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Buell Motorcycles is officially back in the game, and it’s making a bold statement by opening preorders for the all-new 2025 Buell 1190 SuperTouring. This American-made sport-tourer marks Buell’s revival in a segment long dominated by overseas brands. Enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting a homegrown sport-touring machine, and Buell is delivering one that promises to be the world’s fastest tourer – a claim backed by some jaw-dropping specs and Buell’s legendary racing pedigree.
High-Octane V-Twin Power and Lightweight Design
At the heart of the 1190 SuperTouring is a proven 1190cc Rotax-built Helicon V-twin engine, a 72-degree liquid-cooled powerhouse originally developed during Erik Buell’s earlier ventures. In SuperTouring form, this engine is tuned to pump out a claimed 185 horsepower and 102 ft-lbs of torque – superbike levels of output. For perspective, that’s more horsepower than many sportbikes, in a motorcycle designed for touring! Buell isn’t shy about the SuperTouring’s performance, boasting an industry-leading power-to-weight ratio.
Crucially, the SuperTouring is lightweight. Thanks to Buell’s signature aluminum fuel-in-frame chassis design and extensive use of carbon fiber bodywork, the bike comes in at about 439 pounds wet (without luggage). That’s significantly lighter than most sport-touring or adventure-tourer bikes. With such a svelte figure, the 1190 SuperTouring should offer agile handling and quick acceleration. Buell’s claim of a 0.421 hp/lb power-to-weight ratio underscores just how extreme this machine is – it’s truly a sportbike in touring guise.
Track-Bred Components for the Road
Buell has equipped the SuperTouring with premium components throughout. Up front, you’ll find top-notch dual Brembo brake calipers biting on large EBC rotors, providing superb stopping power for spirited riding or emergency stops with luggage in tow. A high-performance fully adjustable Fox suspension system is used at both ends, complete with a steering stabilizer to keep the bike steady during high-speed runs. This suspension is tuned to handle both aggressive cornering and the loaded weight of touring gear, offering a blend of sportbike firmness and touring comfort.
The SuperTouring rolls on sticky Dunlop Sportmax Q5 tires, signaling its sporting intentions. While many touring bikes might come with sport-touring rubber, Buell’s choice of essentially a sportbike tire means maximum grip in the corners. Of course, owners who plan to do cross-country highway miles might opt for more mileage-friendly tires later, but the message is clear: this bike is built for performance first.
In terms of rider contact points, Buell has paid attention to comfort as well. A custom Saddlemen seat comes standard, designed for comfortable two-up riding on long hauls. The footpegs have been redesigned and lowered by an inch compared to Buell’s sportbikes, giving a slightly more relaxed leg position for touring comfort without sacrificing cornering clearance too much. The handlebars are set to provide an upright posture, so riders can enjoy long days in the saddle without excessive wrist or back strain. It’s a thoughtful balance between sport and tour ergonomics.
Touring Features and Personalization
Being a sport-tourer, the Buell 1190 SuperTouring isn’t just about going fast – it’s also about traveling far. Buell has engineered a sturdier subframe to accommodate luggage and a passenger. Removable hard saddlebags will be available as add-ons; in fact, the company offers optional packages that include 36-liter side cases. One interesting option even includes a secondary exhaust configuration to accommodate the luggage – a hint at the bike’s unique exhaust routing solution so the bags can fit without overheating or interference. There’s also an available kit with “cut” muffler tips and bags. In short, buyers can configure the exhaust and luggage setup that suits their style and needs, whether they want a symmetrical dual-exhaust look or a lighter single-exhaust setup.
Other touring amenities include an adjustable windscreen (for wind protection on highways) and standard cruise control, which is basically a must-have for a modern touring bike. Heated grips and even heated seats are expected to be offered to make cold-weather rides more pleasant. While Buell hasn’t published all the comfort feature details in this preorder announcement, it’s likely these features will be either standard or optional by the time the bike hits production.
On the tech front, the 1190 SuperTouring is expected to come with modern electronic rider aids. Given the high output and Buell’s sportbike background, we anticipate multiple ride modes, adjustable traction control, and cornering ABS (anti-lock brakes) leveraging an IMU (inertial measurement unit) – though Buell hasn’t explicitly confirmed the IMU, it would make sense to include one to stay competitive. At minimum, a switchable traction control system (as seen on the old 1190RX superbike) will be onboard to help manage that 185 hp in various conditions. This should give riders confidence whether they’re carving up a mountain road or caught in an unexpected rainstorm on the interstate. The bike will also feature a modern full-color TFT display for instrumentation, likely with smartphone connectivity for navigation and media, keeping up with today’s touring expectations.
