Buell Motorcycle Company

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This article is about the motorcycle company, for other uses of Buell, see the disambiguation page.
The Buell Motorcycle Company is an American motorcycle manufacturer based in East Troy, Wisconsin and founded by ex-Harley-Davidson engineer Erik Buell. The company is the only significant manufacturer of sporting motorcycles in the United States.

Contents 1 History 2 Modern Technology 3 Current Models 4 Past Models 5 Trivia 6 External links

[edit] 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 utilizing engines manufactured by Harley. In 1994 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 utilized modified Harley-Davidson Sportster engines to power their 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.

[edit] Modern Technology

In 2003, Buell introduced an engine so efficient it passes emissions test requirements through 2008. It does this without the need for catalytic converters, or air injection, as is typical on other modern motorcycles. The new line of Buell XB models also incorporated the industry's first ever Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) perimeter floating front disc brake system, an "inside-out" wheel/brake design that puts the brake disc on the outer edge of the wheel, rather than at the hub. This design allows the elimination of some mass from the front wheel, reducing unsprung weight, and enhances the abilities of the front suspension. 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 muffler mounted below the engine to keep mass centralized.

Buell designs focus on providing good handling, 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 M.P.G. with the Blast), and in power (the 1203cc version produces over 100HP). 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. However, the motor retains a pushrod valvetrain, which was abandoned by Japanese sportsbike manufacturers in the 1970's.

[edit] Current Models

Current Buell production models, as of October 2006, are the Blast, Firebolt, Lightning, Lightning CityX, Lightning Long, and Ulysses. Buell also produces the 50 XBRR racing-only machines for factory-backed and dealership run privateer racing teams.

The Blast is Buell's only model to use a single-cylinder engine. With 492 cc displacement and 360 pounds dry weight, it is their smallest model, often used in Harley-Davidson's "Rider's Edge" new rider instruction/riding schools.

• Blast

Buell's highest performance non-race-only sport bike is the Firebolt XB12R and Lighting XB12S with a 1203cc engine that develops 103HP (77KW) at only 6,800 rpm.

• Firebolt
  • XB9R
  • XB12R
• Lightning
  • XB9SX
  • XB12S
  • XB12Ss
  • XB12STT
  • XB12SScg

Buell's most recent major new model is the XB12X Ulysses. Debuting 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".

• Ulysses
  • XB12X

[edit] Past Models

Earlier models included the RR1000, RR1200, RS1200 West Wind, RSS West wind, S2 & S2T Thunderbolt, S1 Lighting, M2 Cyclone, S3 & S3T Thunderbolt and the X1 Lighting, all of which utilized tubular steel frames.

• RW750 (1984)
• RR1100 (1987-1988)
• RR1200 (1988-1990)
• RS1200 (1989)
• RS1200/5 (1990-1992)
• RSS1200 (1991)
• S2 Thunderbolt (1994-1995)
• S2T Thunderbolt (1995)
• S3 Thunderbolt (1996)
• S1 Lightning (1996-1998)
• S3t Thunderbolt (1996-2000)
• S1 White Lightning (1998)
• M2 Cyclone (1997-2000)
• X1 Lightning (1999-2001)

[edit] Trivia

• The 2005 Firebolt XB12R 'street' and 'race' versions as well as the Lightning CityX are featured in the PS2 video game Tourist Trophy from the makers of Gran Turismo 4.
• Nicholas Cage rode a Buell in the movie Ghost Rider.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] External links

• Official website