The Most Powerful American Superbike On Sale Today
In a sea of cruisers and tourers, made-in-America sports bikes are like tsunamis. They rarely hit, but when they do, they sure cause a ruckus. In fact, this segment is so rare that leading American brands decided to race baggers rather than build actual sports bikes for racing. However, if you know where to look, you will find an American superbike on sale today. That too, one with industry-leading torque figures and a V-twin engine!
The Buell Hammerhead 1190 Is The Most Powerful American Superbike Today
Your options are quite limited when it comes to the world of North American superbikes. There are three prime candidates, out of which two are EVs: the Lightning LS-218 and Damon HyperSport. Both of these bikes promise in excess of 200 horsepower, and the LS-218 even enjoys the title of the world’s fastest production electric motorcycle (a record set over a decade ago). However, Damon has reportedly bowed out of business, without even starting deliveries of the HyperSport, while Lightning continues to make bold claims without any real-world proof that it is still delivering its bikes.
So we can’t–in good conscience–vouch for either of these. That leaves us with the only petrol-powered American superbike: the Buell Hammerhead 1190. Good for 185 horsepower, it sort of holds a candle to bikes like the 190-HP Honda CBR1000R and 193-HP Suzuki GSX-R1000. But its highlight is the industry-leading 102 pound-feet torque figure. That is more than any other liter-class superbike, no matter the origin country. Buell also claims a top speed of 186 miles per hour. Oh, and yes, the Hammerhead is up for checking out in person, unlike the EVs above.
2025 Buell Hammerhead 1190 Engine Specifications
| Capacity | 1,190cc |
| Layout | 72-degree, V-twin |
| Power | 185 HP @ 10,200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 LB-FT @ 8,200 RPM |
| Transmission | Six-speed |
| Top speed | > 186 MPH |
Technologically Impressive Underpinnings Help The Hammerhead Leave A Lasting Impression
While the V-twin engine is powerful, we dig the Hammerhead’s underpinnings more. Just because of the way Buell has gone about things here. An innovative perimeter chassis, carved from aluminum, is present, that doubles up as the fuel cell. This reportedly helps to improve riding dynamics, according to Buell. An aluminum swingarm and adjustable Showa suspension sweeten the pot.
As for brakes, a 386 mm perimeter disc takes center stage, instead of the usual dual 320 mm disc setup. An inverted eight-piston caliper bites this unique brake. At the rear is a 220 mm disc with a Hayes brake caliper. These, along with the 17-inch wheels, help the Hammerhead tip the scale at 419 pounds (dry).
| Chassis | Aluminum perimeter |
| Suspension | USD forks/monoshock (F/R) |
| Wheels | 17/17-inch alloys |
| Front brake | 386 mm perimeter disc |
| Rear brake | 220 mm disc |
| Weight | 419 pounds (dry) |
| Seat height | 32.5 inches |
| Ground clearance | 4.7 inches |
