingarm, forks, original 17-inch wheels, and brake system using a large portion of the normal Buell rolling kit. To achieve the cruiser aesthetic with sport bike handling, Sands claimed that ground clearance, bar position, comfortable sitting, and foot locations were essential.

Buell is back and producing more than just sport bikes, as evidenced by the Super Cruiser. This cruiser will start out with the best performance in its class. It incorporates all the key components that connect the rider to the ground and is light, nimble, and high torque. It is also opening up a new market for a younger demographic that wants speed and performance in a cruiser.

(video credits: Motorcyclist Magazine