| Author | Message | ||
     Ratbuell |
Looks like its not online yet (www.motorcyclistonline.com), but they liked it. A lot. The quote at the top of the page: "They say: Takes adventure sport-touring to a new level. We say: We hate it when they're right." A quote from within the article: "Sampling the XT at the US press launch in Temecula, California, I initially thought the bike felt very similar to the X (which was available for comparison purposes). When I hit the first set of twisties, however, the improved suspension and handling immediately stood out. Buell did a stellar job balancing suspension compliance with the firmness needed for agressive street riding." | ||
| Skyclad |
I read that article. Seems they almost grudgingly said the XT was a nice ride. I also notice that the new Honda CBR1000RR has an underslung exhaust. Part of Honda's focus on mass centralization, according to Motorcyclist. Gee, I wonder where they got the idea from? | ||
| Towjam |
If I remember correctly (it's been awhile since I read it), the only real significant problem they listed was the right side engine heat. As far as the underslung exhaust, it's becoming the new "cool".   | ||
| Ulyranger |
Yeah, and I believe I saw a perimeter, single front disk on a European sport bike in a recent mag. Hmmmmm......I thought all that stuff was quirky, gimmicky Buell stuff???? | ||
| Dynasport |
Rider magazine has a nice write up as well. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Thunder Press also has a nice writeup on it, just read it a sec ago. Nice when the "Harley" mag actually likes a Buell (the guy says he tried to buy the bike he rode, bugs, dirt, scuffed tires and all)! "No skull and crossbones freeway pegs or chrome starter motor covers here. We're saving weight, remember?" LOL! | ||
| Towjam |
If I remember correctly (it's been awhile since I read it), the only real significant problem they listed was the right side engine heat. Doh! I was mistaken - it was the MCN review where the writer called out the right side heat issue. I just read the Motorcyclist review today and does indeed speak (relatively) highly of the XT. As if there was any doubt. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Maybe the Buell engineers will start taking a serious look at eliminating that engine heat problem. Maybe it is time to add some more innovation to the Buell name. How about 6 stroking the engine with injected water and utilizing that lost heat for more power. It would be a power and cooling stroke and without resorting to power robbing devices like a radiator, fans, water pumps, ect. Now that would make everyone sit up and take notice of the Buell name if he could do something like that. | ||
| Towjam |
Maybe the Buell engineers will start taking a serious look at eliminating that engine heat problem Good point. In this video, Erik states outright that Buell is going to continue to "refine" the air cooled line http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3ToCl6aAIA Although I'm not optimistic, I would hope that refinement would include something to address the right side heat. I've owned a lot of "hot" bikes - and none come as close to actually burning my leg as my XT does. The fact that much (if not most) of my day-to-day riding is in stop and go traffic only exacerbates* the problem. *I've been meaning to use this word in a sentence for about 4 days. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity. |
