| Author | Message | ||
     supermod |
court : Am new to buells, looking for a decent bike in the $6-7000 range. Found new m2 for 8500 otd, etc. Also, ,found 1992 rs1200, 4000mi, small amt. road rash(shock res.), etc. Can you give me any child guidance on this model, price, performance, etc.? Or can you refer me to someone who can? Reason i ask is you seem tom know these better than anyone, Any help would be appreciated. Clay Dart | ||
| Court Canfield |
Clay: Gotta flash out right now...about 4 hours late leaving office. The M2 and RS-1200 are two COMPLETEY differnet birds....I'll try to give you an overview first thing tomorrow. Till then....double your pleasure and DREAM OF BOTH ! Court | ||
| Court Canfield |
Clay: My apologies for the delay in responding. The M-2 is, likely, the way to go. Here's my quick take. THE M-2: The M-2 was one of the best bikes ever designed and built by Buell. It excels as a result of the fac that it tries to be nothing it is not. It provides a fabulously satistying ride by combing keen Buell handling with tons of torque. The package is kinesthetically and emotionally satisfying. The M-2 shines, also, due to it's raw simplicity. No vales to EVER adjust, simple carb, no sensors and nothing put there to "keep up with any Jones'" Simply a brilliant motorcycle. The M-2, for a glimpse inside, was largely the work of a fellow names Marty Brown who worked unscathed as others consumed themselves with the S-1, S1WL and updating the S3T. Marty rode the wheels off this bike in testing and it shows. Ask about for prices...there have been some wonderful prices discussed recently. THE RS-1200: The RS-1200 was, also, one of my favorite Buells and I've logged many happy miles aboard a variety of them. Bodywork, coming from the good old guys at Excalibur kit car, could be "iffy" so you'll want to pay attention to that. At one time Erik was rejecting more than 50% of the stuff they sent him and I suspect none madeit on bikes. The flip up seat was, and still is, a very handy touch. In terms of handling the RS-1200 will have a "slower" reponse, be less "twitchy" and demand the rider plan ahead a bit more. Although the geometry is virtually idential the seating positionm of the RS-1200 places your butt more to the rear. Whereas the newer Buells move you toward the vertical line passing through the base of the rear cylinder whrere the CG is. I'll spare you the polar moment of inertia talk.....they both are great bikes to ride. Parts for the RS are not the problem you might think, as long as you need the "right" parts. The "tribal knolwedge" still exists and the guys who built them are still quietly making sure that "old" Buell owners are taken well care of. I hope this is some help and if you need anything more or need manuals of info for the RS (if you buy if) give me a shout and I'll hel pin any way I can. Ride safely, Court (pardon typing....I gotta get outta this office !) | ||
| José Quiñones |
Court, What was that list of "essential" items that every Buell Dealer should have in stock? The parts dept. manager for my dealer, HD of Washington, wanted our BRAG chapter to come up with a list of things we wanted them to stock. I would like to start with this list since my bike has been sitting 3 WEEKS because they can't order the right throttle cable. I like them, I bought both my bikes from them, but it seems that they have problems ordering Buell Parts, or maybe it's Buell's problem, I don't know. I have ordered various items over the last year and there is always a mistake somewhere along the way. First one was the right fairing lower, Buell sent the left one. Then I ordered the deep saddlebag set last x-mas (at 20% off); the first ones were "lost" in the mail, the second set ordered ended up being 97 bags (didn't fit), and finally the third time I got the right ones, about 6 months total time. Then my ignition switch failed; I gave them the keycode so they could get me a matching one, the first one that showed up didn't match, and finally one of my cables was frayed, and they sent the wrong cable the first time and I am now waiting for the correct one. I like my dealer, but I want to know what I can do to help them get better at ordering Buell Parts. Thanks, José Quiñones 99S3T PUYA www.dcbrag.org | ||
