| Author | Message | ||
     Bikerjim99 |
Hi Joe I am on the wrong side of 50, and I've ridden or owned just about everything thats out there, Asian and European. Some were good but were boring. A ( very )few scared me, some just didn't fit. Some were OK. I found that as the years went by, the cycles seemed to lose character. I didn't enjoy riding as much as I used to. When I test drove a Buell, I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face.I bought one that day. I've raced motorcycles, toured several times across the country, ridden since I was 15. It's not the fastest around, but speed is relative. Top speed is like being the top gun in the old West. There's always someone faster. You'll have no trouble keeping up with your friends. Depending on your riding skills, you may find that you are leading them! Jim | ||
| Tripper  |
Your stories sound very familiar, because they parallel my own. From a string of 3 GS1100's FJ1100, GSXR 1100, how could I find myslf on a Buell? Because I slipped up. I took the test ride. The first 2 weeks of Buell ownership I almost killed it as I could'nt stop myself from hitting the rev limiter. I mean, like I never had a bike that came alive below 7 grand, and this one won't even reach that. Adjusting to the low energy oomph available didn't take long. Don't worry about the shake, it's only at idle and won't come into play when you ride. Besides, how many guys can back their bike into the curb at the coffee shop while standing next to it removing your helmet? do it. | ||
| Lornce  |
Joe, Here's what ya do.... Find yourself an S2 or S3 with an 88" motor and proceed to Glendale with your most trusted riding buddy. Now (here's where the trust comes in) let your buddy ride your porcine Kawasaki while you pilot the nimble Buell and head on up "The Crest" to your favourite scenic overview. While your waiting for your buddy to arrive you could enjoy the view with a nice cold soda from the ice pack in your right saddlebag. It's always the right cause the left's a pain with the sidestand and all, but you get used to it. Be sure to offer your buddy a soda when he gets there, too. The most satisfying backhanded courtesy you'll ever enjoy.  You'll be ready for the second by then anyway. By this point you should have no further questions about the wisdom of moving to a Buell. Except that nagging twinge of "Why didn't I do this years ago?"  Lornce (30+ bikes over the years: Buells rock) | ||
| Sparky  |
My 96 Lightning turned 90 today. 90000 miles of smiles that is. What a trip it has been so far. From the Pasadena MC club member who, in 1996 on their Greenhorn Tour, asked, "What is that, a kit bike?" to the Harley dude at work today who was pointing out various features of the chassis to a fellow worker, the bike still evokes admirable comments from everyone who sees it whether biker or general public. Erik, my hat is off to you for giving us such an awesome looking, great handling motorcycle. In an ironic twist of fate after that achievement this morning, the bike had the final say about it. At 90084 miles I snapped the drive belt being a little too frisky trying to pop a wheelie over a speed bump about a mile from home. So friends, change out your belt before you clock 90000 miles on your S1, okay?  Sparky | ||
| Crazyhorse  |
Jdilpkle I'm in the over 50 gang and hope to ride for many more years. I have had a inline 4 of one type or anuther for a long time and when I took my first ride on my S3 it was love at first ride. i didn't want to take it back. My best advice is find some one who will let you go for a long test ride . | ||
| Doerman |
Hi jdilpkle Asking on the BadWeb if a Buell is for you is like contacting the RNC or DNC and asking them if the Republican or Democrat party is for you But that aside, The riding you describe and based on your current Kaw, if you select a Buell, the XB12S is probably the ride for you. You ask for guys that have had a UJM and gone to Buell. Well, it is along time ago. The last UJM I had was a Yam XS850. I've gone through 6 Buells and I still have 2 of them, 96 S1 and 03 XB9R. Only you can make your choice, but I can say this that when I ride with friends on their Ducs, Honda and Suz literbikes, and other late model high powered UJMs on the Glendora, Angeles Crest, and other nice roads in our vicinity, I am certainly not left in the dust. You will miss the arm stretching pull from