Page 36 - HR-2017-C-Classical-Feb1617r

Buehl

inertia of having the weight further out Buell Models 1990), the RS 1200 Westwind (1989),
on the rim, and the heat generation near the RS 1200/5 Westwind (1990–1992)
the tire, were not negative factors, RW 750 Road Warrior (1984) and the RSS 1200 Westwind (1991).
based on testing. Askenazi concluded The RW 750 was a development of the
that testing and race track experience Barton Formula One racing S2 Thunderbolt (1994–1995)
had proven the ZTL to be “state of the motorcycle.[18] Buell bought the parts Two-seater with Road Warrior based
art.” and tooling from the failed Barton chassis and Sportster engine. The S2T
concern and developed the RW 750 for Thunderbolt (1995–1996) was a touring
Other industry innovations introduced by his own use and for sale to private version, with saddlebags. The S2 was
Buell in the XB very expensive to
lineup were the “fuel develop (around
in frame” $100,000), and 1,399
technology, and the units were sold in the
dual use of the first year—well over the
swingarm as an oil 300 units Buell had
tank. Also, all Buell projected.
models feature a
muffler mounted Buell S1 White
below the engine Lightning
which helps keep The S1 Lightning was a
mass centralized more fundamental
with some models sportbike than the S3
featuring a Thunderbolt and M2
computer-controlled Cyclone that it was
valve to switch marketed alongside
between two and the production on
exhaust paths as this model was stopped
necessary to at 5000 after only 3
maximize torque. years. Variants of this
entrants.[19] The engine was a liquid- version of the Lightning were the S1
Buell designs focus on providing good cooled two-stroke square four. Buell’s Lightning (1996/1997/1998) and the
handling, comfortable riding, easy development resulted in a more S1W White Lightning (1998). The S1W
maintenance, and street-friendly real- competitive racer, but production ceased came with a larger tank and
world performance. Buell motorcycles when the AMA discontinued the Formula Thunderstorm cylinder heads which
were engineered with an emphasis on One class. gave an extra 10 hp (7.5 kW).
what they called the “Trilogy of Tech”:
mass centralization, low unsprung RR 1000 Battletwin (1987–1988) X1 Lightning (1999–2002)
weight, and frame rigidity. The RR 1000 Battletwin was a street The X1 Lightning was the successor to
sportbike using a modified Road Warrior the S1 Lightning line. They all used the
Buell engines were designed to be chassis and a Harley-Davidson XR1000 Thunderstorm heads, fuel injection
street-friendly both in fuel efficiency (up engine. Buell invented the Isoplanar (Dynamic Digital Fuel Injection) and
to 70 mpg-US or 3.4 L/100 km or 84 engine mounting system to allow the incorporated larger fuel tanks as well as
mpg-imp with the Blast), and in torque heavy, vibration-prone engine to be completely different body designs. The
(the 1,203 cc version produces 110 N·m used as a structural member of the most recognizable frame piece was the
or 81 lbf·ft). They are also simple and frame without transmitting the engine brushed aluminum tail section that
easy to maintain. Most Buell two- vibrations to the frame. Lack of space swept upward and back underneath the
cylinder engines utilize computer caused Buell to put the suspension two-up seat. The 1999 X1 Lightning was
controlled ducted forced air cooling components under the engine. The awarded motorcycle of the year in
(variable speed fan that only activates linkage caused the spring and the shock Japan.
as required), two valves per cylinder, a absorber to extend when the wheel went
single throttle body, zero maintenance up. S3 Thunderbolt (1997–2002)
hydraulic valve actuation, and zero S3T Thunderbolt (1997–2000)
maintenance gear-driven cams. Variations on the RR 1000 Battletwin
include the RR 1200 Battletwin (1988– 1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt