| Author | Message | ||
     Dustyjacket |
DARN YOU TO HECK, ERIC BUELL ! I have a month and a half old 2005 Sportster 1200C with a couple thousand dollars of add-ons to bring it up to do long distance 2-ups and bags for trips. And now I am poor, but was a happy man. I've taken a 1500+ mile trip one weekend and otherwise had fun putting 3,500+ miles on the bike. Today I got lust in my heart for that Ulysses. I went to Gail's H-D/Buell in Kansas City and sat on a black Ulysses. Wow. What a bike. The Ulysses is awesome! I couldn't flat-foot it and get both heels on the ground at once, but if I was wearing my riding boots I could have. It has everything I wanted in a Buell and could not get. I sat on it 3 or 4 times. It is nice and has an upright riding position. (Leaning over on other Buells hurts my neck.) Very comfy. Easy controls. The clutch was like butter, and on and on...... It is beefy where needs be and feels very light until you get it leaned over a LOT. This would be no problem to handle even as tall as it is. Everything about this bike is right for me. I want it. I want it. I want it. I want it. I want it. I want it. I want it. I want it. I want it. I want it. I want it. I want it. I want it. They are selling it for MSRP and told me I could have it if I signed right then. I came sooo close to signing, but I would have taken a big loss on the 1200C, had to come up with another $4,000 or so, and probably would have lost my wife, child, and house as she would have thrown me out! (I did try to convince her just now, but no dice. Even with that great back seat.) Darn you Eric. If you had to build my ideal bike, why couldn't you have announced it 2 weeks earlier? Now you have ruined my life for a while. Wife, daughter, home? or Ulysses? Aaaaaaargh! | ||
| Ryker77 |
I am waiting for an new s3t version -- hopefully next year when the wife is out of school. Hardbags, racekit, heated grips, extra driving lamps, HID headlight, ohlins shocks.. | ||
| Ezblast |
I was asked as part of the group on another forum - the question - what would I like to see the factory do with the Blast - its so funny but the same bike still shines before my eyes and perhaps I'll personally have to build it if Erik never hears my prayer - I would given time and money - and time will see! Still it proves to me - I really love this single - my reply: The Perfect Blast - lol - sure - I'll tell - I've dreamed of it forever - the money is no object - Blast single - is the - Ta Da! - 650cc XBR Blast - in Black - Perfect fun - in Translucent Black and Black frame,pucs, and wheels - Pirelli tires - flush rear signals, passenger seat cover, signal/mirror combo, remove decals, using a carb and a Force design with adjustable rear and front mounts exhaust, oil cooler, XB head, piston oilers, piston, cam, 12 derived crank - would be almost 40 lbs lighter than a regular XB due to a whole bunch of missing stuff, axle drop protectors, bar end sliders, running a stack and thin air box filter, lower height perhaps using low components - the dedicated, simple to maintain corner carver, track day toy! What a beautiful tool that would be for enjoying the Bay area! Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ  | ||
| Ezblast |
Oh yeah - please step the valve guides. GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Coldhands |
Dear Erik, Have you heard the one adout the weakest link in the chain. Yes I'm talking about that stupid c-clip that holds the detent plate on my M2 tranny.What good is a strong transmission when everything depends on a piece of */o"*=* you would not see on a pedal bike? | ||
| Francis |
Dear Buell Guys: I just bought an XB12Ss. A fabulous bike. My frau and I did a 300 mile day on it and did it with no discomfort, and neither of us are tiny. But I want to add more light to the bike. I have some good passing lamps that fit the style of the bike, but I need a switch. Is there any chance that I could get a headlight switch to fit to the right switch pod instead of the blanking plate that's there now? Or do you have a small handlebar mount switch that I could install and reach from a normal riding position? Thanks, Francis | ||
| Blake |
You'd probably do a lot better posing that question to the general community here, out in the Knowledge Vault "Electrical" topic. This topic is more for offering personal commentary to the folks at Buell in hopes that they might read it, but it is doubtful that they will respond. Good question though!  | ||
| Court |
