| Author | Message | ||
     Niceharleystuff |
I think Dexter and Blake both right. I would agree with Dexter’s statement with the following edits... Constructive criticism of a Buell design, product or service on a Buell discussion forum could produce positive results. I also agree with Blake. Put simply... Relentless criticism is unlikely to produce positive results. Just my .02 cents pitched in while drinking my Sunday morning coffee. | ||
| Zac4mac |
Sometimes it's just easier and faster to DIY. I wasn't pleased with the usability of the new mirrors w/ built in signals. The image is so blurry it's useless, but the LED signals worked great. I finally gave up trying to make a bad design work and fixed the problem. A set of long-stalk Firebolt mirrors and re-wire the running lights for front signals. All is good now and my panties aren't in a bunch. Z | ||
| Doerman |
If everyone who participated in the Firebolt headlight discussion over time earned $10/hr and that money was pooled we'd be able to put a dent in the national debt. If I recall correctly, the headlight bezels cost about the same amount as a set of brake pads or less than half of a tire cost. View the dang thing as a consumable item. | ||
| Hexangler |
Relentless indignant griping about that fact on an internet discussion forum is unlikely to produce positive results. I respectfully disagree, Blake. Maybe a class action lawsuit would and could get started right here on this board. Inciting a recall. And that recall could ultimately save a life. Which would be positive? Yes? The headlight is a safety requirement in all the states. No? This fact alone ought to speed up the process. DOT, Ralph Nader where are you??? Hex | ||
| Court |
>>>The headlight is a safety requirement in all the states. No? No is the correct answer. The headlight is a federal requirement. When all this came up I, rather than talk out my ass, when to the FMVSS and read the pages of detailed specs for headlights. I've got two comments. They are BOTH my PERSONAL OPINION. First - I think there is a real basis for concern. Second - I a curious as to why Buell has been slow to respond and why the feds at first expressed outrage, collected a sample, shrugged their federal shoulders and dropped it. I'm curious. No more, no less. | ||
| Spatten1 |
Second - I a curious as to why Buell has been slow to respond and why the feds at first expressed outrage, collected a sample, shrugged their federal shoulders and dropped it. I personally petitioned DOT to change FMVSS 108 to allow projector beam headlamps where one was on the right and one on the left, with only one running at at time. Before the late 1990s that was illegal. The Ducati 916 ran illegal headlamps from inception because they were "horizontally dispersed" from the centerline and were not both on at the same time. I was told by NHTSA/DOT that the numbers of Ducatis sold in the US at the time were too small for them to chase after. They were focused on higher production vehicle issues. Could this be a similar situation? (Message edited by spatten1 on March 02, 2008) | ||
| Court |
Perhaps I'll withhold payment of my taxes this year and let them concentrate on the "big fish".  | ||
| Ustorque |
good 1 court  | ||
| Spatten1 |
I wish the IRS had similar SOPs. I could buy a new bike with my taxes this year. | ||
| Snackbar64 |
I've posted before that a quick fix for the headlight issue on the Firebolts was Aluminum foil. I suffered this problem and that was the only fix. A new set of headlights would only ware the reflective coating away again. What Buell won't do for you, your local grocery store will. The lights are now brighter than they have ever been stock, almost blinding to look at head on. | ||
| Hexangler |
Buell/HD's attitude reminds me of "The Formula" from "Fight Club"; it goes something like this: Automotive (motorcycle) manufacturers have a recall formula: If the cost of a recall outweighs the cost of damages from litigation over a known defect, no recall. The Manufacturers don't care if someone gets killed. A lot of circumstances would have to be proved to blame a driver not seeing a XB12R as they turned left in front of the rider. The last thing they want is to have insurance industry check the condition of the headlight reflective material to prove the point in court. It's a long road that hasn't apparently been traveled down enough times yet. It IS good advice to check and repair your own headlights. And for this, each new member and I thank the constant reminders on BadWeB. Silence is not the responsible answer for our community, air your problems here. BadWeB serves us bikers first and our sponsors last. Hex | ||
| Blake |
Bikers first, yes. Sponsors last? How about second?  "The Manufacturers don't care if someone gets killed." That is absolutely not the attitude at Buell. If you are implying that it is, then you are dead wrong. "If the cost of a recall outweighs the cost of damages from litigation over a known defect, no recall. " That flies in the face of Buells extensive and stellar, up till now, record on proactive intervention to ensure the safety and satisfaction of Buell motorcycle owners/riders. We have never ever advocated silence here concerning problems. We never have, and we never will. We do advocate for constructive discussion with the goal being resolution. A dim headlight is an issue just like a low tire is an issue. Each of those issues may lead to serious problems, dangers, and excessive risks. Each is well within the capability of ANY rider to inspect and ascertain if maintenance intervention is required. Tires deflate and even burst. Headlights can get dim or even suddenly fail. Buell should upgrade all the Firebolt headlights as soon as they find a permanent solution to the problem. Jeff said it perfectly... I think Dexter and Blake both right. Thanks Jeff! (Message edited by Blake on March 02, 2008) | ||
