| Author | Message | ||
     Eexb |
First, I am NOT trying to stir the pot here, this is a reflection of my personal observation of what I've read in Major magazines (Motorcyclist, Cycle World, TWO, Performance Bike and etc): I have to wonder why the motorcycling journalists have a "hardon" for Buell and or Erik Buell. All too many times (especially in a multi-bike test) I read "The XBR is a great handling bike BUT, that v-twin Harley "lump" needs more revs. Or, The XB12S is a superb handling street bike BUT the transmission is balky and has "clunky" shifts. The 2 examples above are only a fraction of the swill I have read over the last 2-3 years. At this point I KNOW many of the writers simply don't know what the hell they are talking about. I say this because since 1983 I have owned and ridden bikes from a '83 Kawasaki GPZ 750, to a Honda CBR1000F to a '03 GSXR 1000 and most recently a Ducati ST-3. Granted most bikes have different focus', BUT, when I read that the Duc ST3 (which I was seriously considering buying) "has a transmission that shifts "silky" smooth" and then I test ride that very same Duc to find it shifts nearly EXACTLY like my '05 XB12s !!! The point I am trying to make here is, the more you experience for yourself, the more you KNOW these magazine "experts" are full BS. Question is, why do they have it out for Buell ??? Is it simply Buell's association w/ HD and these "testers" simply can't accept that an HD company CAN produce a sport bike ??? Our exhaust shoot out results have PROVEN that the simple installation of an aftermarket exhaust and race ECM will result in a bike with 100+ horsepower and 90 ft lbs of torque, all this in a superb handling package that weighs about 425lbs. Even the available KNOWN in print stats are not enough to get any these magazine "gurus" to offer a few "kudos" to the XB series of bikes. They'd rather go on and on about "MV this" and "KTM that ...................." I know, Peter Egan loved the Uly, but the "norm" has been to bash Buell wherever possible. NONE of the above matters if you put blinders on and enjoy your bike, but I also enjoy reading all the news about motorcycling in general and that's how I fall prey to the magazines bias. Sorry for the "windy" thread, but the above bothered me enough to see what others think. PLEASE - trolls need NOT respond to this thread !!! Thanks, E | ||
| Snakedriver |
Im very new to the motorcycle hobby. The 5 or 6 magazines that I have read that featured some sort of shoot out or comparison never seem to include a Buell. Again just an observation. I do realize that the basic line up has not changed since 03 or 04. I still would not trade my XB12S for 99.9% of the bikes that I have read about. That .1% is because Im still a motorcycle newbie. | ||
| 71sportster |
I’m old enough to remember a time when Harley Davidsons, weren’t even covered in the likes of Cycle magazines, primarily because, relative to other bikes available, they really weren’t motorcycles. They didn’t go, stop, OR handle. They were and are, antiquated leftovers of a time gone by. Today, if you go to any news stand, you’ll find literally dozens of chopper & custom bike Mags, but be hard pressed to find sport bike magazines. Motorcycling, like everything, has “trends”. If you’re looking for favorable reviews in “sport bike” magazines, don’t expect a bike with a severely underpowered motor, of ancient push rod design to be ranked with the likes of the truly high performance, DOHC hot rod bikes of today! Just because YOU think the Buell is the greatest thing since sliced bread, doesn’t exactly, or necessarily make it so. It’s not about “Buell bashing” as you insist, it IS merely looking at the comparison with an objective, open-mind. I currently own three V-twins. My new XB12S, a ’97 TL1000S and an’04 RSVR Factory. Though I really do love riding my Buell, there’s NO WAY I would compare it to either of the other two, nor would I ever expect it to be competitive against either on the track, even though the Suzuki is now 10 years old! Don’t get upset and start crying. Not good, bad, nor indifferent. The facts are the facts. It’s just the way it is. So, call me a troll, or do all the crying & name calling you want, but even that will not change the facts. If you’re being intolerant of descent or opposed to a differing view makes me a “Troll”, then so be it, but I much prefer to be a realist. | ||
| Eexb |
