| Author | Message | ||
     José_quiñones |
AMA Races At VIR Postponed, Make Up Date To Be Determined From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing: AMA CHEVROLET SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP, AMA SUPERMOTO CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS POSTPONED PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Sept. 14, 2004) -- AMA Pro Racing today announced the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship event at Virginia International Raceway and AMA Supermoto Championship event at South Boston Speedway scheduled for this weekend have been postponed due to complications related to Hurricane Ivan. AMA Pro Racing is continuing discussions with both Virginia International Raceway and South Boston Speedway regarding possible make-up dates. The AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship race at Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio, currently remains scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 19. | ||
| Blake |
I wonder why VIR would have any issues due to Ivan.  That sure is strange. Maybe there are a lot of AMAPR crew that live on the gulf coast? | ||
| Al_lighton |
Dennis, I hear ya on the wanting to vent. There is a badwebber that we sent a product to right after I bought American Sport Bike. He claimed the money was wired, had been a good American Sport Bike customer before, so we sent the product prior to confirming the money was in the bank. The money has never appeared, he claims it left his account but he won't prove that or help find if it got misrouted, he won't respond to emails, and he's in Europe. And it's more like $600.00. I was still a bit naive, I guess. I don't think I'll ever see it. Nice harsh awakening to the world of business. One likes to think that our little group here is immune to such things, but you can't count on it, I'm afraid. Good luck in receiving your product. Most times, it seems that deals gone bad are a result of miscommunications/misunderstandings. But when one party just refuses to communicate, it really irks me. Al | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Mike, I resent the note. Brad | ||
| Crw |
Probable reason for VIR postponement: Similarity of Ivan to Hurricane Camille 1969. Camille was the most extreme meteorological event recorded in the North America, pressure 909Mb, wind 190 mph. It took a path out of the gulf similar to the predicted path of Ivan (both in speed and direction). Camille dropped 27 inches of rain over much of south central Virginia killing at least 100. While Ivan is not nearly the intensity of Camille, the similarities probably have race officials nervous. (Message edited by crw on September 15, 2004) | ||
| Mikej |
Brad, Got it and replied.  Ivan issues: I think Crw got it right. Lots of related stuff happens upstream of the storms, and happens fast when it does. I anticipate we're going to get some related effect from it way up here in Wisconsin. | ||
| Kim |
Iamike, You have been pinged. Kim | ||
| Glitch |
A lot of raods were washed out in Western North Carolina due to the left overs of the last storm. I talked to my Dad again last night and he said they couldn't handle any more water. Most everyone in the area is still having to boil water. They've had lots of rock slides and roads sliding down the mountain. I imagine Virgina is in the same boat. After this coming weekend I wouldn't be surprised if more of the Blue Ridge is shut down. Some already won't reopen until next year. While ya'll are passing good hopes and wishes to the people of the coastal areas, please don't forget the Mountain Folk. I think this will make a big change in some of the Ridge Run. | ||
| Jad2 |
I know a bunch of you have been asking about Cell phone connections. I just got this from Motorola http://www.momodesign.com/eng/home_eng.html | ||
| Stryder |
Greetings all. I've been registered here for a long time but kept my mouth shut. Aren't you proud? Anyway, after a factory demo ride I've decided that a Buell is on my horizon. I rode the XB12S but think I like the XB12R better (styling). I am a converted metric rider so I'm familiar with rice-rockets. My confusion is this: I want to buy a used bike but I have no idea what constitutes a "good" model. The two things I'm pretty sure I want are the perimeter brakes and the USD front shocks. Other than that I have no idea of the differences between models/years. Does anyone have any recommendations or ideas of what to avoid? I realize this is broad so if you want to point me to old threads that would be cool too. Thanks! | ||
| Xb9er |
The ZTL front brake and upside down forks are standard equipment on all XB models. www.buell.com Mike | ||
| Stryder |
