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07xb12scg
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 08:00 am: | 
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As I think I stated, that is my biggest fear Edstevens - dropping the bike at a stop sign or stop light for the simple reason that I bought a bike that is too high for me. That alone, good or bad, led me to look at the Buell models.
One question I have that I forgot to ask is how durable is the translucent plastic tank? I'm pretty worried about scratches. |
Lighninginthesky
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 09:05 am: |
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With the Scg I can almost flat-foot. It's the lowest bike I've owned. When buying my first new bike I wanted it to fit and this one does. I can't add much to what's already been said. If I can add this though. I'm the hyper-cautious sort. I would judge the odds of dropping one's first street bike as fairly high. I know I dropped my first bike a couple of times and surely came close many more. I'm unsure of a new $10k plus bike and a new rider. It may be a great choice for you. I don't think it would have been for me. |
Al_lighton
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 10:04 am: |
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People call me all the time for stuff to lower their rides.
I often tell them that I don't think it is wise to compromise your suspension for the 98% of the time you are riding for the 2% of the time you are stopped.
That said, I understand that for a first bike, being able to touch down feet firmly is a big confidence inspiring thing. But you're only a newbie for a while, and then you still have a compromised suspension unless you sell the bike and buy another.
At 28" of inseam, I would second the recommendation to NOT get the Scg, but get a regular Lightning, and then get the low seat, and back off the preload on both ends. You'll use up more of your suspension than the optimal 25-30% for static sag, but you're not any worse off than you would be if you started with a bike that only came with 3.6" of suspension instead of 5.0" to begin with. As your experience goes up, you can mount the regular seat and dial in a touch more preload. If you had 26" inseam, I'd say differently, but at 28", you would adapt fine to a regular lightning.
I have a 30" inseam and a Uly, and don't have the low seat (have a corbin). I can merely tippy toe it to keep it level when stopped, but I rarely do that, I usually lean it one way or the other to put a foot down more solidly. I LOVE the extra suspension the bike has over the other Buells. It is the only Buell I own that I can drive from San Diego across all of LA and not get to the other side feeling like I've been riding a bucking bronco for 2 hours. I can't imagine going the other way on the suspension and getting less travel.
Get frame pucks and axle sliders.
Al |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 10:49 am: |
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The Scg will fit you fine. I wouldn't worry about it being your first street bike. I looked at a smaller "starter" bike and decided to go with the end result first. I did have a moderate speed lay down on mine. I lost a shifter and suffered a couple scratches on the airbox cover and front faring. I could not believe how rugged Buells are.
I wouldn't worry about a drop at a stop light. If you can get both feet down close to flat footing it and fall over, you probably shouldn't be riding (one too many beers).
Get used to it before you push it. The 7/10ths rule applies and is particularly important for a "new" street rider. It's easy to ride beyond YOUR capabilities but WITHIN the bike's capabilities. In time you and your bike's capabilities will grow closer to merging.
We have a girl that rides with us that has a 250 Ninja. She exceeds the bikes capabilities. |
07xb12scg
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 12:04 pm: |
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Lighninginthesky: I could not find used cg models anywhere. My sister's boyfriend is a mechanic at a place that specializes in buying and selling used cruisers and Buells. This place has a ton of used bikes and they get more in all the time. They have Buells, but none are the low versions. This is why I decided to buy new. Plus, so many used motorcycles are abused and neglected that getting a good one is sort of a gamble. And with new, the warranty is always nice to have. I don't really like spending 10 grand on a Buell, as they are overpriced IMO, but this is the option I chose. I could have gone with a new 600 Jap bike, but they aren't much cheaper these days. And as I said, they are all too tall for me. |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 01:13 pm: |
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A week and a half ago there were three on Ebay at the same time.
Go figure. Short people got no reason. |
Whatever2
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 03:52 pm: |
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Not to discourage buying a buell but most of the jap 600's use a dogbone type linkage on the rear shock. Buy an aftermarket lowering linkage arm and a short kickstand (or modify your own-be sure a qualified welder does the mod - unless you like to buy new plastic), drop the forks the same amount and you'll be two flat footed for less than $200. Additionally, most of the linkages and kickstands provide for stock ride height too if you want ground clearance for the track. This isn't an option on the buell which uses a rising rate (progressive) spring to give the same action a rising rate linkage setup.
