| Author | Message | ||
     Ben_jamminvfcc |
So this is my dilemma. I've been a mostly satisfied owner of a 2000 Suzuki SV650(read...modern liquid cooled engine  ) And due to a string of annoying events(getting hit twice in the parking lot by unaware cagers) is not working...electrical issues... I could certainly have my SV fixed, but I just don't know that I want to...and the Buell Xb9r Firebolt's been calling to me, in its own seductive way. So tell me this: My bike is my sole transportation.... -could the Buell fill the role of the daily driver(err...rider)? -Just how reliable is it? -Do I need to go to the gym just so I can pull in the clutch lever? -How cheap do you think I can walk out the door with a new Buell? Probably try to find a new-old '03 which no one bought or something. The SV'ers at svrider.com said I'd find the Buell too crude, but the Buell seems an interesting mix of trick-exotic, and old school tech. I'd probably prefer the Buell had the KTM twin(40 lbs lighter!..that'd make the Buell freakin' featherweight), but how do you guys feel about the 9r engine? Ummmm...does it sound like a Harley cruiser? I honestly hate that sound. If any of y'all have ever heard an SV with full exhaust...it's impressive....Is the Buell equally visceral? Honestly...I need to go look at one, somehow, convince myself to walk into the HD dealer(it's somewhat sacriligeous ) and see one of these in person...maybe fire it up. Being only 21, I doubt they would allow a test ride...but you never know. Just shed a little of y'alls insight. The opinion of an xb9 owner means more to me than the day-long thrashing of a moto-journalist. How is the Buell to live with, have a wild night out, and wake up next to in the morning? | ||
| Bud  |
-yes -very -noop -talk to daves ps. merry x-mas bud | ||
| Rocketsprink  |
Due to the fact this is a Buell site, you'll be hard pressed to find someone that will tell you anything other than buy a Buell. However, I test rode the SV 1000 before I BOUGHT the Buell. Didn't even test ride it and knew I wanted it. I'd say find a dealer willing to let you ride one, even if it's just in their lot, and make your choice. No, I don't think they sound like a H-D with the stock exhaust. The clutch should be a non issue. It's not as bad as people would have you think. You should be able to get a good deal on a 03, if there are any left. Get a hold of Dave from Appleton H-D/Buell. Look under the sponsor section. GREAT guy to deal with. I've got the 12, and I love it with a passion. Can you say that about the SV ?? Good luck. | ||
| Court |
Ben: I bear glad tidings....this is no "dilemma". Fact, time and time has conspired to provide you with a wonderful opportunity to live life to the fullest and bask in what Theologians call the "Splendor of Buell". I'm sorry it's taken you this long to get here, the important thing is you have seen the light and fought your way to what I like to call the "Beacon of Two Wheeled Euphoria". Like a drowning man needs a breath, real motorcycles riders need a Buell. You, like that drowning man, can be saved. Start by reading some of this crud to get a flavor for the adventure that lies ahead of you. It's also in your favor that you are but a scant 108 miles from my world headquarters. Converting you shouldn't be a big problem. To get us started, you need to be as smart as you can be. I see you are young, a student and a piece of cerebral clay waiting to be molded. This, too, is in your favor. For now, start reading. Watch the videos on the Buell website and if you don't have the Buell 2005 product CD, drop me an e-mail with your address. We'll waive the tuition and get your study materials on the way. Do yourself a favor and, for Christmas this year, follow the light....we are here waiting for you. Court Canfield New York City  | ||
| Pcmodeler  |
I was actually looking at the SV before I bought my Buell. Personally, I think they are both nice bikes. The Buell looks much meatier than the SV, but I've owned a Suzuki before and liked it. I would say look at the total cost of ownership (insurance, etc). I don't remember the horsepower ratings, but I think they are fairly close. Hope I don't get slammed for not taking the hard stance on owning a Buell. I've only owned mine for one week today and as it is too cold to drive, I haven't even been able to take it out (plus the clutch lever is bent and I can't disengage the clutch). | ||
| U4euh |
