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Enp83
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 12:30 am: | 
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one lone Duc catches on fire and we're suppose to believe it's a wide spread problem? How'd you ever buy a Buell then? God knows theres enough stories out there about Buells. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 04:40 am: |
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Between 1991 and 1998 owning two Sporters taught me something. Harley's were a little more reliable than the British bikes of the 1960's and 70's.
Owning a brace of S1W's taught me things had indeed improved in terms of manufacturing quality. Unfortunately for me the manufacturing tolerance levels were not that high that they could withstand the use I wanted to put my Buell through when I switched brands from HD to Buell and most times through no fault of my own they broke.
Lots of money from both Buell and myself over the years thrown at my S1W have possibly got me the results I've searched for over the past seven years but my biggest regret has been the down time. It's not fair to blame that entirely on the Buell product but a lesser man would have torn his hair out and thrown the left over remains of the Buell into a river and called it a day. However circumstances have a habit of changing a mans mind.
Mine changed through a friends divorce when he proclaimed 'she's had everything else but I'm f**cked if she's having my 916' and that's how I came to own my Ducati - and ease my Buell pain.
So what's the 916 done for me when I offer a comparison to the S1W. Sickened me in a lot of ways is the truth. The Ducati has lived with me for more than 18 months I think, though that's not nearly all riding time, but 6000 and more hard miles done and the fearsome beast never fails to squeeze my adrenalin glands like never before. Now that's all well and good but the 916 has not got me talking in internet chat rooms. Nor has it made me friends oceans apart. Nor has it opened any doors to visit other countries. In fact it's done very little other than perform as a balls to the wall thoroughbred race bike that never fails to give me a hard on when I can find the time to give it a good thrashing down some dirty back alley. But what about the Buell? Well come on, it's not fair to compare a S1W to a 916. One's a tractor in comparison but then you'd not try plowing a field in a Ferrari would you.
These days I'm fortunate enough to own both the S1W and the 916 and I know I'm heading for a major dilemma when the S1W is finally ready to roll again. Which one will I ride today? One thing's for sure though. Everyday I open my garage door and see them both sat there I can justify their existence because I live a simple life without need of a fancy flat screen TV or designer wardrobe and that for me is why there's a Buell and a Ducati in my life which has nothing at all to do with reliability or value. Simply they're two of the greatest bikes on the planet and I find that really easy to quantify to myself and no one could convince me otherwise.
Gentlemen, Ladies, make your own choices but don't get embroiled in the misery of others. Follow your heart. Follow your head. Follow your wallet. Once done hang on for a roller coaster of a time because at the end of the day you'll own something a little bit more special than a Honda (taking nothing away from Honda) and that's always gonna hit you in the back of your head like nothing else can. These are not your run of the mill motorcycles we are talking about and that's something we should never forget if we own one brand or the other or both because either way we are lucky bastards in doing so - even when they break down!
Rocket |
Court
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 05:13 am: |
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>>>It's too much of a coincidence for me.
Coincidence AND one heck of a time warp....that'd be like seeing a light saber in a film about the crusades.
When Erik was racing Ducatis, Miguel was in 4th grade.
Court |
Cluckcluckpush
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 08:22 am: |
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So Buell developed the trellis frame air cooled twin idea Court? The 93 m900 has the exact same headlight, tailight and directionals. When did the S1 hit the market? Are you saying Buell was around way before Ducati? Like the crusades vs Star Wars? |
Court
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 08:33 am: |
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The 1987 Buell had a trellis frame, but so did Ducati's, and about 85 other brands, back through the ages.
The S-1 was introudced on July 10, 1995 in San Diego, CA. It was developed well prior to that.
Buell was NOT around long before Ducati. Ducati, from their roots in electric razors, capacitors and radios, has been in and out of business a number of times. All preceeded any Buells.
Buell nor Ducati "invented" the trellis frame, I'd give Miguel Galuzzi the credit for being the first to roll out what is arguably the first "Street Fighter" cafe type bike.