Guess you failed to read this - PLEASE - trolls need NOT respond to this thread !!! I don't care about your OBVIOUS anti-Buell bias, you also didn't take the time to read what I REALLY wrote (as usual). Just like was mentioned in another recent thread, you are sitting out there waiting to get into ANY anti-Buell argument that you think you can stick your nose into. Your opinion does NOT relate to what I wrote, go away, don't respond, go back to the sponsor thread and bitch some more about Badweb and how much it annoys you !!! E | ||
| Eexb |
"Today, if you go to any news stand, you’ll find literally dozens of chopper & custom bike Mags, but be hard pressed to find sport bike magazines." More of your "swill" - guess you haven't been to a Barnes & Noble lately !!! You are simply FULL OF IT - if a person were to do a count you would find out that there are at least as many sportbike mags out there as chopper mags. While I'm at it - check out the Ducati line and you'll find that the "ancient" pushrod v-twin in the XB12 makes as much or MORE HP and torque (REAL world, on the dyno) than 2/3 of the Ducati line. How do I know this, I have spent the last 3 weeks looking at Ducs and have NOT found one (except the Monster S4RS) that is more attractive to me than the Buell XB12. Go away, find a site that can "appreciate" your venom. E | ||
| Max |
I don't care about Peter Egan or any other writer I like my bike that all you should care about.Lot people seem these days like to find neglect opinions on everything. If you like bike and enjoy riding it who cares.What other may say. If went on what other say I would have a R1 Raven Or Gixxer I don't one those bikes I have a 04 buell XB12R Firebolt. I'm proud to be part this forum and Brag directer long live " BUELL". | ||
| Lost_in_ohio |
If I cared about reviews I would have bought the honda RC or Intercepter. Just remember that is why there is more than one Motorcycle manufacture, different tastes. I care about what gives me pleasure. | ||
| Earwig |
Eexb... Every article I read, even most that do not include Buells say similar things about other bikes... I read many mags and don't see what you are talking about... that is the point of a review, point out the good and bad points of a motorcycle. Buells are not perfect, if they ignored that fact they wouldn't be doing what they are paid to do. | ||
| Tcskeptic |
All too many times (especially in a multi-bike test) I read "The XBR is a great handling bike BUT, that v-twin Harley "lump" needs more revs. Or, The XB12S is a superb handling street bike BUT the transmission is balky and has "clunky" shifts. Yup, I agree with both of those statements. They probably say them because they are true. My xb12r shifts like a tractor and runs out of revs at least a grand lower than I would like. Still like it tho. w/r/t: PLEASE - trolls need NOT respond to this thread !!! Why is it trollish to agree with valid criticisms of a motorcycle? | ||
| Molly_hatchet |
hey eexb try looking for superstreetbike mag or two wheel tuner they cover buells a lot and focus a little more on custom and street fighter bikes...there are a few different street fighter mags most are from europe but are great reads.....if u look at cycle worlds best of from last year the city cross got an honarable mention and they have one they have been working on for over a year and beatin the crap out of and they like it very much....u might have to dig a little to find good buell press but u have to remember the big 4 sell a lot of bikes and buy a lot of advertising.....theres a reason they sell a lot of bikes they make nice stuff thats dependable and fast and appeals to the masses....most mags dont do anymore writeups on aprillas or mv's than buells cause they arent mass appeal bikes. | ||
| Kurosawa |
EEXB, I think this is all about involvement with the bike. Some ARE their bike, some only OWN a bike, and usually only until the next greatest-thing-since-sliced-bread comes along. Some 30 years ago, riding around Caddo Lake, there was no lack of arrogant little squids who would go down to the Kaw dealer, buy a Z1, throw a Kerker on it and ride out to the lake to show everyone who was boss, and every time they'd get dusted by this friend of mine, a middle-aged 250-lb dude on a lovingly worked-over Honda 500. I mean, this guy WAS his bike, or rather it was him, and that made all the difference. When you have a mag whose review staff never rides one bike long enough to really get to know it, you have a view that is totally out of step with those who buy a bike and ride it into the ground daily under all conceivable real world