your Kaw 1200. And you most likely will embrace the agility of a Buell, if you were to make the switch. That tradeoff was worth it to me. Another advantage, and that is only in the eye of the beholder is that if you are mechanically inclined, you can work on a Buell. If you intend to do your own service work, that might matter to yo. You sound like a mature and responsible guy, so since you live in Rancho and I in Ontario, contact me via email, and you can take my XB9R out for a test ride in on the roads of your choice. One more thing, if you do not contact me and go for a Buell anyway, I recommend Bartels in Marina Del Rey. The sales person (Eric) out there is very knowledgeable and they have an excellent service department. I have not had good experiences with PV HD & Buell. Best regards | ||
| Sandblast  |
Wow Doerman you are pretty cool. Seriously, thats cool of you to offer that. Hey, Ontario! I live in Hemet- I could show up with my M2 if it's on a weekend. (Message edited by sandblast on November 21, 2004) | ||
| Sandblast |
Speaking of my M2, I made some mounts for my new (used) Borla slip on. I wanted to get some opinions from you guys so I posted pics in the knowledge vault, under exhaust, under "Help broken rear Borla mounts" or something like that. If anyone could take a look I would appreciate it. Warning, they are very ugly, I prefer the word "utilitarian", but ugly they are. | ||
| Doerman |
Well, thanks for the compliment! A lot of people have ridden my Buells since I got my first one. It has gone very well, and brought pleasure to | ||
| Captainkirk  |
I bought my tuber at the time the first Firebolts were awaiting delivery. Having read all the hype about the new Buells and ridden the old(tubers), I knew big things were in the works, but bought my tuber anyway. I've never regretted it. This well may be the last motorcycle I ever buy. It's not about the top end. Believe me. I still own my (80's)Jap IL4 but the handling of the Buells is light years ahead. Not only that, the thing just REEKS of attitude and class. I can't explain it to you...Take one on a long ride (not a five-minute test hop) When you get back, you'll know. It's not about the speed; it's about riding in the real world, where most of us live. | ||
| Firemanjim  |
"It's not about the speed"--it is for some of us.LOL!!!!200 mph here I come!!!  | ||
| Got1nut |
So im buying my first Buell from Daves, Ive only been riding a couple of seasons (2 yrs) and that was on my 01 zx6r. When I tell my friends that Im selling the zx6r to buy a buell xb9s they give me this crazy look and say something negative. I dont really care what they think I never liked my kawi to begin with, it hurt my back and I never felt comfortable riding it. So i guess I would like to know what differences will I see from riding a zx6r to the xb9s? Anything that I will miss (i dont hit triple digits on the streets much anyway) and what can i expect from making a switch? performace, handling etc??. thanks | ||
| Tripper |
But your a certifiably sick man. Jim has a speed migraine. The rest of us are.. well, feelin just a little Buellish. Kinda like havin the flu. | ||
| Tripper |
oops, that post was meant to go under Fireman Jim. Got Only One Nut: You will miss the rush of a motor that "comes on the cam" at 9k and screams to 14k. But you will soon appreciate the motor that shoots you ahead at 2500 rpm and lofts wheelies at 3500. You won't miss the numb hands an inline 4 gives you. You will curse your paint shaker when it idles, but after a few months it will become a badge of honor. Something you will use to make your friends shake their head. You won't miss your old friends. They'll get used to the view of the rear of your narrow motorcycle. You will giggle, yes giggle, no other way to say it. DaveS will properly set the suspension for you, so you can expect a supreme handling machine. It will thrill and amaze you. You can expect questions from lowered car windows, and thumbs up from those too shy to ask "what is it?" You will chuckle. Expect to take several more vacations than your job allows. The people you will meet will more than compensate for the lost wages. You are going to have a good time. What color? | ||
| M1combat  |
"You will giggle, yes giggle, no other way to say it." I've laughed out loud in my helmet numerous times . These bikes are just plain fun, hard to quantify exactly why though... | ||