Ben- First thing you will have to do is stop by your local dealer and see the bike, if they even have one. The xb9's engine is super. Stock exhaust will sound slightly deeper than a stock Harley. But man there are plenty of after market options. I own the 9S, it is the 8th bike I have owned and by far the most enjoyable. The only problems that I have had with mine are 1.- rear bearings went out, this was an issue that was resolved through the factory. Look at seals, if they are black, dealer should replace them with orange ones. 2.- belt broke. This was also a problem that the factory replaced. Outside those two things, mine has been reliable in every aspect. As my wife will grudgingly tell anyone, I rode mine at every chance I got.( got a kidney transplant in oct. so I have not ridden in a while The time off is being used for mods. I have never ridden the Sv's so I cannot compare, but the XB will be in my garage for along time, no matter what else I decide to get. Answers to you questions 1. Yes, yes, yes several BWB'rs use their bike more than a cage as transportation. 2. As long as you take care of it, and the above listed are taken care of. 3. You will get used to the clutch pull. It is harder than a hydro. clutch, but easy to live with. 4. I got mine in 03 on special for 7200. Sure there is one out there for about the same. You might even give DAVE a call at Appleton HD. I believe he has a special going on till the end of the month. 1-866-757-1651/ Dave in sales (side note to Dave- got my pucks delivered on Christmas eve. Appreciate the quick service, thanks) | ||
| Court |
>>>Due to the fact this is a Buell site, you'll be hard pressed to find someone that will tell you anything other than buy a Buell. Inaccurate. Most of us here own a rash of bikes. Many of us in the waning moments of our lifes are even augmenting collections with things like Nortons and Super Motard stuff. As I type this I am sitting next to 4 bikes in my office, only two are Buells. Henrik, a nice kid from Denmark, rides and races an SV. Even some non-Danes ride them. Anyone who disses the SV knows too little, it's a dandy bike and has great appeal. This, as I had said many times before is not a quest of deciding which one is "good" and which one is "bad". Try that in today's motomarket and you'll need a shrink. Also, Ben, whoever told you that the Buell is "too crude" needs to be bitch slapped. Tell ya what, I'll keep my biased opinion to myself. You scadaddle on over, watch the videos on the Buell web site, and come back and lets talk. If you get weary of the Buell website do some random searches on things like Finite Element Analysis and some of the cutting edge design and manufacturing sites....notice a trend?...many of the authors are from the sleepy berg of East Troy, WI. What's up with that??? I dare you to find a more technincally sophisticated motorcycle. Honda folks (don't ask me how I know) are still reeling over rolling out the NAS as an example of "what is technically" possible, just as Buell rolled the same features into dealers showrooms. Honda hung a "Do Not Touch" sign on the NAS, Buell hung a "FOR SALE" sign on the XB. You're a student, STUDY. Let me know if there is a dealer in your area, if not, I'll bring you an XB to ride. Do me a favor and call your Suzuki dealer, tell them you are thiking of buying an SV and ask them if they'll arrange to have one delivered to your house for you to test ride. Buell, Dear Ben, is so far ahead of other manufacturers in terms of how it relates to it's customers that the scale is currenly out being modified. Am I biased? Darn right I am. Been riding Buells for neigh on 20 years and have grown accustomed to being spoiled. Start now while you are a student....don't let the best years of your life be wasted. Court | ||
| Ingemar  |
Gee Court, I already own a buell but you almost convinced me to go out and buy another one! | ||
| U4euh |
Ben, when I started to respond above, you were the only one posted. Look in the last 15 min. you have gotten 6 responses. Like Court said, most of us here own or have owned many bikes. By reading the above posts, takem up on their offers, what ya got to lose? NOTHING! What ya got to gain, freedom from the typical crowd of bikers at the local hang out, being on the one bike that every one who does't know, wants to know, it is sexy, it's hot, and dang does it ride like nothing ever made. | ||
| Rocketsprink |
How ironic Court. 1st, I show NO disrespect towards any bike. I did say he'll be hard pressed to find someone on the board that will tell anything other than to buy the Buell. You tell me I'm inaccurate, then proceed to tell him, in SO many words, to basically buy a Buell. Didn't come right out and say it, but that IS what your post says. See, I told you you'd be hard pressed!  | ||
| Hardcorps |
Hey check out these two sites also they have some pretty cool movies of every day people(not professional riders) doing some sick wheelies and stuff! www.147db.com www.xb9s.com (for some reason there are movies in the dyno section of this one) Hard Corps | ||
| Daves |
Get the Buell Ben. Could I interest you in a trip to Wisconsin? | ||
| Reepicheep  |
Rocketsprink... I understand your point, and agree that a Buell board will be Buell biased. But depending on what somebody comes asking for, I think people here will give them really good advice. If someone comes here clearly looking for a Busa / R1 experience, we will be falling over each other telling them NOT to buy a Buell. If for nothing else, that we are sick of the whining | ||
| Hardcorps |
Hey Dave, I will be buying a buell in the spring, there is no way I could put up the money now, but I would love to participate in your promotion. Any similar promotions going to availble in the near future. Hard Corps | ||
