The Best-Looking Cruiser I’ve Seen in Years Is Finally Here

With the first production bike officially rolling off the line, the seemingly over-the-top specs prove to be more than hype.

Rear section of a black motorcycle showing the rear tire, exhaust pipes, brake disc, and part of the seat, with a natural rocky landscape in the background.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published September 30, 2025

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Updated November 10, 2025

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Along with much of the motorcycle world, I’ve been prematurely holding my breath for the arrival of Buell’s highly anticipated Super Cruiser for some time now.

After all, the bike first appeared back in February of 2023, leaving moto journalists and fans to spend well over two years like Eric Cantona’s proverbial seagulls, chasing morsels of additional info.

Black Buell motorcycle with a quilted seat, dual exhaust pipes, and a front fairing, parked indoors on a stand in a workshop setting. — It has taken its sweet time, but the production Super Cruiser appears to be living up to its initial promise.

The picture started to sharpen last month with the bike going into final testing, and an even juicer morsel has now arrived with Buell’s own announcement that the very first production Super Cruiser, literally VIN 0001, has been completed. Whew.

That particular bike will go on display a Birmingham, Alabama’s Barber Motorsports Museum during Barber Vintage Festival this weekend before becoming part of its collection, and there are still hurdles to clear, including final federal certifications.

However, now that this thing exists, the specs truly go from theoretical to actual, providing the latest opportunity to wax ecstatic about both the looks and performance possibilities.

Stirring looks

As a popular shampoo brand observed back in the day, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

The Super Cruiser’s classically stunning silhouette turned heads right out of the gate and that aesthetic has thankfully carried over.

A person wearing a black helmet, black hoodie, gray cargo pants, and black-and-white checkered sneakers is riding a black Buell motorcycle on a paved road with a grassy area and trees in the background. — The slick cafe-style front fairing and inverted bar-end mirrors give off no-nonsense grip-and-rip vibes.

“These hand-built machines are a true blend of performance and art,” said CEO Bill Melvin. “We’re proud of the talented team whose dedication and craftsmanship transformed the Super Cruiser from a bold concept into a production motorcycle.”

While that may sound like classic CEO-speak, let’s not forget that when Melvin first took control of the company from Erik Buell himself, it was as a liquid asset manager.

But rather than selling the company for parts, as expected, he’s kept the whole operation rolling, and thanks in part to the input of Roland Sands Design, there really is a lot to love about what’s coming to market.

Close-up of the rear section of a motorcycle showing the black exhaust pipes, rear wheel with Dunlop tire, disc brake, and part of the engine and frame. The seat and suspension components are also partially visible. — As an exhaust enthusiast, I can’t help but admire this aggressively angled and blacked-out set-up.

Notable elements emerging from the uncompromising steel tube frame include a Memphis Shades cafe-style front fairing, upside-down bar-end mirrors and a stitched black Saddlemen seat.

Not to be outdone are 17-inch wheels, a classic Buell swingarm and a jauntily jutting matte-black muffler, of course.

Rousing numbers

As fine as the appearance is, what’s really exciting at this point are some of the performance-oriented specs and details, headlined by one hell of a power plant.

The 1190cc V-twin, liquid-cooled engine makes a claimed 175 horsepower and a bonkers 94 lb-ft of torque at 8,500 rpm. That’s positively beastly.

At nearly 1,200cc, the engine is primed to pump out the ponies and tantalizing torque.

Buell Motorcycle Co.

Meanwhile, a hydraulically actuated clutch and a vacuum-operated slipper assist with downshifting, while Fox inverted front forks and a rear single shock handle suspension.

Adding to the brand name componentry, Brembo dual-rotor 320mm disc brakes up front and a 220mm disc brake in the rear deliver ample stopping power.

Other notable figures include a wet (no fuel) weight of 485 pounds, a seat height of 32 inches and a max lean angle of (wait for it) 50 degrees.

Black Buell motorcycle parked on a paved road with a rugged, rocky landscape in the background under a cloudy sky. The motorcycle features a large exhaust pipe, disc brakes, and a comfortable seat. — With its power and posture, the Super Cruiser looks prepared to seek out adventures and breathtaking views.

That’s peg-scraping stuff, balanced by Dunlop SportMax Q5A rubber wrapping the wheels and hopefully preventing you from sliding right off the highway.

After all, in addition to your own well-being, a bike this beautiful really does deserve to stay shiny side up.

Availability and pricing

Following the completion of final federal certifications, Buell will begin customer deliveries of the $25,900 Super Cruiser, likely early next year. You can place a $1,000 deposit now to get in line.

Black Buell motorcycle with a sleek design, featuring a round headlight, dual exhaust pipes, and Dunlop tires, parked on a concrete surface near palm trees and a wooden fence.

Buell Super Cruiser

$25,900 at Buell Motorcycle Co.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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