| José Quiñones |
PS thanks in advance I won't be back near a computer till Tuesday José | ||
| supermod |
Court - Thanks ffor an inside view of both bikes. Looks as if the rs1200 is not the best all around . Havent ridden the rs, but have ridden 00 lightening, s3t, m2, 98 s3t. The light. was the fastest, easiest handlerof all, but had to pay attention to business(1 1/2 degree less rake?) Also had full race kit. What fun! Probably end up w/ a m2 tho, tunability and all, also like to twiddle w/ engines, great winter projects. Thanks again, Ill be back to let you know the results. Keep up the good work. Clay Dart | ||
| Court Canfield |
Jose: I can answer that. Remind me on Tuesday when you get back. Clay: Keep us posted. You'll have a ball comparing the various bikes. Court | ||
| Anonymous |
jose, brake pads, banjo bolts and washers(brakes), brake rotors, all cables throttle, clutch, brake lines, frt brake light switch, wheel bearings, handlebars, batteries, tires, lots and lots of frt muffler mounts(new ones), manuels, good grips, hotline to storz, hopefully a parts guy who RIDES a buell,injectors, gaskets (all) , seals (all), most important- parts guy who can look up the right number and have the granted authority to ORDER the stuff thru talon.the BIGGEST problem in the dealership is COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN!!!! BUT BE ABSOLUTLY CERTAIN THAT THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT YOUR ENEMY!!! | ||
| Anonymous |
rocketman What is a 9 bob. anon BLAST | ||
| Sean Pepper (Rocketman) |
In reply anon.....and by the way, your question is translated for me using the "new messages tree" so , yes I know how to use the colour tags so I know where you're coming from SmArT ArSe !!!!!!! In pre-decimal currency the UK had a 10 shilling's note. A commonly used phrase would perhaps read like this "You know that Anon geezer, he's as queer as a nine BOB note" Rocket in England | ||
| José Quiñones |
Court, I'm back. I spent the weekend in NYC, walking around Chinatown, Little Italy, etc. How do you guys ride bikes in NYC? The drivers don't scare me but the roads suck! If I lived there I would only use a dual-sport bike because of all the potholes and steel plates. Anon: are you speaking about that dealer or all dealers? Most of the time HD of Washington gets things right, they just need a little "encouragement" with Buell stuff. José | ||
| Court Canfield |
José: It's challenging and is no place for a novice. Bringing a Buell here (yes, I know there are exception s) is basically a waste of time. This morning I used the Metropolitan ramp (the one that goes to Henrik's) off the BQE. The pothold is STILL there. It's 40" long and 14" deep. There is a bridge plate that WAS covering a construction excavation that has moved to the side, revealing about a 12" wide chasam. I have some wonderful pictures of bridge plates that have seperated. Remember that "resonance" thing? Well, bridge plate, when not properly pinned down moves each time it is vibrated. Now.....you know why the Supermotard is the ONLY way to go in NYC. Air horns, strobes, lots of 3M Scothbrite and Signal Dynamics modualtors front and rear. If you aren't willing or able to leap to the curb this is a tough place toi ride. Good news is that Little Italy and Chinatown are two of my favorite places on early Sunday mornings. But, while you were there, I was in Brooklyn Heights checking out the Conneticut Muffin. Give me a call next time you're in town...... Court | ||
| José Quiñones |
Court, Scary stuff, indeed. Was anon on the mark there about the items to stock and the Talon information? I would like to compile a list from your suggestions and others to give to the HDW parts manager. I should get my bike back this weekend, so I'll give him the list at that time. Linda and I ate at the Cabana restaurant at the South Street Seaport. Very good. Thanks for the invite, I might be back up your way for the holidays to visit my relatives. Thanks, José | ||
| Court Canfield |
