First Ride: 2007 Buell Super TT
A supermoto, sort of, from the land that invented the genre.
You might be surprised to hear this but the whole supermoto scene actually started in America, despite what the French like to claim. Sometime in the early 80s the Yanks devised a race series for TV that combined on and off-road riding and called it Superbiker. The idea was that two- and four-stroke bikes (although mainly XR750s) racing on a mixture of surfaces would make spectacular viewing.
And it worked, so much so in fact that it caught the attention of the French who copied the format, translated Superbiker into French 'et voila' Supermoto was born. So in many ways Buell can claim that its Super TT with its air-cooled V-twin is the closest thing to a true supermoto, a converted XR750.
Much like the rest of the Buell range the STT is a variation on the standard platform. To all intents and purposes it's basically a Ulysses with different styling and a few tweaks. Considering this I didn't expect much from the STT, mainly because the Ulysses is a fairly dreadful bike. However I was pleasantly surprised.
The STT is actually a very nice bike to ride. Like other Buells it feels tiny and the riding position has the feel of being perched above the bike, but this suits the supermoto style. The seat, combined with the low pegs, make it easily comfortable enough for short hops.
The engine, like the rest of the bike, is sourced from Buell's XB12 range. Now, usually at this point I would start moaning about the heavy clutch and poor gearbox, but the STT is different. I have no idea why but the clutch feels lighter and the gearbox is, while still not brilliant, improved. You could use the STT as a commuter without doing your wrist and left foot permanent damage, which is unique for a Buell!
The air-cooled lump provides an excellent spread of power, and more importantly torque, and although it does tend to vibrate a lot, is very easy going as long as you don't rush it. Which is a shame because the chassis can handle being rushed.
In keeping with other Buells the STT is a great handling bike. It feels light, responsive and once let off the leash flies through the corners.
While the STT is cool to ride and certainly sporty I struggle to find a reason to own one. If you want a mad supermoto the KTM 950SM is better, for a more relaxed ride the new Tiger is a great do-it-all and for exclusivity Ducati's upcoming Hypermotard promises to be stunning. The Buell doesn't really excel at anything, which leaves it a bit out in the cold.
Out of the Buell range the STT and the Lightning are the two I'd definitely recommend owning, but only if you want one for what it is, rather than for being the best among its peers.
VERDICT 3/5
Certainly pleasant to ride, just not on a par with the competition
SPECS
TYPE - STREETBIKE
PRODUCTION DATE - 2007
PRICE NEW - £7295
ENGINE CAPACITY - 1203cc
POWER - 100bhp@6600rpm
TORQUE - 81lb.ft@6000rpm
WEIGHT - 179kg
SEAT HEIGHT - 798mm
FUEL CAPACITY - 16.7L
TOP SPEED - 110mph
0-60 - n/a
TANK RANGE - N/A
You might be surprised to hear this but the whole supermoto scene actually started in America, despite what the French like to claim. Sometime in the early 80s the Yanks devised a race series for TV that combined on and off-road riding and called it Superbiker. The idea was that two- and four-stroke bikes (although mainly XR750s) racing on a mixture of surfaces would make spectacular viewing.
And it worked, so much so in fact that it caught the attention of the French who copied the format, translated Superbiker into French 'et voila' Supermoto was born. So in many ways Buell can claim that its Super TT with its air-cooled V-twin is the closest thing to a true supermoto, a converted XR750.
Much like the rest of the Buell range the STT is a variation on the standard platform. To all intents and purposes it's basically a Ulysses with different styling and a few tweaks. Considering this I didn't expect much from the STT, mainly because the Ulysses is a fairly dreadful bike. However I was pleasantly surprised.
The STT is actually a very nice bike to ride. Like other Buells it feels tiny and the riding position has the feel of being perched above the bike, but this suits the supermoto style. The seat, combined with the low pegs, make it easily comfortable enough for short hops.
The engine, like the rest of the bike, is sourced from Buell's XB12 range. Now, usually at this point I would start moaning about the heavy clutch and poor gearbox, but the STT is different. I have no idea why but the clutch feels lighter and the gearbox is, while still not brilliant, improved. You could use the STT as a commuter without doing your wrist and left foot permanent damage, which is unique for a Buell!
