| Author | Message | ||
     Peter_T |
To the person who said it. Please do not connect John Brittens name to the firebolt. This is dis-respectful in the extreme. John Britten made his dreams come true without the need for big money backing. To try to use his memory to support your case is reprehensible. I am begging of you, Do not do it again. Pete T | ||
| Peter |
Peter T, You're making me get into you again fella. Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding of John Britten's dream is that it was bigger than just the racebikes. He wanted to make enough racebikes to sell, so that he could finance a streetbike of his own design. If I got it correct, then how does this statement show any disrespect to him? We are poised to witness what happens when talented individuals like Erik Buell and the late John Britten finally realize the dream of being connected to the financial and distribution resources necessary to make dreams come true. Personally, I think it was a tragedy to the motorcycle world when John died. I would have been very interested to see what would have happened if John and Erik got together, as there was a rumour going around that it was going to happen. PPiA | ||
| Peter_T |
Peter Well the rumour about them getting together was generated by someone on this board who I wont name for fear of offending and you know how much respect I have for his rumour mongering. We are not going to; "witness what happens when talented individuals like Erik Buell and the late John Britten finally realise the dream". John Britten is dead and his dreams died with him. The author of the previous quote cannot hope to know what he dreamt of. Some respect is called for. Leave to John Britten the legend of what he produced. Don't pretend to know what he wanted. For a rare change I am serious about this. Associating the firebolt, or anything else, with John Britten for no reason other than to evoke his name is, to me, offensive. Pete T | ||
| Peter |
Peter T, I heard that rumour in Autralia long before I had a Buell or ever new this site existed. I think (maybe) that I read it in AMCN as that was the magazine I regularly read there. I used to read others though as well. Wherever it was, there was an interview with John about where he wanted to go with his bikes in the future. That's where I got the info about him wanting to fund a roadbike from the racebike sales. There was "hint" then about "talking" with Erik. I did a training course when I had a tool truck. In the course we had to choose a business or person that we most admired or wished to be like for any reason whatsoever. I chose John Britten. I will be the last to ever offend the man's name. I think you are doing it now by trying to pick a fight with Court through him. I find that offensive, Pete. PPiA PS. I still can't understand how you link that sentence I highlighted, to anyone saying that John Britten had something to do with the Firebolt. | ||
| Blackbuellm2 |
All this personality injection and personal dissection is starting to make me feel kind of cranky. Who's who? Who's on first? What's on second? I don't know is on third. How about we all take a deep breath and drop the animosity though. Focus our passions on the platform and engineering, not the personalities that post. While a certain amount of family feud is to be expected and tolerated here this is beginning to become quite pleonastic. Continuing admonishment of every perceived slight or differential in opinion perpetuates this unproductive cycle. Let it F**CKING drop. | ||
| Rocketman |
From what I understand, the Firebolt has a race kit coming. I also heard recently from a friend of mine who lives in NZ, that JB's wife is still in business as Britten Motorcycles. As for Peter T, he just like the wooden spoon. THAT MCN ARTICLE - Re : FIREBOLT INOVATIONS Well Blake, Aaron and all, MCN further wrote "there isn't much new in motorcycling. But what has changed is that there is a firm brave enough to put relatively untried technology into a mass-produced machine. Whereas Japanese firms consider it bold to change a models colour, Buell has produced something truly radical and many will praise the firm for that - not to mention the striking good looks. Buell reckons he's on to a winner. He said "Once you've ridden the Firebolt , you'll see how the innovative engineering really works together to make it a great handling bike." So, like I said, MCN do appear to give Buell's good press. Can i get a "I told you so"  Rocket in England | ||
| Peter_T |
Rocketman, Yes Britten are still in business. Check out www.Britten.co.nz If the wooden spoon is a TL rather than a Buell Rocketman then consider me happy with the wooden spoon Peter, I am a faithful reader of AMCN and trust me when I say that you didn't hear that rumour there. Pete T | ||
| Court |
I think the foregoing thinly veiled reference is pointed toward me..... Guilty I am, so shall I pronounce my own sentence. I have, in a 1995 magazine interview, made reference to the association between Erik Buell and John Britten.  I described, in perhaps more detail than I should have, some of the many conversations they had and the types of things they discussed. There was a pattern. I mourned the fact that John's untimely passing came shortly before the first meeting the two had arranged. I laughed about the fact that I, quite by accident and coincidence, ended up being the person who kept the Britten from being disqualified at Daytona in 1996. I talked about the lovely dinner I had with John's wife (we're gonna do it again 9/15/01). John Britten, in my PERSONAL OPINION BASED ON TERITARY KNOWLEDGE, would be proud as hell of the Buell Firebolt and Erik Buell's digging his heels in with regards to testing, development and introduction. John and Erik shared a common element of genius and corporate rebeliousness coupled with a gift of being able to work within those very systems. I did not know John Britten and never met him. I rely on second hand information from Kirsteen (wife) and Erik Buell. I trust thet both of these folks' information is credible. I do know both of them and find them honest. John Britten IS a hero who's life was cut short, but who's gift continues. An acquaintance was smart enough to snap up a pair of Britten's and each time a person sits and studies it, you are once again taken with how great our common loss was. This will be my last comment with regard to this topic. It is my opinion and, if I deem it appropriate I hope to be able to get the Britten folks' take on the XB9R Firebolt in a couple weeks. Court Canfield | ||
