| Author | Message | ||
     Mikej |
Weren't there upside down forks on some dirt bikes way back in the olden days, or at least the 1970's? Or maybe it was the 1980's. Maybe I'm thinking of a springer, I don't know, never mind.... | ||
| Bomber |
Caddie's got soul? Thanks Stealth, my sinuses were a little blocked this AM, and a good flush with coffee helped! ;-} IMO, of course -- (the fact that they've bought the rights to some good zep for their ads doesn't hurt, of course) re: inventions -- there's a well known theory that shows many important inventions popping up, seemingly independantly, in a number of places within an amazingly brief period of time -- examples include the telephone, radio, practical application of electricity, and so on (I'll no bring up pyramids for fear of being labels a UFO groupie or train geek) . .. . the necessary theoretical knowledge, materials, and the need for a practical application all arise at pretty much the same time pretty much everywhere, and a number of folks come up with similar ideas at similar times . . .. synchronicity, yes? from what I've read, jet engines could certainly fall into that catagory I think the most admirable thing about Buell bikes is the practical application of ideas and concepts on a product you can buy -- like the man sez, geniuses ship! | ||
| 984_cc |
I'm a Buell rider (not exclusively) and recommend them to my friends and family. I wouldn't dismiss the MT-01 though. I have thought about what it would be like to own one. I believe that the best bikes have come from Japan starting in the mid to late sixties. It has been that way ever since. Japanese bikes do have soul. Have you ever owned a Suzuki T500 or Kawasaki triple (H2)? Nothing I have owned is more fun than those two bikes (which I still own). Don’t knock them just because they’re Japanese. The H2 can make my XB9 feel weak. They didn't call it the 'Widow-Maker' for nothing, and it has nothing to do with the handling. I’ll admit, the newer bikes sometimes are a little lacking in the ‘soul’ department. That is what drew me to Buell. In fact, this is my first and only American bike. I think it’s awesome. A keeper. MT-01 is a real possibility for me. Especially since I know I wouldn't find quality issues with the bike. But I don’t think my next bike will be in this category. One thing is for sure- Buells are great bikes. This is what I said earlier in this thread- "Copying is the ultimate form of flattery". | ||
| Tbs_stunta |
Considering how large the Road-Star engine is, I'd be surprised if the MT-01 can match the XBs for size and weight. PS. I would jump at the chance to own a soul-less RC45. | ||
| Benm2 |
The Yamaha (or any other Buell wannabe) will always be just another imitation, just like the Road Star, the VTX, etc. Copied or otherwise, Buell's will always be different & distinguishable from any imitators. Imitation, in fact, makes owning an original that much more. | ||
| Davegess |
USD forks, I think Guzzi had somethign very much like and upside down fork in the 30's. The Buell RS1200-5 was the first production bike sold in the world with USD forks as we know them. Also first with six pistoncaliper and stainless steel brake line. I will have to dig through the archives for exact dates BUT I wrote the press release and all the magazines ran it. Erik and and I were very careful not to make claims we could not back up. When the RS 1200-5 was released to dealers no other production bikes were for sale with USD forks. | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
Dave, The RSS was released exactly when? 1991 I believe. By that time Suzuki was into their 2nd full year of production with USD forks. From the press releases I have seen so far, the RSS was the first Buell with usd forks. The RS's I have seen so far have all had conventional forks setups. (Message edited by dynarider on August 03, 2004) | ||
| Outrider |
I signed up on the MT-01 website for updates and the first one came through last week touting the torque. The point was it made power from 1,700 RPM's. No mention of redline, power curve or anything else. I have to admit that it is a good PR program and will continue to generate Attention, Interest and Desire until the product is available. Then it will be up to the product, the salesperson and the media to provide the Close and Conviction of the five step AIDCC's selling process. With low end grunt and modernistic style, this might be a bike I could fall in love with. Especially, since nobody to date has made the style bike I want. The closest anyone came to it was Buell with the X1 and I already have one of those. Hmmm...perhaps all I really want is a modern headlight/flyscreen combo that follows the lines of the tank and spoiler to bring it up-to-date. Unfortunately, I have yet to see one. | ||
| 984_cc |
5,500 RPM redline for Kodo. | ||
| Glitch |
In 1989, he introduced the RS1200, a two-seat version of the RR model for riders who demanded both world-class performance and two-up comfort. 105 of these unique models were produced through 1990. Source | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
Glitch, see updated post. | ||