José: Well, yes and no. There were, at one time, 3 lists communicated to dealers. Lists "A", "B" and "C" were based on prior years bike and P&A sales. Of interest, to me, was that the "A" (most comprehensive) list only amounted to something on the order of $1,500 at dealer cost. Many of the parts that cause the angst with the terrible Buell delivery are nickel and dime stuff. A grommett here, a $5 turn signal there. A significant amount of what Buell is blamed for should actually be attributed to dealers reluctance to stock the most rudimentary of Buell items. I suggested, to deaf ears, that before the first Thor (now the BLAST) was delivered that EACH AND EVERY dealer get a wooden crate. Enclosed would be a Set-up and Delivery manual and a spare of every part on the bike with the exception of wheel, swingarm, front forks and engine. 10 each of all the parts that were NOT in the wooden crate would be warehoused in a "fast response" configuration (i.e. pre-boxed, labeled, weighed and waiting for nothing but the shipping label to be slapped on) and would become part of a "pull" system. One ships, one is ordered to replace it. Think, for a momemt, of the huge water supply (1.8 billion gal/day) for New York City. What if water wasn't in the system . . what if, when I opened my faucet, the flow commenced all the way from the Ashokan ? Now, you see why it takes 8 weeks to get a turn signal. I actually have the lists somewhere, but in the interim have your dealer do a "velocity" check to see which items he/she HAS been selling. Then simply walk around a bike to inventory "tip-over" parts.(the factory actually DOES tip them over) Keep me posted and I'd be pleased to visit with your dealer or anyone who is serious about improving their Buell service. I can hook him/her up with persons "in the know". Let us know when you are headed back and I'll arrange for you to meet some real horse's patoots who ride Buells in the area. We can have another dinner at our house and tell lies ! All the best, Court | ||
| Turnagain |
OK Court, I just read this article at adn.com. See if it gives you any thoughts for that book we've been looking for from you. http://www.adn.com/lifestyles/story/0,2649,191981,00.html Maybe you might want to stick to North America though. I can see it now, 'Mile Posts from the Road' (if you wanted to keep us posted on the web). Oh yeah, I know how you like the S2, so I wanted to make sure you saw this one: http://www.dcbrag.org/S2h.htm Take care now, Steve . | ||
| José Quiñones |
Court, Thanks for the help, I'll let you know how things turn out. Since you saw Steve's bike, you can also see my bike at DCBRAG: http://www.dcbrag.org/mems3tb.htm Later, José | ||
| Court Canfield |
Steve: Actually, I did daily posts, phone in "On the road with the Buell" radio spots daily and appeared on a talk show about "what's right with America - travels through this land" with Bob Collins in Chicago. But . . .there's LOTS more to tell. That S-2 is awesome. The Carribean Blue was one of the best paints that ever graced a Buell. Shame but the blue and yellow were dropped heading into 1996 cause they were a bear to match. That's a definite keeper. Jose', that's a great looking S-3 but egads, that 'stache! We'd be busted as outlaws ! Serioulsy, I am going to have to ride down and see you guys. I think I have a Buell you'd enjoy seeing.... Watch for the first "The Legend of the Elves" installment..... Court | ||
| DaveP (Superdave) |
Court How does one get information on becoming a Buell dealer? Is is required that you also be a Harley dealer? Phone number, snail mail, or an email address would be appreciated Thanks Dave | ||
| Court Canfield |
Dave: One gets such information from the Manager of Dealer Services (I think Bill Evers, but that may not be current) at Dealer Services at Harley-Davidson Motor Co. In order to make application to become a Buell dealer one MUST have a current Harley-Davidson Dealer Contract. Much more to this..... You may reach me at 718-752-2345, direct line to my office. Court | ||
| José Quiñones |
Hey Court, You can meet a bunch of us if you come down to the Mid-Atlantic BRAG Rally at Summit Point Sept 15-17. Erik is scheduled to attend, and I tried to talk Shawn Higbee in to coming down when I met him at Mid-Ohio. He seemed interested. It should be a lot of fun. Later, José Quiñones 99S3T PUYA www.dcbrag.org |