conditions, studying and experimenting with not only the bike but their own abilities. The review staffs write of excitement and such, but it's only of the shallowest kind, it's off one bike and onto the next for them, the only thing they really relate to is bigger numbers and flashy technology they can get their word count out of, and it's as different from real life as McNamara's view of Vietnam being body counts on a spreadsheet and no more. Well review staffers get to ride every bike in the world, but in the end they miss it all. And the readers, the high schoolers who buy bikes that are identical but for the badges on the tanks, have no idea what they are saying about themselves when they tell each other that the other one's bike sucks. The only bike that sucks is a bike some high schooler loved a few months ago but now despises because the mags just reported the specs on next year's line. He's going to go on looking and looking, never having really experienced any bike before he ditches it. I don't mind Buell not getting press coverage. I experience and study everything about mine, so it gets plenty of coverage out of me, and I get the feeling it's the same way for most Badwebbers. Except for the trolls, who like trolls everywhere, think that nobody can see the gaping emotional hole in their lives that is their chief characteristic. Take it easy on them, they are the neediest of the needy. Ride safe. | ||
| Molly_hatchet |
there are needy trolls riding motorcycles ? ..i knew that group i saw at dairy queen looked weird....we should all watchout for those...i mean if being a troll isnt bad enough ..now theres needy ones out there riding. | ||
| Destroy |
Would a Buell still BE a Buell if it had a 12k rpm redline, whining, screamer V twin? A huge part of the character that is 'Buell' owes to the low rpm, grunty motor within it's belly. | ||
| Skyguy |
The XB is a "niche" bike. It is not for the masses. Therefore to expect the masses to put forth favorable reviews is not realistic. Did some of you folks miss the fact that the XB's were marketed as a new catagory? It's called a street fighter. I will attest to the simple fact that when ridden in twisty canyons (on the street) it is an extremely competent bike. My XB would have been down the road a couple of months ago were it not for the simple fact that when paired with a competent rider and ridden where it was designed to be ridden (streets) it will run with most anything. Take it to the track and your gonna get smoked. Good thing I bought mine for street riding............................. | ||
| Eexb |
Thanks for all the great responses (except one). You may be mis-understanding what I'm saying - I don't give a royal hoot what they say about my bike - like I said, I've ridden every "appealing" Ducati Monster that I can and NONE could lure me from my XB12. Nearly EVERY bike out there appeals to someone from GSXRs to Honda Rebels, BUT Buell hardly ever seems to get HONEST coverage of what they do. I don't buy a magazine looking for "reinforcement" of why I own one, but I do get "riled" when they say things about (any) bike that simply isn't true. The point I was "trying" to make is, why so many mags and writers seem to be "anti Buell", NOT "why are they bashing my bike". The XBRR is a great example - very little credit to Buell for their effort - LOTS of BS about how Honda feels about it !!! Guess it boils down to dollars spent on advertising - magazine "whores" as it were ??? Besides, I've got $10.00 a year subs to (3) of them, so if they send me "rubbish" I just toss them in the trash. Thanks again, E (Message edited by eexb on June 18, 2006) | ||
| Xb9srider |
I found the same thing when reading the mags. They just don't get it. My other sport bikes needed to be breaking the law or be on the track to be truly fun. My Lightning is fun to ride to the stop sign and back. Just a great bike that is maligned in the magazines for a classic, competent, and soulful engine. It's part of the appeal and they just don't get it. Ride safe. Mark  Never Give Up! | ||
| Eexb |
