| Author | Message | ||
     Josh_ |
West Bend HD (Gess who is in the background?)  West Bend HD  West Bend HD Battletrax, President Style  West Bend "Hmm, I wonder if this is the best bike ever made?"  Blasts at the Inn  RA: Turn 5  RA Wish I had a cool Queensryche hat...  RA MotoX Calander Girls  RA Someone had to take his pic  Having a Blast in Wisconsin    | ||
| Josh_ |
   | ||
| Firemanjim |
Our very own Dave Gess. | ||
| CJXB |
Nice pics Josh, looks like you are "the man" in the MotoX pic !!  CJ | ||
| Paulinoz |
Thanks for the pics Josh, looks like you had a good time despite the Dumpster King of NYC turnning up. | ||
| Bomber |
Just a few impressions on Homecoming -- No Pics (yet, I’ll post the few I took worth sharing in a day or three – I’ve yet to learn the secret of taking lotsa pics AND participating . . . and am most envious of those {like Court and Jerry} who can). I had a great time, learned much, leaned more, but, all that taken into account, there are a couple of areas that could have improved – I’ll speak to those, briefly, while remaining a fan and stating that I had a gas! First and foremost, a HUGE thanks to the Buell Employees that invited us to their house to play on Thursday – if you’ve ever taken part of an event for visitors at your place of work, you know what a PITA it can be – it represents a great deal of effort for all involved – in my visits to the factory, I’ve never met a Buell employee who was anything less than gracious, apparently glad to see us, interested in what we had to say and what we’d done to their babies (they gotta feel some degree of fondness for the scoots they sent out the door that come back to visit), and this sterling behavior is the BOTTOM of the bell-shaped curve – it only gets better . . . . . thanks, brothers and sisters, for a great time at the factory (again ;-} ). Every time I’ve been to the factory, I’ve seen Buell employees scrounging parts to replace broken bits, helping visiting riders fix their ailing mounts, and generally acting more like riding buddies than event hosts – a very cool thing to witness, indeed. The seminar Erik held was fascinating, proving that he is that rarest of breeds, an engineer that can demonstrate fairly arcane topics in a way that even an ex-English major can understand – he truly is the best marketing tool the company has . . . . The factory tour was illuminating as always – good fun to see some of the technical details explained at the seminar demonstrated in real time on the assembly line – fewer parts are good, no matter if it’s on the line or on the road, I’m thinking . . . . It was the best seeing old friends, just as great meeting new ones – I am always surprised at the level of friendliness I see at Bueller gatherings – egos, a need to complain about nothing at all, testosterone overdose caused behavior seems minimal when evidenced at all. Shame all groups of riders (much less the population as a whole) can’t model that – As others have said, the chow was universally good (it’s really hard to cook for hundreds of folks, as anyone that’s either been in the military or gone to college knows) – I have a feeling the BRAG organization had a bit of a woodshed talk with the caterer on Friday night though ;-} The new president, John Flickenger seems a upright kinda fella – one, he stood up on his hind legs in front of what can be a fairly outspoken audience, two, had good answers (most of which match the questions asked), three, came out and rode Brackettrax with us, and, four, bowed out a bit early to attend his daughter’s high-school graduation – the man clearly has his priorities straight {grin}. The gent’s previous gig was leading (if memory serves) HD’s North American Distribution arm, which should make him knowledgeable about the difficulties facing Buell and Buellers in this regard. His previous experience should make him well qualified to address the dealership issues (not just numbers of ‘em, but quality). A couple Buell employees who have clearly had more time with him that the rest of us speak highly of him, which is good enough for me (huge sigh of relief on Mr Flickenger’s part, no doubt). If I could offer the gent any counsel at all, it would be to practice saying the word motorcycle – while, as a business person, I understand his need to think in terms of units and products, as a motorcycle enthusiast, I don’t ride a product, I ride a bike, scooter, sled, motorsickle . . . . . I’ve heard a number of corporate heavies from the Iron Tower refer to product so often, it tells me that this term is part of that community’s vernacular. Still, the man rides (a Buell!), spent some time with us, and seemed interested – can’t ask for a great deal more than that, I’m thinking – The riding is great in Wisconsin – if you’re willing to look at a map (good ones supplied, that you very much) or gaze at a GPS for a moment or two, there are lots of entertaining areas to run through – Holy Hill was about 20 mikes west, the Kettle never fails to be a good time, and the “parade” laps around Road America were a gas (it’s gotten so grown up since I raced there in 19mumblemumble!). While a number of folks were clearly inexperienced in the appropriate cornering technique through fresh bovine waste products, everyone got to their chosen points of interest upright, without blood or visible bones. Sane riding needn’t be boring riding, and this event proved that once again … Court demonstrated his skill at avoiding being backed into a corner (which is prodigious). When reminded to tell someone, he countered with “what do you want to know,” immediately changing the subject by uttering “let me tell you another story,” which would be amusing, enlightening, and so far as I can tell, most always contained at least a kernel of truth. There are the requisite pics of Buellers performing “field expedient engineering and overhauls,” which is always an display of humor, generosity, and creative use of anglo-saxonisms . . . . one fella broke is (’03) belt – a new compadre brought his pit stand (which had come from the east coast), another rode home 20 miles and 20 miles back to bring his spare belt from his garage, tools appeared as if by magik from the back of a number of pickups, and the gent was back on the road in no time . . . . the neighborhood, although temporary, and now spread all over the country as folks find their ways back home, was a great place to live for a few days. Suggestions for future Homecomings – seminars. While Erik’s explanations and demonstrations of the Trilogy were intelligent, humorous and illustrative, and should be mandatory for riders and cycle mag editors like, some more hands on kinda things might be a good idea – real world suspension setup for the XB riders (which is very sensitive to setup, I’m told) beyond what’s in the manual would likely help many of those riders – seminars on the care and feeding of tubers would also be of benefit – there were many grizzled vets (from both the factory and the riders themselves) who could easily share their tips and tricks with the assembled Tuber Riders. I understand the legal implications involved with factory employees give counsel to owners, but, with some creativity, this can be avoided and sidestepped I believe. The “host” dealership might want to consider having some accessories and and part on hand. While the sign said Buell on the building, and there were hunnerts of Buells outside, there was little proof that the dealer was interested in any Buell dollars. They fed us very nicely, thank you, but I think they missed out on some revenue by not being ready. Encourage Al and other vendors to display their wares to the slavering mob of Buellers. Lest I give the wrong impression, I had a great time. It was the fiscal bargain of the year for me, and my suggestions should not be read as nay saying. The was a questionnaire distributed at dinner Friday night – while I can’t remember it in it’s entirety (the scotch flask was making the rounds), I do remember two questions (paraphrased due to aforementioned flask passing). “What was the best part of the Homecoming?” “What will our favorite Homecoming memory be?” One answer – the folks. For a few days, there was a neighborhood in South Wisconsin of which I was a part – I knew that I had hundreds of friends and potential friends, and that if I needed help in any way at all, I had but to ask. All in all, a glorious way to burn up a few vacation days, yes? | ||
| Ezblast |
LOL - looked like a tight time! GT - JBOTDS! EZ  | ||
| Coolice |
Well said Bomber, I totally agree with ya! I to want to THANK the folks at the factory, what other m/c mfr opens their doors to the owners of their product and the "creator" is there to visit, eat, and educate you of his product! Too bad my stay was only Thursday but I had a great time, can't wait til next year!! (and i'll need a new rear tire if a i stay for the whole event) | ||
| Kinger |
As an "unofficial" attendee on Saturday at RA. I would have to say that this years event was much larger than last years! The Turn 5 location is a much better race viewing location than last year (Turn 8?). It was also neat seeing the Buell Demo's going strong. Finally got a change to ride the CityX. The BRAG tent area looked to be set up pretty nice with some TV's for watching the race. I only wish that my schedule would have allowed more time to attend Thurs. and Fri.'s events. From what I heard, I missed out on a lot of fun!! I am already clearing my schedule for next year. | ||
| Josh_ |
