One year ago now, Buell Motorcycles took advantage of the Daytona Bike Week celebration to show the world a first prototype of its SuperTouring, a model of which we had previously only seen a computer-generated image and which, according to its initial forecasts, should have reached the market throughout this 2023.
The unit that Buell exhibited in Daytona was obviously a version still in development, but it already showed some of the hallmarks of a model that meets most of the requirements to enjoy some interest among the public, especially in the United States: powerful engine, bold and rarely seen design and a riding style and philosophy that fit the demands of today’s rider, who is looking for a motorcycle with high handlebars that allows him to cover long distances or simply enjoy a morning ride with friends.
Today, one year after that pre-production version, Buell Motorcycles has released the first image of the final model of the SuperTouring arriving in dealerships soon and on view this week at Daytona Bike Week 2023, scheduled for March 3-12.
The North American firm still does not offer details about the components and technology of this promising touring model, although the image allows us to draw several conclusions; the first, andl Use of an aluminum chassis inspired by the frame that debuted the Buell 1125 CRformed by two hollow side beams that house the two fuel tanks inside, a solution that Buell applied for the first time in its 2002 XB9R Firebolt.
The engine seems to be the same Rotax that Buell uses in other models such as its Hammerhead sports car, a veteran and well-known 1190 cc 72º V-twin engine that is capable of delivering 185 hp of power and a torque of 137 Nm, numbers that enable the Super Touring to enter the segment of the great sport-tourers of the moment, such as the BMW S 1000 XR, the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT or the Ducati Multistrada V4.
Although Buell presented its original Super Touring as a model shod with mixed tires -which does not rule out a future version ‘Adventure’ more country-, the official photos reveal a 100% asphalt motorcycleequipped with 17″ wheels, sports cut tires and the usual front perimeter disc that Buell usually mounts throughout its range, bitten by a caliper of no more and no less than eight pistons.
The fork, in the absence of conformation, could be a showa -Buell already mounts it on his Hammerhead-, and for the price and positioning of this model, it will offer all kinds of adjustments.
Unlike the pre-production model seen in March 2022, the final variant of the SuperTouring will mount a front fairing with deflectors on the sides and an a priori non-adjustable screenFull-LED front lights and will come equipped with a set of suitcases with an off-road look.
We have no news about the electronic section, although we assume that Buell will provide its SuperTouring with essential aids today such as traction control or cornering ABS if you don’t want to get out of a segment in which some of your rivals already mount ‘gadgets’ such as proximity radar, responsible for controlling dynamic cruise control or blind spot warning.
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Buell Motorcycles has changed the expected date of commercialization of its SuperTouring, now passing it to 2025. Its estimated price will be around, according to the manufacturer, the 21,995 dollars (20,600 euros), and they already accept reservations through their website. To date, Buell has not ruled on the possible marketing of this and other future models -such as the Super Cruiser or the Baja Dune Racer- outside the US.