This Power Cruiser Hits Like a Sledgehammer Without Weighing Like One
Power cruisers have always been all about presence backed by some serious performance. A big V-twin, a low stance, and a thump you can feel in your chest. However, presence and performance come at a cost: weight. Most of these machines weigh well over 650 pounds, which can take the essence of speed out of the picture—regardless of the power. That’s when you need something with big power and less weight, and we have one prime example for you here. Oh, it’s made in the US!
What ‘Big Weight’ Means In The Power Cruiser Segment
The power cruiser segment of bikes seems quite attractive, all adorned in chrome and metal, a big torque V-twin, and an old-school design. But along with these, a bike is only going to be heavy. Bikes like the Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST and the Indian Sport Chief carry engines tuned for low-end grunt, and both these bikes weigh well over the 650-pound mark. There are a few upsides to this weight in the form of stability at speed and during overtakes at high speeds.
However, riding these motorcycles anywhere else feels more like a workout. Making U-turns needs planning, and slow-speed maneuvers become a tough task. And for those who enjoy some spirited riding, it takes a lot of effort to flick the bike from one lean angle to the next. Riders have lived with this for years, because they wanted the whole cruiser package. So, for those riders who want the power cruiser character without the hefty mass, here’s an American motorcycle for you.
The Buell Super Cruiser Delivers Over 175 HP At 485 Pounds
Buell’s Super Cruiser offers all the power cruiser charm without the weight. Weighing in at just 485 pounds (without fuel), the Super Cruiser weighs around 165 pounds less than the Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST, while still making about 60 horsepower more. Very few bikes in this category are able to keep the weight this low, while still making more power, and the Buell Super Cruiser is a prime example of that.
As a refresher, Buell collaborated with Roland Sands Design to build this motorcycle, which was first showcased as a concept in February 2023. And the first production model rolled off the factory floor in December 2025 with a price tag of $25,900. Deliveries are slowly beginning, so you should certainly put in a deposit if this makes a convincing argument for you.
Sports Bike-Derived Equipment Is The USP
Instead of starting with a cruiser template and shedding weight, Buell took a different route. The brand borrowed the engine from a Hammerhead sport bike and built a custom chassis around it. The engine has been tuned differently to match the character of the Super Cruiser, but it still has obvious sports bike roots. The sports bike theme then continues throughout the rest of the motorcycle.
For instance, Buell uses brakes, suspension, and wheels from the performance side of the industry that are then shaped into a cruiser form. Even the ergonomics are unique to this bike. A cafe-style quarter fairing, raised handlebars, mid-mounted pegs, and a 32-inch seat height make up a comfortable yet engaging riding triangle.
Power-To-Weight Ratio Is The Showstopper
Under the skin, the bike is powered by a sport bike-derived 1,190cc liquid-cooled 72-degree V-twin paired with a six-speed gearbox. It puts out 175 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque. While the torque figure is less than what most cruiser buyers would expect, the Buell Super Cruiser makes up for it with its power-to-weight ratio. That should translate into acceleration that is immediate rather than building gradually, like a traditional cruiser. This also means that the engine can be revved and pushed to its limit, rather than lugging.
Premium Hardware Includes Adjustable Suspension
The price you pay for the calm-looking Super Cruiser gets you some premium equipment. The chassis is paired with fully adjustable FOX suspension – upside-down forks up front and a single shock at the rear with no linkage. That adjustability on a motorcycle with this much performance allows the riders to set it up according to their weight as well as the kind of roads they will ride on.
Braking is handled by dual 320mm discs up front and a 220mm rear disc. The Super Cruiser rides on 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, also something you would find on sport bikes. Put together, these premium components point toward a bike that is meant to hold a line and stop with confidence, not just look good in the parking lot.
Barely Any Electronic Intrusion For A Raw Ride
While it gets a lot of premium equipment and a powerful engine, Buell barely offers any electronic rider aids. No ABS, no traction control, and no other rider aids. Nothing steps in to keep the traction in check, and nothing stops the front wheel from locking up. Everything that happens is all down to rider input. So it demands respect from the rider, especially in wet conditions or on poor surfaces.
The Buell Super Cruiser Is Competitively Priced In The Segment
At $25,900, the Super Cruiser is not a cheap motorcycle, and it would be wrong to pretend otherwise. But look at the segment, and the pricing is rather acceptable. For instance, Harley’s Low Rider ST has a really low base price of under $19,000 on paper. Adding a rear seat and blacked-out finish quickly takes that beyond $20,000. Colors further bump the price. Meanwhile, performance cruisers like the Ducati Diavel V4 and Triumph Rocket 3 Storm GT are right in the alley of the Super Cruiser, despite being considerably heavier and less sporty. Thus, the Buell puts all of this together, making the price tag more justifiable.
Source: Buell Motorcycle
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