A Roland Sands Design Collaboration
Grand Rapids, MI, February 10, 2023 – Buell Motorcycle announced this week that a new Super Cruiser designed by Roland Sands of Roland Sands Design, Long Beach, CA, is in development for 2025, bringing two iconic brands together to create a one-of-a-kind motorcycle with a West Coast attitude.
"Building a cruiser was something we always contemplated," said Bill Melvin, CEO of Buell Motorcycle Co. "The market is full of American manufacturers known mostly for big, heavy bikes – not fast, hot ones like the famous V-twins of the 30s. Our Buell Super Cruiser will be the hottest bike on the market. Period."
Roland Sands & Roland Sands Design will bring the heat. Champion motorcycle racer turned custom bike builder, Sands is considered the King of Cool in styling cruisers, café racers, and many top brands' iconic built bikes.
"When Bill first approached us about building a high-performance cruiser using the Buell motor, it was as if the bike designed itself,” said Roland Sands. “Considering the history of Buell and the market’s need for a truly high-performance cruiser, and the build quality of the existing Buell chassis parts, motor, and rolling kit, the project was a natural fit."
The Super Cruiser will take advantage of Buell's unique high-performance V-twin engine and innovative perimeter braking system and structural swingarm, delivering a bike with exceptional handling in a non-sport bike format.
"The design lends itself to the West coast scene where customization is part of bike culture," said Melvin. “And Roland was enthusiastic about incorporating Buell technology into that culture, creating the fastest, coolest cruiser on the market.”
"I've been working on projects like this for 20-plus years, and this is the first time we've been able to build a performance cruiser without the typical V-twin performance compromises of weight and motor width and length," said Sands.
At 450 lbs. and 175 hp, Sands' chassis geometry delivers road-friendly handling that's ready for the track. Using much of the standard Buell rolling kit, Sands engineered his chassis design to work with the swingarm, forks, original 17" wheels, and brake system. "Ground clearance, bar position, and comfortable seating and foot positions are key to getting the cruiser look with sport bike handling," said Sands.
The Super Cruiser solidifies that Buell is Back and building more than sport bikes. Out of the gate, this cruiser will lead performance in the category. It's light, nimble, and high torque, incorporating all the main points that connect the rider to the ground, and it’s cracking open another part of the market – a younger crowd craving speed and performance in a cruiser.
Buell previewed the Super Cruiser's proof of concept at a Private VIP Reveal Party at Roland Sands Design shop in Long Beach, CA on February 10.
About its potential, Sands is confident. "With correct geometry and an attitude to match? Yeah, that's the business right there," he said
Buell Motorcycles is an American manufacturer and marketer of high-performance V-Twin motorcycles. Known for their fuel-in-frame and perimeter brake designs, Buell delivers an incredible ride and excitement at every turn. For future updates, follow us on social or visit our website News.