| Davegess |
From the press releases I have seen so far, the RSS was the first Buell with usd forks. The RS's I have seen so far have all had conventional forks setups. DYNA, the 5 speed RS had the upside down forks. I may not get to it today but I will dig up the press release for that bike. The RS 5 speed predates the RSS by about a year if my bad memory serves. You may not have seen the press release but I wrote it. dave | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
Dave, I dont doubt you wrote it, just saying the RS's I have seen have all been conventional fork setups. | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
1990 RS1200.  | ||
| Davefl |
how about this  | ||
| Blake |
Dyna, U no read good. Buell had the USD forks first. Get over it. | ||
| BadS1 |
Well if Buell had USD forks in 89 so did Suzuki cause I owned one. | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
Blake...where is the proof??????????? You are always saying "show me proof" or words to that effect. I have given you examples of the Buell lineup from 89 & 90 showing no USD forks. Found an article that even proclaimed 91 as being the first year Buell utilized them. | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
Here's a quote from an article on Buell. Note that the year is 91. Maybe that quote is referring to the fact that Buell used usd forks along with the brake lines & calipers as being the first to utilize all 3? Either way the point is moot since Suzuki already had them on their bikes for a full year. Five-speed transmissions were a new feature of the 1203cc engine in 1991. Buell responded to revised engine mounting points with further design improvements to the RS chassis. These bikes were the first production motorcycles to use “upside-down” (inverted) front forks, stainless steel braided brake lines and a six-piston front brake calliper. Here's the website http://www.motobykz.co.uk/Buell/Buell_Hstory.htm (Message edited by dynarider on August 03, 2004) | ||
| Blake |
I for one believe Dave Gess who stated clearly that "The Buell RS1200-5 was the first production bike sold in the world with USD forks as we know them. Also first with six piston caliper and stainless steel brake line. I wrote the press release and all the magazines ran it. Erik and and I were very careful not to make claims we could not back up. When the RS 1200-5 was released to dealers no other production bikes were for sale with USD forks. ...the 5 speed RS had the upside down forks." And frankly, I don't put much stock in your opinion on the matter as you seem to always be out to put down Buell whenever the chance arrises. Based upon what Dave said, the pic you posted above is obvioulsy an RS1200-4 with conventional forks. It looks like Aaron's '90 RS1200-4 to me.  (Message edited by blake on August 03, 2004) | ||
| Aaron |
That picture is my RS. It's a '90 model, 4-speed. | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
Blake, not putting anything down at all. Just want to get the facts straight as you so often like to point out. Do the research yourself & you will indeed find that 91 was the first year for Buells inverted forks. I hate to throw facts at a perfectly valid question regarding who was first.  | ||
| Davegess |
I checked, the 1991 Buell RS 1200-5 was the USD fork bike. It was released for sale to the public in about July or August of 1990. There may even have been a bike or two delivered in June with USD forks and a 4 speed motor. I don't know when the Suzuki was available. If some one has for sale dates for the Suzuki I would love to have them. Don't want to be making incorrect claims. Model year really doesn't matter as that is a fiction. H-D has new models for sale by the end of July every year by far the most aggressive model predating of anyone. | ||
| Blake |
Nope. You are wrong. Your research is wrong. Your "facts" are inaccurate. Sorry. Try again. Then take a look at a 1990 GSX-R 1100...  I believe Dave Gess and Erik Buell and all the moto mags who published Dave's press release announcing the Buell RS1200-5 as the first production motorcycle to use USD forks. Try again. | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
Blake ,Blake, Blake. Dont make me break out my book of factoids. The 1990 suzukis did indeed have inverted forks. Not the entire lineup of bikes obviously. Fact is Suzuki had Bikes for the 1990 model year lineup witrh them, meaning they were announced in 1989 & available in fall of 89 & early spring 90. Buell had them for 1991, they were announced in 1990 & available in mid 1990 | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
This is a 1990 model. 1990 model 750 (Message edited by dynarider on August 03, 2004) | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
1989 model...note the front fender being identical to the one in Blakes pic. 89 was the last year for that style fender.  | ||
| Glitch |
Ya'll don't know how much I hate to do this... According to Motorcycles of the 20th century you get this...  | ||
| Glitch |
Sorry | ||
| R1DynaSquid |
Bam!!! Dyna hits a homerun outta the park  Just wanted to set the record straight thats all. |
