1986 Buell RR1000

Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Frame No: Not Visible
Engine No: Not Visible
cc: 1000

Former road racer and Harley Davidson engineer, Erik Buell introduced his first production motorcycle, the RR1000, during 1986. The new machine, that would remain in limited production until 1988 was an interesting mixture of the radical and conservative. Mr Buell sought to build machines that were endowed with excellent handling by concentrating on maintaining a low unsprung weight, centralising the mass of the machine and ensuring maximum frame rigidity. In order to achieve this he employed a tubular steel frame with the XR1000 engine mounted using his ingenious "Uniplanar" rubber engine mounts. These allowed the big vee twin Harley engine to vibrate within the frame whilst still forming part of the structure as a fully stressed component. Conventional Marzocchi forks, equipped with electronic anti dive, were employed at the front of the motorcycle, however an offset monolever and horizontal suspension unit mounted under the engine provided the rear springing. The radical chassis was equipped with equally radical bodywork which enveloped the motorcycle from front to rear ensuring that the machine was as aerodynamically efficient as possible. In contrast to the chassis, the engine chosen was hardly radical, even the most die hard Harley enthusiast would have difficulty in arguing that the iron barrelled XR1000 engine and four-speed gearbox employed were at the cutting edge of mid eighties motorcycle drivetrain technology.

Mr Buell was able to secure an initial batch of 25 orders for the machine enabling production to start in 1986. In total it is believed that 49 machines were built over its two year production life retailing for $12,500 each. Road tests confirmed that the machine was endowed with excellent handling and fine performance, its low weight of 170Kg and good aerodynamics assisting the engine, validating Mr Buells theories and ultimately resulting in Harley Davidson taking over the company. Later products would employ fuel bearing alloy beam frames and rim mounted disc brakes with compact wheelbases in pursuit of excellent handling.

This example was originally exported from Buell to Canada in 1988 having been built in 1987. It is described as being in "good original condition overall" having been housed in a private collection in recent years.