Buy a Buell for what it does best instead of for the height. That way you will love your purchase, not regret your inseam when an R6 smokes you on a straight. |
07xb12scg
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 04:14 pm: |
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I realize that I'll get smoked in a straight line. That's not a big deal to me. I'm not one who needs to have the fastest of anything. I'd rather have handling. I just want to keep up on back roads and have the snap the pull the front end up when I desire without having to rev the crap out of the engine or clutch it up. Plus, I like riding something different.
It's sort of like quads. I hate Banshees for most terrain even though they are the fastest in a straight line. I'd take my "little" "slow" 250 QuadRacer over a Banshee any day because it's a much better quad overall and handles much better than a Banshee IMO.
Not to mention I hate the look of lowered Jap bikes. I think it looks just wrong. |
Whatever2
| | Posted on Thursday, November 09, 2006 - 04:33 pm: |
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Then you'll love a Buell. It is one of the easiest bikes to be smooth and very fast on.
I agree with you on the slammed look - there are kits for lowering the bikes only about 1.5" - noticable but far from all the squids with the extended swing arm GSXR1000's who still are lucky to hit 10.50's! I was actually out at the dragstrip last night and saw WAY too many "sportbikes" turned dragbikes . One guy on an extended and slammed 'busa was running 11's!!!!! I don't even know how that's possible. Sorry about the rant - pet peave of mine. |
07xb12scg
| | Posted on Friday, November 10, 2006 - 07:44 am: |
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11's on a Busa?! Wow, that does seem impossible. You have to remember, though that everybody was a beginner at one time. I don't like people who think they're God's gift to motorcycles whether they're a beginner or a veteran. I'm not referring to you or anybody else in particular, but I'm sure we all know these kind of people. I also dislike the Harley guys who think that the only "real" motorcycle is a Harley. If you're a "real" motorcyclist, you enjoy, or at least, respect all forms of bikes for what they are. There's my little rant. 
It was probably missed so I'll ask again. How does the translucent plastic hold up to scratches and fading. And what kind of tank protectors do you guys use. I don't want something huge and ugly like a leather tank bra or that silver or metallic-looking Buell "winged" logo thing. |
Whatever2
| | Posted on Friday, November 10, 2006 - 09:16 am: |
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No offense taken. And you're spot on as far as beginners - some days I still feel like one -particularly days that somebody 10 or 20 years my junior flies by me looking SO much smoother than I feel. And I still remember how I was when I was 16 - sure am glad I made it through that (albeit with the occasional relapse)!
And I'll grant you a good point-if those slammed guys are enjoying motorcycling in that form than I guess I should should curb my negative attitude.
I've heard from the dealer that the transluscent plastic scratches easily - but it sure looks sweet. I'm trying to justify a second street bike just to get one!
For protection the aftermarket has a host of universal buckle protectors. Check any of the mail order catalogs.
Good Luck |
Toona
| | Posted on Friday, November 10, 2006 - 09:50 am: |
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As for marking the plastic:
The translucent plastic is a little more prone to scratching/hazing than the solid colored plastics. But nothing some plastic polish won't take care of, I've used Flitz a couple time to polish mine back up to a nice finish, others have used Novus, Plastx etc.
You could always take your plastics to a paint shop and have them scuff and clearcoat them |
Angelwild327
| | Posted on Friday, November 10, 2006 - 04:16 pm: |
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that Buell winged logo "thing" is the Buell logo..a pegasus...be proud...and the plastics will be fine, and they will scratch as will anything else..you just have to take care of it.. be kind to your bike and it'll be good to you!
Tank protector..well, since it's not a tank and I think those protectors kind of detract from the coolness of the translucent plastics, i say skip it..but I, personally, have the buell tank protector with the logo..don't get crazy, Buells are tough bikes...they can take quite a bit of rough housing!! Just use your head.
