韋駄天物語

The first motorcycle designed and built by Erik Buell was the RW 750 in 1983. Thiswas a 750cc, two-stroke, “square-four”, rotary-valve racing machine designedspecifically to compete in the AMA Formula One road racing class. A prototypeRW750 first hit the track in the AMA National at Pocono Speedway in the summerof 1983. Buell continued extensive testing and development work on the bikethroughout that summer and into the fall. His success was measured duringtesting at Talladega , Alabama , where it was clocked at a top speed of 178 mph .

Development on the RW750 continued through 1984, a production version wasreleased in the fall. Just one RW750 was sold to the American Machinists RacingTeam before the AMA announced that 1985 would be the last year of Formula Oneracing. An announcement that Superbikes would occupy the premier race class in1986 effectively eliminated any market for the RW750.

BUELL RW750

Crushing as that may have been to lesser builders, Buell viewed the rules changesimply as a setback. He went back to work, this time aiming squarely at the goalof building the first world-class sportbike designed and built in the USA . Tapping hisknowledge of what works on the racetrack and his experience as a

Harley-Davidsonengineer, Erik Buell designed his first entry into the sportbike market, theRR1000. Powered by the Harley-Davidson XR1000 engine, the stiff, light chassiswas designed to allow rubber-mounting that became a patented engineering“trademark” of Buell sport bikes: the Uniplanar system.

Buell’s design also utilised the engine as a fully stressed member of the frame.Capping the engineering firsts was Buell’s use of a rear suspension mountedbeneath the motor and a shock that operated in reverse of the conventionalcompression-rebound practice. A total of 50 RR1000 models were produced during1987-88 before the remaining XR1000 engines were depleted.

BUELL RR1000

Buell saw the new 1203cc Harley-Davidson Evolution engine as an opportunity tocontinue tuning the performance and handling qualities of his bikes. With that inmind, he began redesigning the chassis to accommodate the 1203. The resultingRR1200 model was introduced during 1988, and 65 were produced for salethrough 1989.

BUELL RR1200

Streamlining and bodywork had been a particular talent and passion for Erik Buell.Thus, his motorcycles continued to change at a measured pace through the years.In 1989, he introduced the RS1200, a two-seat version of the RR model for riderswho demanded both world-class performance and two-up comfort. 105 of theseunique models were produced through 1990.

BUELL RS1200

Five-speed transmissions were a new feature of the 1203cc engine in 1991. Buellresponded to revised engine mounting points with further design improvements tothe RS chassis. These bikes were the first production motorcycles to use “upside-down” (inverted) front forks, stainless steel braided brake lines and a six-pistonfront brake calliper.

As Buell motorcycles were refined, the company’s manufacturing capabilities wereexpanded. 1991 was the first year in which Buell Motor Company not only designedbodywork, but also produced it in a new composite and paint shop. The result wasgreater quality control and improved design flexibility.

BUELL RSS1200

A single-seat version of the RS1200 was introduced late in the 1991 model year.Dubbed the RSS1200, it won enthusiastic approval of the motorcycle press for itslean, clean lines. A total of 40 units were built between March and August 1991.Combined production of RSS and RS models totalled 325 through 1993.

In 1994, Buell introduced the curvaceous Thunderbolt S2, the first model producedunder the partnership with Harley-Davidson Inc. The motorcycle won rave reviewsfrom the motorcycle press and is still known for its beautiful lines and fluid design.A sport-touring version, the S2T, was added to the line-up in 1995. The new modelwas named Rider Magazine’s Top Innovation that season. Together, the two modelscombined for total sales in excess of 1,000 units.

BUELL THUNDERBOLT S2

The next year brought the introduction of the all-new 1996 Lightning S1. Theoriginal “street fighter”, the Lightning S1, defined a whole new class of “Hooligan”motorcycles. Featuring minimal bodywork, a racing-styled seat, exposed frame andthe centralised mass of the 1203cc engine, exhaust system and suspension, themodel was named “Hooligan Bike of the Year” by Cycle World Magazine that year.

BUELL S1

A redesign of the Thunderbolt was also introduced in 1996 as the Thunderbolt S3and the Thunderbolt S3T. The models continued the design evolution of sporttouring motorcycles. Together with the Lightning S1, the S3 and S3T combined forsales in excess of 2,000 units.

BUELL THUNDERBOLT S3T

In 1997, the Cyclone M2 was introduced to the Buell line and the motorcycleindustry had a new “Standard” class leader. With a more relaxed seatingconfiguration and wider seat, the Cyclone helped push Buell motorcycle sales abovethe 3,000 unit mark.