I appreciate the reply. I know those items are available on the current XB models, I rode one and can get that off the website. What I was more looking for is "Don't get a 19XX because this is bad" or something along those lines. For instance, the older ones are tube framed. Is that good or bad? I'd *like* to have those two things (forks and brakes) but if I can pick up a good used bike first that's a decent year then I'll all for it. KnowwhutImean? | ||
| Henrik |
If you have decided you want the perimeter brake, then you'll be looking at the XB (non-tuber) models only. The tuber brakes are fine, but they're single disk standard type 6-pot. There seem to be some nice upgrades between '03 and '04 such as new, stronger belt. Otherwise I think they're fairly similar. Henrik | ||
| Mikej |
Stryder, Go to the DCBRAG.org web site and look in the history section for a very nice pictorial of most all Buells. If you're stuck on perimeter brakes then you're looking at XB's and converted tube framers. If you are stuck on upside down forks then you're looking at XB's, X1's, S3's, S1's, and converted M2's. There is no "good or bad" when it comes to the 'tubers. Some have had issues that are well documented in various threads on the site here. Use the search utility and look up phrases like "what bike should I buy" with the all-these-words option selected. Those exact words may not give many hits, but variations of it will give many hits. There are some tube frame owners who won't own an X frame bike, there are some X frame owners who won't own a tube frame bike. If this isn't an issue for you then shop the features. But I suspect if you're coming in from the sportbike world then you'll probably be most happy with the XB models. Sticking with XB models only there was a belt change one year, but that's upgradable so isn't a major factor (or at least shouldn't be one). Wander around the X-Board section for more than you'll want to know. Buying used, oddly enough the higher the miles the better off you may be since the bike will already be run in some. But there are some And don't be so down on the rightside up forked bikes. Test ride as many varieties as you can as each model has a feel all it's own. For example if you rode an M2 and an S2 back to back you'd think they were totally different bikes, and they are. Only riding them can tell you which you'd be happiest with. Hope this helps some in your shopping. Enjoy the ride. MikeJ (Basically a 'tuber, but not a hoser)  | ||
| Jim_sb |
MikeJ, My CA '96 S2 has inverted forks (WP, adjustable compression and rebound clickers). It's a great bike. Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Mikej |
Oops, so does my S2. Thought I included it above, guess not. Guess I'll have to get a new front tire for it and ride the S2 as punishment.  | ||
| Xb9er |
You are going to have to ride tube framed bikes also and then decide whether you want the XB or pre-XB. Buell took a quantum leap forward with the introduction of the XB, which replaced the tube frames. If you will, the XB's are not "backward compatible" with pre-XB bikes. If you decide to go with a used XB, then just find the best bike for the best deal. There are very few variations between years and models of XB's (so far). There is no good or bad XB. If you like the tube frames, then choosing one may be more complicated. I've never ridden or owned a tube framed Buell so you'll need to seek the advice of the tuber crowd. Mike. | ||
| Stryder |
Thanks for the tips everyone. And MikeJ thanks for taking the time to type such a complete reply. I'm sure all this information is out there but I'm rather hindered by the format of this forum. I guess it takes getting used to. I've been looking around without knowing what I wanted and for te most part I can get my pick of the list around here for $4-$4.5K so I'll be saving my pennies till next spring/summer when I can pull the trigger. Till then, research! :-) What about the heads? I thought I had heard the Lightnings are the 1200 style heads. I'm pretty sure I want TS or XB heads. Which models have the TS heads? | ||
| Mikej |
Not sure of the X-frame head options, but thought it was simply a case of 9 vs 12 size options. You really need to test ride a 'tuber though. Just something about them, just ask any of us who own one. Possibly a better way to address the issue is to state your intended uses and riding style, then back your way into a bike choice. Kind of like multiple choices on a quiz, eliminate the wrong answers and you might end up with just one option. | ||
| Blks1l |
Not sure if this is where I should be posting, but I had a question regarding buying another bike. I have a 97 S1, and am looking for either an S3T, or an S2T, something I can put some more miles and luggage on. What do any of you who ride or have ridden these, feel is the more comfortable one, especially in regards to seating. Thanks | ||