| Rocketman |
I saw some stuff on John Britten on British TV a few years ago. He was casting up crankcases in his garden. Great stuff indeed !!!! I think it's time now for PPiA to post that cool Britten pic he's got stored on his hard drive. PeterTeeTime : In England wooden spoons are used for s h i t stirring As for TL thou's, British Buell riders eat 'em for breakfast  Rocket in England | ||
| Jima4media |
Peter, From what I hear, race kits will be available in early 2002, like the Firebolt itself. It won't be like the X-1, and not available until a year later. To me a race kit would probably make up another 25% of torque in the mid-range, like the race kit did for the X-1. I saw a V-Rod brochure today, and it looks really nice, and there are 70 some special parts for it already to go, when the bikes first start shipping in October. I also picked up the 2002 Buell full-line brochure. It is really nice as well. I had a chance to view a video tape of Erik talking about the Firebolt, and explaining some of the things that went into it. I am more and more impressed all the time. As far as the 75% of a model goes, almost everyone does that with a first model out the door. It is done for safety and reliability reasons. This is a new "platform" for Buell and there will probably be several variations based on this design over the next couple of years. I don't need the full-tilt racing version for myself today, and I wouldn't want to spend the extra money for it right now either. Jim X-2.5 | ||
| Jim_Witt |
Cheers, Over the past few years my S3T has been down several times. One slow speed crash in the rain up in Oregon and a few tip overs. The thing that amazed me the most was how little damage was done to the bike. Plus the cost to repair it was even more amazing. On the other hand getting the parts is another story we all know about. After looking at the new XB9R (which I like very much) I bet it would cost a fortune to repair it from a low speed crash or tip over. Of course I haven't seen one (just pictures) but the swingarm oil bag and gas in the frame design sure seems vulnerable to some major damage and substantial cost. Seriously now fellow hooligans ... it's bloodcurdling to imagine how long it might take to get those key components based on Buell(s) previous track record. Yea I know ... I could adapt a set of training wheels to the puppy and resolve the potential problem but it wouldn't be any fun in the twisties then. <grin> S'later, -JW:>) | ||
| Peter |
Jima4media, I have suggested to my dealer that they get a blue one in first, just in case I want it..... I will wait now until I see what figures the racekit will do. That's one reason I bought my BMW in it's first year. I knew they would keep it consistant for five years with only minor improvements as required. Not a 25% improvement in power. I hate it when they do that. Probably why it's been so long since I bought a Japanese bike. As requested...... Kirsteen Britten   Rocket. I've got a copy of the Britten video here, but if you want to sleep in the gutter because you didn't bring the HDMF t'shirt for me, then I guesss you won't get to see it...... PPiA | ||
| Peter |
(One more.....)  PPiA | ||
| Jima4media |
Here is the Buell Firebolt brochure copy... THIS IS HOW IT IS. WE DON'T BEAT AROUND THE BUSH. WE TEAR IT UP FROM THE ROOTS AND GRIND IT TO DUST. Let's be clear on this. Buell American Motorcycles are not for everyone. They're not for the one's that are just out looking for the next straightaway, or the ones that think hitting top speed twice a year makes them some kind of hero. Not even close. We design bikes specifically for those who want to beat the curves into whimpering mutts that fetch the Sunday paper. Our bikes are engineered for the rider who appreciates raw, naked styling. The rider who demands a well-balanced machine that roars off the line as easily as it slices up the curves. Buell American Motorcycles are created for the rider who takes the road less traveled and leaves burn marks all the way through. Are you one of us? Then read on. We have nothing to hide. And even if we did, we'd have nowhere to hide it. Some Call it Immediate Response. You'll call it immediate gratification. The innovative belt drive features an additional idler pulley ensuring a constant path length of the belt. There's no lash in the transmission, so when you twist that throttle - this thing goes. And it doesn't end there. The new belt is smoother, more durable and even easier to maintain. The Revolutionary All Aluminum Frame. While is composition makes it lighter and stronger than standard frames, its unique geometry delivers exceptional rigidity and an even tighter ride. And with the Buell Uniplanar Mounting System, the engine actually becomes a stressed member of the frame, contributing to the rigidity and absorbing vibration. Oh, yeah, this is also where the Firebolt holds the gas - which keeps the weight of the fuel lower on the bike, improving responsiveness and flickability. Mass Centralization. The idea is to keep as much of the weight as close to the center and as low as possible. That's why