| Author | Message | ||
     Anonymous |
Really what is the cost then??? | ||
| Fasteddieb |
My Buell Firebolt is about to go in for it's 1,000 mile service. Impressions so far (as posted to a BMW K1200RS site): 1) Motor: Though some of the cycle mags have berated the Firebolt for it's archaic lump of an engine, it feels fine to me. Power seems on par with a Ducati 900SS or the typical oilhead BMW - 92 rated hp with about 78 to the rear wheel. It might have to strain to keep up with the K12's on 120+ mph sweepers, but for "normal" riding is feels fine, the torque allowing it to pull with authority. The fuel injection seems well sorted out - the only flaw I've noticed is an occasional "hiccup" when accelerating from a stop when the engine is cold - it's only happened twice. Rubber mounting keeps the vibrations in check - again, the vibration is reminiscent of a boxer BMW, not at all like the Sportster I owned for a few years back in the late 80's. The vibration is never objectionable. A race kit is rumored to be in the offing, with different exhaust, ECM and air filter for maybe an extra 10hp. More is always better! 2) Transmission: five speeds is enough, thank you, and shifting seems quick and positive with nicely spaced ratios. Haven't found any false neutrals to date. 3) Handling: Can't really say, due to lack of twisties around here. Feels very "planted" - at 200 lbs. less than the K12 control inputs seem more positive. Will have to wait to get it to N. GA for a real report. 4) Ride: A little firm as delivered. I went down one "step" in compression front and rear and it seems a nice compromise. There's a very clear and comprehensive section in the owner's handbook about how to adjust the suspension. Both front and rear are adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping. 5) Brakes: The front rim-mounted brake takes maybe 30% less effort than the K12 for a similar effect (the bike's lower weight could contribute to that, of course). Rear brake feels a bit "dead" - similar to the K12 but firmer. 6) Reliability: No issues in the first 1,000 miles. While that seems trivial, most of my BMW's (with the exception of the K12) have had some teething problems early on. As Motorcyclist said, "Nothing broke, burned or fell off...and that's saying something".The front brake makes a "tick-tick-tick" noise on light application, but the Bad Weather Bikers website (www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/board.html - more on that later) indicates that it's a common "problem" or trait. 7) Ergonomics: Not all that bad. Bars are probably comparable to the early "non-comfort" bars on the K12. Pegs are very high, but that's never bothered me. The stock seat is terrible - a "custom" seat is available (for $149) and I've ordered one. If that doesn't do it, I'll send the stocker to Sargent. Another company is working on bar risers. 8) Controls: Clutch is a bit heavier than the K12, but not an issue. Everything else (turn signals, starter, throttle, lights, etc.) seem logically placed. The bike mags called the mirrors "useless" but they're no worse than other sportbikes I've ridden - I juist need to tuck my elbows to see directly behind me. 9) Instruments: Nice looking and very nicely backlit at night. I've never cared for digital odometers (I like to look at the odometers on parked bikes) but this one is nice. A button toggles it through Odometer/Trip 1/Trip 2/Time/Miles since reserve. The two trip meters can put to rest the ongoing debate Pete Lewis and I have had about the proper use of a TRIP-meter (he seems to think it has something to do with trips!) When the low fuel light goes on the display automatically switches to miles traveled since the light came on - nice. 10) Mileage: About 50 mpg both during break-in and the subsequent 3 tanks. The <smallish> 3.7 gal "tank" (fuel is in the frame) allows for 130 to 140 miles before the low-fuel light comes on. At that point it appears that between 1 and 1 1/2 gallons remain, which would be good for another 50+ miles. 11) Final Drive: The belt is great - really NO "snatch" at all. My K1200RS has quite a bit of driveline "slop" that I've gotten used to over time. It's a treat to feel the throttle so directly linked to the pavement. The belt is almost entirely enclosed, at least it's upper and lower runs. That should decrease the possibility of a rock or road debris wedging into the rear pulley and causing problems. The belt and idler pulley get replaced at 15,000 mile intervals. With the tensioner no belt adjustment is required (or possible) 12) Lighting: Brighter than the K12 as delivered. Well-focused "projector" lenses. 13) Price/Value: I was surprised to find that lots of people on the Buell site think the Firebolt is overpriced. I looked at the components (Verlicchi frame, Brembo brakes and swingarm, Showa full-adjustable suspension) and put it in a Bimota-type class. Viewed that way, $9,995 seems like a loss-leader bargain. On the other hand, there's no waiting list around here, and new ones seem to be cropping up on eBay for less than list. Odds and Ends: 1) The exhaust exits just below and behind the rider's left peg. Not an issue unless you "paddle" along (I rarely do, except when backing) or straighten your legs to stand up at a light. In that case you feel the exhaust pulsing against your ankle, but it doesn't seem hot enough to be an issue. 