| Author | Message | ||
     Itchybro |
OK, you guys are the owners. I'm a twin guy. It's my favorite method of creating motorcycle power. I'm possibly on the verge of getting a second bike as a commuter and Deal's gap toy. (Don't hate me because I live in Knoxville and can be there within an hour.) My current mount is a BMW R1100S. There's not much I don't like about it. Mostly I like the fact that it's paid for and, I finally got the Ohlins on it. I plan on hanging on to it for longer trips and nasty season riding. (heated grips y'know) BUT, It's closing in on 50k at an alarming rate. (I went to the RA rally in Asheville this weekend and probably did over a thousand fun miles in three days.) I've been lurking here for a bit and trying to get a vibe for what's bothering people and what they do and don't like about the XB's. So, tell me why I shouldn't buy say, an S2R Ducati Monster for less money than a lightning long. I'm already leaning toward the Buell due to hydraulic valves and the belt so don't bother with those arguments. Another issue I'm concerned with is the dealer network. I've spoken to some owners that have implied to me that yes, although there are LOTS of Harley dealerships, they don't really stock that many Buell parts and tend to prioritize the Harley customers a bit higher than those that can wave in a corner. (I realize this is still proably a better network than say BMW or Ducati). The dark horse is a Superhawk as they're bulletproof but would need brake and suspension work from the git go. I await your collective wisdom. | ||
| Etennuly |
Go to Smoky Mtn HD in Maryville and buy a new Uly. Then sell that other thing. You only need one bike to do it all! Orange is the better color. See Brad, we are fortunate to have these guys nearby as our dealer of choice. They have, and do Buells. It is fun to ride the Uly through the Gap, even with full bags on! Get the suspension set right, which is easy, they will really haul butt! | ||
| Itchybro |
How many miles do you have on your Ulysses? What's the longest ride you've done in a day on it? How was the seat? Had any trouble so far? (I"ve heard of a few fan failures and some stator issues.) Dish DISH!! By the way, I did the test rides in Maryville. I know Shayne and Megan. They goot folks! (gettin that damn bag started this whole mess) (Message edited by itchybro on June 10, 2007) | ||
| Nickcaro |
I was moments away from going with a Ducati S2R Monster. The bike is a beautiful piece of art on wheels. They are very popular in NYC and chicks dig em'. The Buell won me over on many counts; I too lurked in the shadows on this board doing some "ReCon" Maybe my Google skills are lacking but I was just not able to find a comparable board for the Duke that contains such a reservoir of knowledge. The insurance quote came in at close to %40 more for the Duke. All the awesome after market exhausts that I looked at came close to $2k I recoiled when I heard stories from friends that are Duke owners, regarding the often long delays in waiting for parts to be shipped from Italy. The Buell offered me everything that I was looking for without all those stories. The guys that I know on the Dukes earn way more money than me and don't really care about being with out the bike for weeks at a time when something goes wrong. They also don't put many miles on them. One of my buddies has a 05' with 3k miles. I've had my bike 2 months and already hit 3.5k miles. Here's the best one yet. A good friend of mine lost all the keys to his 06' Monster. The dealer has given him and estimate arrival of a new key of 3 weeks AND its going to cost $300 now he wont be able to come on a trip to Vermont that we have scheduled for 2 weeks from now. If I lost all my keys, I can go to my dealer with ID and my registration. They will give me a new key that day for $17 | ||
| Etennuly |
I just did 430 awesome miles Saturday, It was flawless. I have almost 16,000 on it in 12 and 1/2 months. I have done 475 miles two up on a two day trip, I have done 700 miles in 12 hours on a Florida trip. My plans are for a 2000 mile trip for the end of August. My bike has had a few issues all covered under warranty by SMHD of Maryville. 