Daytona Bike Week was indeed a demonstration of sheer noise and allure; however, this season, an American classic marked the territory in an unexpected manner – by integrating sportbike with cruiser design elements. The Buell Super Cruiser, a completely new performance cruiser developed by the restyled Buell Motorcycle Company, was first revealed to the public in Daytona and surprised many attendees with its nonconformist style and promise of top-flight performance.
Carrying the distinct features of both a superbike and a cruiser, the Super Cruiser could be perceived as Buell’s answer to the Ducati Diavel or Harley’s Sportster S – a bike that, despite displaying the easy-going look of a cruiser, enjoys full agility in the bends and delivers great speed. The launch symbolizes Buell’s comeback to the mainstream and represents a trend for power cruisers that can really manage. Below are the reasons why the Super Cruiser was a show-stopper at Daytona and what riders can expect from this American-made machine.
Co-Designers: Roland Sands and the Damping Cruiser
The Super Cruiser is the result of collaboration between Buell and noted custom builder Roland Sands, who contributed significantly to the design. It features a low-slung cruiser-style chassis with considerable RSD (Roland Sands Design) influence, powered by Buell’s time-tested 1190cc V-twin engine.
The first unit, wrapped in an eye-catching metallic orange and black livery (a tribute to Buell’s heritage colors), was ridden by Sands himself to popular acclaim. It’s not just a regular cruiser — while it comes with a swept-back handlebar, low seat, and big rear tire typical of cruisers, the overall design and components reflect sportbike performance attributes.
Key Design Components That Impressed Onlookers
Frame and Geometry
Relative to heavy steel cruiser frames, the Super Cruiser uses an aluminum chassis — an Erik Buell legacy — with the engine as a stressed member. The geometry is sharper than any cruiser, with a rake of about 27°, sportier than the Harley Dyna.
- Longer wheelbase for stability and looks (but not chopper-long)
- Over 40° lean angle, acknowledged by sport riders
- Mid-mounted footpegs for better cornering control
1190 V-Twin Power
At its core is Buell’s 1190cc liquid-cooled V-twin, derived from the 1190RX superbike engine, producing around 175 horsepower and 101 lb-ft of torque — huge numbers for a cruiser. This puts the Super Cruiser among the most powerful cruisers ever built, surpassing even Ducati’s Diavel V4 (168 hp).
Roland Sands revved the throttle during the unveiling, and the deep roar from the short exhaust thrilled the crowd. Weighing about 450 lbs (dry), the bike accelerates like a drag machine and surpasses 150 mph, far beyond typical cruiser limits.
Suspension and Brakes
To ensure high performance, the Super Cruiser features Showa inverted front forks and a rear mono-shock for sportbike-level handling. The front end uses Buell’s signature perimeter brake rotor with 8-piston calipers, providing exceptional cooling and stopping power.
- ABS is standard
- Likely to include ride modes
- Unique single perimeter disc, a hallmark of Buell’s heritage
Styling Highlights
The design blends cruiser soul with sportbike aggression:
- Flat-track-style fuel tank (low and elongated)
- Dual exposed rear shocks (vintage aesthetic)
- Slim solo seat with a kicked-up tail reminiscent of a café racer
- Small bikini fairing over round LED headlight
- Massive 240mm rear tire
Despite its muscle, the Super Cruiser offers generous ground clearance and no forward controls, making it more agile. Sands described the vibe as “FXR meets Buell” — and the crowd loved it.
Performance and Riding Position
Industry representatives who sat on or rode the bike agreed the ergonomics are spot-on for a performance cruiser:
- 29-inch seat height for flat-foot confidence
- Slightly forward-leaning riding position
- Even weight distribution for balanced handling
- Quick yet stable steering geometry
With 175 hp available, the bike can shred tires in burnouts yet corner with precision. Buell designed the Super Cruiser to excel both as a straight-line hot rod and a cornering machine.
Crowd and Market Reaction
Daytona Bike Week is a haven for both cruiser loyalists and sportbike enthusiasts. Introducing a hybrid was risky, but it paid off. Many Harley riders welcomed the concept, and reactions like “Is that a Buell? They’re back!” and “175 horsepower? On a cruiser? Sign me up!” echoed throughout the event.
While some purists disliked the non-traditional features (water-cooled engine, no long chrome pipes), Buell’s different path targeted a niche valuing both performance and style.
Buell announced that the Super Cruiser will enter production in 2025, with pre-orders starting in late 2024. Pricing is expected to start at $20,000+, competitive with models like the Ducati Diavel V4 (~$27,000) and Harley Low Rider S (~$18,000).
Made in the USA Performance
Buell emphasizes that the Super Cruiser is a true American motorcycle, designed and assembled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It blends flat-track heritage with modern performance, reviving the tradition of American sportbike engineering once thought gone after Buell and EBR shut down.
Future Implications for Buell
The Super Cruiser’s success signals Buell’s determination to carve out a significant place in the market. Upcoming models, including a 1190 SuperTouring bike, will build on this momentum. Rather than relying on nostalgia, Buell is innovating with new designs, offering riders more choices in the American performance segment.
Conclusion
The Buell Super Cruiser electrified Daytona with a unique blend of cruiser style and superbike performance. Its presence proves that a cruiser can rival a superbike in speed, agility, and excitement.
Despite a traditionally conservative audience, both cruiser and sportbike fans were drawn to the Super Cruiser, intrigued by its engineering and bold design. It represents a new era for Buell — one that combines power, agility, and American craftsmanship in a package unlike anything else on the road.
“While eyeing the Super Cruiser’s massive front brake and upside-down forks, an excited spectator pointed out: This ain’t your daddy’s cruiser.”
And indeed, it isn’t — it’s a glimpse into the future of performance cruisers.