On February 22, 2021, Harley-Davidson finally revealed the specs, features, and price of its very first adventure bike, the Pan America. One day later, on February 23, 2021, Buell Motorcycles announced its comeback under CEO Bill Melvin. While the Motor Company treaded into new territory with the Pan Am, Buell heavily relied on the brand’s long-established models. However, a render of the upcoming SuperTouring 1190 hinted at Buell’s new ambitions.
More than one year later, that concept is finally a reality, with Buell unveiling the SuperTouring 1190 and Baja DR prototypes at Daytona Bike Week on March 5, 2022. As expected, the SuperTouring 1190 features the same 1,190cc, 72-degree V-twin found in Hammerhead 1190 superbike and 1190SX hypernaked. However, Buell engineers adapted the powerplant for long-distance touring with 185 horsepower and 101 lb-ft of torque.
While the SuperTouring 1190 concept looked poised to battle with the Harley-Davidson Pan America, the model’s styling slightly departs from the original renders. The dual headlights framed by a boxy enclosure remain but Buell opts for a new LED headlight pattern and a different under-mounted light bar. The semi-knob tires captured in the concept image also give way to sport-touring hoops, resulting in a road-biased appearance.
The 2023 Baja DR, on the other hand, is all dirt all the time. Again, Buell repurposes its Rotax-derived, 1,190cc V-twin to suit the new model. In Dune Racer form, the mill pumps out 175 horsepower but retains peak torque of 101 lb-ft. The previously reported 37-inch seat height and adjustable swingarm remain, but just like the SuperTouring 1190, the Baja takes on a new guise in production form.
Buell based the 175-horsepower dirt bike on its AMA National Hill Climb Championship-winning 1190HCR. Unlike the HCR, the Baja DR features an exposed subframe, extra front plastics, and a revised trellis frame.
Despite the new designs, the SuperTouring 1190 and Baja DR are priced as previously advertised. At $21,9995, the SuperTouring 1190 aligns with its competitors in the sport-touring literbike category. Conversely, the Dune Racer lacks direct rivals and the $19,995 MSRP supports that fact. Customers can now reserve a Baja DR or SuperTouring 1190 at Buell’s website for $25, but the company hasn’t announced production dates just yet.
