| Author | Message | ||
     Crusty |
Why doesn't the factory offer mounting brackets for the H&B Journey bags (on the Ulysses)for the Lightning Long? My wife would be all over one if you did. | ||
| Phatkidwit1eye |
I might be missing something. Is the Buell customer service number up top the correct one to call? I just called it and it asked for a dealer ID number. | ||
| Blake |
Not sure. That number has been up there for quite a while. It may be out of date. DaveS? | ||
| Motoboss |
I am a Buell fan-atic! I have had a love affair with Buell since 1996. I currently own four Buells and must have the new Ulysses. Planning that Alaska trip next summer, ya know. I know the Ulysses is a swiss-army knife in a world of pocket knives. However, I personally feel the color selection is p___ poor! Please give me a "desert tan", "dirt brown", "horizon red" or "gravel grey. Basic black is attractive on Hummers but not on adventure motorcycles. On the other hand barricade orange is a great color if you ride the woods during deer hunting season! Ever think about color matching? You know, matching the body color with accent colors, say, primary cover or luggage? Buell is know for "thinking outside the box" so please let's quit shipping in a plain brown wrapper. Just my take. Thanks | ||
| Crusty |
This year, when I went to the New York IMS show, I was looking at the new Moto Guzzi, and saw that the left side switch housing had a toggle to change the modes of the odometer/ trip meter/etc. This would be a positive thing, I think. It's kind of a pain in the butt to have to remove my hand from the bars to change from tripmeter 1 to the clock; especially since I start work at 6:00 AM and it's dark. It's a little thing, but it would make riding a little more pleasant. Also, could you guys at the factory come up with a little clip to hold the clutch cable closer to the handlebars, so I can see the odo/trip/clock display more easily while riding? I love my Ulysses; but, like everything else, it's not quite perfect. | ||
| Court |
Crusty: I KNEW I liked you! Those were two of the comments I had on the CityX. The right hand switch control is vacant and unused; it would be a great place to toggle the display. Also to read the display, I had to reach down and move the clutch cable. Look for ongoing improvements. Court | ||
| Xbeing |
The H-D website just posted a Buell engineering job opening yesterday. Check it out at: http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Career_Opportunities/career_opp s.jsp?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US The position is "Electrical Purchasing Engineer" I sure wish I had the qualifications! Any of you out there who have passion for the bikes who want to have an impact on where they go from here - Here's your opportunity!! "This position is responsible for the overall design direction and the initial procurement of new electrical system components. This person will investigate new technologies, develop part specifications, create, review and approve drawings, and analyze component costs. In addition, they will develop project timing, ensure components conform to performance requirements, integrate these components in the vehicle electrical system, find and evaluate suppliers, and negotiate purchase orders for component development and place the initial purchase order. A high degree of internal communication is required with vehicle engineering, operations purchasing, analysis, test, service, and vehicle assembly." | ||
| Sparky |
Hmmm, I wonder if Buell could be pondering incorporating a data bus system instead of the traditional analog wire harness in their bikes? | ||
| Mrvvrroomm |
First off, keep up the great work Erik & Company. I'm sure it's been discussed here before, but here's my wish list. I currently own an '03 XB9S and love it. I also own an '04 Yamaha FJR1300 for my touring, cross-country duties. As much as I dig the new Ulysses, it's not quite what I've been looking for. Here's what would fit the bill for me: 1) XB long chassis 2) factory hardbag mounts (or not, I'd fabricate my own for Givi luggage) atleast room to mount them. 3) 3/4 fairing, something between the R's fairing and a full fairing. 4) ergos somewhere between the R model and the Uly would be perfect 5) Perhaps an adjustable, dare I say, motorized windscreen? 6) Oh, and if you want to drop the XBRR motor in it, fine with me. LOL Thanks guys and keep up the great work. | ||
| Hippo888 |
