2026 Buell Super Cruiser: The V-Twin Rebel That’s Finally Revving Into Reality
The 2026 Super Cruiser has rolled off the line, VIN 0001 in hand, ready to shake up the power cruiser scene. Buell’s back from the brink with this 1,190cc beast, blending raw American muscle with track-honed agility at a punchy $25,900. Spotted at the Barber Vintage Festival (October 3-5, 2025) before museum duty, it’s not just hype – it’s a production pivot that’s got me plotting a test ride. Let’s tear into what makes this Buell tick, from its heart-pounding engine to the rivals it leaves in the dust.
Heart of the Beast: A V-Twin That’s All Torque, No Drama
At its core, the Super Cruiser packs Buell’s signature 1,190cc liquid-cooled V-twin – a high-revving mill tuned for 175 hp and 94 lb-ft at 8,500 rpm. It’s not your grandpa’s lazy cruiser thumper; this thing winds out smooth to 9,000 rpm, delivering that instant low-end shove for stoplight launches while holding mid-range pull for sweeping bends. Early dyno pulls from Buell’s Wisconsin shop clock it at a flat torque curve from 3,000-6,000 rpm – perfect for real-world romps without the vibration buzzkill of some air-cooled relics.
The six-speed gearbox gets a hydraulic vacuum-actuated slipper clutch, taming downshifts into hard corners so the rear stays planted instead of hopping like a caffeinated kangaroo. Weighing in at a svelte 485 pounds dry (about 520 wet), it’s lighter than most in the class, letting that power translate to 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds and quarter-miles in the low 11s. Fuel sipping? Expect 40+ mpg highway, with a 4.5-gallon tank for 180-mile legs. It’s Buell’s nod to “super” – cruiser soul with superbike snap.
Chassis and Handling: 50° Leans That Defy Cruiser Stereotypes
Buell’s always punched above its weight in the bends, and the Super Cruiser doubles down with a perimeter frame that’s rigid yet forgiving. Up front, a 43mm FOX inverted fork (non-adjustable, but plush) soaks up potholes, while the rear FOX monoshock (preload/rebound tunable) keeps the tail hooked without linkage fuss – direct, honest feedback that’s a joy on twisties.
Braking? Dual 320mm Brembo rotors with Stylema calipers up front bite hard (four-piston gold), paired with a single 240mm rear – thermal mass for track days without fade. Shod in Dunlop Sportmax Q5As (120/70-18 front, 180/55-18 rear), they warm quick and grip like glue, unlocking that class-leading 50° lean angle. I recall testing a Buell Hammerhead years back – similar vibe, but this feels evolved, with less twitch at the limit. Cruiser posture? Low 27-inch seat, forward controls, and a 31-inch handlebar span for relaxed miles, but the geometry (24.5° rake, 3.9-inch trail) sharpens it for aggressive leans. Ground clearance? 5.5 inches – enough for spirited roads, not gravel hauls.
Production Rollout: From VIN 0001 to Your Garage
Buell’s playing the long game – hand-built in small batches at their Grand Rapids, Michigan, lair to nail quality over quantity. VIN 0001, the champagne-popping prototype, bowed at Barber before museum immortality, with customer bikes trickling out post-certification (aiming for Q1 2026 deliveries). If you’ve dropped the $1,000 deposit, expect a call in 2-4 months for financing and shipping – Buell’s keeping it boutique, with under 500 units projected for year one.
At $25,900 base (plus $1,500 freight), it’s a steal for the spec sheet – FOX bits alone run $2K aftermarket, and that Brembo setup? $1,500 easy. Colors? Jet Black or Viper Red standard, with custom wraps via Buell’s “Build Your Buell” tool. Warranty’s the usual two-year/unlimited miles, with Buell’s rep for bulletproof engines holding strong (expect 50K+ miles with basic care).
Rivals and Real Talk: Who This Buell Bites, and Who It Doesn’t
The Super Cruiser’s no Harley clone – it’s for riders craving cruiser flair with superbike soul, like a low-slung Ducati XDiavel V4 ($26,000, 208 hp) but leaner and meaner in the turns. The XDiavel’s got more grunt (210 lb-ft) and cruise control for highways, but Buell’s 50° lean and lighter frame edge it on backroads – think XDiavel’s torque with a Hammerhead’s agility. Against the Indian Scout Bobber ($13K, 100 hp), it’s pricier but worlds sportier; for touring types, the BMW R 18 ($18K, 91 hp) offers classic rumble but trails in corner carve.
Not for you? Skip if you need AWD gravel munchers (hello, Triumph Rocket 3) or track purists (Panigale V4 R’s your jam). Buell’s aiming at the “muscle + carve” crowd – emotional, exclusive, and engineered for grins per gallon.
Why Wait? The Super Cruiser’s a Game-Changer for Power Cruiser Fans
Buell’s resurrection feels like a middle finger to cookie-cutter cruisers – this Super Cruiser revives the brand’s wild spirit with modern muscle, proving you can have low-slung cool without low-rent handling. At $25,900, it’s accessible ambition, blending V-twin thunder with superbike precision in a package that’s as much art as asphalt eater. If Buell’s Hammerhead prototype hooked you back in ’23, this is the payoff.
Dropping a deposit? Or eyeing the XDiavel instead? Rev your thoughts below – and if power cruisers are your poison, check our 2025 Indian Chief Dark Horse showdown. Throttle on!
Source- buellmotorcycle
