Please note: This bike is a part of the Northern California Superbike Collection. The anonymous owner is well-known and a long-term friend of both Iconic and Bike-urious. All proceeds will go towards a foundation he and his wife run to further research for sustainable agricultural and agroforestry systems worldwide.
Please Note #2: This bike was previously at the Solvang Motorcycle Museum and it is being sold as a display piece. Our White Glove service can assist the next owner with making it a runner if desired.
When Buell started with the Road Warrior chassis for racing, he surely wasn’t expecting the abrupt end of the Formula One class in AMA racing. Luckily for the public, he adapted the chassis, threw in some Harley-Davidson XR1000 engines, and created Buell’s first streetbike, the RR 1000 Battletwin. That bike was built for two years, and was succeeded by the Buell RR 1200 Battletwin you seen in front of you.
The 1200 designation obviously comes from a bump in displacement – Buell started using the 1200 Evo engine. Just 50 of the 1000’s were built for homologation reasons, but approximately 65 of the 1200’s were built. Because it was based on the XR1200, power wasn’t overwhelming at around 70 horsepower. Still, a tuned version would soon earn a class land speed record at Bonneville of 190.796 thanks to the aerodynamics.
The bike weighed just 374 pounds, which is much less than you might expect from the gigantic bodywork (and about 70 pounds lighter than the stock Sportster). Amusing anecdote: half of the 374 pound weight of the bike was basically just the engine. Said engine was rubber mounted and paired with Buell-designed four piston brakes up front and a Works monoshock in the back (it was actually mounted under the engine). It was visually imposing, and not many were sold, but it was the start to Buell’s fascinating history of street bikes.
This example is VIN: 1B9RR11G4L2133004. The owner purchased it from the Solvang Motorcycle Museum.
The odometer shows 520 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: FAIL
Engine Oil Level: FAIL
Engine Oil Quality: FAIL
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: FAIL
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: FAIL
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: FAIL
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: FAIL
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: DRY
Headlight High Beam: FAIL
Headlight Low Beam: PASS
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: FAIL
Tail Light: PASS
Brake Light (Front Switch): STUCK
Brake Light (Rear Switch): STUCK
Plate Light: PASS
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch: PASS
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90 %
Forks: FAIL
Shock/s: FAIL
Tire Date Code Front: PRE 2000
Tire Date Code Rear: PRE 2000
Tire % Remaining Front: 85 %
Tire % Remaining Rear: 85 %
Tire Press. Front: 18
Tire Press. Rear: 20
Battery Standing Voltage: NONE
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: NONE
Running Condition: NOT RUNNING
Test Ride Completed: NO
Test Ride Distance: NO
Notes:
– Front brakes are dragging
– No battery
– No pressure in rear brake
– Very dusty
– No oil in bag
– Gas tank is fiberglass (Mystery Epoxy Liner)
Recommended Repairs:
– Battery
– Oil & Filter
– Hydro 2 (might have to rebuild)
– Forks
– Carbs
– Plugs
– Chain Service (Clean and Lube)
– Unknown fuel petcock function (electronic)
Modifications:
This Buell appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop K591 Elite SP tires that have aged out, they are likely original.
The sale includes one key, owners manual, and some historic paperwork.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Buell is offered on a clean California title. Registration is not currently due, and it is believed to be on Planned Non-Operation registration status.
Have any RR1200 Battletwin stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