JUST GET FRAME PUCKS...whatever you do. |
Tunes
| | Posted on Friday, November 10, 2006 - 05:37 pm: |
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I know someone on this site talked about a clear plastic sheet that will protect whatever it's affixed to. I have read, some folks have used this product with good results. All ya gotta do is peel off the backing and stick. When it's used up, peel it off and apply another. Also, a good buckle guard is worth every penny, IMO. |
07xb12scg
| | Posted on Monday, November 13, 2006 - 09:15 am: |
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Good news. I picked it up on Saturday. The salesman did throw in the frame pucks and I put them on as soon as I got home. A friend rode the bike home since I don't have a permit, helmet, jacket, or gloves. I took it for a little ride on Saturday, using my cousin's gear and I loved it. Seems like it will be a great fit for me. Sunday it was freezing and raining so I couldn't ride it. It will probably sit a lot now until spring  . I'm gonna go look at gear this weekend.
Does anybody know what the heck the "security cable" is in the toolkit?
What catalogs and/or sites good for getting Buell parts and accessories? And, besides Fuell, are there any magazines that regularly have Buell information?
Thanks. I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions for you guys along the way. |
Lighninginthesky
| | Posted on Monday, November 13, 2006 - 02:57 pm: |
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Very cool! Which color? Post some pictures if you can. For parts click on "The Bad Weather Bikers' Buell Motorcycle Enthusiasts' Discussion Forum", top of page. Then click "Sponsor News, Information, Cool Stuff". www.AmericanSportbike.com is probably a good place to start. Congratulations! |
07xb12scg
| | Posted on Monday, November 13, 2006 - 03:41 pm: |
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Thanks. I bought the Cherry Bomb Red version. I love it. It's surprising, but so far all of my Jap bike buddies that have seen it love the looks of it. The 3 people that have ridden it (only close friends or relatives whom I trust) like that as well. I'll get pics up as soon as another sunny day comes around and I have time to take pics. American Sportbike is a great site. I've been there a bunch of times. So far it's been the most extensive Buell accessories site I've seen. |
Diablobrian
| | Posted on Monday, November 13, 2006 - 05:06 pm: |
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The security cable is supposed to allow you to lock you helmet to the bike by looping one end through your helmet d rings
and the other end around the seat latch post.
Personally I don't like leaving my Arai out with the bike. It's just too expensive and too easy to damage or vandalize. |
07xb12scg
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 - 07:51 am: |
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Yeah I don't think I'd trust my helmet to that cheesy little cable either. Thanks for the info, though. |
07xb12scg
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 - 12:41 pm: |
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I was looking through the American Sport Bike catalog last night and I saw the carbon fiber tank protector/buckle guard or whatever they call it. I'm pretty interested in this. For those of you that have it, what do you think of it? And do you have any photos of it installed? I don't want something that's too big and gaudy. |
07xb12scg
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 08:07 am: |
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Anybody? My bike has hardly been ridden at all and already the tank is getting scratched where you lean on it. Will Novus 1 take off these surface scratches? |
Perry
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 12:45 pm: |
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The airbox cover will get scratched. I got the bra from Buell and it's nice. You could also get the product you mention - I've never used it, but it looks decent.
After a while you won't worry so much about every little scratch because you are too busy riding! |
07xb12scg
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - 12:04 pm: |
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I'm just not a fan of tank bras. I think that they're too big and I don't like the leather. I'd much rather get a buckle guard. I understand that the tank (I prefer to call it the tank even though I know it is the airbox cover) will get scratched but it will always annoy the crap out of me. And I want to protect the tank and make sure I get the least amount of scratches as possible. And when I do get scratches I want a way to get them out. |
Diablobrian
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - 12:34 pm: |
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what about the stick-on clear sheets that protect the airbox/tank?
I've thought about them myself. |
07xb12scg
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - 12:46 pm: |
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Yeah I've thought about them, but I'm guessing the edges will show too much, especially when they get a little dirty. Plus, I wonder if the plastic would yellow at all? |
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