the exhaust pipe is mounted below the chassis instead of hanging off the side of it. Flick the bike in and out of a few corners and you'll know exactly what we mean. Hang on Tight. The all new Firebolt powertrain. The 984cc, 45-degree V-Twin with Dynamic Digital Fuel Injection delivers gargantuan torque over a wide RPM range. Couple that with the bike's lightweight construction and you've got more than a quick-moving bike, you've got one of the best torque-to-weight ratios of any bike on the road. With a new Bore and Stroke ratio, the engine revs higher and harder - redlining at 7500 RPM. If you're hungry for torque, it's time to come and get your fill. Fully Loaded, Lightweight Dash. Any bike can come with a fully loaded dash. But if you've been paying attention, you know that the Firebolt isn't just any other bike. This dash is constructed of lightweight magnesium. It keeps the weight down, contributing once again to the bike's mass centralization. Every little bit counts. This Thing is Just Plain Voracious. The intake system gulps up exceedingly large amounts of air and provides tremendous power and torque - especially at midrange. Without a traditional fuel tank taking up space, the hugh volume above the engine now houses the powerful air intake system. Cool. Ram air ducts, a cooling fan and oversized fins on the cylinders keep the engine cool for a high performance ride. Command the Corner. Precise steering, firm handling and outstanding rigidity are complements of the Showa inverted fork. When it's mounted on a chassis as solid as this one, the result is a bike with a telepathic ability to know exactly where you are and where you what it to go. When you and the bike operate as one, you don't just slice through the corner, you own it. More Control. 21 degrees of fork angle. 83mm trail and 52% of the bike's weight resting on the front wheel. In case you're not an engineer, that means the Firebolt was scientifically designed to give you more control, better overall balance and the kind of nimble handling that'll leave your buddies scratching their heads in complete disbelief. At some point, you're gonna have to slow down so they can get a good look at the bike. The Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) front brake system is the first of it's kind on a standard production bike. Composed of a giant-sized 375mm inside-out, single disk brake rotor and a Nissan 6-piston brake caliper, it reduces the unsprung weight and delivers even more of the incredible stopping power that you've come to expect from a Buell. Braking forces are transferred directly to the rim as opposed to being transferred through the spoke and then to the rim. It's extremely responsive and totally assured. Reduced Wheel Weight. The ZTL brake and wheel configuration is the lightest in the industry,lowering the unsprung weight. It's got the kind of traction that holds the corners tighter than a new pair of leathers. And without all the traditional braking hardware, the wheel has a clean, uncluttered design that'll turn heads as quickly as it turns corners. Tight Wheelbase At 52", the Firebolt has the shortest wheelbase of any sportbike. It gives the XB9R remarkable agility and intuitive handling through the twisties while maintaining the bike's balance and stability. The Firebolt rides like it's on a rail. Oil Reservoir? Any swingarm can hold a rear wheel. This one goes one step further; it hold the oil. By eliminating a traditional oil reservoir, we were able to shorten the wheelbase. As if that weren't enough, its absolutely massive contstruction heightens rigidity even further. Revolutions begin on Street Corners. In 1983, an uprising was born. Back then, there weren't many bold enough to carry the torch. But those who did were always found stating their case around the S-curves, along the hairpins and through the back roads. Their numbers were small. Their mission was not: Take each corner of every road, take each minute of every day - and ride that thing to the very edge. The Twisted Road. It's what separates great motorcycles from good motorcycles. Great riders from good riders. So it only makes sense that on the twisted roads along the outskirts of Easy Troy, Wisconsin, the man who started it all continues to ask the kinds of questions that turn good into great. Is there another place to store the fuel? Is there a better place to attach the front brake rotor? Is there a way to make a bike even lighter and stiffer? That man is Erik Buell. And his latest answer: the Firebolt XB9R motorcycle. The Firebolt XB9R is more than just the newest entry into the Buell line-up, it's the latest chapter in the history of the sporkbike. It's designed with all the unique characteristics and engineering benchmarks that have make Buell and industry pioneer: naked styling, clean design, righteous sound and the Trilogy of Tech - a design philosophy that entails maximizing frame rigidity, lowering unsprung weight and centralizing the bike's mass. Rest assured, this revolution will not be a quite one. The new Firebolt powertrain produces an absolutely wicked torque-to-weight ratio, scowling at the establishment the instant you twist the throttle. The Firebolt also has an innovative new frame - part frame and part gas tank - which makes the bike lighter and more ridid than any Buell motorcycle that's ever come before it. ANd with handling that lets you flick in and out of corners like nothing else out there - well, it's almost like cheating. What began outside of East Troy, Wisconsin continues on similar stretches of pavement around the world. If you're prepared to join the cause, then we welcome you aboard. If you'r still not sure, don't worry - you will be. | ||
| Jima4media |
I typed this late last night, so if you find spelling errors, they are mine and not Buells. Just let me know where they are... Jim |