Actually, I've already reserved that spot for the switch to toggle the instrument display. There is likely a switch that comes from the manufacturer of the switchgear, but it is not available through Buell. I'd start by looking for other bikes, using the same switchgear and incorporating a switch in that position, and then purchase the entire side. You'll need the "side" to get the wiring. Just a thought. | ||
| Francis |
Thanks for the responses. I did some searching and wasn't able to come up with the switch pod, so I resorted to the cheap alternative. I bought a toggle switch from Pep Boys and "hid" it by mounting it on the side of the pan below the seat. I then ran the hot lead from the battery through a separate fuse and through the toggle switch. I carried the hot and ground leads to the front of the bike by running them under the air cleaner cover and out in the area of the steering head, then down to the lights. So the extra lights are now on their own circuit. Works fine. Hope it lasts a long time. It actually gives me two separate lighting circuits. Francis | ||
| Fusa21 |
Okay, my current contract with NML in Milwaukee is up in 2 months. Are there any soon to be open positions for a college educated, marketing/finance guy at Buell/H-D? I've been knocking on that door for a few years now, so I thought this might work. Oh, and I know a thing or two about motorcycles too. An e-mail, of whom I might be able to send a resume to would be awesome. Regards, Greg | ||
| Mikej |
http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Career_Opportunities/career_opp s.jsp?locale=en_US http://www.buell.com/en_us/buell_way/careers.asp You might also check into the various suppliers to them. | ||
| Fusa21 |
Thanks MIke...those webpages are the Big Metal door at H-D that I mentioned. I just keep knocking but there's no one answering the door. It's almost a sure bet that Networking with someone on the inside has got to be the favored bet. I'll keep trying. | ||
| Court |
Two Badwebbers have made the transition to Buell Engineering in the last year. Robert Half agency reports that 87% of all jobs come from "personal contact". Less than 2% come from the internet, fewer from public discussions. | ||
| Bomber |
Fusa -- a large company can get as many as 5000 resumes the first day they post a new gig -- while HD/Buell may not be so swamped, I have a feeling the ratio of applicants/applicant-receivers is skewed even more against the applicant -- personal contact, as Blake sez, if the best way to get yer foot in the door for any gig -- (my latest can as a result of a referral from a guy that used to report into me -- and he volunteered to do it AGAIN -- this, I believe, is an example of the triumph of optimism over good sense) with your location, it should be relativewly simple for you to make such contacts -- good luck with your search -- can be frustrating as can be sometimes | ||
| Paint_shaker |
Erik, The XBRR looks to be an awesome bike. Can't wait to see it in action!!! | ||
| Pigseye |
At minimum, I hope the XB12X.v2 comes stock with a lower seat, better footpegs, better headlights, LED turn-sigs, better low-speed engine behavior, quieter fan, and more steering sweep. I really want a Uly NOW, but I think I could wait until most of these improvements appear...hopefully not too long in coming. | ||
| Escham |
I don't know if Court is still around, if so I have sent you an email about some serious dealer issues at the request of Diablobrian. I have had a poster call and assure me that they are going to light a fire from their end, but I wanted to see if you (or anyone else BMC affiliated) could "influence" this situation so that I might reach a reasonable resolution. I have had some problems getting PMs, so if you read this please email me at eschamberg@hotmail.com . Thanks, Escham | ||
| Court |
Yep, I'm around and read the e-mail/posting that the Calvary had arrived. Last word I got was that the issues were being addressed. | ||
| Escham |
Diablobrian did seem optimistic about the attention of a certain calvary member. Thanks, Escham | ||
| Outrider |
Calvary or Cavalry...Crucified or Saved...Which is it? (Message edited by Outrider on July 05, 2006) | ||
| Court |
cavalry | ||
| Xldevil |
Sorry Dustyjacket,but the Uly is one of the most ugliest Bikes I've ever seen in my life. Technical it can not compare to BMW's GS or any other bike of that kind.Not to talk about the "Off road" qualities.Are there any? It's not fish,nor is it flesh. This is only my personal opinion and taste,and I don't intend to offend anyone. But I dare to say,how redundant and needless the Uly is,IMHO. Ralph | ||
| Court |