| Mikej |
Between an early S3T and an S2T, some difference in fit and feel and handling perception. Between an early S3T and a later S3T the biggest difference will be the seat, then the carb going away for fuel injection. Cross country, I'd be fine on either an S2 or a later M2, but then I ride bicycles too and have acclimated sitbones.  | ||
| Henrik |
There was a long thread going into detail about the difference between S2 and S3. Use the search function: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/discus.cgi you can link to from this page. Do a search for "S2 S3" in the text of the message. For those of you who are not using the search ... get thee there and start using the "search for messages since I last searched for messages". That is without fail the best way to keep up. Henrik | ||
| Hootowl |
The 1998 S1W had TS heads, and all tubers 1999 and up have them. The XB's use a different head. | ||
| Stryder |
"The 1998 S1W had TS heads, and all tubers 1999 and up have them. The XB's use a different head." So basically if I am looking to get an S2 or XB then I'd be fine performance-wise? I've been reading some of the other threads you all have pointed me to. One thing that does not show up is Carb vs. FI. Where is the split on that (model/year-wise)? | ||
| Jim_sb |
Big difference in performance there. The S2's have stock 1203cc Sportster motors, albeit with Buell's higher flowing air cleaner/header/muffler combo. IIRC a typical stock S2 has about 65 rwhp. The S2 is a much larger bike than the XB's, but I think that makes it a better sport tourer whereas the XB's are better back road hooligan bikes. The S2's are more of an 'orphaned' bike, you typically won't see Buell selling you any accessories designed for your S2. I haven't had any trouble getting replacement parts though. The S2, in a nutshell, has a rubber mounted Sportster motor, sportbike wheels, tires and brakes, 5 gallons (they say, I've never put more than 4.7 into mine, but I do get 200 miles per tank without running out) of fuel, nice fairing for wind protection, comfy ergos (although I'd like to add rearsets), decent ground clearance with a goofy kickstand. I really enjoy mine. One day I'll have some type of cylinder or head trouble and I'll call Aaron and he'll sell me something and the bike will become faster. But really the S2 as is does not have any trouble keeping up with the pack at any sane street riding speeds. YMMV of course. Jim in Santa Barbara '96 S2 Thunderbolt '04 DRZ400S | ||
| Mikej |
Performance-wise, a stock S2 is basically a stock Sportster engine from the same era (1995-96). Some people are fine with that performance level, many are not and want more power. Also, the S2's have different gear spacing between 1st and 2nd gear (not sure about other models). Not a big deal unless you swap between two bikes, but even then not a big deal (to me at least). XB9 vs XB12 power: some people prefer the power band and higher revving of the XB9 engines, some like the greater grunt factor of the XB12 engines, some others prefer the even greater grunt factor of the tube frame predecessors. Carb's exist on all M2's. S3's were changed out in either '97 or '98 to f.i. I think. All X1's were f.i. I believe. Not sure if all S1's are carb'd. For pre-S2 models look at the DCBRAG.org and DaveGess.com web sites for info. It doesn't sound like you're looking at Blasts so I won't get into those, they're nice but probably not what you're looking for. Also note: no stock Buells are set up for much over 140mph. Other older models will work to get over 100mph easily. These are for the most part in a general sense of the matter good road/street bikes on public roadways at speeds under 100mph. If you're coming in from a bike that tapped 150mph and tapped that range regularly then you may need to shop elsewhere or be preparred to shell out some upgrade/performance dollars. Also consider if you plan to do any passenger carrying or touring on the bike you get you will want to factor that heavily into your decision process. Also, also, consider your local dealership support as perhaps your most major factor in happy Buell ownership. I believe there is an active chapter of people in your area who are very well versed in Buells who could most likely give you an excellent perspective of the local Buell scene. In closing, comparing an S2 to an XB is like comparing, oh, I don't know, perhaps comparing a 1967 Chevelle to a 1995 Mustang or something. Bad analogy, but basically they are totally different bikes with totally different handling and performance characteristics. Ride both if you can as that's perhaps the only way to truely understand what I'm not explaining very well. | ||