BUELL CYCLONE M2

The new Thunderstorm engine was introduced into the Buell line-up in 1998 as thepowerplant for the new White Lightning S1W model. Similar in styling to the S1Lightning, the new bike featured a carbon fibre rear fender, bold colours, and thesuper-high output Thunderstorm engine. The S1W was named “Best Standard” byCycle World Magazine. The Thunderbolt models also received the Thunderstormengine to round out an impressive offering of 1998 models. Sales continued togrow, and in 1998 Buell sold more than 5,000 motorcycles.

BUELL S1W

A complete redesign of the Lightning and Cyclone models was in store for 1999.New body, new frame, new suspension, larger and more comfortable seats andbold new colour offerings were available on the Lightning X1 and Cyclone M2. TheThunderbolt S3 and S3T also received a refined seat and dramatic new colour andsport touring options. Dynamic Digital Fuel Injection (DDFI) became a standardfeature on the Lightning and Thunderbolt as well. The redesign and refinementshelped contribute to total sales of approximately 8,000 units world-wide during1999.

BUELL X1 Lightning

BUELL X1W

In 1999, Buell celebrated another milestone when it officially dedicated its new42,000-square foot Research and Development Centre adjacent to its existingfacility in East Troy , Wisconsin .

After creating a whole range of twin-cylinder motorcycles, Buell produced its firstsingle cylinder in 2000, the Buell Blast which features a 492cc engine. The Blast isthe perfect motorcycle to go after a whole new audience in the American marketwhere this bike has received several awards for its innovation. It is also the bikewith the highest quality rating and lowest warranty cost ever in the Harley-Davidson Company.

BUELL BLAST

More than ever dedicated to achieve the best quality, Buell successfully completedits ISO 9001:1994 repeat audit in October 2000. This was achieved through astrong commitment to get continuous improvement, and to meet and exceed thecustomer expectations.

Enhancing the production process even further, Buell introduced a whole newdevelopment process.This process consists of 4 phases:

-                                                 Concept

-         The marketing, engineering, styling and service departments meet to discuss thefirst concepts. At this stage, a first experimental motorcycle is built.

-                             Proof of Concept

-         The main goals are defined and approved. Several R&D motorcycles are built. Thisis a very detailed testing phase. High mileage, high speed, traffic jams, high andlow temperatures. The bikes are tested in all conditions. A council made of Buelland Harley-Davidson engineers decides if the project moves to the next phase.

-                              Concept durability

-         The bikes are still tested. The production line is set up and tested. The reliability ofthe bike but also of the assembly line is tested. Again, the council signs before theproject moves to the final stage.

-                                Validation

-         The final test. All parts are thoroughly inspected, all the tests reports are checkedand signed off. All the departments sign off the final agreement.

The Blast (not available in Europe ) was the first motorcycle built by Buell followingthis process and it has proven to be the most reliable motorcycle ever built byHarley-Davidson Inc.

(search from net news)

我們是暴走的戰士，擁有著怒吼的低扭，巨大的前刹車盤，巨大的集風罩。
特立獨行的設計，鬧騰的排氣聲是我們萬眾舉目的焦點。
不走尋常路，布爾......
布爾（BUELL）之死
2010-09-02
歷史上大名鼎鼎的企業倒閉的故事我們已經聽過太多，可是活生生的故事你見過嗎？
作為全球經濟危機的直接受害者，2009年10月30日布爾生產出公司第136923台、同時也是最後一台摩托車。
這意味著，這家作為美國運動摩托車代表，以高剛性車架、ZTL前制動系統、
車架式油箱等技術創新而出名的全球知名品牌企業，進入了無限期的雪藏時期。
布爾公司發生了什麼？東家哈雷·大衛森是怎麼想的？布爾摩托車的車手們怎麼辦？
布爾的倒閉對我們提出了哪些警示？……
太多的問題積壓在我們的心頭，我們試圖揭示真相。
Part A：震驚消息
2009年10月15日，哈雷·大衛森發佈第三季度業績報告時，宣佈第三季度銷售額同比下降21.3%，但是最令人震驚的消息則是：在全球經濟危機

的困境下，哈雷將採取集中精力經營好核心產品的策略，即進一步加強哈雷·大衛森摩托車品牌的管理和發展，同時售賣奧古斯塔品牌以及停止

布爾摩托車生產。哈雷 CEO凱斯·萬德爾（Keith Wandell）解釋說：“布爾和奧古斯塔都是了不起的公司，是令人自豪的品牌，是高品質和運

動激情的象徵。多年來，布爾創造了很多獨出機杼、另闢蹊徑的創新理念和技術，讓業界耳目一新；奧古斯塔在歐洲家喻戶曉，是高性能、高

規格的高端運動摩托車。但是，在全球經濟危機面前，我們決定採取收縮的策略，集中精力經營好哈雷·大衛森品牌，我們相信這是當前分配公

司資源的最佳方式。”