| Reepicheep |
BTW, I am a longtime fan of SV-650's. Ridden two different ones, talked one friend into buying one (and he thanked me), and tried to talk another friend into buying one (he ignored me, and later told me I was right and he should have gotten the SV instead). They are great at what they are. The exhaust note on an SV, even with good pipes, can't hold a handle to an XB with a Drummer pipe. After hearing the XB with a good can, the phrase "farting under water" will forever haunt you when you hear an SV, even one with a good pipe. Power wise, they are about the same, the Buell probably pulls harder with the normal set of common street mods (less then $100 of de-EPA'ing). Handling wise, the SV can't come close to the XB unless you get the GSXR components and bolt them on. Which (suprise suprise) brings the price of an SV above the price of an XB. The SV is lighter, the XB has a much better centralization of mass. The XB will have much better brakes for the street, you can't get a front wheel assembly (low unsprung rotational mass, a big deal) to match the XB for under $1000. The XB will always have a better drivetrain (zero lash) as well, though the 03 might have shorter belt lives. I am not trying to slam the SV, I still recommend them to a lot of people that ask. I would not own one though, I would (and did) spend the little bit extra to get a TON more bike, the xb9sx. For all around riding, the 9sx is cozy as can be down to about 37 degrees (good jacket, light overpants, normal street gloves). It's rideable down to about 30 degrees if you have insulated pants. My work commute is about 20 miles, and when I get there, I wish it were another 40 or so to go. 100 miles between stops are a breeze on the 9sx (more comfy seat then the rest of the XB's). Given the fact that it is not a faired motorcycle, it has remarkable wind protection (especially after you add the frame sliders). IMHO of course. | ||
| Bigeasy |
As far as reliabilty I'm writing this from sterling heights Michigan. Now I live in New Orleans, give you one quess how I got home for Christmas. 1100 miles through snow, some rain and 15 degree temps in Ohio. My lighting xb12s like a good horse never even blinked and went in the direction I pointed her no matter what the conditions were. Should have named the bike Hildago instead of lighting lol. As far as being crude I agree with Courts assessment on that. I purchased my red xb12s 04 with 65 miles on it for $8,900 worth every penny. You should be able to find some 04s around for this price. If not email me at buell12s@yahoo.com and I will help you find one. All bikes now are engineered quite well now a days and it comes down to personal preference, like art work. So my friend your canvas is blank, start painting it in your mind to see what YOU would perfer. I betting it may come out with a raspy v twin, exhaust under the bike, a huge front rotor along the rim, dual headlights that remind me of eyes with shade of malevolence in them. This painting maybe followed by this caption "Something Wicked Comes This Way". I would take Court up on his offer. I think this will be your deciding factor in making up your mind. Good Luck! Merry Xmas! Art Oh and by the way I have disconected my batt cables from my 1989 bmw 325is since getting my Buell. Just don't drive it anymore. (Message edited by bigeasy on December 24, 2004) | ||
| Bake |
I considered a SV and bought a Buell. Clutch is a piece of cake compared to my Laverda. bake | ||
| Ben_jamminvfcc |
Wow! I got some awesome replies, and thanks. Court, there are some HD dealers in my area, but if they don't let me have a test ride, I'll give ya a ring. I wouldn't want you to go through the inconvenience of bringing it down to me if I could test ride one elsewhere....Unless, you're interested in selling a Buell at seasonal prices.... As far as the SV goes, since this has been my faithful(mostly) steed for the last year: I put a 636 shock on the back, and the forks were reworked by hyperpro...giving it good feel/damping considering it's an old tech damper rod fork. Weight wise my SV and the Buell(9r) are near even...but the SV's weight is quite top heavy. For example, throw your leg over a super sport and shake it back and forth and you'll immediately feel the difference in weight placement. I hope the Buell would be at least as nimble feeling as the 600's I was sitting on. I like how my SV feels without the gas tank on...and I think, obviously, the Buell calls to that. Anyhow, the engine puts out a solid 70 or so...and last I read on the Buell it put out 92...though how much is lost by the time it gets to the rear wheel...well... Seriously guys, you have to put me at ease about this exhaust note. Will it sound anything like a Harley Cruiser with pipes? What if I put an aftermarket exhaust on it? Will it sound like a Harley then? I haaaaate the sound of a piped Harley...hate it hate it hate it! Uhhhh....not to be shallow or anything! Anyone have any sound clips? The front brake assembly is beautiful. I'd like two rotors...but, I think, one is more than sufficient to over power my SV's. So Court....what are the brand new 9r's going out the door for? Just as a side note....frame sliders would seem to be a must with the way that Buell frame is constructed....hate to see it dented up or rashed in a fall. | ||
