| Author | Message | ||
     Bykergeek |
I have had a few bikes (6) including Japanese, Euro and American and still own a ducati in addition to my Firebolt. I may have to sell one of them soon and if I do, the choice will be easy ~ the Buell will still be in my garage. Bottom line, the Buell just works 4 me. It probably takes most riders a few bikes to find the right one for them. | ||
| Jaredkuper |
well, for the record, I may be white, but I am only 22. And I have lots of people my age drooling over my bike too, not just the middle age crowd. | ||
| Obioma |
Would Like to thank everyone who had something positive to say. Your insight will really help me when the time comes to make my decision. I would like to say this one more time I'm not a buell hater I love them was just comparing price and value I'm not a racist just wanted to hear what folks my age had to say. If anyone does not understand my post and wants to bash me go right ahead Enjoy everyone -Obi | ||
| Henrik |
I am a little miffed about the inference... Yeah, it's kinda odd to swagger up to a bunch of strangers and have the first words out of your mouth be something along the lines of: "Most of you are a bunch of ... {insert preferred descriptive with negative connotations here} ... "  I know what would happen if you did that in my town  Of course, if I choose to ignore the negative connotation in Obi's post, I guess the description fits me to a "T".  although I prefer to believe that doesn't make me a bad person ... Besides that Obi; you've been a registered member for about 2 weeks, so by now you have seen plenty of "Pro / Con" discussions between different bikes: Buells versus R1/Ducs/Aprilia etc. etc. And probably plenty of reliability and "R" versus "S" discussions as well. If you at this point still need convincing, you're probably better off buying one of the bikes you find superior in value compared to the Buell. You can't go wrong; there really are no "bad" bikes out there these days. Best of luck Henrik (Message edited by Henrik on August 29, 2004) | ||
| Wambo |
Obioma, You've heard so many good reasons why Buells speak to people and why they made their choices. You've also heard some excellent advise (Aa5ch speaks volumes and brings some excellent points and considerations), so I can add little. It just comes down to passion. No one can describe it for another, and none of us can predict what will set it in motion. This experience that entails motorcycling IS all about passion. Just like flying (for me). No one can define it for you. That is something you must find yourself. You will find money in the end may have little to do with it. I love my DL650 V-Strom; it is the best all around bike for me. I smile every time I ride it. I laughed out loud while riding the XB12S I test rode. My problem will be getting it without being divorced! Enough philosophy-go find what you like most and just ride. | ||
| Outrider |
Obi, Thanks for clearing that up in your summary. Perhaps all you needed to say is you wanted feedback from folks of a particular age group. Just don't dismiss the input you can glean from the older riders. A lot of us have race backgrounds and are neither set in our ways nor going through male menopause. Not to mention we started riding at an early age. That would be 1958 for me at the ripe old age of 10. Sorry the demographics of a rider back then didn't include too many folks from other ethnic backgrounds. These were just farm and race toys our fathers and uncles got after they returned from WWII. Take the Buell for a test ride in whatever you have for local twisties. You will really enjoy the extra control you derive from the throttle and suspension. That's the art of making a bike dance like a fine partner. People, not bikes, fit demographics. Get the bike that best fits what you want to do with it. If you run the twisties you will like the Buell. If you are into breaking the sound barrier, perhaps a liter bike will be more to your liking. I had a lot of bikes for many different purposes. I settled on the Buell for the twisties and a Harley for cruising. I am also working on some supermoto mods for the Buell which will add to its enjoyment for me. Concerning value, the XB's are worth every penny and you will be even more pleased when you check out both the aftermarket and the pricing/availability of replacement parts from Buell. It is all right here and quite low priced in comparison to parts that have to be imported. Enjoy! It is a fine sport. | ||
| Gearhead |
Obioma, I don't want to make light of your post but I just got up off the floor from laughing from R1Dyna's picture post of me!! It was a very bright day so I might look a little bleached out!! The Black thing, get over it! Buy and ride what you want, period. If your buddies are going to harrass you, either fall in line or get some new friends. (If you own a Buell, you'll find LOTS of new ones) Price? It's a value judgement, no pun intended. These are TOYS, serious toys, mind you but no one really NEEDS one. Hey when I was in my 20's I was riding a fairly quick Suzuki but years later when I bought my first Buell, I finally got hooked up with guys who actually RIDE. I had to relearn alot because I had a lot of BAD habits from hanging out with the posers all those years. I've become a track addict and I get the biggest grin when I pass a so called "better" bike. I've never owned a Harley and don't intend to in the forseeable future. One last thing to think about, Obioma, I've met and visited with Erik Buell many times, how cool is that!!! He has signed my bike, an XB12R, as well. All my friend who do not ride Buells also think that's cool because their brands don't do the kind of things that Buell / BRAG do and you sure will never meet the CEO of Yamaha. That's value to me!! Best of luck on a very tough decision... | ||