這樣的消息實在令人震驚。雖然哈雷發佈消息的管道很權威，也許是因為細節不夠詳細，也許是因為人們不願意相信這樣的悲劇，新聞發佈後

各大廠家、機車媒體、車手們議論紛紛，眾說紛紜。但是悲劇正在一步一步地得到確認，2009年10月30日，布爾位於威斯康辛州東特洛伊的工

廠生產線上，推出了一台2010年版的“閃電”Lightning XB12Scg。令人驕傲的是，這是布爾創建26年來的第136923台摩托車；令人悲傷的是，

這是布爾最後一台量產型摩托車。

2009年12月18日，布爾將公司生產的最後一台量產型摩托車“閃電”Lightning XB12Scg，以及各個時期的代表車型，包括1996年生產的S3T

Thunderbolt，1999年生產的X1 Lightning，2台特技車手克雷格·鐘斯（Craig Jones）和布巴·布萊克威爾（Bubba Blackwell）駕駛的改裝布

林摩托車，以及幾臺布爾摩托車原型等總共12台，捐贈給位於阿拉巴馬州里茲的巴伯摩托車運動博物館（Barber Motorsports Museum）。這意

味著，絕大多數的車手們再也無法體驗布爾摩托車獨特的運動激情了，以後只能在博物館領略這些優秀車型的風采！一個歷時26年，已經在世

界範圍得到認可的知名品牌，一個充滿了創新精神和運動激情的獨特品牌，漸漸消失在市場和人們的視線中……
◆ 經典車型
S2 Thunderbolt——1994年，布爾公司生產了S2 Thunderbolt，以優美的線條和流暢的設計獲得很好的口碑。1995年布爾再接再厲，推出了運

動旅行摩托車版S2T，並獲得了著名機車雜誌《騎手》（Rider）的“最高創新獎”。S2和S2T成為布爾雙驕，銷售總數超過1000 台。
S1 Lightning——1996年全新的S1 Lightning橫空出世。這是具有原創性的“街道鬥士”（Street fighter），發動機和車架完全裸露，排氣

管和懸掛系統都很衝擊眼球；賽車風格的座位和高度品質集中化程度，則賦予S1 Lightning靈活的操縱性能。布林再次奪得榮耀，S1

Lightning被《機車世界》（Cycle World）評為“年度惡棍車型”（Hooligan Bike of the Year）。
S1W White Lightning——1998年布爾家庭增加了重要成員S1W White Lightning。儘管造型風格類似S1 Lightning，但是S1W White Lightning

配置了強悍的雷暴（Thunderstorm ）發動機和碳纖維後擋泥板，並配以狂野的色彩，一經推出即獲好評，被《機車世界》（Cycle World）授

予“最佳標準車”的頭銜。
Blast—2000年，布爾公司推出了入門級摩托車“風暴”（Blast），搭載的是全新研發的492mL風冷單缸發動機。該車靈活實用，造型不俗。受

到了很多褒揚，被 《摩托車駕駛員》（Motorcyclist）評為“年度最佳摩托車”，被《機車世界》（Cycle World）列入“年度十佳摩托車”

。
Firebolt XB9R——2001年起，布爾開始正式思考他的運動摩托車理念。布爾想製造最出色的美國運動摩托車，讓摩托車具有極佳的回應能力，

就像是車手身體的延伸，具有異常直接的體驗——簡單地說，當你的大腦做出命令後，摩托車就迅即回應。2003年，代表布爾運動摩托車理念

的“霹靂”Firebolt XB9R 問世，採用了堅固且扮演著油箱角色的全鋁合金車架。2004年“霹靂”變得更加強壯，發動機排氣量擴大到1203mL

，這就是Firebolt XB12R。
Lightning——2003年問世的“閃電”XB9S Lightning，比“霹靂”更好地貫徹了運動摩托車的理念，如較小的簧下品質、品質集中化、高剛性

車架，具有出色的操控性能。2005年布爾公司增加了街道鬥士版（streetfighter）的“閃電”，增強了中段轉速的動力輸出，這就是暴力街車

Lightning CityX XB9SX。
Ulysses——2005 年布爾引薦了定位於兩用摩托車或探險旅行摩托車的“尤利西斯”XB12X Ulysses和XB12XT Ulysses。雖然都是探險旅行摩托