I'll learn more tomorrow night at 6.30 when I meet one of the world's premier authorities, and one of Miguel's best friends, for din-din at The Ear.
You've picqued my curiousity, I supsect this will be a topic of conversation.
Court
Oh...on the headlight. taillight, directionals"...big deal. There are two countries in teh world who have basically the "Sears Catalog of motorcycle parts. Make no mistakje, everybody shops for the "stick ons" in the aftermarket. Buell until 1999 used C.E.V. controls and stuff from Italy, as did Ducati. The only difference is the run-off switch is wired reverse on the Buells and Ducatis. There are a host of parts that I'd bet are common to the auto industry as well.
Court |
Bomber
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 10:48 am: |
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Court -- I'll not argue the word choice of a "little" in word warping me -- but, as you know as well as most, I need no assistance in getting myself in trouble -- thanks for the help, though ;-}
I do stand by my vehicular statement, as the ex-pilot of a Lancia Aurelia, the first car I ever owned that showed me that high-speed ground travel was possible in a relaxed, compentant, in controled state (both physically and physics-ally) . . . . that car was engineered in a way the used every possible trade, artifice and skill existant in Italy at the time of manufacture, took the most loopy engineering approach to the solving of every difficutly, had a parts count approximately equal to that of mid-70s F4 Phantom, and yet, when it worked, it was magikal!
when it worked, being the operative phrase here -- I'll spare the gentle readership the horror shows and late night field expediant rebuilds required to return to the motor pool --
topic shift
one might make a rational statement, saying that all bikes with trellis frames owe a vote of thanks to the Bircage Maseratis (who stole the idea from the aircraft industry, who was inspired by Bucky Fuller) . . . . . but that would be shifting even further off topic --
there are so few "new" ideas that it boggles the mind (mine anyways) -- even fewer of them make it to market
me, I have huge respect for the guy (or lady) who can apply the "new" idea in a new and successful way, and create a product that is bueatiful and function at the same time
elegant engineering is as much an art form as scupture, music or poerty --
my favorite business phrase?
Ship it! |
Midknyte
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 10:55 am: |
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one lone Duc catches on fire and we're suppose to believe it's a wide spread problem?
Uh, no. Duh!
Just posted it for fun... |
Road_thing
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 11:42 am: |
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Rocket: Well said. edit to add: I simultaneously owned an S1 and an M900 for about a year. Loved 'em both, but I kept the Buell! The Duck had the better top-end rush, a better ride, and the better seat. But the Buell has the grunt down low, I can maintain it myself, and it has that "hot-rod special" look. If only mine had a nickel-plated frame...
Bomber: Your package arrived. Thanks a million! Now the Child Bride (ask Court) wants to know: "What are those things for??"
rt
(Message edited by road_thing on May 02, 2005) |
Court
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 12:41 pm: |
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Ask Court my patoot....
But, then you'll have your hands full tomorrow night at dinner anyway.
I told the SCU that, in response to the comment that "Italian things are finicky, expensive and difficult to maintain" that you'd made reference to her.
Yeah....you were set up. |
Road_thing
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 01:19 pm: |
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Tomorrow night I can handle.
It's Wednesday night I'm worried about!
All systems go, lift-off tomorrow p.m., I'll call you Wednesday after lunch.
rt |
Court
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 02:03 pm: |
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Yeah...she reminded me. I have NO MEMEORY for dates~!
Well....your bad. I had a spare bike ready and am headed to meet the Guggenheim Riding Group.
Home cooked or commercial? Your call. I reccomend the home cooked.
Plus....parking on one's own sidewalk helps ally Imperial entanglements.
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Bomber
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 04:11 pm: |
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Thang -- glad to help -- shoulda seen the looks at the UPS store ;-}
Court -- I have broad shoulders, sir , and can handle dern near anything ('cept an angry eyetalian!) -- feel free to use me as an excuse, it's very nearly the state sport here ;-} |
Davegess
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 10:27 pm: |
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The Monster was first the S1 second. Thye shared a headlight becasue Erik wanted the car driver to look in his mirror and think a locomotive wasing coming up from behind, it was the biggest light made. The shared turnsignals becasue there were far and away the smallest made at the time.
