2026 Buell Super Cruiser Hits Production, But It Is Too Pricey

The much-hyped 2026 Buell Super Cruiser is finally here. The production has been announced. However, one thing that may tease you if you were planning to get this bike for yourself is its hefty price tag. The steep price tag has bike lovers buzzing, and not all in a good way.

The latest price tag of the 2026 Buell Super Cruiser is around $25,900. This power cruiser costs more than what an average cruiser rider can spend on a two-wheeler.

Many questions arise in the minds of riders who were planning to welcome Buell back into their lives and rides. Is such a hefty price tag justified? Also, is the 2026 Buell Super Cruiser really that special? Let’s find out.

Buell joined forces with the very famed bike builder, Roland Sands, to make something really cruiser in the performance cruiser segment. The Super Cruiser packs a punch with 175 hp from its 1190 cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine. That is far more power than any Harley or Indian motorbike can pack.

The 2026 Buell Super Cruiser weighs only 450 lbs, which makes it feel like a sports bike dressed in a cruiser style. The design is inspired by the classic Harley FXR, which is considered by many riders to be the gold standard for American bikes. It also gives a glimpse of a club-style bike with a nose fairing, a blacked-out look, and tall handlebars.

Roland Sands, while working on the Buell Super Cruiser, didn’t just work on the look. He built a steel tube frame capable of withstanding all that power while retaining the low-sling cruiser look. Still, the seat height is now 32 inches, which was previously 30.5 inches in the prototype.

This is where it gets a little tricky. The $25,900 price tag puts this bike far above its main rivals. An Indian Scout starts at around $12,999, and even the top-shelf 101 Scout is only $16,999. Harley’s Sportster S with 121 hp sells for about $15,999.

Early buyers who have put down deposits got a little relief. They paid $23,900. However, the deal expired in 2024. Buyers are not expected to pay the full price, which is set at a massive $25,900. Compared to its rivals, the 2026 Buell Super Cruiser is priced almost $9,000-10,000 more than the competition.

The Buell Super Cruiser doesn’t mess with its specs. Both the front and rear shocks are classy and provide the bike with track-ready handling. Dual Brembo disc brakes up front can stop this beast on time. The Dunlop Sportmax QSA tires adhere to the road like glue.

The Super Cruiser also gets a Memphis Shades cafe-style fairing and a custom Saddleman seat. It is not just a pretty face or a display bike; every part has a purpose.

The cruiser market is rough at the moment. New bike sales are nearly 10% for the first half of 2025. Used bike prices are also declining, with too much stock on hand for dealers. This makes it even tougher to justify spending such a huge amount of money on a new ride.

Most cruiser bike buyers desire value. They are usually looking for the tried and tested bikes, either from Harley or Indian. Those looking for budget bikes that will cost thousands of dollars less than the 2026 Buell Super Cruiser will likely find a better Honda, Kawasaki, or Yamaha bike.

The Super Cruiser’s price is on the high end. So, it is not going to be competing with basic cruiser bikes, but rather with touring bikes or high-end baggers.

Buell faces an uphill battle. Harley and Indian both dominate the American cruiser market space with dealer networks that run coast to coast. Both these brands have bikes that look similar and have decent power and enormous torque for a lot less money when compared to the Buell Super Cruiser.

Indian Scout lineup offers buyers tons of choices, ranging from the basic Scout at $12,999 to the Super Scout at $16,499. All have good reliability and resale value. Harley's lineup has the same tried and tested formula that has worked for decades.

The Super Cruiser’s 175 hp of horsepower sounds great on paper, but most cruiser bike riders don’t even need that much power. They want comfort, style, and good value. These are the things that the competition offers for thousands less.

Buell claims it has received more than $120 million in pre-orders for the Super Cruiser. However, it has been long enough since the company announced the Super Cruiser. The pre-order amount sounds huge, but it only equates to less than 5,000 bikes/units. That is quite less compared to what Harley and Indian sell per year.

The Buell Super Cruiser appeals to specific riders who want maximum power in a cruiser form. These buyers exist, but they are rare compared to most cruiser bike buyers. Most cruiser bike fans like to follow the tried and tested route of buying from the big names.

Buell plans to build the Super Cruiser in fall 2025, with bikes hitting dealership stores by early 2026. However, the company is small, with limited production capacity. This means long waits and potential quality concerns as they ramp up.

The brand also lacks a strong dealership network currently. Finding parts and services can also prove tough, especially compared to the vast support networks that Harley and Indian offer.

The 2026 Buell Super Cruiser is an impressive machine that pushes cruiser performance to new heights. Roland Sands and his team have built something really special. It is a bike that can corner like a sports bike while retaining the classic cruiser style.

Nonetheless, the $25,900 price tag kills its chances with most buyers. At such a price tag, the 2026 Buell Super Cruiser becomes a niche bike for those riders with no budget limits and who want something different.

The Super Cruiser may find buyers among collectors and power junkies, but it will likely not create a huge wave in the cruiser bike market. Most riders will stick with proven brands that offer better value and easier ownership.

Buell bet big on high performance and bold looks. Time will tell if enough riders are willing to pay a premium price for American muscle wrapped in cruiser style. For now, the Super Cruiser seems destined to be more dream bike than a mass-market success.