If anyone at the factory is listening... I was looking at the XB12X Ulysses, it being the only Buell with hard bags, and it's simply too tall for my 29" inseam. I don't need to stand flat-footed, but tippy-toes is too much. I would have bought one except for the seat height. Why does a bike with 17" rims and what looks like racing-rain-tires have more seat height than purpose built off-road bikes like the BMW HP2 or any of the Japanese moto-crossers? There's no off-road rubber available in a 17" rim! I can deal with the V-Strom and R12GS seat height and those bikes are more dirt-suitable than the XB12X and have a LOWER seat height. The XB12X's LADEN seat height is greater than those other bikes' UNLADEN seat height (and I don't want an uncomfortable low-seat). Well, I just put a deposit down on a '06 FJR. I'll be in the market again in 3 years. I'd love to have another Buell (I need hard bags for commuting, so no XB12Ss) and I hope I can get one the next time around. A note from a previous customer. | ||
| Diablobrian |
I would be interested in getting a white air box cover with the city cross rubber x mounted on it. This would be a simple thing to do at the factory since you have the jig made up for gluing them on. It seems quite a few Buell riders use tank bags on a regular basis and this would be an easy upgrade to offer in all the factory colors, or failing that selling the rubber "X" so we can glue them on ourselves. | ||
| Bandirola |
Please bring out a S4T. I love my S3T and would jump at the chance to have a bike with similar ergonomics and wind protection based on the XB platform. The Uly is a step in the right direction, but way to tall. Dave P.S. If you need someone to field test the prototype let me know. | ||
| Jaimec |
The Lightning Long would make a WONDERFUL sport tourer if there were only some way of carrying luggage. Every single piece of luggage in the Buell catalog (except for the tankbag) says its for all XB12S models EXCEPT the XB12Ss Lightning Long. What's up with that?? | ||
| Sheldonesbe |
my clear plastics are cracking at the bolts on my XB9SX.. my intake cover is only held by two bolts at the moment... the two front bolt holes are completely cracked off! i saw it coming 2 months after i purchased the bike, so i was being very careful (it didn't help!) is this a warranty issue? i feel it may become a safety issue... the intake cover does rattle a bit now too since it is only held by 2 bolts... how can i get a new intake cover? I have all my plastic washers on all my bolts on all my plastics... | ||
| 007firebolt |
Hopefully my gripe will not fall on deaf ears! Each day I own my Buell I get more frustrated, mainly with the lack of parts and ability to service the electronics. How hard would it be for Buell to release the digital technician to racing teams/tuners? Furthermore, how hard would it be to keep factory parts in stock at our local dealerships? I really sucks that Buell has to play into harley-davidsons rip-off tactics and why do we have harley fielding customers service calls??? This whole setup stinks of pure greed!!!!! | ||
| Benm2 |
Well, its worth a shot. http://www.fireflyenergy.com They are a "small" company, started as a spinoff of Caterpillar. Seems that truckers were complaining that the lead-acid batteries on their rigs weren't lasting long enough due to no-idling rules implemented by various environmental orgs. So, they started looking at alternate battery tech, standard stuff like advanced Lithium Ion, etc. They came up with a really, really cool idea. They have coated graphite foam with lead, getting a huge increase in surface area versus lead plates. The article I read was in Automotive Design & Production, a trade magazine for the automotive OEM business. They (and the company) are being secretive about the exact gains in power-to-weight versus standard lead acids, but are claiming to be near Lithium-Ion levels. Such a battery in a motorcycle could remove 4-8 pounds in addition to freeing up space for other things (like more fuel capacity?). Considering that it's still lead acid, I'm guessing it wouldn't require all the complex charging circuit crap that Li-Ion batteries do. Plus, it retains the high-starting-current capacity of a Lead-Acid battery. Please, please, please, let these be in Buell motorcycles first. | ||
| Ezblast |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/4062/190977.html?1145816258 | ||
| Kuuud |
Please update your web page. At least 3 of the listed PA 'participating dealers' for the Demo Days Giveaway no longer carry Buell! The 2 remaining in the Pittsburgh area are not listed. Are they truly not participating of is that also due to the outdated info on the home page? Bret | ||
| Knickers |
