Tired of traditional cruisers? The 2026 Buell Super Cruiser combines a brutal V-twin engine with superbike agility. Check it out.
The wait is over: the 2026 Buell Super Cruiser has officially moved from concept to production stage, ending more than two years of speculation since the initial announcement in February 2023. The chassis number VIN 0001 unit was completed on September 26, 2025, and after being displayed during the Barber Vintage Festival (October 3-5, 2025), it will be dedicated to the Barber Motorsports Museum. Beyond the symbolism, what stands out is the technical sheet: the 1,190 cc V-twin delivers 175 hp, with a lean angle of up to 50° and a chassis package with top-tier components, all wrapped in a suggested price of US$ 25,900 (with a US$ 1,000 deposit).
Engine, chassis, and dynamics: why the Super Cruiser lives up to the “Super”
At the heart of the Super Cruiser is the well-known 1,190 cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine, configured to deliver 175 hp and 94 lb-ft (≈127.4 Nm) at 8,500 rpm. The transmission uses a hydraulic clutch with a vacuum slipper, a solution that improves stability during hard downshifting and helps keep the rear wheel “planted” in aggressive corner entries.
- Suspension: FOX inverted fork at the front and FOX monoshock without linkage at the rear, prioritizing direct response and chassis control.
- Brakes: Brembo setup with dual 320 mm discs up front (instead of Buell’s classic single perimeter disc), offering higher thermal capacity to consistently stop a bike weighing ≈220 kg dry (485 lb without fuel).
- Tires: Dunlop Sportmax Q5A, known for quick warm-up and predictability at the limit — the perfect combination to exploit the 50° maximum lean angle.
For those accustomed to muscular power cruisers, the choice of dual Brembos and Q5A tires signals a clear intention for real-world performance. The cruiser ergonomics combined with superbike numbers create a hybrid proposal—a concept similar in spirit to other high-performance “power cruisers” like the 2025 Ducati XDiavel V4 in its brutal technical analysis, but with Buell’s flavor in the chassis package and the high-revving V-twin engine.
If your focus is absolute track performance, a street superbike like the 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R still makes more sense. But the Super Cruiser’s aim is to deliver sporty sensations with a relaxed posture and autonomy to ride hard on twisty roads, backed by the robustness of premium components.
Production, price, and deliveries: what to expect from the schedule
Buell confirmed a deliberately slow production ramp-up to prioritize quality and consistency. With production start validated, deliveries to customers should occur after the completion of final federal certifications. According to the brand, those who have already placed orders will be contacted within 2 to 4 months to arrange financing and schedule delivery once formalities are completed.
The suggested U.S. price is US$ 25,900, with a US$ 1,000 deposit. Considering the onboard hardware (FOX suspension, Brembo brakes, high-performance tires, and the 175 hp V-twin), the cost/delivery ratio is competitive for a niche product, assembled with strong artisanal emphasis. For mixed use (city/road), those seeking extreme versatility might prefer a high-level sport-tourer like the 2026 Ducati Multistrada V4 RS, the most advanced 180 hp sport-tourer in the category, but Buell’s proposal is more emotional and focused on “muscle + cornering.”
Positioning and rivals: who the Buell Super Cruiser was made for
The Super Cruiser serves the rider who wants the visual impact and immediate torque of a cruiser but doesn’t sacrifice clean lines, late braking, and a feeling of control when the pace picks up. In terms of sensations, it may also attract fans of powerful roadsters—a crowd that recognizes the appeal of motorcycles like the 2025 BMW R 1300 R, a roadster that roars louder.
- Who it’s for: power cruiser enthusiasts seeking real performance; riders who value sharp chassis, good brakes, and sporty tires; those wanting production exclusivity and refined finish.
- Who it’s not for: those prioritizing total touring comfort or advanced long-distance electronics; riders 100% focused on track days (there are more radical options for the track).
In a market scenario that embraces diverse styles—ranging from fun retro like the 2025 Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle, with guaranteed fun—Buell rescues its uncompromising engineering identity. It combines art and performance in a production machine with the soul of a special edition. If the goal is a cruiser that invites you to lean more with every corner, the 2026 Buell Super Cruiser finally delivers exactly that.
Author: Fabio Isidoro
Founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, he dedicates himself to exploring the automotive universe with depth and passion. A car and technology enthusiast, he produces technical content and in-depth analyses of national and international vehicles, combining quality information with a critical eye for the public.