1.Front eng isolator 2.Bag latch 3.Trans out-put shaft seal 4.Kick stand recall 5.Bank angle sensor 6.Bank angle sensor mount recall 7.Front eng isolator #2 8.Seat rubbed wires on ECM 9.Battery bolts too long, needed washers Most of these were done while I waited with scheduling of course. I think it was in over night only two times. From what I've read the stator issues involve a possible bad plug and or running the wrong trans oil leading to failures. I haven't seen that one. I got 15,000 miles out of the front tire and average 6,000 on the rear. I change the oil and filer at 3,000 and trans fluid at 6,000. I had to adjust the steering head bearings at about 8,000 miles, and I clean the front rotor and pads whenever I feel like riding fast(they get pulsy/grabby). Get the service manual. There have been some minor wiring issues due to rubbing through. Just do a very close check of all of the wires and plugs when doing your services every time. I have the stock '06 seat and I am very pleased with it for long rides, and I bought the '06 low and use for short trips around town(easier to reach the ground not as cushy). I have the three HB hard bags and a tank bag. I drilled my air box, and have constructed possibly the largest motorcycle windshield known to man, for riding all year(known here as the Big Ass Windshield). The best accessory for any Buell is this BadWebb, and the people that ride Buells. I have not heard of but one issue that cannot be solved here, and it is one that has simply not reached its conclusion yet. Happy Buellin'. See ya around town! Vern.  | ||
| Itchybro |
Thanks fellah's! Those two are the kind of info I was looking for. | ||
| Jaimec |
Tough choice when you bring in the dealer network... BMW seems to be closing dealerships faster than they introduce new models. Right here on Long Island (one of the highest income areas in the country per capita) there are now NO BMW motorcycle dealerships. If they think I'm going to bring my K1200LT into Manhattan for service, they're smoking some SERIOUS weed. I'm looking real hard at the Victory Vision Tour coming out this Fall. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I'm possibly on the verge of getting a second bike as a commuter and Deal's gap toy. I would be surprised to find ANY bike that was ideal as a commuter and a Deal's Gap tool. Of course, that depends a lot on the kind of commute. One of the best rides I saw on the Dragon was a mostly stock 2005 XB9R in the very capable hands of Rich Hammer. (Hammer71 on this board).  These bikes can be had used very reasonably, and are perfect for the Gap. Just set up the suspension for your weight, put on some high quality sport tires, and you are good to go. PS: Doing a couple of track days won't hurt either. | ||
| Etennuly |
I would be surprised to find ANY bike that was ideal as a commuter and a Deal's Gap tool. Of course, that depends a lot on the kind of commute. Have you ever ridden a Uly for any amount of miles? If flying through the Dragon is a question of bike or rider capability, my stock Uly is much more capable there than I am. But I've been known to get it to drag a peg or two. I'm sure those whom have set their suspension and brakes up, and done track days, like Chadhargis has, could smoke a lot of sport bikes on the Dragon. I know personally how well they commute superbly in any situation. | ||
| Itchybro |
Hmmm... Chad Hargis... From Gnashville? Another BMW refugee? | ||
| Xbrad9r |
hey itchy, i have had a xb12r Bolt for a year and a half now and still love it. but, i am selling it and going for the Uly because of the total overall package it offers... Commutting, twisties, off roading, two-up comfort, uniqueness, etc. | ||
| Swordsman |
I vote Ss just because Monsters are UGLY. If a Monster is a "work of art", then it's by a monkey with a paintbrush. By far the least attractive of the Ducati line, IMO.  ~SM (Message edited by Swordsman on June 11, 2007) | ||
| Etennuly |
Itchy, Yep! From what I've seen Chad is the one and only from Nashvegas. If you ask him, I think he rather likes his Uly.  | ||
| Jaimec |
Just saw a photo of a Lightning Long with the Buell saddlebags made specifically for that model. Niiiiiiice! I may have to replace my "Cheapo" Dowco bags after all!  Photo was taken on Canada Street at Americade last week. Belong to anyone here? | ||
| Rasta_dog |
In my opinion, you can't go wrong with either. I'd love to own both(a silver & black S2R1000 to go along with my black & silver XB12SS)! I test rode both the S2R1000, and the XB12SS last October and it came down to comfort & versatility. For me, it was a very difficult decision. I think the monster looks bad ass, and the performance of it's air cooled twin is phenomenal (I was lifting the front wheel while rolling on the throttle in 1st & 2nd gear, without even trying). After riding it, the only draw backs were that it's low forward bars and high pegs would have been unbearable for anything north of 100 miles at a time. The Lightning Long is equal in power & handling, and feels 100x more comfortable to me. I just did my first track day on mine, and it killed. | ||