車，但是兩者相比，XB12X Ulysses偏重于越野，XB12XT Ulysses傾向于公路。
1125R和1125CR——2007年，布爾推出了1125R。這是太久等待之後的結果，是布爾的首款水冷雙缸超級摩托車。2009年，布爾又推出了古典英

倫風格的1125CR
Firebolt XB9R——2001年起，布爾開始正式思考他的運動摩托車理念。布爾想製造最出色的美國運動摩托車，讓摩托車具有極佳的回應能力，就像是車手身體的延伸，具有異常直接的體驗——簡單地說，當你的大腦做出命令後，摩托車就迅即回應。2003年，代表布爾運動摩托車理念的“霹靂”Firebolt XB9R 問世，採用了堅固且扮演著油箱角色的全鋁合金車架。2004年“霹靂”變得更加強壯，發動機排氣量擴大到1203mL，這就是Firebolt XB12R。
Lightning——2003年問世的“閃電”XB9S Lightning，比“霹靂”更好地貫徹了運動摩托車的理念，如較小的簧下品質、品質集中化、高剛性車架，具有出色的操控性能。2005年布爾公司增加了街道鬥士版（streetfighter）的“閃電”，增強了中段轉速的動力輸出，這就是暴力街車Lightning CityX XB9SX。
Ulysses——2005 年布爾引薦了定位於兩用摩托車或探險旅行摩托車的“尤利西斯”XB12X Ulysses和XB12XT Ulysses。雖然都是探險旅行摩托車，但是兩者相比，XB12X Ulysses偏重于越野，XB12XT Ulysses傾向于公路。
1125R和1125CR——2007年，布爾推出了1125R。這是太久等待之後的結果，是布爾的首款水冷雙缸超級摩托車。2009年，布爾又推出了古典英倫風格的1125CR。

ビューエル (Buell) は、かつてアメリカ合衆国で生産されていたオートバイのブランドである。生産終了時の製造販売企業はハーレーダビッドソン。

1983年に当時ハーレーダビッドソンのエンジニアだったエリック・ビューエルがオリジナルバイクの「RW750」を製作したことを機に、1986年ビューエルモーターサイクルカンパニーを設立した。設立当時はハーレーダビッドソン製のエンジンをオリジナルフレームにマウントし、ハーレーダビッドソンと異なるロードスポーツバイクを製作し販売していた。

1998年、ハーレーダビッドソンにより買収されて社内ブランドとなってからは、必然的に「自社製」のエンジンを搭載したバイクを製造しているが、近年はエンジン部品をハーレーダビッドソンブランドの車両と共通にして用いることが多くなり、ハーレーダビッドソン車両全体の近代化に貢献した面がある。また2008年にはロータックス製水冷エンジンを搭載する1125シリーズを発売した。

ビューエルはアメリカ生産のスポーツバイクとしてユーザーからも一定の評価受けていたが、2009年10月にハーレーダビットソン本社は第3四半期の売上低迷を受けてビューエルの生産を2009年10月末をもって中止し、スポーツ・バイク分野からは撤退することを発表した^[1]。

ビューエルの特徴

ビューエルのオートバイは、他のメーカーにない特徴を持っている。

• ラバーマウントによりフレームとパワートレインを繋いでいる事による振動の伝達を抑えた乗り心地の良さ
  
• マフラーやサスペンションエンジンなど重い部品を車体中心の低部に集中させている事(マスの集中化)による、優れた操縦性
  
• 極端に立っているキャスター角やクラスの割には驚異的なショートホイールベースによる、軽快なハンドリング
  
• 既存のOHVエンジンとは一線を画した、俊敏で過敏なエンジンレスポンス
  
• 全ラインナップに前後フルアジャスタブルサスペンションを採用、よりきめ細かいライダーへの適応性
  
• リムマウントされた大径シングルローターによる、軽量でありながら強力なブレーキシステム

XBシリーズに移行してからは、250ccクラス並の極端なショートホイールベースが更なる特徴となった。メインフレームがフュ―エルイン・アルミツインチューブフレーム（ステム後方のメインフレーム上部に給油口が有り、フレームの内部が燃料タンクになっている）やスイングアーム左腕にオイルタンクを内蔵するなど、更なる高剛性化とマスの集中化が行われている。極端に立ったキャスター角やホイールリムマウントの大径シングルディスクブレーキを採用するなど、少しの入力で挙動が大きく変わるという特徴はあるものの、日本製スーパースポーツにひけをとらない運動性能を誇る。

また、通常燃料タンクがあるべき位置にエアクリーナボックスを配置したダウンドラフト型フュ―エルインジェクションシステムを採用している。

from Wikipedia~

                                                                  Bull or Buell ?