The Revival of an American Brand
For those who have followed Buell’s tumultuous history, the SuperTouring represents more than just a new model – it’s the revival of the American sport-tourer. Buell was originally known for its unconventional American sportbikes in the 1990s and 2000s (often using Harley-Davidson engines). After Harley shut Buell down in 2009, and a subsequent Erik Buell Racing venture ended in 2015, the Buell name lay dormant. However, under new ownership, Buell Motorcycles was reborn in 2021, and the company announced bold plans to release a range of new models. The 1190 SuperTouring is a cornerstone of that plan, signaling that Buell is serious about innovation and carving out a niche in segments where American brands have been scarce.
The sport-touring segment, in particular, has lacked an American contender for years. Riders looking for a high-performance tourer have typically chosen between European machines like the BMW S1000XR and Ducati Multistrada V4 (or the more sport-touring focused Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX and Yamaha FJR1300 from Japan). The Buell 1190 SuperTouring is poised to give those riders a red-white-and-blue alternative – one with a distinct personality. Buell’s bikes have always had a reputation for being a bit different (fuel in frame, perimeter brakes, etc.), and the SuperTouring continues that legacy of uniqueness while delivering the goods in performance.
Visually, the SuperTouring has an aggressive and singular look. Early photos show a sharp, angular fairing and the characteristic aluminum fuel-frame with its beefy twin spars on display. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it design that definitely stands out from the crowd. The fairing is functional, built to shield the rider from windblast, but it maintains a sporty profile. Buell clearly wanted this bike to look as fast as it goes.
Preorders, Pricing, and Availability
Buell has opened up preorders with a $50 deposit to reserve a place in line. This small, refundable deposit essentially gets enthusiasts “on the list” for the SuperTouring. The excitement around this model is real – many Buell aficionados and sport-touring fans have expressed interest – so getting an early reservation could be smart for those determined to own one of the first units off the line.
The company has announced that actual sales orders will be taken starting July 1, 2025, at which point a larger deposit ($1,000) will be required to confirm the build slot. As an incentive, Buell is offering special early-bird pricing: pre-order customers who finalize their order between July and August 2025 will pay $22,495 as the base price. After August 31, the SuperTouring will revert to its standard MSRP of $23,995. Essentially, there’s a $1,500 “loyalty discount” for those who commit early – a nice perk for the eager fans and a way for Buell to gauge initial production volume.
Production is slated to begin in fall 2025 at Buell’s factory in Grand Rapids, Michigan. If all goes according to plan, the first SuperTouring models should roll out to customers by late 2025 or very early 2026. Buell has not indicated any limited production run – it appears they will build to meet demand, which shows confidence that the demand will be there.
An American Sport-Tourer Renaissance
The launch of the Buell 1190 SuperTouring heralds a renaissance for American sport-touring motorcycles. It’s not often that a brand new model comes along in this category, and certainly not from an American company with racing DNA. Buell is making a clear statement that it intends to compete with the best in the world. For sport-touring enthusiasts, the SuperTouring offers an enticing mix of superbike performance, touring capability, and exclusive American craftsmanship.
Riders who have been yearning for an American bike that can comfortably devour miles and attack corners like a sportbike finally have something to look forward to. The 1190 SuperTouring’s combination of a roaring V-twin engine, lightweight engineering, and top-shelf components should make it a thrill to ride – whether you’re blasting down a backroad with luggage strapped on or doing a cross-country trek to the next rally.
In many ways, this bike represents Buell getting back to its roots: building bikes that dare to be different. It’s a high-tech, high-performance machine for riders who want to stand out from the crowd. The revival of the American sport-tourer has begun, and Buell is leading the charge. If the 1190 SuperTouring delivers on its promises, it could very well put America back on the sport-touring map and inspire other manufacturers to follow. For now, all eyes are on Buell as we await the arrival of this hyper-powered touring rocket. The countdown to production is on – and an exciting new chapter in American motorcycling is about to unfold.
Takeaway: The Buell 1190 SuperTouring brings the fight to the sport-touring segment with big V-twin power, cutting-edge components, and a uniquely American flair. Preorders are open, enthusiasm is high, and it looks like the revival of the American sport-tourer is officially underway. Sport-touring fans, get ready – Buell is back, and it means business.
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