| Author | Message | ||
     Crusty |
Two years ago, my wife was sitting at a red light on her Sportster, when she was rear ended by an SUV. We 're finally getting a settlement. She didn't really care for the way the Sportster felt, and even though she loved her Blast, she doesn't want either a Firebolt on an XB Lightning. (She demo'd both at Laconia last year) She's pretty much decided to get a Moto Guzzi Breva. It's comfortable, has a pushrod V-twin and handles acceptably well. Hard saddlebags are readily available for it, as well. Why won't Buell build something similar? Didn't the M2 sell better than the other Tubers? Is Buell going to remain a niche bike manufacturer, building only beginner's bikes or hooligan bikes? Is it asking too much to have a passenger seat that a real human can sit on for more than ten minutes? At the 20th, Erik told us how reliable the XBs are, and I believe him. So why only build bikes that you can't ride without pain for more than a half hour? There are a lot of people out here that feel the same way. Yesterday, I was talking to two S3 owners. Neither would buy an XB. They feel Buell has abandoned them. In the meantime, I'm going to take a piece of that settlement and buy a used S3-T for short money. I'll convert it to chain drive, update the front Rotor, the exhaust mount and put in steel rocker box gaskets. And I'll try Al Lighton's saddlebag cure. That way, when we ride to Colorado this summer,I'll be on the right bike for me. | ||
| Rocketsprink |
Well, ya never know what's coming out in the very near future. I think it would be just plain stupid for Buell NOT to offer a sport/touring bike. | ||
| Lowlife |
I think that comfort is simply a subjective term when you're talking about a bike. My father, who is 45 years old, rides a XB12R and he said he was very comfy on our ride from Sarasota to Key West during Daytona Bike Week this year. Meanwhile, my A-double-S was suffering aboard my 97 M2 (with a Corbin seat). Having spent a decent amount of seat time on the new XB Lightnings I can say that the rider pocket is phenomenal. I could put the kickstand down and sleep like the wee baby Jesus on my Buell pedestal. I'm sure that Buell is going to introduce a touring rig soon. If not, then they are likely drawing one up right now. How comfy will it be? I guess it depends on the rider. Specifically, height, weight, or physical condition. Also, I was under the impression that the S3 didn't sell very well. Anybody know if thats true. | ||
| Daves |
They didn't sell for me. For those of you that want a Buell ST model (all 6 of you)it is too bad that they don't build one. Nobody's ST models sell very well. It just doesn't make good business sense to spend a bunch of R+D money and time on a bike that you will be lucky to sell 100-200 of per year. Sorry but I wouldn't hold my breath. Of course I could be all wrong, they don't ask me before they build stuff! | ||
| Kinger |
Crusty, I understand your point about the S3T's. Whenever I seem to go riding with other Buellers, it is the most common bike I see (excluding XB's). That being said, I demoed the 12R yesterday, and loved it! I don't think I would have one as an only bike, but as a second bike I would love to have one. I think the 12R (or 9R) have the capability of all day comfort. Dave, maybe they should ask you! | ||
| Cataract2 |
I own the XB9SX and have to say it is one of the most comfortable bikes I've ridden. Keep in mind comfort level is purely opinion based. You could get an S model and buy the saddle bags for it. That kinda turns it into a sport touring bike. | ||
| Court |
Until I rode the XB9SX I didn't understand what Buell had done. I am preparing, in the coming weeks, to ride one half way across the USA and have no reservations (surely, I can find a place  about a 14 to 18 hour day. | ||
| Cyclonemaniac |
I've riden both XB's and find neither comfortable for me. I'm nearly 46,6 ft tall, have bad knees and don't care for the peg location on either bike. I could tolerate the XBS peg location for short rides, but the R just kills me. I really love the position of my Cyclone. I can ride without knee stiffness, and getting monkey butt. Unfortunately, the tubers seem to be the only Buells that fit me | ||
| Crusty |