FJR after CLASS at Road America. I think I'll make a separate topic when I have time. 10 right turns incl carousel, 4 left turns (not incl new "bend"   Damn but Metzeler Z6s stick like glue.  I was passing R1s, 954s etc in corners, by the end of Day Two I passed 2 licensed racers on their bikes. They were touching a knee, I was going around them. Wow. Buy Z6s. | ||
| Coolice |
Josh glad ya enjoyed it. Reg runs a fantanstic program, LOTS of track time! I attended his school for 6 years, I'm plannin next year to go again. Did ya stay for both days? | ||
| Josh_ |
yup, 2 days as always. Had an S2 in the "A" group on Tues who (from the look of his tires) was having a great time too. | ||
| Mikej |
Got a link for CLASS????? | ||
| Blublak |
www.CLASSrides.com I'm with them for two days at VIR.. My second time through the school.. There's a 'review' of my first time through in the 'Tales' section under 'Runs, Funs and Sums' (I think... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/6817/29970.html?1057732247 is the link) They are one of the absolute BEST ROAD Riding schools available. | ||
| Josh_ |
If you're going to go, buy Reg's book and read it. Really helps to get the info over and over. Ride the "B" group the first time to hear the basic instructions and learn the track. Try to pay attention to everything. (not possible, but try) Main reasons to like CLASS: Very organized, very professional. Great instructors (very helpful, great attitude, very fast and just amazingly smooth). It's one thing to be told to be smooth it's a whole new level to see it in action. Minor reasons to like CLASS: Cordura friendly (ie 'Stitch) Tape or remove mirrors. Disable brake lights. Done. No taping all plastic parts, no safety wire, no replacing anti-freeze. I can't believe I went 5 years. Damn is it fun. My wife loves it when I go because I ride much smoother (and safer) afterwards. What really cracks me up are the guys (not normally the Buell crowd but the cloned sportbike community) that will drop tons on money on fancy suspension, brakes, carbon fiber bits and performance mods... then don't take a riding school. Easy the best performance mod for the money. And the one that stays with you the longest. | ||
| Josh_ |
Coolice when were you first at CLASS? | ||
| Josh_ |
guy on the S2 at last year's CLASS  | ||
| Coolice |
Josh I believe my first year was 1998. Then every year til 03 when in the entrance to the then new chicane after the carosel, I was entering on the outside of a rider and next thing I woke up on the ground looking at my XB laying on the track. That was the 3rd session of the first day and I broke a few bones. I haven't been back cause of schedules and no one to go with, I was alone then, BAD mistake, to get home, motorhome, trailer, and a busted up me, so I hope next year I can get someone to go with. I always HIGHLY recommended CLASS schools to anyone as I'm sure you can too for the great teaching they do along with the amount of riding you get on the track. So next year let's get a group of Bueller's to go. | ||
| Josh_ |
Damn that sucks. What were you on in 99/00? I was on my silver S3T and in 99 rode up and back from St Louis (trailered in 00)  From the beginning of day 1, still getting adjusted after a 5-year absence (which means I hope the ones from day2 look better  ) | ||
| Blueiwahine |
Josh...Wanted to thank you for posting pic of Erik signing my bike...It was nice meeting you..Hope to see you again next year.... Debbi (Yellow XB9S)  | ||
| Josh_ |
I've got several 5megapixle pics of that and quite a few more I ought to post if you'd like them. | ||
| Court |
Debbie: This you?   | ||
| Coolice |
Josh I was there, I was on a 1990 Honda VFR, red with white rims, black,gray leathers. And a motorhome with a dark green tandem axle trailer. The guys with me would have been a 900SS Duc and a newer VFR, Were you there the year it rained Monday? Branches on the track? I had my XB there in 02 and for the couple hours in 03. | ||
| Josh_ |
I do remember it raining one Monday (maybe 00?)... | ||
| Blueiwahine |
Court, No..It's not me in either picture. 1st bike has a race kit - silver muffler...Don't have one of those..my muffler is black...Craig wouldn't let me have the race kit before him. lol 2nd bike..person has black jacket..mine is yellow. Thanks for trying. Deb  | ||
| Josh_ |
More Homecoming pictures here incl sidecar action Let me know if you're in one and want an original. | ||
| Buellgirlie |
josh - good job dragging your pegs around! coolice - i'll go with ya to school! get fiery to go too all - if you find yourself in new england or florida - the penguin roadracing school (www.penguinracing.com) is also damn good. i went in april to their school, stayed the weekend and got a CCS novice roadracing license! |
