Erick Buell was once a bigwig at Harley Davidson->ke300, having served the role of head engineer and designer of Buell Motorcycles->ke1393. But when Harley decided to part ways with the sub-brand, Buell likewise left as well, opting to run his namesake brand on his own.

For those wondering how Buell would fare without the financial muscle of Harley Davidson behind him, those questions have been answered with the launch of the company's new superbike, the unconscionably gorgeous 1190RS.

Defying all the naysayers that said that it couldn't be done, the 1190RS is a living testament not only to Buell's fortitude, but also the fact that the company could produce a stunning and technologically advanced superbike on their own. The 1190RS was designed while drawing inspiration from their other previous work - the 1125R->ke2940 - except that the former clearly stands on its own as a superbike serving notice. The frame casting of the bike is all-new while the airbox on the bike is twice the size of the previous version. Other important elements of the bike, including the wheels, suspension, brakes, body, structural components, and controls are all new and stand-alone from anything else Buell Racing has produced in the past.

More details on the Buell Racing 1190RS SUperbike after the jump.

2011 Buell Racing 1190RS Superbike

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Buell Racing 1190RS Superbike
  • Horsepower: 170 horsepower
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

As for the drivetrain, the 1190RS will feature converted Rotax motors from the 1,125 cc displacement it once had to a more powerful 1,190 cc. This drivetrain also includes 106mm forged pistons, titanium valves, race cams, and forged and machined connecting rods, among other things. All told, the 1190RS is expected to be a lightweight superbike with an output of around 170 horsepower, which is right around the neighborhood of the Ducati 1198R. The company is hopeful in releasing the first batch of these street-legal superbikes at a base price of $39,995 sometime this month.

With the impending release of the Buell Racing 1190RS, expect a steady stream of interest for the superbike, one that should have the execs over at Harley-Davidson shaking their heads and thinking what could have been.