2) The brackets for the passenger pegs come off with 2 bolts a side leaving no visible bracketry behind. The rear aspect of the bike is very "clean" with no exhasut blocking the view. 3) The blue (or white) colors are not painted on - the plastic itself is blue or white all the way through. I'm not sure how surface or deeper scratches will get handled. 4) The rear cylinder is completely hidden and uses a <noisy> fan to keep it cool in slow, and not so slow, going. The fan also comes on when the bike is turned off, on high for a minute or so, then on low for another couple of minutes. Bystanders DO comment. The fuel pump is also noisy when the ignition is first turned on, and gets noisy again when the fuel level gets low. 5) Oil level is checked via a dipstick in the swingarm. No measurable consumption in the first 1,000 miles. 6) Routine maintenance seems straightforward. Once the seat is off (2 screws) the "tank" cover somes off with 4 more screws. Then a few clips and you're looking at the air filter. Compare this with the not-so-minor sub-assembly required on the K12. OTOH, replacing the drive belt invloves dropping the swingarm, and I've heard rumors that getting at the rear cylinder spark plug requires dropping the engine (I'm still waiting for the service manual I ordered to confirm this). Someone on the Buell board mentioned that pivoting the engine down is 15-minute procedure, so that might not be such a big deal) 7) It's been interesting and enlightening to visit another site regularly (I know Vic went through this on the 'busa site). It's common knowledge on the K12 and IBMWR sites that Buells suck. On the Buell sites you find people every bit as enamored of their Buells as we are of our K12's. Rather than bitch and moan about their bikes, they seek solutions to maintenance and reliability issues much like we do. Like our site, there are some complaining malcontents, but most are there to share their love of the marque. So far I'm having fun on the bike, even in <boring and rainy> S. Florida. Within a month the bike should be at it's new home in N GA. If you head south from my house on Highway 60 you're rapidly in GREAT mountain roads (TWO in Suches, GA is on Highway 60). If the bike is still in one piece I'll try to bring it to DGRIII (if I'm allowed). Hopefully I won't be ready to give it away by then!  | ||
| Anonymous |
A couple of notes to the above poster. Plugs do NOT require engine rotation. Air cleaner cover removal only. Belt change DOES NOT require swingarm removal. Footrest mount off, swingarm brace off, belt guards off, belt off. The simplified version. If engine rotation is required, it is about an 1.5 hour process up and down. | ||
| José_Quiñones |
Very nice review, well done.  Thanks anonymoose for the corrections. | ||
| Court |
This is very exiting news. Buell has 4 things they have to do and it looks to me that they've knocked two big ones off the list from the East Troy Summit. The XB9R is proving to be a world class motorcycle with fit and finish befitting it's innovation. This is very good news and that was a dandy report. Court | ||
| Fasteddieb |
re: spark plug, engine rotation and belt replacement. I stand corrected - I believe I got most of that (mis)information off this site. Eagerly looking forward to the service manual for the FACTS! Thanks! | ||
| Psychobueller |
The following was posted by "sportbike_pilot" on Motorcycle.com in the Reader Feedback section of the Triumph Bonneville America road test that John Burns wrote: "Johnny Boy you may well turn out to be a genuine sage when it comes to elevating bikes that are a little off the beaten path (at least my beaten path anyway) into our collective consciousness. First the Buell Firebolt. I read your review and liked what you had to say about it - but what I was actually thinking was "How good can this thing really be? It's got engine tech from the 50's for crying out loud." Then I rode the bike and absolutely loved it. Even the superlatives lavished on it by the MO staff fall short, IMHO, of describing how cool the funky and unique little Buell is in the flesh. HP numbers and tech be damned. The Firebolt rocks. I would seriously consider buying one. Now this. The Bonnie America is a different trip but one eminently worthy of consideration by everybody. I especially like the part of your review where you spoke of not feeling like everyone is in your way on this bike. I like that vibe sometime. Well said. I am going to try to talk my father in law into a demo ride as soon as one can be arranged. I think this bike is exactly what he's been looking for. Cheers sbp - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I was pleased to see this comment regarding the XB. If people will just ride it they will understand that the XB is not a steaming pile, no matter what Boehm says. | ||
| Racerx |
quote:: "It's got engine tech from the 50's for crying out loud." I hate people who say stupid Stuff like that. Wow I dont think i wanna ride my Motorcycle cause it is based on a 100+ years old design. Hmmmm i'm gonna get a turbine engine in my bike cause internal combustion is well over 100+ years old also. I mean shese come on guys where are the electric uni bikes. | ||
| M2cyclone00 |
Turbine? That's more than a half century old technology. And, GM experimented with turbine autos in the 50's & 60's. If I want something new I'll wait for the cold fusion bike!  | ||
| Racerx |
Crap your right, i guess were just stuck in the past, Hell i won't fly cause that is old technology too. Where is the transporters "Beam me up Scotty!" | ||