Just want to say kudos to the engineers at Buell. Don't think your work goes unnoticed. I bought a Uly in March to replace my 2000 S3. All for less than the price of my S3 I get the following: Power. I remember sitting on one of your customer clinics back in 2001. I complained about the mid range hole in the S3 torque curve. I fixed it with the race kit, but at the price of needing earplugs every time I rode. The exhaust valve is quite a piece of work to fill in the hole and still pass DOT noise regs. Better brakes. Better suspension. Love the remote preload adjuster. The adjuster on the old underslung shock was a pain such that I rarely fiddled with it. And now preload adjustment on the front to boot! Better shifting with the new tranny and an easier clutch pull. Easier maintenance. An oil filter that doesn't dribble on the exhaust. Trans fluid that can be changed without dropping the muffler. Maintenance free swingarm bearings. No belt adjustment. Checking oil level without removing seat. Better passenger accommodation. GF really loves the backrest - its reassuring. Better luggage that can be removed from the bike without emptying the bags. I dig the low fuel mileage counter. Oil cooler and fan are reassuring on hot days stuck in traffic. Tool kit. Helmet lock Bungee hooks. Power outlets. Only downside is a little less wind protection. And some ergonomic tradeoffs. I still like the forward lean of the S3 better than the upright XB. But on the other hand I really dig being able to squeeze the frame with my knees under hard braking to take the load off my arms. Feels much more in control. Bottom line- A hole lot more bike for less money. And that's not even counting 6 years of inflation. Nice Job.  | ||
| Sarodude |
To BMC- The Blast specs at http://buell.com/en_us/bikes_gear/bikespecs.asp?bike=blast indicate that the Blast revs to 7500 RPM on the line indicating "Peak Horsepower". Unless the Blast has been revised - this ain't right. -Saro | ||
| T9r |
My question is in regards to how and where the Buell Motor Company tests their new motorcycles like the XB12X and others. Where are they tested at? Has the company ever looked into testing at an Army proving ground? Many facilities like Yuma Proving Ground and Aberdeen Proving Ground provide all of the needed support for test operations (roadways with various terrain, cold and hot facilities, chemical testing labs, materials failure labs) and are open to use by private industry use. The added bonus of testing with the Army could possibly be an added selling point for potential buyers. If intested I could help get some information to you (the factory) about what services they provide. | ||
| Stretchman |
Any chance that the Ss will be seeing an update to Rs in 07? I am 6'4", and love the S, but there is no way I can get a proper tuck on it. Since learning more about how to ride Sport Bikes, I have been longing to get "behind the screen". Difficult for someone as tall as me. Ulys are nice, but not the type of riding I prefer, which is cornering. Stretch 03 FLHRCI ** 05 XB12S | ||
| Knickers |
Ok, now for the other side of the coin here are a few gripes on the Uly. 1. Fan noise. Sure would be nice if it were quieter. Or at least if it went to the low speed immediately after shutting down the engine. It sucks when you're getting 20 questions at the border and they tell you to shut it off so they can hear and all you can do is shrug. 2. Key location. I still have to look around to see the slot every time I put the key in. If not on the front of the dash then maybe on the left hand side of the bike so its easier to see when on the sidestand. Not that big a deal, but an inconvenience. 3. Another key thing, its too easy to put it in "P" and pull the key when you mean to just lock the steering. This is aggravated by the location so whenever I lock the steering head I have to make sure I don't have lights on. 4. It would be nice to be able to latch the bags and top case without locking them. Maybe I've gotten used to cars with the key fob trunk release. 5. Got a rattle somewhere in the instrument cluster between 1500-2000 rpm. Not that big a deal but gives the impression of poor fit & finish. 6. It would be nice if we could get markings on the dipstick for oil level cold & hot. Need to be able to check level accurately after an oil change. 7. Pegs could have more grip, especially in the rain. Overall though still a very positive experience | ||
| Crusty |