| Mikej |
Ditto what Jim said about sane street performance with the S2. On my stock '95 S2 it is no problem to tap 90+mph to get away from nervous morning commute drivers when the need arises. Theoretically speaking of course as I personally would never do such a thing as exceed posted speed limits. | ||
| Stryder |
I made the S2 statement based on some other threads about general desirability (subjective) but I assumed they and the XB were similar. I don't have access to an S2 (or an XB except at the Open House) to ride them back to back either. So then really, what I want is an XB I guess. What was the first year they were made and are there any (like the first year) I should stay away from? Oh... and I do realize these will not keep up with a rice-rocket going 150 MPH, that's not what I'm looking for. I'm going to ride around town, look for fun on-off ramps and take the occasional trip to the nearest twisties... all for fun. No 2-up, no trips (I have a RK for that). Anything that I need to carry will fit in a small nap-sack. Dealer support is likewise not a concern. I've learned not to rely on them and am comfortable with most wrenching. | ||
| Blake |
Go MikeJ!!! We're going to have to start calling you "Data."  Some clarifications... All XB heads are the same, no difference between XB12 and XB9. Engine progression for Buell is as follows... 1994-1996 (S2) Stock Sportster engine with high flow exhaust. Other/later Buell trellis framed twins have either the Buell spedific "Lightning" heads along with lightened flywheels; some included other non-Sportster high performance parts such as cams, pistons, oil pumps, ignition modules/ECMs... The "Lightning" cylinder head versions of the Buell powerplant came online in 1996 in the S1 Lightning then in 1997 in the S3/S3T Thunderbolt and M2 Cyclone, though the Cyclone still utilized stock D-grind Sportster cams for better low-end but diminished top-end performance. The S1 and S3 models used the more aggressive "Lightning" cams, equivalent I believe to the Screaming Eagle bolt-in cam grind. The Thunderstorm engine of the Tube/Trellis framed Buells came online in 1997 in the S1W and in 1998 in the S3, then in 1999 all Buell twins (new X1 Lightning and the M2 Cyclone) in 1999, though the M2 Cyclone retained the D-grind Sportster cams and their characteristic big, arm-wrenching low-end torque. The T-Storm Cyclones sacrificed about 10 HP on top to their Lightning cammed S1W/S3/X1 sisters, but until engine speed exceeded 5,000 rpm the Cyclone's D-grind cammed engine yielded significantly better performance than their Lightning cammed sisters. Prior to 1999 all Buell motorcycles were carbureted (CV40). The DDFI electronic fuel injection came online in 1999 on the X1 Lightning and S3/S3T Thunderbolt. The Buell M2 Cyclone remained carbureted for it's entire model lifespan from 1997-2002. One of the reasons the Cyclone is hands down, the best bike ever built. The Buell M2 Cyclone is the only Buell twin to have conventional forks; all Cyclones utilized conventional forks. I cannot recall which year Buell changed the ratio of 2nd gear, I know that my '97 Cyclone has the older lower 2nd gear. It hits redline at around 70 mph. The new 2nd gear increased that by about 9% to 76 mph. For around town riding, I actually prefer the older 1.97 ratio 2nd gear to the newer 2.15 ratio. I owned a 2000 M2 Cyclone for a couple years. It was a great bike. In 1999 the Cyclones along with the Thunderstorm heads also got the larger 5 gallon fuel tank giving the bike an easy 200 mile range. In 1999 all Buells also got a slightly redesigned frame that allowed their rear exhaust header to be routed underneath the lower frame tube as opposed to over it. This was done to mitigate heating of the rider's right leg/thigh. I prefer the original configuration and found the difference to be minimal. Don't wear tight jeans when riding, and the header heat is a non-issue. If I were in the market for a new Buell right now, I would be looking at the "S" models but would immediately retrofit the more aggressive/sport oriented "R" handlebars/upper steering head triple clamp. But I'm a naked bike kinda guy. ![: ]](http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/clipart/proud.gif) | ||
| Blake |
Mike, One more clarification, this time concerning the board seach utility: The BadWeB search engine ignores common words designated as "stop words", words like prepositions, pronouns, conjunctions etc... also other board specific common words like "bike", "Buell", "motorcycle." Keeps the search database to a minimum. Doesn't hurt to include "stop words" in a search, they just have no effect. Rock on! |