| Cro13 |
Unfortunately this post will show my ignorance but, Does the XB have an electronic / digital tach and speedo? Obviously the gauges are not, but are the units electronic? Thanks, Carter | ||
| Peter |
They are on the +'99 models, so I guess they are on the XB. Look behind them and see if you can spot any cables coming out. PPiA | ||
| Court |
>>>>>I hate people who say stupid Stuff like that. Wow I dont think i wanna ride my Motorcycle cause it is based on a 100+ years old design. RacerX. . . right you are. Akin to calling a 1963 Split Window an "old car". Those with small minds generally devote considerable time to entertaining each other. Tis our duty to insure they waste as little of our time as possible. In the words of my esteemed "he's out in the barn tuning" collegaue (not, by the way, known for having great patience with the lame among the species)...."Follow the Light". Erik Buell, and a group of talented men and women, have done things with the Harley-Davidson V-Twin motor that could not possibly have been imagined at the time it was designed. Better educated, better organized and better equipment has greatly expanded the life, utility and fun available from the basic design. When another motor is more appropriate for the Buell theatre and is ready, you can bet your butt Erik Buell will do it. The chances of getting Erik to change for "popularlity" are zero. Court | ||
| Racerx |
Amen Court, You are one of the more prolific Buell riders out there and for that my friend you are the greatest. Tonight i shall drink a beer for you at bike night.  | ||
| Mikej |
Are those cartoon guys supposed to move or something? With all these animated gif's running around I've been sitting here for a few minutes without blinking and they haven't saluted or nothing.  ps, it's hard to time 04:22 with 02:44 | ||
| Fasteddieb |
Why wait for cold fusion - it's been available since '99!  | ||
| Raymaines |
Court: "Akin to calling a 1963 Split Window an "old car". " Anything built 40 years ago is old! A split window Corvette is old, you and I are old! It might still be alive and it might still be cool, but it's OLD! Get a grip ol' boy. RaY2K aka Ol' Dirtbeard / Bonecrusher MC | ||
| Spiderman |
"Marty get in the time machine, we need to go back!" "Back were Doc?" -in a squeaky voice- "Back... To the Future!!!" | ||
| Court |
Ray: Please...I read that and spewed Geritol all over the darn screen! Court | ||
| Bykergeek |
I've fallen and I can't get up. Have there been any reports of "Falling off the sidestand" on new Firebolts? Mine did just that yesterday breaking the left side peg and clutch lever. I've noticed even in my near perfect level garage, the bike can be nudged into a dangerous situation with very little effort. It is like the stand needs to come down about another 10 degrees to be "safe".  | ||
| Csg_Inc |
Dear BGeek...,Yup had that same problem my second day of ownership. Came back from ride. Left bike on side stand motor running while I opened garage door...heard a sickening sound of a crash. Looked back bike was on it's side. As I explained it to the dealership while buying new parts to put it back to perfect. My sales person said to me remember when I sold it to you I said "Buell Different in every sense" Mine consumed a turn signal, mirror, side peg wisker, bar end, handle bar and oil cooler cover. | ||
| Racerboy |
Does anyone have specific knowledge as to how the XB9R is selling?...Regional sales reps, dealers, etc... See Ya! Bob | ||
| Xgecko |
I can say this my dealer has had two in the shop for a combined time of nothing they were both sold before they got here | ||
| Furaxjoe |
Hello of the new for my Firebolt !!! I am made for him(her) take colours ! If you also have photos of your XB9R, send them I ! Furax http://furaxjoe.ifrance.com/furaxjoe/Peinture.htm furajoe@tiscali.fr  | ||
| Court |
Firebolt sales are spectacular, I talked to a dealer who indicates 9 are "pre-sold". Limiting factor is how quick they can be produced...that's a "good" thing. Frankly, it's a fabulously engineered and assembled motorcycle. | ||
| Anonymous |
My dealership sold their first two XB’s within days of hitting the showroom floor. Now they have two more sitting collecting dust. Why you ask? Because the price tag now reads $12.000 I don’t think they will sell any time soon. Posting anonymous because it’s where I have to get mine serviced for the next four years. | ||
| Cro13 |
Court, Do you have access to a wire diagram for the XB? Specifically wires coming off the Tach. and Speedo. I am looking to do a little modification. Thanks, Carter | ||
| Court |
Carter: Let me check when I get home this evening. Court | ||
| Reepicheep |
As much as I hate to see dealers going over sticker for the 'bolt, worse things could happen. I can't think of a better way to finally get the dealerships to actually give a rats ass about Buells. Right about the time the Harley bubble bursts (or at least deflates to a more reasonable level), the Buells start creeping up. Let some of the big trendy dealers in wealthy areas start getting a little over sticker for the bolts and build up a little excitement around the brand. My local Harley (and barely Buell) dealer is making a pretty good faith effort to try and support me and my cyclone, and it so far has just cost them a lot of time and effort, and I doubt they made any money. I sometimes wonder why the bother, no doubt they do also. |
