Buell fly the flag for 40th Anniversary Hammerhead special edition

Buell Motorcycles, have added a heavy dose of patriotism to their 40th-anniversary Hammerhead 1190 Freedom Edition draping it in a red, white, and blue stars and stripes livery.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the new Freedom paint scheme. Applied directly to the Hammerhead’s standard full carbon fibre bodywork, its design commemorates 40 years of Buell’s exciting journey and our enthusiasm for the next 40,” said Buell CEO, Bill Melvin.

“To us, the Freedom Edition represents our unwavering commitment to our heritage, our fans, and the freedom that comes with riding a Buell.”

The bike will be released on 1 July priced at $24,990. Top of the line models are available at $26,775 for those seeking enhanced features and customisation.

“Our fans have been requesting a red, white, and blue colour scheme for a long, long time. We listened and we’re proud to deliver a design that truly reflects the fiercely independent spirit Buell shares with this great country,” added Melvin.

The Buell Hammerhead 1190 boasts 185 horsepower, weighs 419 lbs., and delivers 102 foot-lbs. of torque. The first 40 Freedom Edition bikes will also feature a four-year warranty and the underside of the bodywork will be autographed by the Buell factory family – Team Buell.

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Buell back on track: Famous US brand set for yet another rebirth – starting with 182bhp ‘Hammerhead’ superbike

First published 31 August 2021, updated 13 March 2023 by Jordan Gibbons

Buell motorcycles are returning to full production once more with the company well on the way to launching their first new bike: the 1190RX ‘Hammerhead’.

The Buell name has been silent since 2009, when the company was closed by then owners Harley-Davidson in a cost-cutting drive. After the business was closed, founder Erik Buell set up Erik Buell Racing (EBR), which was bought by Liquid Asset Partners (LAP) in 2016.

Now LAP have bought the Buell name from H-D, renaming EBR with promises to launch ten new models by 2024, starting with the Hammerhead.

The Hammerhead is based on the 1190RX which was launched by EBR but even today the specs are impressive. It’s powered by an 1190cc V-twin, with claimed peak power of 182bhp @ 10,600rpm and 101.6lb.ft @ 8200rpm.

The engine is housed in one of Buell’s signature aluminium beam frames which also incorporates the fuel, with the ‘tank’ area holding the airbox and electronics. Buell are claiming a running weight (albeit without fuel) of 190kg.

To go with the performance figures is a decent kit list including fully adjustable Showa USD Big Piston Forks at the front and a fully adjustable direct-mounted Showa shock at the rear.

The Hammerhead also sports another of Buell’s signature touches: the 386mm perimeter brake disc combined with an eight piston caliper, which Buell have always said offers superior stopping power for the weight compared to a traditional set up.

If it looks familiar that’s also because Buell have turned to long-time collaborator Ryan Hahn for the design. Although there’s no price yet Buell say they will be opening up the order books soon.

The 1190RX is just one of a series of bikes that Buell have planned for production, with the naked 1190SX expected shortly after, followed by the SuperTouring during 2023.

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Buell are back! Adventure bikes, tourers and off roaders to follow 1190 revival

First published on 25 February 2021 by Jordan Gibbons

Buell motorcycles are returning to production with the company planning to launch 10 models by 2024.

The Buell name has been silent since 2009, when the company was closed by then owners Harley-Davidson in a cost cutting drive. After the business was closed, Erik Buell set up Erik Buell Racing (EBR), which was bought by Liquid Asset Partners (LAP) in 2016. Now LAP have managed to buy the Buell name from H-D, renaming EBR ahead of the relaunch.

“We are excited to bring Buell back with this awesome assortment of superbikes and performance motorcycles,” says Bill Melvin, CEO of LAP.

“We start with the fastest American production motorcycles, hand built in the USA, so that’s a nice start! We’re building out those platforms for more touring & adventure models, then we’re expanding our displacements to be competitive with other global brands.”

Buell are intending to revive the 1190 platform before turning their attention to small-mid sized displacement engines as well as the off-road, adventure and touring segments. There are also hopes to explore electric bikes.

Erik Buell himself is not involved in the project as he has turned his attention to electric motorcycles with his Fuell brand.