"When you have a mag whose review staff never rides one bike long enough to really get to know it, you have a view that is totally out of step with those who buy a bike and ride it into the ground daily under all conceivable real world conditions, studying and experimenting with not only the bike but their own abilities. The review staffs write of excitement and such, but it's only of the shallowest kind, it's off one bike and onto the next for them, the only thing they really relate to is bigger numbers and flashy technology they can get their word count out of, and it's as different from real life as McNamara's view of Vietnam being body counts on a spreadsheet and no more. Well review staffers get to ride every bike in the world, but in the end they miss it all. And the readers, the high schoolers who buy bikes that are identical but for the badges on the tanks, have no idea what they are saying about themselves when they tell each other that the other one's bike sucks. Why didn't I think of that !!! | ||
| Milar |
>The point I was "trying" to make is, why >so many mags and writers seem to be "anti >Buell", I can't speak for the writers, because I don't know them. But I have a few "anti-Buell" friends. In a nutshell, they hate Harleys so they hate Buells. They are "bike bigots" and it rubs off on Buell. I suspect that attutude exists among some writers and editors. M | ||
| Spatten1 |
"The XB is a "niche" bike. It is not for the masses. Therefore to expect the masses to put forth favorable reviews is not realistic." "Take it to the track and your gonna get smoked. Good thing I bought mine for street riding............................." Here Here. I agree 100%. You have to want something different to be happy with the XB, because it certainly has quirks. You can't expect performance oriented reviewers to make an exception for the Buells low power and slow reving character. It is a matter of taste, because the performance is not even close to other sport bikes. Handling is very good, but not better, weight is higher, and power is lower. However, the engine has a a very special feel to it, which is silly to expect journalists to appreciate more than power, just because we do. My XB engine has much more in common with my lawnmower's engine than it does with that of my truck or any of the other bikes I have owned in the last 20 years. I still dig it for what it is, but I also understand why others would not. | ||
| Medic_2512 |
How come when a magazine writes an article that Buells are great bikes but have some faults (like 5 speed trans, low HP, low top speed and 1/4 mile)which is true, everyone here says the magazine and editors don`t know what they are talking about and how bad the magazine is. But when the same magazine says something good about Buells people here all say that the magazine is great? | ||
| Skyguy |
I would like to thank the bike mags for figuring out a way for me to not have to deal with all racer replica wannabes when I pull up to Neucombs Ranch. Sure is fun watching the wannabes double apexing turns when my little underpowered lawnmower runs up their tailpipes in the twisties. My Pinzgauer is already enough of a dick magnet to be annoying anywhere males gather. I don't ride for the accolades of others, I ride for me! | ||
| Medic_2512 |
I currenty have and XB12 and an X1 which i love. I usually only ride them though when i`m with a group thats riding HD or other Buells. Mostly because with only about 90-95rwhp the Buell is pretty boring to ride when i`m with my sport bike friends who ride Jap bikes 600,750, and 1000. The XB does handle great but compared to my 05 Kawi 636 and GSXR 1000 its very slow. The problem is i have to ride atleast 40-50 miles to get to the real tight curves, and in just about any other place i can`t keep up on the XB against sport bikes.On the highway the XB feels like its straining hard at 85-90mph cause its reving almost 5000rpms. From a stoplight or rolling starts the 1000`s or even a late model 600 will crush my Buell. On hot days, like today 90, all bikes slow down due to the heat, but i really feel my XB lose power on longer rides. But i still love my Buells. Don`t flame me i`m just telling you my experience. | ||
| Cochise |
I'll try not to "sound" like a flamer here, but you gotta think they don't maybe UNDERSTAND the Buell. Those who can't DO, criticize. YOU mentioned about them talking about the "clunky" shifting, well, newsflash, the shifting CAN be clunky, COMPARED to those other bikes. Try taking your XB out, riding about 10-20 miles per hour and shift without revs without using the clutch lever and it will CLUNK into gear, now go take a jap bike and do the same thing and it won't. That's all I've got. | ||
| Pwnzor |