| Buells Rule! (Dyna in disguise)  |
If someone comes here clearly looking for a Busa / R1 experience, They will have at least 1 person who can give em the straight scoop  | ||
| Typeone |
Ben, 147db has some great sound clip comparisons of stock vs. race pipe on a 9. Here is the direct link. | ||
| Court |
>>>They will have at least 1 person who can give em the straight scoop. Make that 2. I ride, peridoically, one of the baddest 'Busas in the USA. Scares the livin' hell outta me. Never in all my years experience have I possesed the talent or need to do what that bike does with grace and ease. Court | ||
| Outrider  |
Nope, doesn't sound at all like a Harley Cruiser with Pipes. I have a Buell X1 with a Vance Hines can and it is authoritative but quite mellow. The stock muffler on the XB's is well silenced and tuned to the stock set up. Many other aftermarket mufflers available to work with your Buell if you decide to free up the intake and exhaust but only a few of them are obnoxious sounding. I also have a 2003 Wide Glide with Cycle Shack pipes. Stay off the throttle in the quiet zones and it is mellow and slightly louder than stock. Roll it on and you get the pleasure of a beefy note that attracts attention but not the vigilantes. In closing the higher RPM's at which you operate a Buell and its ease of response to throttle input will result in a nice mellow sound. That is unless you choose a pipe like a D&D and want to be the loudest bike at the track. Right UGriz? Griz, sorry about busting your pipe, but the day I watched you run at Blackhawk, you had the loudest bike there, regardless of class. Hell, even Hoban Bros. Race Buell sounded mellow in comparison. Then, the good part was we didn't need to see you to mark your lap times. LOL | ||
| Slaughter  |
OK time for my $0.02: I race both an SV and an XB9R (punched to 1164cc). I rode/raced both stock before re-doing the suspensions on both and some engine work on the XB. Out of the box, there's much more you can do with the XB suspension. SV needs forks (at least proper springs and cartridge emulators plus a different rear shock with damping adjustment) Personally I'd say either bike would be a great street bike but since you already have the SV and are on a budget, you're better off getting it running but to get the suspension working, a GSXR shock and fork springs and cartridge emulators will set you back about $500 (depending on how you shop for the shock) If you have tons of money, Penske rear and full Gsxr front end. That turns the SV into a usable weapon. That being said, I'm just more attached to the XB. If you decide to go the XB route, pay attention to suspension and tires. Takes a while to get it dialled in but once you do, the XB is a sweet machine. We have a few in our BRAG club who ride the snot out of theirs with no major complaints. These bikes really do seem to suffer if you keep bouncing them off the rev limiter every time you ride and you MUST let these air-cooled engines warm up properly! I guess this was sort of a non-answer BUT if you do decide to come over to the Buell side, you can't go wrong giving Dave Stueve (Daves on Badweb) a shout. He's got customers on both coasts. | ||
| Slaughter |
Just read your later post - and see you've already done up your suspension. The XB on any pipe sounds nothing like the HD cruisers - besides cruisers'll spend a whole day without busting 4000 rpm - and that's where you'll start to make power. The transition from SV to XB is pretty straightforward | ||
| Jlnance  |
Court, there are some HD dealers in my area, but if they don't let me have a test ride, I'll give ya a ring. I wouldn't want you to go through the inconvenience of bringing it down to me if I could test ride one elsewhere....Unless, you're interested in selling a Buell at seasonal prices.... LOL - Courts not a Buell dealer. He's a construction worker | ||
| Ezblast  |
Yeah....but he's still Court - lol GT - JBOTDS! EZ  | ||
| Unchi |
ben im on Sv rider too (svridah03) i have ridden my 03 svs all year but i took a ride on spyders XB12s and could NOT get the shyt eating grin off my face and in the spring i will own an XB12 still trying to decide between S and R and he has a D&D pipe gotta be the best sounding bike EVAR makes me wanna straight pipe the SV from one sv'er to another GET ONE NOW | ||
| Slaughter |
quoth Unchi: "from one sv'er to another GET ONE NOW"  | ||
| Brucelee |
The SV is a toy. The Buell is a motorcycle. Grow up, ride a Buell! | ||
| Bigeasy |
I haven't had any time on the SV but looked it up on the computer. Nice looking bike ben! Do you have the naked style and what color? From what you have said so far I think you should test ride the firebolt. Make sure you ask them if they will set up the suspension for you. This makes abig difference in the riding and feel for the bike. Merry Xmas all! art |