The S1 would have been first is there was enough money but there wasn't so it wasn't. The S2 had ot come first.
The first S1 prototype, if you could call the RS1200 with the pieces tack welded on a prototype, goes back to at least 1989. It sat next to an XR750 flat tracker picking up DNA.
Having seen the ideas Erik had in 1990 that he could not get into production I can hardly wait for whatever comes next. Meantime I will enjoy my XB. |
Buellgirlie
| | Posted on Monday, May 02, 2005 - 11:51 pm: |
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well, i went and did it
bought the ducati 900SS i had my eye on
picking it up wednesday (unless it's not the bike in the pics i've seen, or if it runs like crap!)
headed over to post a pic of it on the quickboard! |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2005 - 03:06 am: |
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I worked for Roger Perry years ago. Lancia fanatic he was, as well as the founder of the Stratos OC, (Roger's Stratos was the one that Hawk Cars - the most authentic replica to this day - took their mold from, and all for the price of a fancy respray). Roger also owned a rare Aurelia that had started life as a taxi cab and eventually found its way into competing in the Targa Floria. I spent several weeks removing many layers of paint off that car to reveal a body beautiful hand built in aluminium.
Roger gave his up to an untimely death sadly. Bet you still had your Aurelia John, and I bet you still had your M900 eh Thang.
What happens when the non sensible side of the brain of a petrol head is allowed to take control is said petrol head ends up with a garage full of exotic metal extrusions that someone else always has a criticism for (see I got the Maserati too
but try as I may I haven't yet found a trellis frame underneath her - and yes several people often tell me how crap my Biturbo is yet they've never even sat in one let alone driven one). My guess is these people can read but not between the lines. They know everything yet sweet eff all and most of all they're envious of your twisted mind and the company of metal extrusions you keep tucked up in your out houses. Bolloks to the miserable buggers I say 
Ducatigirlie, you're gonna love that 900SS. Welcome to club Buell Ducati. It's an elevated feeling owning both brands and most times they don't break down at the same time so you've always got at least one bike you can ride!!!!!!
Rocket |
Trenchtractor
| | Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2005 - 07:33 am: |
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a couple of pics... Lachlan rides an S2R monster... Very 'nice' bike. The brakes, power, suspension and chassis are all very progressive. Compared to the Buell it's a lot more refined, but it bugs me because there is something 'Honda' about it. It's too friendly.
http://www.themuell.com/photo.php?id=327
http://www.themuell.com/photo.php?id=332
It was frustrating having to take this turn slow for the poxy Ducati, so here is one of the Buell at it's own pace...
http://www.themuell.com/photo.php?id=328
Please no comments about gloves. This was only s'posed to be a practice run for the photographer so she could get a feel for the motion for a photography assignment...
I'll wear gloves next time, I promise. |
Midknyte
| | Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2005 - 10:48 am: |
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http://www.themuell.com/photo.php?id=329
That one's an awful nice pic |
Riderx09
| | Posted on Thursday, May 05, 2005 - 06:17 pm: |
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I cant believe all the lancia talk i am hearing rocketman and bomber..i have been watching lancias gettin restored by my grandpa for years since i can remember back..im always trying to explain the cars to people and they never heard of them before..seems few know of them guess thats why there some one the most valueable cars out there....the beautiful and engineering you wont see everywhere.it was just weird hearing someone from here mention them |
Hywl_fawr
| | Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 06:34 am: |
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I think Ducati may have had some inspiration from the late 60,s Linto se below,2x Aermacci engines powered it so there is a harley link.
I had a 750 Monster before my Bolt loved it but the bolt is even better,
Do miss my shiney metalic paintwork though. |
Court
| | Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 07:41 am: |
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The shiny metallic body sets Ducati did for the Monsters were stunning.