| Ducxl |
As both a Duc and Buell guy i'll tell you not to waste your money on an air cooled Monster.It doesn't compare to our Buells'.But i would recommend the S4Rs Monster over a Buell any day. | ||
| Damnut |
have constructed possibly the largest motorcycle windshield known to man, for riding all year(known here as the Big Ass Windshield). Ain't that the truth!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
On the other hand............... I am sort of surprised that no one has mentioned the TT, and not too surprised at the same time. When it first came out, I just could not understand what the idea of the bike was at all. Since then, I rode one at March Badness, and I think I got it. It is sort of between a Long and a Uly. It handles as well as a Long, maybe even better as the suspension is supposed to be better sorted, and it has some of the comfort and off road character of the Uly. Hard to describe I know, but I would suggest that you give one a test ride before slapping down your hard earned cash. Any TT owners out there who would like to comment? Just my .02ยข | ||
| Jaimec |
I rode the TT at New Roc's demo day. Eh. I'll stick with my Lightning Long, thanks. | ||
| Firstbatch |
Itchy I had an R1100S for a couple of years and had some great times with that ride in the mountains. Never had the chance to get the Ohlin set-up, I'm sure that really makes the S shine. I went to the Uly and it is every bit as fun to ride in the twisties as the S and much, much more comfortable ergos. My girl likes the two up ride much better as well. The S is one of BMW's great bikes and if you can keep it and find a smokin great deal on an XB that fits your ergos then that would be the best way to go. | ||
| Dutchboy |
I used to have a Monster. Beautiful. Light. Great handling. Seat of @ss-death. I'm pretty sure Ducati sends parts over to America using bottles and corks. As far as dealer support - that all depends on your local dealers. For all the complaints about how H-D dealers (mis)treat Buell owners, I think the problem extends across all manufacturers. Each dealer is different. I don't know about Ducati dealers in your area but from what I've gleaned on the board Buell is pretty well supported in TN. My CityX with the Buell Tank and Saddle bags is working pretty well as a commuter. | ||
| Sungull |
Hi; I own a Super TT. The bike is ok. but when you have to spend $500 every 10,000 miles to change the fork oil and zero the TPS, the manufacture is goughing the customer. My Buell is forsale. At 30,000 miles a year, that is to much to pay for maintenance. Sungull | ||
| Hdbobwithabuell |
Keep the beemer, it's nice to have more than one bike. Makes the "dealer network" problems/delays/whatever seem less important if you can just hop on another bike while waiting for parts. | ||
| Firstbatch |
$500 to change fork oil and TPS reset......who is your dealer that is charging these incredible rates? Sungull, what bike are you going to replace the Buell with that provides a less expensive service interval for 30K mile per year? It won't be a beemer thats for sure. | ||
| Itchybro |
Hammer has been dropped. Should take possession of low mileage XB12Ss on Saturday. (Firstbatch, yup, the Ohlins make quite a difference. It's also the bomb in ugly weather. ABS and heated grips have both come in very handy.) Thank you all for your insight, honesty and information. I think I've got a good feeling about this. (Vern, I think you put it over the top for me.) NOW, as I'm a (dis)functioning beemer geek... I know the Uly has power for accessories. How big a hassle is it gonna be to get juice to a GPS on the lightning? That's the one gizmo that MUST live on both machines! Any hints on mounting? (RAM? Where?) | ||
| Jaimec |
Itchybro, first thing I did with my Lightning Long was take it to the BMW dealer and had a BMW accessory socket installed on the bike. Soon as I get a chance, I'll snap a photo of how they did it and post it here. It's great for plugging in my electric vest in the winter, or plugging in the battery tender if it looks like it'll be awhile before I get it back on the road (ice, snow, etc). | ||
| Itchybro |
Oh the irony! | ||
| Etennuly |
Itchy, PM me when your ride is ready, I've got some people to introduce you to, fellow BadWebebers of course!  | ||
| Jaimec |
You're not the ONLY "Beemer Geek" on Badweb!  | ||
| Mndwgz |
Kind of a hijack... I'll need an accessory outlet on my 12R. Any tips on this one guys? |
