2023 Buell 1190 Hammerhead – Carbon Fiber Superbike | 186 HP | American Made | #1 Buell Dealer in North America

If you're looking for one of the most exciting American-built sportbikes ever produced, this 2023 Buell 1190 Hammerhead deserves your attention. Hand-built in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this motorcycle represents the latest evolution of Eric Buell's revolutionary engineering philosophy, refined and advanced by Bill Melvin and the Buell team into one of the most exhilarating V-twin superbikes available today.

This particular Hammerhead was shipped directly from the Buell factory after being displayed there and is equipped with several desirable factory options, including the OEM Yellow Graphics Kit, yellow-stitched embroidered seat, and the factory performance exhaust tip kit with matching ECM calibration. Unlike many aftermarket exhaust systems, this OEM package retains the original catalytic converter, preserves the factory warranty, keeps noise levels reasonable, and meets sound restrictions required by many racetracks.

Performance That Commands Respect

At the heart of the Hammerhead is Buell's legendary 1190cc liquid-cooled V-twin, producing an incredible 186 horsepower at the crankshaft—roughly 165 horsepower at the rear wheel in factory trim. The broad torque curve delivers thrilling acceleration throughout the RPM range, making the bike just as exciting on the street as it is on the racetrack.

Twist the throttle leaving a stoplight and the front wheel immediately feels light. There's effortless, arm-stretching torque everywhere in the powerband, giving the Hammerhead a uniquely addictive riding experience that few motorcycles can match.

Lightweight American Engineering

With a curb weight of approximately 415 pounds including a full tank of fuel, the Hammerhead delivers an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. Buell's innovative Fuel-in-Chassis design centralizes mass for razor-sharp handling and a remarkably low center of gravity.

Additional engineering highlights include:

• Full carbon fiber bodywork (standard equipment)

• Functional ram-air intake system

• Showa fully adjustable front and rear suspension

• Magnesium rear subframe

• Signature 15-inch perimeter front brake rotor

• Six-piston front caliper with Pegasus logo

• Premium American craftsmanship throughout

The carbon fiber bodywork is truly spectacular in person. The weave quality, finish, and deep clear coat are among the finest you'll find on any production motorcycle, making this Hammerhead as visually impressive as it is mechanically capable.

Pure Riding Experience

While many modern superbikes rely heavily on layers of electronic rider intervention, the Hammerhead stays true to Buell's philosophy by delivering a more direct, analog connection between rider and machine. It's an engaging motorcycle that rewards skill while remaining remarkably approachable thanks to its massive torque and balanced chassis.

Whether you're planning:

• Canyon carving

• Weekend rides

• Track days

• Club racing

• Or simply owning one of America's finest performance motorcycles

the Hammerhead excels in every environment.

Reliability & Ownership

The Buell 1190 platform has proven itself to be exceptionally durable. Many of our customers daily ride these motorcycles or participate in club racing with tens of thousands of miles logged. Routine maintenance is straightforward, requires no specialized tools, and many owners comfortably perform regular service themselves.

Every new Buell includes a 12-month unlimited mileage factory warranty, and parts availability from Buell remains excellent.

Why Buy From Kaplan Cycles?

Kaplan Cycles is proud to be the #1 Buell dealership in North America. Our Buell-trained specialists know these motorcycles inside and out and are committed to providing industry-leading customer support before and after the sale.

We proudly offer:

• No-fluff dealer pricing

• Financing available

• Trade-ins welcome

• Nationwide shipping at competitive rates

• Factory-trained Buell specialists

• Outstanding customer service

Out-of-state buyers may qualify for no sales tax (subject to your state's registration requirements).

Message us your ZIP code for a fast shipping quote.

If you've been searching for one of the most exciting American superbikes ever built, this Buell 1190 Hammerhead delivers breathtaking performance, stunning carbon fiber craftsmanship, proven reliability, and unmistakable American character.

Call or text us today at 860-471-0192 to reserve this exceptional motorcycle or discuss financing, shipping, or trade-in options.

Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to helping you own one of the finest American performance motorcycles on the road.

God Bless America, and congratulations to the entire Buell team for continuing the legacy of building world-class American motorcycles.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.