I was a guest at the roll-out and made an accidental appearance on Speedvision (yes, when I was "allegedly" at work |
Hywl_fawr
| | Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 09:22 am: |
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Richard Before my Firebolt I had a low mileage 750 monster over here in the uk it was a great bike used it for commuting and touring including continental & it was completely reliable.
And fun to ride, reaction of other bikers was along the lines of you went where? on that? with no problems! the looks were also Fab, my boss has a Hyabussa but his secretary when asked told him it was nice, but not as sexy as Dave's Blue Ducati over there!
For some reason the 750,s were fitted with a different size (Profile) front tyre to the other engine sizes this completely upset the steering untill changed to the 600/900,s profile Progressive fork springs also made a big improvement,
In the Uk the Image of Ducati is also a lot higher, Most people including some bikers have not even heard of Buell!
To me Its a dream bike come true simple,Torquey big V twin in a high tech chassis don't look bad either!
FanBloodytastic! |
Shorty_ii
| | Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 11:21 am: |
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I'm one of the lucky owners of both having an '03 Monster 1000S with high mount carbon fibre exhaust in Senna colors, and an '03 XB9S with factory race kit and Corbin saddle.
Comparing performance I'd say the new dual spark 1000 engine clearly wins the roll-on with 60 to 80 being as much as a second faster. But for low speed performance around town or in tight situations the Buell is the better choice.
For me the Duc seat is better but the bars are a little far forward and flat for me. The stock Buell bar is more comfortable for me but the upright position is at a disadvantage when riding fast.
I like them both very much. Now the decision..............I have too many bikes in my garage (4) and I'm 70 years old so I would keep the Buell for the comfort and easier and less costly maintenance. I'll leave the Rossi cornering comparison to those much younger. I'm just happy to still be riding.
One bike needs to go so reluctantly I'm probably going to sell the Monster. Anyone interested in a M1000S with very low mileage and great condition may contact me. |
Bomber
| | Posted on Friday, May 06, 2005 - 02:11 pm: |
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ROcker -- nah, the Aurelia went the way of the dodo bird long ago -- after spending a couple of hunnert 1970s dolars on getting the brake calipers resleeved (no spares available on this side of the pond) and facing a couple of thousand 1970s dollars in machine work to replicate the worn suspension parts, it went to a guy who could do it justice (good for my karma, bad for my heart)
did I mention it was right-hand drive? confused the daylights outa folks when I used my hand signals for turning ;-} confused ME some evenings after refreshments {bigger grin}
always thgouht it sad that Lancia couldn't get their business act together enough to get cars and parts over here -- wonderful devices |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 02:53 am: |
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John, have you seen pic's of the latest Fulvia? Kinda like Lancia's answer to what Ford have recently done with the Mustang and GT40. Sorry I don't have any pic's / link I can post. Search Google.
Incidentally, there are no Lancia's sold in the UK these days either. Been a handful of years now and to think it's not that long ago Lancia were at the forefront of race and rallying.
On the XB v Monster thing..........
Anyone hear the latest news from Ducati? Ducati are talking about putting there V4 road bike GP replica into WSB to compete with the onslaught of the Jap fours. They need to sell 150 road versions for homologation. Given that Moto GP is going down to 800cc for 2007 I'd guess Ducati might have a better purpose to serve with there V4 1000cc racer by concentrating it into Super Bike racing and road versions otherwise it will be redundant after next year.
So just like the V-rod motor Buell rumour - V4 1000cc Monster anyone? Remember who guessed it first
Rocket |
Court
| | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 08:22 am: |
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Rocket:
Do you get the Monster 400 in the UK? |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 09:57 pm: |
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Jeepers a 400cc Monster Court? That must be a gutless wonde......... sensible commuter bike LOL.
I've not heard of an M400 never mind seen one in the UK. Is it a Japanese market thing me thinks?
Now then, let's see if I can figure out how to load up pic's from this new iBook. For my friend Bomber.............
Rocket |
Norrisperformance
| | Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 11:38 pm: |
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If I had the money I'd love to have a duc 999R
to set beside the 12R. |
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