Buell Motorcycles has been through many ups and downs over the years: perhaps more downs than ups. But now, with new owners and management, things look, on the surface, at least, like the company might get another shot at stability.

The first model to be announced was the Hammerhead sport bike, powered by the 1190cc V-Twin engine that made its appearance back when Erik Buell was still in charge. Their latest model that has been shown is a touring version of the 1190SX, with a larger front fairing, panniers and a more upright and roomy riding position. If there were any doubts that a Buell would become a much more conventional motorcycle brand, then those doubts have been dispelled when you look at the specification of the new SuperTouring.

Related: EXCLUSIVE: Roland Sands Designs A New Buell, Meet The Super Cruiser Concept

The SuperTouring Design Concept

Buell 1190 Supertouring studio shot
Buell
Buell 1190 Supertouring front three quarter detail

This is not the first time Buell has played in this field: remember the Ulysses? That was a very distinctive bike - or is the correct term ‘quirky?’ With a stumpy wheelbase and boxy design, the 1190 SuperTouring is equally quirky, with a few awkward design features, such as the twin round headlights set in a squared-off rectangular cowl box, not to mention the near-vertical windshield. Buell describes the bike as ‘the world’s fastest adaptive motorcycle,’ meaning that it can be converted from a touring bike to a track bike in less than an hour.

Buell’s description, when the SuperTouring first appeared, was ‘the world’s fastest touring bike,' with a claimed 185 horsepower and 101 foot pounds of torque. Maybe they were forgetting the Kawasaki H2 SX or the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT? The engine is the American-built ET-V2 unit, with peak power delivered at 10,600 rpm and peak torque at 8,200 rpm. The bore is much wider than the stroke is long - 106 mm to 67.5 mm - and the compression ratio is a very high 13.4:1. Buell also claims a gas mileage of 40 MPG, although fuel capacity isn’t listed anywhere.

Typical Buell Design Features

Buell 1190 Supertouring studio shot
Buell
Buell 1190 Supertouring front brake detail

Buells were always known for their innovative design, with components fulfilling more than one role. For example, the chassis frame doubled up as the fuel tank and the swing arm was also the oil reservoir for the dry-sump engine. It looks as if the 1190 SuperTouring will follow the same design principles, including the rim-mounted front brake disc. This particular design feature has a couple of important benefits: first of all, using only one disc that still has the stopping power of twin discs reduces the unsprung weight, that is, any weight that is not suspended by the springing, which means the whole wheel assembly. Furthermore, because the braking forces are not being transferred from the hub through the spokes to the rim, but directly to the rim, the wheel as a whole can be much lighter, especially the spokes. Also, a much larger diameter disc will cool much more effectively, preventing fade under repeated and heavy braking conditions.

Impressive Versatility

Buell 1190 Supertouring studio shot
Buell
Buell 1190 Supertouring facing right

We touched on this a moment ago, but it is worth reiterating. While the current breed of adventure bikes are hugely versatile, that versatility combines road and off-road riding. The current breed of sport touring motorcycles are excellent on road but are often a little too big and heavy to be any good on track. Perhaps Buell is answering a question that no-one was asking but the SuperTouring can be converted from a touring bike to a track bike in less than an hour. Quite how it does this, Buell is not saying, but it is certain to involve unbolting a lot of the road and travel equipment, leaving it as a naked sport bike which, with 185 horsepower, will make it very entertaining indeed when pushing it to the limits at the track. Building in a bit of multipurpose usability is an interesting idea, but we’re not sure if it will really sell that many more bikes.

Related: Here Are The Key Differences Between Sport Tourers And Adventure Bikes

What It Needs To Succeed

Buell 1190 Supertouring studio shot
Buell
Buell 1190 Supertouring rear suspension detail

It’s all very well trumpeting about power outputs and versatility in terms of being able to change it from one use to another in an hour, but what does the SuperTouring really need to succeed? First of all, the engine needs to be smooth and refined (and quiet) to make long-distance rides as relaxing as possible. Cruise control is a must and so is a comprehensive electronics suite, including cornering ABS and traction control, especially with that much power on tap. Ultimate top-end power isn’t relevant in real-world riding situations, which is where the SuperTouring will spend 99% of its time. The ergonomics need to be spot on for long days in the saddle. Get all of that right and the Buell 1190 SuperTouring could be a strong contender in the category.

Buell 1190 Supertouring studio shot
Buell
Buell 1190 Supertouring luggage details

Even though it is only slated to go into production in 2025, Buell might have been a little premature in announcing a price of $21,995. Who knows what will happen between now and then, given the volatility of the world at the moment. Still, that’s a pretty steep price and puts it up against a lot of adventure bikes, which will do everything a good touring bike will do with the added bonus of more versatility. As for direct sports touring rivals, well the Kawasaki H2 SX, with its supercharged inline four-cylinder is quite a bit more expensive at $28,000, while the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT undercuts the Buell by a healthy $2,000, coming in at $19,799. The Kawasaki boasts over 200 horsepower with ram air effect and the same amount of torque as the SuperTouring, while the KTM gives 173 horsepower and 104 foot pounds of torque. It’s a brave move by Buell but the SuperTouring will have to be good out of the box if it is to steal a march on the established entries in this class.