NCCR Developing a Buell SuperSingle Based on the 1125 and 1190 V-Twins

Swedish Buell specialist company, NCCR, is currently working on a new SuperSingle engine based on both the 1125 and 1190 versions of the Buell Helicon V-Twin. Using the same concept as seen in the Ducati Supermono, they remove one cylinder and in its place install a pivoting lever that connects to the connecting rod for that cylinder, providing balance previously provided by the rod and piston combination.

While the Ducati removed the rear cylinder top end, the NCCR Buell SuperSingle can be built with the working cylinder in either location, depending on the desired weight distribution, something so obvious, after you see it done and opening up all sorts of possibilities.

With a capacity of 562cc (1125), 595cc (1190) cylinder and a planned 660-700cc Big-bore, the company expects a reliable and powerful aggregate, which can be the base of an advanced super light mid-weight Enduro or a Sound of Single Racer.

We expect to have the first engine on our dyno before Christmas and then we will see where we come out. We expect a reliable base output of 70 HP, which will be just right for a 165kg Travel Enduro. In race trim, like for a Sound of Single Racer, we need 90 HP which we will get using a Big-bore cylinder that we are anyhow developing for our EBR Tuning program.

The SuperSingle concept gives us some great opportunities, like positioning the working cylinder front or rear, depending on which weight distribution you are looking for. Modern standing Enduro riding styles always generate bad rear wheel traction, that’s why we use the rear cylinder position for our first build now. It also gives us excellent packaging possibilities to protect other components like the radiator and the exhaust system. Imagine how reliable that engine will be – 3 liters of oil plus a clutch and gearbox that can easily handle more than double of the power we’re aiming on.

We see a clear business opportunity in developing the SuperSingle engine concept. In times when most bikes get heavier and heavier and have more and more technology on board, a light and simple but rugged and reliable set-up will have its market. With making engine and chassis components available, we plan to support cost friendly individual bike builds.

NCCR will build a Travel Enduro demonstrator bike around the SuperSingle engine concept to also show the other components like the NCCR Docol R8 steel chassis. Depending on local regulations, NCCR plan to offer also complete bikes.

I really like this! Now, with the Buell Motorcycle Company back in business and this sort of ingenious engineering development going on at NCCR, it makes you wonder how much of an opportunity was missed by Harley Davidson that couldn’t seem to get rid of Buell fast enough. Just a different mind set altogether.

For more details check out: NCCR