Buell Baja DR Dirt Bike Unveiling Set for Daytona Bike Week

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The Buell Motorcycle team assembles the 1190 V-twin engine, which will power the all-new Baja DR. (Buell/)

With Daytona Bike Week 2022 as the backdrop, Buell Motorcycle will unveil a test prototype intended to demonstrate a wider-range focus of the brand known for high-horsepower sportbikes like the Hammerhead 1190.

Fans will have the opportunity to see the 2023 Baja DR, or “Dune Racer,” dirt bike, an off-road motorcycle building upon the 1190 HCR hill climb racer. The 1190 HCR was Buell’s first-ever dirt-focused motorcycle, and won the 2020 AMA Hillclimb National Championship with two-time title holder Logan Cipala at the controls.

The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based business claims the Baja DR will be the “world’s fastest production dirt bike, built right here in America.”

“This is a pivotal moment for American motorcycles and really puts Buell on the map,” Buell Motorcycle Company CEO Bill Melvin says. “We are on track to build the world’s fastest and solely American-built production off-road bike.

“Less than 1 percent of the world is covered by pavement. The Buell Baja DR is designed to dominate the other 99.7 percent. It will give riders the freedom to go anywhere in the world, faster and with more power, harnessing our 1190 engine. The Buell Baja DR is a beast, elevating the brand to even greater heights, and will bring passion back for American-built motorcycles.”

The Buell 1190 HCR “Hill Climb Racer” bike, which was the basis for the Baja DR. (Buell/)

Buell is hush on the exact details, but here’s what’s official:

• 72-degree 1,190cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine that produces a claimed 175 hp and 101 pound-feet of torque.
• Trellis frame
• Adjustable swingarm for a 66- to 70-inch wheelbase
• 26.75-degree rake
• 37-inch seat height
• Estimates retail will start at $19,995
• Production planned for 2023

The Baja DR will get its first public viewing at the Buell’s booth at Destination Daytona (100 yards north of JP Cycles Superstore). The event is slated for “high noon” on Saturday, March 5.

This will bring Buell’s 2023 lineup to five models: Hammerhead 1190, 1190SX, 1190 HCR, Baja DR, and the new Super Touring, an adventure-touring-style bike that will be unveiled next to the Baja DR at Daytona.

The Super Touring also uses the 1,190cc engine, but tuned to 185 hp and 101 pound-feet of torque. Just as they refer to the Baja DR as the world’s fastest production dirt bike, Buell calls the Super Touring the “world’s fastest production touring bike.”

The Buell Super Touring will also be unveiled at Daytona Bike Week. (Buell/)

Buell says the Super Touring 1190 will retain Buell’s Fuel in Frame configuration, but will exhibit a more upright riding position, variable mounting points for hard or soft bags, and room for rider customization with aftermarket touring accessories. Suggested retail starts at $21,995, with production planned for fall 2022.

“We’ve taken the Buell DNA customers know and love and applied it to the performance touring segment, developing a top-line touring bike that will lead the American market in speed, handling and performance,” Melvin says.

For additional information, visit Buell Motorcycle.

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