| Prof_stack |
Obi, test-ride the Buell. Then please have the courtesy to give us your impressions. Thanks and good luck. | ||
| Static |
part of the "younger demographic" here, I can go on about my xb's merits and realistic performance but like many have already said, you will never understand these bikes unless you really ride them. As to the comment about price, you are right. Just wait for a good opportunity. I bought a low mile demo last october for a great price. (and I've put over 15000 mi on it since) If you judge a bike by the numbers you probably do not yet have enough riding experience to fully appreciate Buell's design philosophy and product. So be it and I hope you find the bike that suits you best. Good luck and most of all just have fun. | ||
| Harley_hunny |
Obioma Just my opinion on Buell I'm not a white middle aged guy, but I am a white middle aged woman...and I prefere to ride my Harley! I disliked my Buell b4 the ***** thing died the first time. Bought it for my husbands enjoyment. It's to bad he hasn't been able to enjoy it the past 22 or so months!!! But we enjoy the people we have met riding, even the ones who prefere Buells. Just ride what ever YOU prefere don't worry about what others think. If your are old enough to ride you should know this by now! | ||
| Midknyte |
I'm going to overlook the trolling demeanor of the original post. I'm not totally convinced that it was an actual question, but here goes anyway... Demographic disclaimer - I'm a middle grounder: 36WM No one has said it yet, but one very large and looming reason you do not see more younger peeps on Buells is because before the XB's, Buell was seriously under the radar. I knew they existed, but did not know they were actually under the HD umbrella. I thought Erik was still pulling off a small independent gig until the Blast hit the media. The tubers have their legions, but the XB's put their brand on the map. I think that Buell has gone thru a bonified evolution and you need to think of the bikes akin to a brand new entity that simply has not been around long enough for your age bracket to engender an interest in or even know existed. | ||
| Midknyte |
Now, if you have to ask why you should buy one - you don't really want one. Buying a Buell is not about what any other person in the world thinks. GSXRYZ's are nice bikes. Just like Camaros and TransAms are nice cars. (Please tell me I don't have to explain that analogy). | ||
| Court |
>>>I could get a Jap liter bike (don’t care what you guys say they are just built better) That is inaccurate information. The current Buells are well on their way to becoming the most reliable motorcycles made. Court | ||
| Darthane |
Well, since you brought it up then... I bought my Blast at 20. First bike ever, and I'm not stupid enough to go get a Yamakawasuzunda literbike as my first set of wheels. At 21 I bought the XB9R, and kept the Blast. I don't see myself ever buying a Harley. My next bike will be a Yamaha, but NOT a R1, or even an R6. The FJR1300 is the bike that fits what I'm looking for at the moment and is reasonably priced. Neither one of my current bikes have 100rwhp. Hell, the Blast might have 30 on a good day. Do I care? No. Are they more fun than I ever thought possible? Yes. You obviously don't understand, hence the original post. Either ride one and see if you discover what we have, or don't and continue to ask rhetorical questions that get you absolutely nowhere. If all you're interested in is going fast straight and 100mph wheelies, then you definitely don't belong here. | ||
| Signguyxb12 |
buying a toy is an emotion decision Do what your gut tells you If you don't you'll be sorry either way your welcome to ride with any of us FYI: middle aged WM. 5235 miles 5 months bought my buell without even test riding it..??? my face looks like the Joker from the frozen grin | ||
| Signguyxb12 |
obi read this http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/72850.html?1093854290 | ||
| Odie |
Bought mine without riding it either.........have loved every minute and smile the whole time!!!!! | ||
| Buellgator |
Buy both  . I suppose that I'm in the younger demographic. 24/W/M and I've owned and ridden Buell since I was 18. I won't deny that I've found myself eyeing the imports and their impressive spec sheets. Then I get on one and ride around for a little while and I just don't have as much fun, and while I'm sitting there going "Wow that's a lot of power, and it's really impressive" I'm not smiling. Where with the Buell there has only been once that I got off and was not smiling, that was a highside into a retention pond  . Whatever you buy have fun with it. | ||
| Glitch |
Just so I don't miss the point here. Value. You can't buy what my Buell gives me. Erik some how figure out how to throw that in free of charge. The sum of parts makes not a Buell. I only wish I had found out sooner. I like you (maybe) passed up buying an S1W years ago, for a UJM. Later on after several UJMs and Japanese Sportbikes came and went from my garage, I bought an overpriced '03 XB9S. My only regret is not going Buell sooner. Maybe you'll find your budget Buell before you turn middle age and white. Good luck, and ride safe, but most of all, enjoy whatever you ride. | ||
| Tbs_stunta |
I think he's right about the age demographic. Younger guys tend to worry about what their friends will think if they do something out of the norm. I also agree with them being a bit on the expensive side, same with BMWs. That's why used bikes are nice. (Message edited by TBS_Stunta on August 30, 2004) | ||
