| Author | Message | ||
     Jim_Sb |
Blake: I'm only 5' 9" on a good day. So I'm sure your reach has you sitting more upright than me for similar handlebar locations. I agree that the wrists are not an issue at speed, although my right wrist is permanently broken from a basketball accident 20+ years ago so I'm sensitive to wrist loads - but I didn't notice it at all on the Firebolt demo. I have the same "hanging on" issue on my Sportster at speed. Which, of course, is why I love the fairing on the S2. It seems that the entire S2 package finds that delicate balance that suits my back, legs & wrists very well, enabling me to ride in comfort for extended distances. I may try the S2 touring bars as well for just a wee bit less lean around town... Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Sparky |
Went back on Sunday for another demo ride. This time the seat of pants reaction reafirmed my opinion that a stock S1 is playing with more torque than the XB from clutch engagement to about 3 grand. After that though the Firebolt'll leave it in the dust. In other words it felt like the S1 would probably take it out of the hole, but once across the street, the Firebolt is gone, baby. There was a lot of traffic on the twisty parts of the route Sunday so we didn't have free abandon to get real agressive in the turns. I did notice though that the inside grip seemed to push back slightly more than the S1 while in a turn. Perhaps I'm used to the S1's wide bars & don't notice this. But feedback is a good thing & it's remarkable that it's so light for a bike with clip-on style bars. Photos coming soon. Thanks, Sparky 96S1, 98S3 | ||
| Imonabuss |
Neil, RRW has regurgitation of Buell PR? I don't think so. Maybe you don't really know what RRW stands for...Roadracing World. These guys don't try to make anyone happy; they tell it like it is. Chris Ulrich writes for pages about his all day track race with Don Canet of Cycle World during the Firebolt press launch, then another editor writes about riding the canyons the next day (since Chris doesn't have a street license). Chris is one seriously fast racer, as is Canet, so you'd better believe they flogged those bikes! Bottom line: they really liked the bike. If they liked it, I believe it. Man, I am looking forward to reading the monthly magazine articles. | ||
| Jima4media |
Which issue of Road Racing World are you talking about? Are you sure you don't mean Cycle News, it has a picture of the Firebolt on the cover, and an article from two weeks ago. Jim X-2.5 | ||
| Xgecko |
Something I noticed about the pictures of the Firebolt. That is one small bike or those riders are really big Actually given the proximity to the X1's and M2's I'll go for the small bike. Which should make it really fun to throw around. | ||
| Sarodude |
'Tis a small bike, indeed... -Saro | ||
| Jim_Sb |
I think we all forgot to mention how ~smooth~ the new Firebolt was... In fact it was so smooth that I took no notice of vibes whatsoever, although I'm sure some were present. I guess from my Sportster days I'm used to lots of them... Anyone have a different recollection on the Firebolt? Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Setta |
I wish I had a recolection to speak about...... maybe I'll get a chance soon if they ever come up to Canada. I was in Vegas and went to the Gugenhiem (?) Motorcycle show and saw the Buell that Court drove down himself, very cool. It would have been great to have a Firebolt on showcase there. Setta | ||
| crush63 |
Roadracingworld.com has posted info on the Dunlop tire tests in Daytona. Buell is there with both X1 and XB9R race bikes. From the way it reads, it seems that Buell participation in AMA racing is in doubt. I hope that doesn't happen. One of the issues seems to be sponsership. Thanks to all the double superbike rounds next year the Buell pro-thunder class will be limited to only a few rounds. | ||
| Jmartz |
Would someone who has ridden the XB tell about its acceleration with respect to another Buell product or any other bike? Jose | ||
| Bullitt |
Taking glorious test flogs on the new Firebolt while most of us have never even SEEN one in the flesh - you vicious, heartless bastards. But keep the details coming! | ||
| Blake |
Jose: See Sparky's Monday, December 10, 2001 - 05:14 pm post above.  | ||
| Jmartz |
Thanks Blake. I had seen you post that question but missed the answer somehow. Can't wait to try an XB out but not keeping my hopes up. Maybe at Daytona this winter. Jose | ||
| Reepicheep |
I still think the firebolt is a replacement for the Cyclone.... both bikes seem all about balance and flexibility to do many things well. I think the replacement for the lightning is yet to come, and it will feature a higher tuned engine (with less low end torque and probably lower reliability), an even more aggressive seating position, and probably a little more fairing. All just speculation though. Any of you Buell insiders (or former insiders) know if there is any connections between Erik or one of the other key players and the Cyclone class ships (or the "Firebolt" in particular)? Regardless, it's nice to know the Firebolt is helping win the war ;) Bill | ||
| Jim_Sb |
Jose: Re acceleration the Firebolt will leave my S2 in the dust. My S2 will leave my 883 in the dust. I know, that doesn't help much. Duh... Bullitt: In fact I am a vicious, heartless bastard. Thank you for noticing. I'd love to do another test flog! I was upset that I really didn't have a chance to get much over 80mph on the flog. But it came quickly! Now for the real question. Assuming you can afford the Firebolt, how much is the insurance going to be? Ouch... Jim in Santa Barbara |
