| Author | Message | ||
     Court |
I'm having great difficulty finding:
Interesting, but the BUELL XB9R can be bought NOW. The things folks want to compare it to range from the "show concept only" Honda NAS to these "it'll likely be $45K and race only" Ducati...the 2007 Duke and a host of unobtanium motorcycles. Again, I quote Steve Jobs: Court | ||
| garyhoov |
I have some thoughts about the Firebolt engine and I am curious if anyone else sees it this way. I personally love air(oil)-cooled V-twins. I've got an air cooled Ducati and I don't think I'd buy their water cooled engine. When it comes to sport bikes, I'll give up some power and complexity for light weight. I don't have a problem with an air-cooled 45 degree V-twin. This configuration provides a very compact design that fits Buell's (and my) goals. I think the biggest question is why is Buell still using Push-Rod valve actuation. Most magazines and contributors to this forum site tooling costs for the continuation of this engine design. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I would suspect that a different valve actuation system could be developed with relatively low re-tooling costs. That led me to a new theory. The 45 degree, V-Twin Push-Rod system creates a very distinctive exhaust note. Buell is an American motorcycle company and foreign and domestic buyers have a certain expectation for how an American motorcyle should sound. Pick a typical person off the street and they will see most motorcycle engines as jumbles of metal, but any eight year old kid will be able to hear the difference between a Harley and Ducati. I think Buell's merketing people are smart enough to realize that more people (domestic and foreign) will buy the Buell because it is an American motorcycle than would buy it because it inched closer to foreign competition in top-end horsepower. Like most contributors to this forum, I would rather have performance than exhaust note, but I also want to see a real American sportbike. If I was Buell, I think I would do exactly what they are doing. Shoot for the long range goal of making a world-class sportbike, but get there by pushing the thing that will sell bikes. Right now there are more people who will buy Buell because it is the only American sportbike than would buy it if they were one of many competent race bikes. Gary | ||
| Tripper |
Thére, I got to combiné 2 of my favorité péoplés! if only I could find the upside down ! | ||
| José_Quiñones |
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| José_Quiñones |
ALT + 173 = ¡ | ||
| Oldman |
being at bikeweek, watching all those red ducs in a row was one thing but hooking up with a dozen or so screamin hd's comin home from bikeweek on my "83" with some pretty loud drag pipes down the I-4 corridor, people get out of your way pretty quick. no one says it louder than the true v-twin. | ||
| Tripper |
¡Cool! | ||
| Court |
Okay...since we're among friends that appreciate this crud. Ya gotta love working for folks who know how to buy company cars!  | ||
| Aaron |
Hmm, I see they still haven't solved their body fit problems. Look at that hood. But I want one anyway. The concept more than makes up for it. | ||
| Detroit |
I finally got a chance to see the much talked about Firebolt in Person. My first impression is that the bike is about the same size as one of Aprilia's scooters. Fit and finish seemed very good compared to my S1. I noticed the Guages on the Blue model looked more silver metalic than the white face that I have seen in the magazines. The butt end of the bike looked sexy (no not that sexy). I think the seating position was similar to the BMW R1100S. Pretty comfy comparable with my S1 with pro series bars. I have said that I would love to see a high tech engine in a Buell that could compete on a world level. I would still like to see that. The Firebolt is a great bike when compared to what I think is in the same catagory. Ducati Supersports, and the Moto Guzi V11. Would I buy a new Firebolt? No. But I would buy one in a couple years when I could pick it up for 8k. If Buell came out with a World beater would I buy one? Yes (I would risk my wifes silent treatment over a disputed purchase for a couple days). I also asked the Buell Rep what was replacing the tube frames? He said nothing. The Firebolt and Blast would be the only models. I then asked if the production of the firebolt would go up since you have more capacity in the factory? He said Yes. I think a political answer. | ||
| Jim_Witt |
Okay...since we're among friends that appreciate this crud. Ya gotta love working for folks who know how to buy company cars! Hey Court, Are you guys hiring? Who do you work for anyway, Enron? <smile> Cheers, -JW:>) | ||
| Court |
>>>>But I want one anyway. Pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaase...tell me I didn't hear that. Court (wondering what my NEXT hobby is going to be?  ) | ||
| Court |
Jim: It's the "Curse of the Contractor". Last kid I worked for bought >$1,000,000 worth of cars in Sept '00. After a dozen Ferrari's he graduated to a custom Lamborghini Diablo only to have it spew parts on the 3rd lap at a track day. Went in to get car for the wife (she had a used Company Taurus wagon and came out with no car for her, 911 Turbo for him. (note: wife continued with the Taurus) Bought 2 S600's the same day (needed a Silver AND a Black for color coordiantion) and then repeated the trick with a CL500 and CL600 the end of the month...there is a point at which this ceases to be amusing. I like to LOVE what I own, not to simply possess. When I had 5 Buells, the XLCR, Low Rider Custom, the FLH and the KTM in the garage I was having a passionate love affair with ALL of them....as Aaron does with ALL his bikes. Being in the business I am, in the place I am allows me a front row seat to wretched excess and a host of examples of the sometimes disconnect between class and wealth. But..if you really want a job.... | ||
| Blake |
Rather than "nothing" I'd have to infer that Buell is replacing all current twins with the Firebolt, and variations thereof. Or, that "mum" is the word on saying ANYTHING that would hint of a future Buell model until the time is right. Makes sense though. With a history of problems, it is very smart to reduce your focus to just a few key products, rather than try to juggle five. Though not intended as "replacements" for the tube/truss framed models, I'm betting confidently that there are "other" new Buell motorcycles in the works. | ||
| Turnagain |
a little  at work? here ya go, Firebolt pictures. No, I can't read it either.  |
