Buell’s absolute weirdness is back in full swing, even without Erik at the helm. Over a year ago, the revived Buell announced the SuperTouring concept with renders on its website, and on Wednesday the company revealed the finished product, or at least a working prototype, during Daytona Cycling Week. Buell is calling this bike the world’S Fastest touring bike. Yeah sure.
SuperTouring uses the same 1190cc V-twin engine found on the company’s existing Hammerhead superbike and 1190SX naked bike, as one would expect. That means 185 hp and 101 lb-ft of torque, which is pretty much for this class of bike. The SuperTouring is definitely more of a sports car than an adventure car, sporting some almost race-ready rubber and carbon fiber.
There’s a tall windshield and some really handy looking mirrors, plus a pair of hard cases in the back, but other than that it’s just a tall sport bike. This looks like it’s aiming for a small share of the middle market Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak and possibly a Kawasaki H2 SX. However, both ends of that spectrum have pretty stiff competition. Here’s hoping Buell was correct.
The new SuperTouring is definitely making a few an unorthodox aesthetic choice, what with the boxy front end and sculptural parts resembles those of a sports bike. Buell is clearly aiming for the classic cult level, rather than the showroom. Not many people will find this bike pretty, but if it’s functionally relevant, it could be the choice of those looking for a unique experience. Buell’s last attempt in this space, Ulysses, still has his fans, so maybe they’re up to something.
As for me, I’ll probably stick with my 25-year-old BMW. I don’t really need more than that. 185 hp is not what I am looking for.