Yeah. . . well, thanks for those rays of sunshine Ralph. I know ya convinced me. This is Arthur Godfrey and we'll be back with more of the Amateur Hour after this word from Geritol. | ||
| Xldevil |
Court,you're always welcome. Even in the darkest night,there is always a little light.  Never heard of A.Godfrey or Geritol.You know,I'm european.I can not get your words of wisdom.  Ralph (Message edited by xldevil on July 05, 2006) | ||
| Ride365 |
Oh wow I'm crackin up!  | ||
| Escham |
Hey Court. I am really having a difficult time with my dealership issues. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/4062/211477.html?1152581350 I am beyond upset. Any suggestions? Escham | ||
| Court |
Eric: I'd posted some thoughts somewhere else (this thread shows up in a number of places). If you get a chance, send me your phone number and I'll give you a call to get updated. Court | ||
| Checkeredbob |
With all the stupid Interlocks that I've never needed, kickstand, clutch, etc. WHY NOT add the only one that makes any sense the STEERING LOCK should have to be off for the bike to start. WAY TOO MANY CLOSE CALLS! (Message edited by checkeredbob on July 11, 2006) | ||
| Sshbsn |
Dear Erik-- No doubt you have heard an earful regarding Harley dealerships! My town's dealership and the town's to the south of me are owned by the same gentleman. A new dealership opened about two years ago in the town to the north, with a different owner. The arrogance of my local dealer toward my 2004 Firebolt and my 2005 Sportster was overpowering to my limited patience, and I sold both bikes out of spite. Boy do I miss my XB12R--I'll never get over it. Anyway, this spring it was time to buy! I went to the dealership north of me, but the only guys who wanted to talk to me about Buells were behind the parts counter. Most of your strongest allies in the showroom can be found there, by the way. I ended up leaving and bought a 955 Daytona which I love, but I find myself digging out photos of my Firebolt regularly. Congratulations on making the perfect motorcycle! Now if this were all to tell, I wouldn't be bothering you. Funny thing is what's happened the last two times I've been out on my 955: 1) At a crossroads in the middle of nowhere I ran across a guy on an 883 Custom pulled off to the side of the road. I stopped to see if all was right--it was--and we got to talking. I told him I had once had a 1200R and that Sportsters rock. He said that he loved his bike, but then proceeded to tell the tale of purchase three weeks earlier. He was still angry about how "stuck up" the staff had been. I shrugged it off since he didn't buy a big twin, which is really all they want to sell. I thought. Until... 2)Ran across a new Dyna owner today in the country. By the way, he still owns an old style Lightning and loves it. When he said that, I told him I had owned a Firebolt and still wasn't over it, but had sold due to dealer arrogance. Then he said, "Yeah, they're really bad. I won't go back." This from a big twin buyer! So there you have it. It isn't just YOUR bikes that dealers are snotty about. Apparently all motorcycles/-ists in their showrooms qualify. I understand how HD have funded Buell motorcycles (one example that springs to mind is XBRR), and I know that having us whine about dealers is good for nothing and nobody. I did want to tell you, and any Bueller who reads this ramble, not to take it personally. Everybody gets spat upon equally.  Your fan, filled with seller's remorse Steve | ||
| Escham |
Court, I sent you an email. Escham | ||
| Bad_karma |
Just put a baker six speed in my 99 S-3. HD put this tranny in the XBs now! | ||
| Coyote5797 |
Dear Erik, I have always been a fan of "The American Sportbike" and pleased to see the new technological aspects of the XB series. Then came Demo days at Gail's in Kansas City. All I could say was "Whoa!" I've never ridden anything like that. It was more like Superman style flying than being on or in any vehicle. A long 3 months later I own a Brand new 2006 XB9SX. My one and only critique would have to be, Is there anyway to add under seat storage for paperwork? Otherwise it was worth the drive to Joplin, MO (2 and 1/2 hours south of me, right passed another closer by 2 hours Buell dealer who told me they "Could not get anything from the factory" and "Don't know when the 2007's are coming". Love the bike. Keep up the fantastic work. Coyote5797 Kansas City MO | ||
| Spiderman |
I still need S2 forks  | ||
| Toona |
Spidey, are these the ones you need? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=26003519027 7&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT | ||
| Spiderman |
those are x1/s3 |