| Tucsonxb9s |
Obi.....37 yrs old, mixed breed male. (Dang...have I hit middle age?) I've had my XB for over a year with nothing but fun miles with new good friends. I guess my question is what are you looking for in a bike? Horsepower and top speed numbers to impress your friends or a bike that impresses YOU? Have you ridden or owned sportbikes in the past? I would hate to think you'd jump right onto a liter bike with no experience. You see more of those on e-bay with "salvage" titles for sale. Ever wonder how they got that way? Look, the most important thing is you find what is right for you. For me, I'm still learning, and the XB9S fits my needs. Will I ever want something else? Most likely. I love all bikes and this one will not be my last. For now, my XB does EVERYTHING I ask it to without any complaints. | ||
| Buckinfubba |
theres only one reason to buy a Buell because you want one. If you don't want one than don't buy it. if peer pressure is the reason to buy something else, you should look into other issues. Because its a long life not doing want you want to | ||
| Bomber |
Obi -- other have said it, but I'll repeat -- try one, then decide something is overpriced only to the marketplace -- sales tend to make me believe that the XB series are priced about right -- those dealerships that want to sell them seem to be doing so -- at the end of the day, motorcycling is not an excersizer in logic (no matter how large the need to ride might be), but in emotions, I believe -- it's alot like love, I think . . . there's more data available on tis board than anyone might require to help the decision along . . . read it, or don't, make up your mind, and buy your bike -- not matter the brand, you'll likely be welcome aomng riders everywhere | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
well im definatly in in the younger croud(21) and when i pulled in to my best freinds drive way with my buell and he told me he was going to smoke me with his gixxer 600 i told him lets see, and needless to say the only place he could beat me was straitaways and he begs e to ride my bike (and i dont let him nah nah boo boo). As for as the price yea new there kinda expencive but i got mine used (2003 xb9r) for just under 7,000 in perfect condition and low miles so if your willing to go with a used bike you can definatly get a good deal. But the buell like every one says is the funest bike i have riden since the first bike i rode at 10 years old. | ||
| Crip2nite |
Holy Crap Firebolt. Where the hell did you learn how to spell?? | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
well i dont think i ever did | ||
| Xb9er |
Obioma. You are in the market for a new bike and have done some research. As a result of your research, you came to the conclusion that it makes no sense to get a Buell (XB) because, compared to Japanese Liter sportbikes, XB_R's:
You ask Badwebbers:
Mike. | ||
| Crip2nite |
Go ahead!!! Just buy a freakin' Buell. (Preferably the XB12S) and get on with your life!! If $$ is the problem, Just finance it for 7 years! It'll definitely last longer than a stinkin' Jap bike. You'll probably go through 3 or 4 Jap bikes as opposed to giving your tender loving care to your one beautiful Buell! | ||
| Flick |
Obioma...here's a good one for you! I'm 55...the first "serious" bike I owned (when I was 35) was a GSXR 750. Scared the S***t out of me! When you're clocking 260 kph (160 mph), and you can't focus on anything in front of you cause everything is vibrating like mad...and then you're thinking...what if a deer or something jumps out on the road...s***t, I'm DEAD!...well, let's just say that top speed isn't everything! I think too many younger riders are buying bikes based more on top speed, and what their friends will think, than actually seriously considering what most of their time on the bike will be like (commuting, traffic jams, carrying gear, the odd trackday, etc..). I slowly gravitated away from crotch-rockets over the years, because frankly, they're just not that much fun when you're constantly looking over your shoulder to see if the cops are coming up, or what the speeding ticket will cost at that insane speed you'll be clocked at! Motorcycling is about enjoying the ride. Buell's have such wonderful torque and pull like a bear around town, and they are more than fast enough for any high-speed shenanigans. As for price, well, I paid what I paid for the Buell...sure, it was a little more expensive than the Japanese bikes, but if it's what you want and that's what it costs, you pay to play! Never buy a bike because your friends will like it. They'll be happy, and sooner or later, you'll be miserable. Think about what kind of ACTUAL RIDING you will be doing, and then go test ride until you find the one that makes you grin both while your riding it, and when you get off it. That's your bike! Basing your decision on price can be a false economy approach. The grin factor compensates for the cost, trust me! | ||
| Xbolt12 |
Us middle aged guys are older and wiser! As for the price, Chandler AZ HD/Buell was selling 04 XB12's for 8,000 and XB9's for 6,000. Now their setup fee was high, but basically you could get either bike out the door for list price. I'm not sure, but I doubt you can do that with a CBRR, GSXR, R1, etc. If you are into just bragging numbers or straight line speeds, by all means don't go with the Buell. If you love the twisties and the tighter the better, you can't go wrong with Buell. xbolt12 xbolt12 |
