Buell’s tempestuous historical past is sprinkled with moments of sheer motorcycling brilliance. And the XB sequence of the early 2000s ranks excessive on the American bike firm’s record of best hits.
The Buell XB had tongues wagging for an array of causes when it first hit the scene. Not solely did the XB’s fuel-in-frame design go on to be a Buell hallmark, however the bike additionally used an oil-bearing swingarm, perimeter entrance disc brake, and compact underslung exhaust system. All this in an uncompromising streetfighter package deal powered by an H-D Sportster powerplant.
The 2008-model Buell XB12S Lightning even featured translucent bodywork, providing a peek at its particular downdraught air consumption by the fake tank cowl. However that aesthetic was a bit of too early-2000s for the proprietor of this Buell XB12S—which is why he entrusted it to Steven Lucas for a makeover.
Primarily based within the Quiberon peninsula in Western France, Steven works as a furnishings maker, welder-for-hire, and {custom} bike builder, all below the banner of Matao. His method on this undertaking was easy; preserve all the main points that make the Buell XB12S particular, however tighten it up visually.
Steven began by denuding the Buell of all of its bodywork, save for its entrance fender and rear hugger. Subsequent, he unbolted its blocky subframe, changing it with a hand-crafted tubular metal unit. A {custom} seat sits up prime, constructed on a carbon fiber pan, and upholstered in luxurious Alcantara by La Sellerie Fleury.
An Öhlins shock sits under the seat, flanked by Motogadget LEDs that act as taillights and switch indicators. The license plate has been relocated to behind the rear tire, mounted on a custom-made bracket that’s bolted to the swingarm.
The outdated tank cowl’s been changed by a hand-crafted half, shaped from fiberglass. What stands out, is how effectively the brand new elements pay homage to the unique bike. The tank cowl has the identical sculpted vibe about it, the Buell’s forward-heavy design has been exaggerated, and the hole below the tank cowl mimics the hole below the OEM seat.
It’s the identical story up entrance, the place a metal quantity board performs host to an ultra-bright Baja Designs LED. The sunshine is mounted low, mimicking the location of the inventory bike’s twin headlights relative to its fly display.
Additional again, you’ll discover a burly set of risers and handlebars from Rizoma. A tiny Motogadget speedo sits slightly below the bars, fitted in a housing that additionally holds the bike’s LED warning lights. The switches, bar-end flip indicators, and mirrors are Motogadget elements too, the grips are from Renthal, and the controls are from Beringer.
A chunky pod filter lurks under the tank cowl, seen by way of a cutout within the bodywork. The bike’s electronics and battery sit below there too, together with a Motogadget management unit.
It’s enterprise as traditional for the Buell XB’s fuel-filled body, oil-filled swingarm, perimeter entrance brake, well-known mismatched alloy wheels, and entrance forks (though these have been blacked out). Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC tires make the bike’s intentions clear; it’s a avenue fighter, by and thru.
To ensure the Buell has the go to match its present, Steven yanked the engine out and despatched it to Twin Bikes France for a rebuild. A full exhaust system from GPR in Italy takes care of the soundtrack.
L’Atelier de So dealt with the silver paint on the tank cowl, whereas ABdeco tackled the black finishes on the laborious elements. Nickel-plated fasteners add hints of distinction to the mostly-black mechanical bits.
These muted finishes solely emphasize this Buell XB12S avenue fighter’s brutal vibe. Minimalist and unapologetic, it’s a cracking redesign of one in every of Buell’s finest releases.
Matao | Fb | Instagram | Pictures by Les Studios de Broceliande
