Motorbike News

BUELL'S IRISH DEBUT: The new sport performance Buell Lightning Super TT XB12STT (pictured right) is set for its Irish debut

BUELL'S IRISH DEBUT:The new sport performance Buell Lightning Super TT XB12STT (pictured right) is set for its Irish debut. It has a combination of qualities found in the bikes of road racing, motocross and supermoto.

"The Lightning Super TT XB12STT blends street and track performance with plenty of torque and power into a bigger, versatile Supermoto-inspired design," according to Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer, Buell Motorcycle Company.

The Super TT was launched at the EICMA 64th Annual International Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan, last November, and will be arriving here within the next few weeks.

"It's a blend, the added Supermoto features and styling gives it real attitude," according to Lenny Burns of Waterford Harley-Davidson.

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The latest addition to the Buell Lightning family, the Lightning Super TT provides a long, smooth 31.4-inch solo seat height with Supermoto-style, with 1203cc 45-degree engine.

"Primed with 84lb of torque, the Lightning Super TT is powerful in every gear, rpm and twist of the throttle. The air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine features DDFI II electronic fuel injection and the Buell Interactive Exhaust is tuned for the ultimate in performance and control," claims Buell.

A 5.63-inch suspension travel and 54-inch wheelbase makes bumping over the ubiquitous Irish potholes a pleasurable, rather than a lethal experience.

Available at Waterford Harley-Davidson in the coming weeks this bike is expected to be popular.

"It should be a good seller in the market, retailing at €14,175," according to Burns.

For more information visit www.waterfordharleydavidson.com

A FALLEN STAR

Moviestar motorcyclist Ewan McGregor has broken his leg in a motorbike crash near his London home, but has remained undeterred: "I just had a freak traffic accident on my bike and had a little fall off. It hasn't put me off bikes at all."

It is hoped that the he will have fully recovered for his planned motorbike trip from John-o'-Groats to Cape Town this summer.

HIT MOVIE

Meanwhile, new motorcycle movie Ghost Riderwas a hit at the box office when it was launched in the US a few weeks ago.

The action adventure Marvel comic-book adaptation stars Nicolas Cage and tells the story of motorcycle stuntman turned Satanic bounty hunter Johnny Blaze who sells his soul to the devil, and goes on an adventurous two-wheeled quest for vengeance and justice. - Patricia Weston

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