Buell Hammerhead 1190
The Buell Hammerhead 1190 is a sportbike, produces 182 bhp and weighs 190 kg.
182 bhp
Power
101.6 ft-lb
Torque
190 kg
Weight
Faired
Body
🔧 Service Schedule & Parts
Affiliate · we may earn| Service item | Every | Typical cost | Parts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🛢️ Engine oil + oil filter | 6,000 km / 3,500 mi or 12 mo | $80-130 | 🛢️ Buy → ⚙️ Buy → |
| 🌬️ Air filter | 12,000 km / 7,500 mi | — | 🌬️ Buy → |
| ⚡ Spark plugs | 12,000 km / 7,500 mi | — | ⚡ Buy → |
| 🔧 Valve clearance check | 12,000 km / 7,500 mi | $400-700 | |
| 🔗 Chain & sprockets | 15000-25000 km (replace) | $140-220 | 🔗 Buy → |
| 🛑 Brake pads | 12000-20000 km | $90-160 | 🛑 Buy → |
| 💧 Brake fluid | 24,000 km / 15,000 mi or 2 yr | — | |
| 🧊 Coolant | 24,000 km / 15,000 mi | — | |
| 🛞 Tires | 6000-10000 km | $320-480 | 🛞 Buy → |
| 🔩 Major service | 12,000 km / 7,500 mi | $500-900 |
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Hand-Built in Michigan
The Hammerhead 1190 is hand-made in Grand Rapids, Michigan by Liquid Asset Partners. Bikes take roughly two weeks to build, with shipping from America adding five to six weeks.
Rim-Mounted Front Brake
The Hammerhead retains Buell's signature rim-mounted front brake with a 386mm disc and eight-piston radial caliper. This design makes fitting an ABS sensor much harder, requiring individual DVLA approval for each UK bike.
72-Degree V-Twin Engine
The liquid-cooled 72-degree V-twin engine traces its roots to the 1125cc motor originally designed by Rotax for Harley-Davidson. It has since grown to 1190cc and now features EBR-designed heads, built in-house in Michigan.
20-Level Traction Control
The only electronic rider aid is a 20-level traction control system. Buell reportedly activates it via a spike in engine revs as there are no wheel speed sensors, and the bike otherwise lacks connectivity, ABS, or a fuel gauge.
Carbon Bodywork Standard
The Hammerhead comes with carbon fibre bodywork as standard, clear-coated to show the weave. Buyers can opt for painted carbon at roughly £1,000 extra depending on colour and design.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Buell Hammerhead 1190 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALFan operation, coolant level, thermostat function
Idle quality, throttle response, fuel map version
Weld points, frame near pivot, any crash history
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Capable but quirky; needs informed, attentive ownership
Full Specifications
More Buell Hammerhead 1190 Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Buell Hammerhead 1190? +
Overheating at low speeds or in traffic: Fan operation, coolant level, thermostat function (moderate) | ECU tuning issues causing rough idle or stalling: Idle quality, throttle response, fuel map version (moderate) | Frame or swingarm stress cracks: Weld points, frame near pivot, any crash history (serious)
What is the horsepower of the Buell Hammerhead 1190? +
The Buell Hammerhead 1190 produces 182 bhp, with 101.6 ft-lb of torque.
Is the Buell Hammerhead 1190 good for beginners? +
Not really — the Buell Hammerhead 1190 is better for experienced riders (182 hp can be intimidating).
Is the Buell Hammerhead 1190 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Buell Hammerhead 1190, notably: Frame or swingarm stress cracks (Weld points, frame near pivot, any crash history). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Buell Hammerhead 1190 good for daily use? +
Better as a weekend/track bike than a daily — it's a sportbike.
What is the seat height of the Buell Hammerhead 1190? +
The Buell Hammerhead 1190 has a seat height of 826 mm (32.5 in). Most riders 170 cm+ will sit comfortably flat-footed.
What gear should I buy for a Buell Hammerhead 1190? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Buell Hammerhead 1190, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/buell/hammerhead-1190/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