Buell is not going to build a Sport - Touring bike. Period. Erik told me that a few years ago, and he would never lie to me!(Like when he ridiculed the press for having spotted a Thor (Blast!)in Australia. "Why would we ship a bike all the way to Australia?"  (Hot weather testing in January or February, maybe?) Anyway, Sport tourers don't sell. That's why BMW just intro'd the new R1200RT. They obviously want to lose money; just like they did with the R90S, R100S, R100RS, R100RT, etc, etc, etc. Comfort IS a relative thing; however I challenge you to find someone who can sit on the back of a Lightning for more than an hour. My 14 year old daughter wouldn't even sit on it for a demo ride. In 1997, the S3-T was new, and it started to sell. A lot of the buyers were BMW types who appreciated the handling and torque. Then the teething problems surfaced. Front isolators broke, Rear isolators ripped, rear fenders and saddle bags cracked, rocker boxes leaked,the Recall. Add Fran Crane's S3 breaking during the Iron Butt, and Motorcyclists long term test bike crapping out and Buells credibility was critically damaged with Sport Touring riders. Riders who needed a mount that was reliable unloaded them as fast as they could. By 1999, pretty much all the people who might be interested in a Thunderbolt were scared away, so when all the bugs were worked out, there was nobody left who would take a chance. (Fool me once shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me!) I had a '98 S3-T. I loved it's potential. I rode the •••• out of it; I put 60,000 miles on it in two years. Almost every trip I took on it resulted in an unplanned stop at a dealership for some kind of repair. When I was home, it was in the local Dealer's shop once a month. I still think that Buell could build a great Sport Touring motorcycle, and with the right marketing, and a little time, it would sell. I don't think that the Mothership understands how to sell bikes to the type of person who'd want to buy one. I know that most Harley Dealers don't.(No offense meant to Dave S. or any other good Sales personnel) O.K., so Buell won't build me the bike of MY dreams; why can't they build a more mainstream bike? An M2 for the XBs; a bike that isn't quite so focused as the Firebolt or Lightning? Like the Cyclone wasn't as focused as the S1 or S3? Of the tubers, the M2 was the biggest seller; I think that history could repeat itself. I'd rather see my wife on a Buell, but the Moto Guzzi is the bike that fits her needs. In the meantime, I'm going to own another S3-T! It is the Most Beautiful Motorcycle Ever Made, and with the upgrades and improvements it will work as good as it looks. | ||
| Reepicheep |
In a lot of ways, the 9sx *is* the new M2, just without compromised handling. | ||
| Smokedaddy |
Make that 7 of us, I'd take my S3T over any of the Buells, meaning the new models or any of the older tube frames bikes. I put nearly 11,000 miles on it in 3 months. Love my 98 S3T ... I would even consider buying a new one if Buell offers one. That's even considering there aren't any dealers worth a $#it in my area. -SD: (Message edited by smokedaddy on May 08, 2005) | ||
| Smokedaddy |
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| Chainsaw |
If I'm reading this chart correctly, in the 4 years Buell produced touring models, they sold about 400 a year. I would have to say not producing a New Touring model is a sound business decision. | ||
| Smokedaddy |
... and they averaged about (21) RR1200 per year, for 3 years, and only made one in perl white. <grin> -SD: | ||
| Jlnance |
I had no idea they had made so many Blasts. | ||
| Daves |
What year is the chart from? I thought there were 2 RW750s? What about the XB12s? | ||
| Madduck |
I've owned an s2 since march of 1995, still have it. Also owned a 98 s3t and a 2000 m2l. Love everything about buells but they don't make motorcycles for my demographic. 6'3" & 290 lbs who will sometimes ride to Tucson on a long weekend, breaks the speed limit with regularity and scraped thru the fiberglass on both sides of the wide lids on the s2. BMW makes a wide assortment of bikes that suit me just fine and Harley makes another set. Buell can market and sell to whomever they want, I am a fringe customer and I would hate for Erik to try to build a company on selling primarily to me. I believe taking on BMW in this market would be a huge mistake, catching up to their level of technology would be expensive. Picking up orange Street rod on Friday or Saturday, really looking forward to this weekend  (Message edited by MadDuck on May 08, 2005) | ||
| Davegess |
Buell made 1 RW 750 before going bust and than starting Buell Motor Company, 2 RW750's exist. One was built, in 1995 ?, from parts by a band of Elves to present to Erik as a gift. | ||
| Firemanjim |
Technically,no S-2's were sold as 1994 models,built in 1994,sold as 1995.Same with S-2T,all were model year 1996.S-3 was introduced as a new model in 1997 to replace the S-2,none sold at the same time as S-2. | ||
| Josh_ |
S3s were 97-02 S3Ts were 97,98,00-02 RSSs were 91-93 a couple RSs were also made in 93 | ||
| Koz5150 |
I love my M2 more then any bike I have ridden to date. I am also 6'3". That is under the assumption that I can only one one bike at this time. In a perfect world, I would have a Road King, a race prepped XB12R, and a Hardcore II chopper that I built myself. I have a dream... I would have to say looking at the XB line, Buell is not interested in selling bikes to us larger people. They are selling racier style bikes and face it, there are no tall slightly hefty (not fat) racers out there. Harley is probably the only bike you could put a fat guy in the ad and it would still sell! | ||