HELLO, BUELL Now that I got your attention; my wife currently is riding a Moto Guzzi 750 Breva. She is thinking of moving up. She would like to get a Buell, but it would have to have hard saddlebags. The Ulysses is too tall for her. The Guzzi Breva 1100 has caught her eye, and it's probably what she'll get next. I wish you'd build something with hard bags that had a seat height a bit closer to the ground. My wife would like to ride a Buell, but you guys won't make a bike that meets her needs. | ||
| Court |
Crusty: Good news. Buell, at the upcoming dealer meeting in San Diego, will be unveiling a program known as "PROJEKT 578-YP". It seems that your's is not the only wife of a Buell owner who has physical shortcomings. We've also noted, during research, a myriad of behavioral issues as well. To address these Buell was faced with the choice of either demanding a recall on the spouses, which was deemed inadvisable, or simply fixing them. Modeled after the hugely successful Harley-Davidson "PUT THE RUMBLE BACK IN YOUR ENGINE" program, the program will present eligible owners of Buell Motorcycles to send spouses/sufficient others to East Troy, WI for modification. Procedures, at press time, were still sketchy but basically owners will complete a "RFM-28" form to be submitted by participating dealers. Upon approval an approved crate will be supplied to transport the spouse/sufficient other to East Troy, WI. Current modifications are limited to "physical" with one of the most popular being precisely what you are needing, Option 23 - Correct my wife's size. You'll need to provide the "as shipped" measurements and simply state the model Buell you'd like to have her fit. Eligible models include the current range of XB motorcycles. It is recommended that owners consider trading in wives who do not fit the Blast line. Factory counseling is available by calling the tech line at 1-800-MYASSISTOAST. Future program expansion is anticipated to include various forms of behavior modification, including the ever popular elimination of the phrase "What, you bought another damned motorcycle?" from the subject wives’ retort repertoire. Introduction of this phase has been delayed as R&D, conducted over the past 7 years, has failed to successfully modify a wife as of the program introduction. For program details contact your local dealer and simply say "I'd like my wife fixed". | ||
| Xb12xscpa |
Why do your HD / Buell dealers treat Buell owners like crap? My bike has been in Battlefiled HD for 8 days now and they have yet to be able to get the part needed for my bike. Not only that but the service department wouldn't know what a Buell looks like if it ran them over. I don't know how many people it takes to make an isolator bushing kit, or why it takes so long to transport it when roads are clear and FedEx is always standing by. With this type of service and the inability to get parts no wonder Buell can't break into the Japanese bike riders. I should have bought a Kawasaki, maybe not as fun, but as the beautiful days of summer fly by at least I'd have something to ride. Catch on! Customers after purchase are the only way your company will survive. Loyalty only goes so far before we find a better motorcycle company to purchase from. Anyone with ideas on how I get better service please let me know. | ||
| Court |
>>>>My bike has been in Battlefiled HD for 8 days now and they have yet to be able to get the part needed for my bike. Do you recall (it's not the end of the world if you don't) the part that was ordered? All Buell parts are available from Buell without delay. If you want to drop me a note with the part number, your VIN, dealer contact, I'll bet I can get you some info pronto. >>>Anyone with ideas on how I get better service please let me know. Slip into the archives and read the piece I wrote several years ago about dealing with dealers. One suggestion is to keep things actionable. I learn this in the real world. For instance..."my dealer sucks" provides only an opinion, no start, completion date or a damn thing to work with. But, a statement like "My dealer ordered an XYZ123 from Buell and it's never arrived" is actionable and gives all the data needed to solve the problem. Court | ||
| Blake |
What Court said. Most often in these cases, we learn that the dealership was not very much on the ball in getting your required part on order. You could always call and ask them when they sent the order in to Buell. Also, the holiday weekend may have affected delivery by a day or two. | ||
| Josh_ |
My Yamaha sat at the dealer for 6 weeks while they misadjusted the balancers and figured out how to synch the throttle bodies.... making it in the shop longer than my 4 Buells combined. | ||
| Blake |
It was obviously your fault; you shouldn't have been mucking around with your balancers. What is a balancer? |