| Blublak  |
Yo, 1Nut.. What they said.. There is something just plain visceral about the Buell that infests the soul. And that's just about any Buell, my wife rides an '01 Blast (Bumble Buell) and she can't get enough of it, despite having the high dollar bling'in '05 Sporty right next to it in the garage. You will become properly infected (like the rest of us) and you will want to tell others. Sometimes, you'll just smile under your helmet as they do the 'I'm so fast' run up on you on long straight roads.. But hey, like the man said, you gotta go slow to go fast.. And in the turns, while they're on the brakes to make a turn you'll just glide through. Some of them will even ask you 'How do you turn so fast..'.. Once again, don't giggle in their faces, just smile and let that XB 'wiggle' it's 'antennae' at 'em. Later, | ||
| Lornce |
Buell moment.... Riding with some buddies on current Japanese sporting hardware earlier this year. Gixxer grand, R1, R6 etc. Latest addition to the group is a French Canadian road racer on a nicely track prepped SV650. Stopped for a coffee and SV guy comes over and starts seriously eye-balling the S2. Raises his eyebrows and makes sucking sounds at the sight of touring compound 020 Bridgestones. "Mind if I sit on it?" he asks. "Sure, go right ahead." The ceremonial front brake and bouncing in the seat begins. It's funny to watch. I see the wheels turning.... As he tries to figure out what just happened. | ||
| Eeeeek  |
AFM just made air cooled pushrod bikes up to 1210 legal in Formula IV. Anyone got a race prepped XB laying around? | ||
| Choptop  |
Damnit Vik, ya beat me too it.... we need a bigger trailer, too many race bikes. | ||
| Choptop |
Eric stated in one of the Brit bike mags that a V-Rod Buell is basically never going to happen. It's huge, heavy, and only makes 15hp more than the XB12 motor. I've yet to see any numbers that way the V-Rod motor is heavier/larger than the XB12 motor... anyone have any? Not saying its not true....but I've yet }to see it "proven". | ||
| Wyckedflesh  |
J1N I can say as someone that SOLD his ZX6-RR because it sat forelornly in the garage that what the others have said is true, you will miss the high revs, and you will get the look of insanity when you tell people you own a Buell. But, I can go through the canyons faster on my Buell then I could on the ZX6. The lowend grunt is PERFECT for the canyons. And yes, you will giggle, but not like a school girl, oh no, more like some deranged maniac on a bike at night hanging onto the head of a comet as it races through the darkness | ||
| Captainkirk |
M1, Yeah, I've laughed out loud too, even let out a "Yee-hah!" as I peaked on a knee-scraping apex and whacked the throttle WFO and felt that old BuellosaurusRex just stand up and snarl! No Jap IL4 ever gave me that incredible testosterone kick in the pants. I know 'ZACTLY what you mean!  | ||
| Tripper |
Eeeeek, Choooop, it's an invasion! | ||
| Eeeeek |
Huh, I wacked the throttle on my 954 coming out of a tight corner, instantly slid the rear and then floated a small wheelie to the next tight corner, all while passing a series of Buells...That was a testosterone kick! The Buell was great for off the line punch, NOW. Don't discount what the I-4's can do, though. Vik | ||
| Eeeeek |
Back to the racing idea. Would it be better to punch out an XB9 or just run an XB12? Vik | ||
| Henrik  |
I think punching out the XB9 would allow a bore/stroke similar to the (non)-factory race bikes. The shorter stroke would allow you to spin it up a bit higher. I know Aaron at NHRS has built motors with those specs. Henrik | ||
| Bigj |
I agree, Chop, about the V-Rod motor. I have a feeling the real problem is the v-angle, which makes it longer front to back.  | ||
| M1combat |
Well, that and we have no good place for radiators... And I don't even want one... | ||
| Blake  |
I'm not familiar with the AFM class structure. What would you be racing against in Formula IV? I assume SV700s? | ||
| Eeeeek |
No, watercooled twins are limited to 650. We have a middle-weight twins class that includes 501-650 cc twins. That class is entirely populated by SV650s. Formula IV 251-650 cc 4-stroke twin-cylinder 400-550 cc 4-stroke multi-cylinder 201-250 cc Street based, 2-stroke, twin cylinder 251-Open cc 4-stroke, single cylinder Up to 810 cc desmo air cooled twin-cylinder Up to 1210 cc air cooled pushrod twin cylinder Vik |
