From Buell To Ducati To Buell. You Are Looking At A Bucati.

bucati1bucati2bucati3bucati4bucati5The fact that on October 30, 2009 the Buell Motorcycle Company closed its doors – bringing an end to a 26-year run – didn’t change the love story that many riders and builders continue to have with the brand. An affection reenforced by the successful launch in November 2009 of Erik Buell Racing, an independent company run by Erik Buell which at first produced race-only versions of the 1125R model, but which is currently offering an updated 1190RS model for the street or the track. At time of closing in 2009, the total number of manufactured Buell was exactly 136,923 with Harley-Davidson continued commitment to supply replacement parts and services at over 250 ex-Buell location. Reason why those owning, buying or customizing a Buell still feel very confident with their brand choice.

bucati6bucati7bucati8All around the world, the Buell engine has been used in many custom applications of all styles. But as far as I know, never before mixed with Ducati parts like a sub frame. A marriage resulting in a very respectable performance motorcycle, not destined to race on the track, but producing an excellent street racer at a reasonable price. While Ducati is still pursuing the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” business model, this Bucati motto could simply be “Easy street race from Monday to Sunday”

bucati9bucati10The Bucati uses most mechanical elements from a 1998 Buell S1 Lightning, a more fundamental sport bike than the S3 Thunderbolt and M2 Cyclone that it was marketed alongside. Sub frame and tail were borrowed from a 1998 Ducati Frame work consisted in installing a brand new swingarm (with a rear set by Chainsickle), in removing and relocating the battery box/oil tank on the bike left side. Complete wiring and fuel injection were removed. A CR 38 mm carburetor is now installed on the Buell engine. Controls by Beringer. Very little welding and molding, mix of flat and glossy black paint by Craig. All work performed by Mike Lima and Alain Bernard at Santiago Chopper (photography copyright Erik Runyon at Choppershotz courtesy to Cyril Huze)

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26 Responses to “From Buell To Ducati To Buell. You Are Looking At A Bucati.”


  1. 1 Trail Boss Jan 21st, 2013 at 9:11 am

    Santiago Chopper loves to think outside the box which is so very cool!

  2. 2 Alan Jan 21st, 2013 at 9:42 am

    Thanks for publishing my bike

  3. 3 Ronnie Jan 21st, 2013 at 10:06 am

    Interesting contraption.

  4. 4 Shifter Jan 21st, 2013 at 10:06 am

    An illustration of what Cyril calls Fusionary Style!

  5. 5 Greeko Jan 21st, 2013 at 10:08 am

    I like both Buell & Ducati. So, I like this Bucati

  6. 6 GuitarSlinger Jan 21st, 2013 at 10:32 am

    Bucatti or DuBell … any way you say it ……. one very cool bike . 😉

  7. 7 BC Jan 21st, 2013 at 11:10 am

    Nose Bleed Special, built for NBA players or does it come with a stepladder to get up onto it?

  8. 8 BadMonkeyMW Jan 21st, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    Really cool. If I’m not mistaken though, I believe the S1 came carbureted from the factory. Buell’s first fuel injected model was the X1 that came out in 99 or ’00.

    Looks like it would be a blast to ride for sure.

  9. 9 Steve Trujillo Jan 21st, 2013 at 12:38 pm
  10. 10 Kevin Boyle Kustoms Jan 21st, 2013 at 12:45 pm

    bad ass!

  11. 11 Steve Carr Jan 21st, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    As Always, Great bike and concept Alan……Keep up the great work……

    Steve Carr
    Samson V-Twin
    Lightning Rod Motorcycles

  12. 12 BC Jan 21st, 2013 at 1:52 pm

    Tall but still a cool piece!

  13. 13 Dead Center Joel Jan 21st, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    Very cool. Looks like it would be ridiculously fun to ride!

  14. 14 bobs56 Jan 21st, 2013 at 2:41 pm

    Yup. Pretty ugly.

  15. 15 Doc Robinson Jan 21st, 2013 at 3:10 pm

    Well done Alan, very well done.

  16. 16 Rodent Jan 21st, 2013 at 3:55 pm

    Nice

  17. 17 Brandon Jan 21st, 2013 at 6:07 pm

    Lower it!

  18. 18 TODD SWEGHEIMER Jan 21st, 2013 at 8:31 pm

    MAN GUYS THIS THE BADDEST BIKE I EVER SAW ….A PIECE OF ART ! I HOPE THAT THE WILLBE SOLD TO THE PUBLIC SOME DAY…..PEACE

  19. 19 nicker Jan 21st, 2013 at 10:00 pm

    Very Tasty…..and a drive Chain…… be still my heart.
    The Rockers are coming back………. Look out all you Mods…. 🙂

    -nicker-

  20. 20 Rodent Jan 22nd, 2013 at 8:00 am

    Alan builds some nice rides!

  21. 21 Jeff Jan 22nd, 2013 at 9:20 am

    That is an X1, not an S1. Judging by the holes in the tank cover, a 99 X1. Frame is different. Fuell tank is different, subframe is detachable on the X1. It’s fuel injected. No S1 was ever made with black engine cases. If they had stuffed a Ducati engine in a Buell frame, they coud call it a Bucati. This is just an X1 with a diffrerent subframe and swingarm bolted on.

  22. 22 izadore007 Jan 22nd, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Nice, nice fricken’ Bike. it looks like it weighs 300 lbs. If it does you don’t need a Trailer to haul the Bike. You can use one of those Rigs that go directly on the Trailer Hitch of you SUV or Pick up. KOOL!

  23. 23 Jayde Jan 22nd, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    FANTASTIC! Love this! Love my Buell, always loved Ducati.. Cool mix! Would ride this in a heartbeat!

  24. 24 burnout Jan 22nd, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    Frrrrreaky….and I lLIKE it!!! peace

  25. 25 ric bonin Jan 22nd, 2013 at 9:26 pm

    alan super cool i love it

  1. 1 Bucati, the Santiago Chopper Buell-Ducati Mix | SuperbikeSA Pingback on Jan 22nd, 2013 at 8:47 pm
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Cyril Huze