| Author |
Message |
    
Trojan
| | Posted on Thursday, November 23, 2006 - 12:35 pm: | 
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Any one ridden one?
Yes, I still haven't got the grin off my face! |
Kaudette
| | Posted on Thursday, November 23, 2006 - 12:50 pm: |
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For the KTM SuperDuke - take it from someone who's owned both a 9R and 12S the past 3 1/2 years... The Superduke is a great bike.
I now own one, having sold the 12S this summer and I can only say that it's the real deal in all situations - start, stop, stability, cornering, holding a line, comfort (for a roadster), and that engine - man what a treat.
Having said that I won't throw stones at the Buell for if there's one thing that's become obvious these past months with the SD, it's that the Buell could run fast and smooth all day in the turns (once you got the suspension dialed and used to the handling quirks). The SD is the same but with a top end on the motor that makes you giggle and laugh outloud in your helmet - Give the Buell that 990 plant and it's a world-beater. With the current lump it's missing the grin factor when you hit warp speed - and I'm not talking 150 mph's but that top end where you nail it and from 4000 to 9500 the bike just pulls like a damn freight train! Have a ride on the 2007 in the Spring - if anything it'll force many here to revisit their assumptions of KTM and liquid twins - AND - hopefully force the hand of Buell to at least offer and "XB2" platform with a modern lump.
btw - first ride report if you do a search on this site (that was from last year) |
Metalstorm
| | Posted on Friday, November 24, 2006 - 01:52 am: |
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Anyone have any better ideas for the comparison between the Buells and conventional sport bikes?
It's like Wookies & Ewoks
Ewoks are quick, agile & come in large numbers but they speak a language I don't understand & I can't distinguish one from another.
Wookies love to roar loudly, they accomplish what they set out to do & they enjoy ripping peoples' arms out of their sockets.
(Message edited by metalstorm on November 24, 2006) |
Ebear
| | Posted on Friday, November 24, 2006 - 04:16 am: |
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Excellent analogy Metal..!!!!! |
Brineusaf
| | Posted on Friday, November 24, 2006 - 04:58 am: |
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Any one ridden one?
I haven't ridden one, but I've ridden with one. SHARP bikes, I would buy one in a heartbeat (if I had the finances). Motor is strong, front wheel lofting might be easier than it is on my 12S.
Excellent analogy Metal..!!!!!
+1 |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Friday, November 24, 2006 - 05:56 am: |
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Japanese motorcycles are reliable, which is why people ride them into the ground. Once their mass popularity has waned, and several ownerships beckon, time tells us they become neglected. Just like video recorders, and now DVD players, for the most they belong in a throw away world.
Buell motorcycles are not so reliable, which is why they never get ridden into the ground. Their limited popularity makes them special. Their popularity remains intact amongst a special group of motorcycle fans, and all their owners respect that and give them the attention they require. Seldom does a neglected one come along. For the most they belong in a world where they are appreciated and seldom are they thrown away.
Rocket |
Frankfast
| | Posted on Friday, November 24, 2006 - 07:30 am: |
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Good observation Rocketman. I wonder what will happen to all these Lightnings and Firebolts once people get tired of them and move on. In the case of Ducatis, it seems people are parting them out to recoup their losses. I notice on Ebay too that Buells depreciate quite rapidly from their MSRP price. In the case of Japanese bikes I recently salvaged an old '86 GSXR750 headed to the scrap yard because I thought that model was something special. It's hard to predict what a future classic will be. |
Diablobrian
| | Posted on Friday, November 24, 2006 - 10:11 am: |
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I've had 3 of the old 86-87 gsxr750s over the years.
Those bikes will be highly sought after by collectors one day since so many have died
horrible deaths on the track and on the street.
I was on one of them the day a car hit me head-on.
It died an ugly death by dismemberment. (taps plays in the background)
My 03 firebolt will also be a collector one day...if I could stop modifying it.... |
M2nc
| | Posted on Friday, November 24, 2006 - 02:48 pm: |
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Nice observation Rocket - I will add that the qualities of the average Buell rider is another reason I like and ride the brand. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Friday, November 24, 2006 - 07:12 pm: |
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I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to throw my Buell away this past 8 years. It's a good few. Won't happen though 
I've had no desire at all to throw away a Japanese motorcycle in those same 8 years. That's because I've no desire to own one.
Don't get me wrong. There's a few Japanese bikes that are desirable. The first R1's in blue. The first of the new Kawasaki Z1000's or maybe the first ZX10. But what is it about Japanese manufacturers that sees them often make the newer version not as good to look at? The new Z1000 is a complete mess. The 04 R1 was not my cup of tea with the under seat pipes. This years subtle improvements make it look great once again.
Wouldn't it be fantastic to see Buell do something wicked beyond what they've already done though? Yes it would.
Rocket |
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