eexb, when you say trolls need not respond, I think you forget where you are. This is troll central. When I read your first post in this thread, I thought to myself, "how many minutes before this thread gets hijacked." *BOOM* less than 30 minutes. Anyway I agree that there is an anti-Buell bias in a majority of the media. But lets take a look at that for a second. Has Buell ever really had a serious player in the sportbike market until recently? Not that I could see. I don't even refer to my XB12R as a sport bike really, I think of it as a street bike. I love motorcycles of all types, I see them and I appreciate them and I will be heard to remark on the technological marvels that each of them is. However, at the end of the day, which of these bikes do you think I want to ride?  Here's a hint: I sold the one in the background with only 3500 miles on it. People want to race me on the Buell all the time, I'm sure we all get that. I tell them "sure, let's race to San Francisco and the loser buys dinner when we get there." Nobody ever takes me up on it. | ||
| Garp |
So, if I understand we are only welcome to respond if we fully agree with Eexb's opinion? Wonderful way to encourage open debate. I LOVE my Buell, but I have't drunk the factory KoolAid, and I am honest enough to admit it isn't perfect. I guess the factory thought the shifting needed to be improved, because they improved it. But God forbid a magazine says that it needs improvement, that would be anti Buell bias. Sorry to have diverted this thread. YOu all go back to resolving the massive Anti Buell press conspiracy.... | ||
| Bubabuell |
Ditto | ||
| U4euh |
I would say that Buell is relativly new to the market with the XB line up. And imperfection will show up in this line up. It can only be expected. Look back through the archives of these magazine's and you will see that when one of the other line's introduced a totally new machine, they the 'great ride but I would change this.......' write ups also. BUT the point is, they all seem to be ANTI-BUELL. I agree that the mags need someone who is more open to the brand. Motorcyclist is the thorn in my side. I got a free 2 year subscription 2 years and 1 month ago. With the discussion of Buells I could count on 1 hand. Mitch Boehm seemed to be pretty much anti-Buell until he spent a good day at the track with one. The article ended with a good sound to it, but nothing else has been written since. Needless to say when the company sponsering the free script called to ask if I wanted to renew it I said no. Then the lady asked me if I liked the magazine? My response was, if Mitch Boehm remains an ass to those of us who ride something other than a rice rocket, NO! I was going to go on and say nice things but she cut me off and ended the call. | ||
| Eexb |
"So, if I understand we are only welcome to respond if we fully agree with Eexb's opinion? " Guess we have a different view of a "troll". I don't consider having a "difference of opinion" being a "troll". A "troll" to me is someone who finds fault in any or every discussion and takes the opposite view for the SOLE purpose of causing a shit storm. Dis-agreeing, or having a different point of view is NOT "trolling" (to me). You are welcome, and I'm sorry for the "misunderstanding". E (Message edited by eexb on June 18, 2006) | ||
| Pwnzor |
Just accept the fact that you can't do anything about trolls. Ignore them and all the responses they generate. Usually this means you have to start another thread somewhere else while they are distracted by the fracas. Many questions I have asked on this board have gone unanswered due to trolls hijacking my thread. Its part of life on the internet, even since before there was an internet and we all used to have to wait for the busy signals to go away so we could post on BBS's. Try to remember that this is all they have. When we turn our computers off, they don't. They are sitting there, waiting. Waiting for anyone with less time on their hands to slip-up and say something that isn't quite up to their specifications. "hmmmm I think I will parse every word on all the forums and show everyone how superior my knowledge is, and how attentive and meticulous to detail I am" They don't think they are doing anything wrong. They think we are wrong, about everything. If we are right about something, they saw it or said it first. Accept it. Embrace it. They cannot be outwitted. They cannot be outsmarted. They cannot be stopped. They are the ultra-villains in the city of heroes. But therein lies the conundrum. Without them, I'd not have had occasion to ramble on like this! | ||
| Cochise |
}Without them, I'd not have had occasion to ramble on like this! Yeah, or hijack this thread like you did. |