| Bomber |
have a similar discussion taking place in my house presently - the Guzizi was in the running for a while, until the resident wrench spinner pointed out that they (Guzzi) have a spotty record for parts availability (not know who owns the company on any given day tends to make importers and distributors nervous) -- they are kinda thin in the midwest none of the present Buell's accomodate a certain person's knnes very well -- the short list includes the Goose, the new Bonnie, and th potential of an XB Low of some kind (although I'll admit the idea of purchasing a new motorcycle, and then having to throw more $$ into it to make it fit seems a little odd) the market is most definately not p[aying attention to the segment that has been called Standards of late -- not too many out there, and I believe this is a potential source of big dough for the right manufatcturers -- like Sport Tourers though, I'm not convinced it would be a sound business decision for my favorite MC company to make -- while I LOVE my MaDeuece, and am impressed asa heck with the XB platform, I also think they are heading in the right direction for their company, and for their business model For Buell to start making an M2 again would be like Chevy to re-make a 55 BelAire -- ther eamy be a couple of dozen folks that would pony up (about 1% of those who say they would) -- but not a sound business decision | ||
| Kahuna |
i have to say i feel pretty privileged to own one of 2184 S1Ws! thats one of the things i love about the bike, its nice to have something exclusive... | ||
| Lowlife |
Anybody know how many S1 twintails are out there. I have only seen one! They seem to be freakishly rare. | ||
| Gundog |
I've been thinking about this, and reading the thoughtful posts. So let me jump up on this soapbox. The M2 has what the current Buell production models lack: versatility. Remember the CB750. With the right modifications, it became a cafe racer. Add some bags, and a fairing, instant long distance tourer. Toss the seat, install a king/queen seat, a sissy bar, and ape hangers, you've got a chopper. Bottom line, you could make it Your bike. The M2 has comfortable ergos, and a decent range from the good sized tank. I'm sorry but out here in the west, I won't buy a street bike that carries less than 4 gallons. And who are we kidding with the pillion seat. The motor on the Cyclone is strong, but responds easily to changes. This isn't always a good thing, but it can be done. Most Buell owners like to get their hands dirty. I think Buell needs to get out with a good base model, like the M2 was. Then support the heck out of it with accesories. Bodywork, performance, and style options. Then we can all have the bike we want. Think of the bike as a blank canvas. Just remember, Buellers want function, not flash. Soapbox goes back to the corner. | ||
| Madduck |
Bad news for Buell, I have a nephew looking at getting his first real motorcycle. His first was the Honda 600f3 from a friend for $1500. the kid makes better that $110k a year and was pretty interested in the 9sx until he rode it. I thought it would be a great second motorcycle for all the reasons court et al have raved about. Girlfriend looked at her seat and went eech!! End of buying decision right there. Now he has decided my k1200RS is the perfect bike. Chick saw it and goes "now thats hot". We went out to a harley open house and no one made fun of the beemer and the chick loved the ride. Harley may be in trouble also, chick goes "Harley's are for old fat guys". Which is me by the way. Man I would hate to be selling stuff to these kids. Also "even old guys are buying Hondas" put the end to the 1000CBR. of the six friends of his i've met so far, all 25 years and up, want something different from what everyone else has but something they can all agree is cool. Guess what an R115GS does to their mood. Odd thing is, got a photo of my S2 at speed at Bonnevill and they all thought that was "really hot". S2's seem to have universal appeal. | ||
| Ethanr |
> You could get an S model and buy the saddle bags for it. That kinda turns it into a sport touring bike. I did just that with my 12S. Completed an Iron Butt Saddle Sore 1000 last month with no significant complaints. Iron Heart Ride | ||
| Koz5150 |
Good luck with the aftermarket support thing. If they sell grips for $65 imagine what they could do with some good looking bodywork, undertail kits, or fairings??? I will say it has been both frustrating and rewarding building my own aftermarket parts. | ||
| Anonymous |
No, Dave, there were two RW-750s. You should know that! The one that was "built in 1995" was actually a rebuild of an original. The guys just went and got back the parts! | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Wasn't the engine for the RW-750 sold to some guy who put it in some kind of a go-cart? |
