| Author | Message | ||
     Rauchman |
Yesterday, I had the absolute pleasure to test ride a Firebolt XB12R and a Lightening Long at Kosco HD-Buell in north NJ. My buddy had called me up a couple of days earlier to see about riding and somewhere in that conversation we decided to see about test rides on a Buell. I currently ride a Yamaha Roadstar after having a 2002 Suzuki SV650S as a first bike, and one I greatly miss. My wife had a 750 Honda Shadow and now has a 2003 Kawasaki Z1000. After riding her bike a few times, it really hit home how much I missed a sporting ride. I've been hemming and hawing about possibly getting a Suzuki SV1000/S for the last year or two and was leading as to the bike I wanted. As for Buell's, I've always found them interesting in their technology, but had no idea about how they felt to ride. I always loved the look of the Firebolt, but thought it would be too small for me (I'm 5'11" 200lbs). I'd hear them on the street and look around expecting to see some kind of twin cylinder cruiser, but instead, see this futuristic Martian looking thing that mixed with that sound screamed I'M GONNA KICK YOUR ASS!!!!! Cool bike! I've never test ridden a bike before, and I know the dealership guys had concerns w/ salt left on the local roads, but the process was actually easier than I expected it to be and they let us do about 10 or so miles on them through some really perfect country twisties. I started on the Firebolt and my friend the Lightening. About halfway through, we switched bikes to compare them. Starting on the Firebolt, I had almost forgotten how fun a more sporting posture can be when moving on those perfect roads. I had to get used to the way the engine made power, but within a mile or so, I was having an unbelievably great time. It sort of reminded me of a faster SV650S, with even better handling, and suspension that puts the SV's to shame. The Firebolt felt amazing when nailing the throttle in the corner. I realize it was a very short ride, but it felt more comfortable than I expected it to be. Between Heli Bars and Lightening foot pegs, I'm sure I could it comfortable regardless. The fastest bike I have ridden is my wife's Z1000. Also, a very fun bike. It is very powerful, has great brakes and also very good suspension. But the inline 4 engine does not have the character of what I experienced yesterday. Not by a long shot. I can definitely understand the argument for the virtues of the I-4, but the Firebolt felt "alive". It combined something retro in the way it made power (like a late 60's, early 70's muscle car). It, just like I had read, was deceptively fast. Where I thought I was doing 50, I was doing 75, repeatedly. My buddy, who owns/ed a Ducati SS900, CBR600Fsomething, FZ1, Speed Triple, BMW R1150R, also found the Firebolt very appealing. He was seriously considering trading in his BMW-R for it. The Lightening Long was fun also, but didn't jazz either of us as much as the Firebolt. The seating & handling reminded me of my wife's Z1000. It felt more naked somehow, more in the wind. I wish Buell would make a true ST bike, in the sense of what a Honda VFR, Sprint ST is.... and Buellize it. Use a frame w/ 5 gallons of gas, VFR ish riding position, with a fairing that gives a little more coverage than the Firebolt, fuel gauge, a little more space for luggage attachment... and I'd have a Buell right now. All in all, I really really like the Firebolt. I want to have a bike that tours well also. I don't know how well the Firebolt would do at that. I still want to have some kind of test ride on a SV1000S. I've liked that bike for at least 2years or so and have to see for myself what it's like. It has a high standard to beat though. That Firebolt really sang to me. | ||
| Kootenay |
By Jove, I think he's got it! Hey, I assume you're the same Rauchman who's been posting over on ST.N. Interesting, your sentiments about the Firebolt are pretty much what mine were on my first Buell test ride. And pretty close to what I and others said in our responses on ST.N. Get a ride on an SV1000S too--I did, and that really helped decide me on the Buell. About the only advantage the SV1000S has over my XB9R is horsepower--everything else the Buell has more or better, including the sensation of power. Also as I posted on the other site, I tour on my Firebolt...of course, I accept the limitations of soft bags... | ||
| Mikexlr650 |
you've about hit the nail on the head, if it "talks" to you it's all over. nothing else comes close (and i have 4 other japanese bikes) but the buell gets all the mileage. just plain fun to ride. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
If you want serious touring, I think the Uly might do the trick. It isn't as sporting looking as the R, but it is every bit a Buell. Think of it as the product of an illicit affair between a Lightning and an ST1300 or FJR. Fantastic passenger accommodations and good luggage options. If you want to make it feel more sporting in it's posture, a $60 set of mid or low rise Renthals will do the trick. I'm 6' 235. The Bolt looks like a suppository. Don't forget to try the Uly! | ||
| Bake |
I tour on my 9R regularly and love it.  | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Hey Bake, These folks called. They want their crap back!  | ||
| Jwhite601 |
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| Vanvideo |
Hey Bake, is there a Buell somewhere in that pic? Just kiddin, man. I never thought of the 'bolt as a tourer, but I guess you made it one. I understand how a test ride can pull you in, Rauchman. It happened to me, and I've been Buell-ified ever since. | ||
| Nevrenuf |
ft, that was good    | ||
| Jaimec |
I've done some weekend touring with my Lightning Long. In that it has a bigger fuel capacity than the 'bolt, I think that makes it a better sport tourer. I'm not a fan of the skyscraper height (or dirt-bike looks) of the Uly but I do like the hard bags. Soft bags work just fine till you have to leave the bike unattended while you have lunch or use the crapper... then you feel a lot better knowing you have luggage that LOCKS. | ||
| Rauchman |
Ok, Bake has answered the question of whether or not a Firebolt can be made into a tourer. Someone mentioned the Ulysess. My buddy and I sat on it in the showroom, but that is a really taller bike, even with the shorter seat of the 07. It didn't do it for me. And the Lightening Long..... I like the larger gas tank/frame, but after riding it, I prefer the Firebolt. Of course, all weekend, I've been thinking about the Firebolt after riding it. I wish Buell made a true ST bike and I'd be there. Kootenany - Yes, that's me on sport-touring.net. I give credit to you and Rogue as the catalysts for interest in the Buell. | ||
| Freezerburn |
Bake - what road are you on there? I think I recognize that mountain. | ||
| Bake |
Freezerburn, somewhere on the sea to sky, last years tour of Duffy Lake Rd to Sunshine coast then on to the island. 2 weeks out and wanted to keep the load off Pennys Sportster, thats why my Buell looks like a beast of burden. Works good though, I could buy a bagger for those tours but my 9R is one of my favorite bikes. |