| Court |
That's inaccurate and not the way the federally mandated recall program works. (Message edited by court on March 03, 2008) | ||
| Interex2050 |
Well I have some mixed news... Lets start with the good: I must say that the dyno chart that I posted earlier must have been done before the repairs were done... This thing is a force to be reckoned with! Jeez this thing is quick, smooth too! If that chart was after the repairs I would be scared to see what it looked like before... I forgot how well this thing handles... Almost telepathic. The fuel efficiency has crept up as well, my average is up to 26mpg (1 more then before the repairs) The bad: The bloody thing simply will not start when warm without some serous convincing... Its not not even hot yet, I cannot imagine what will happen when summer comes around. I am also concerned about what would happen if I accidentally stall in traffic...? I spoke to Buell Customer Service today and they said that it is highly unlikely that they would take my bike back for "in-house" diagnosis and send me a replacement. My thoughts: If the starting issue can be resolved decisively and quickly I am more then happy to take her down to the dealer. If it takes another month... I simply cannot wait till that long. I would really like to keep the bike... But I would be more then willing to give it up for something that I can rely on. I am hoping that something good will come out of this... If not I just need to take it into the dealership for a little longer and I will be qualified for the lemon law. | ||
| Interex2050 |
She is going back to her natural habitat once again... Back to the service department she goes! hahaha (Message edited by interex2050 on March 05, 2008) | ||
| Interex2050 |
I think I finally found a replacement for the 1125R that I am actually excited about... Test rode the 848 today! 4 days and counting till lemon law... Its almost over! | ||
| Spatten1 |
The 848 looks like a great bike. | ||
| Interex2050 |
I really hope so, I am a bit skeptical about buying anything at this point... But I haven't been this excited about a bike since... well the 1125 was first announced. And although the service costs are "astronomical", I would rather spend more on service charges then have to wait for the dealer to figure out what is wrong. | ||
| Spectrum |
Seems the 848 is not without it's share of teething problems. You might want to check out the Ducati forums. Problems with stalling, starting and charging systems just to name a few. http://www.ducatispot.com/forums/ | ||
| Interex2050 |
Thanks for pointing that out... I will have to research that before I make any "moves". Perhaps I should stop by the BMW dealer... | ||
| No_rice |
"Seems the 848 is not without it's share of teething problems. You might want to check out the Ducati forums. Problems with stalling, starting and charging systems just to name a few" oh come on now. buells are the only ones that have problems. everyone knows that! where have you been?! | ||
| Interex2050 |
Tim, Have you had a chance to ride your 1125R much? I was just wondering what are your impressions so far? Especially in comparison to your XBs... | ||
| No_rice |
no actually i havent gotten to ride MY 1125. that is one of the reasons i mostly stay silent on the threads relating to problems and such since i dont even know if i have any yet. although i did spend the better part of 2 days beating the snott out of the preproduction ones at rode america. i was impressed enough with the power, handling, and braking that i went and bought our first one in the door. even though the styling(in my opinion) needs some work yet. i was able to look past that. i have never had many complaints about my xb's. especially my 9. that thing is dialed in hard. it is exactly how i want it. the 1125 though is a step above and beyond. it out performs that thing in every category. heck the first time back one my 9 after alot of riding on the 1125 i almost didnt make the right hander at the end of the front straight at road america. i went around the track easy the first lap letting things warm up. full bore down the front straight and tried to brake at the same spot i had been on the 1125. big mistake. i have never used more than 2 fingers on the brake before that, but i had all 4 on it and my foot standing on the rear. i still couldnt scrub off the speed. finally let up on the brakes and pitched it over. man am i glad it stuck. i didnt realize just how much improved the 1125 was until then. like i said though, there is only 1 mile on my 1125 and that is the mile that gets put on at the factory. time will tell i guess. i think its inagural run will be at march badness. i am hoping to bring the 9 along also though. just incase. | ||
| Interex2050 |
I am starting to think that perhaps the issues are due to mine being a California bike... As they did not undergo such "brutal" testing, and as far as I know in addition to the emissions stuff, and the catalytic converter in the muffler; the ecu has a slightly different map. I am almost certain that your bike will be glorious! Although I am a bit jealous because of that. | ||
| No_rice |
i sure hope so. this is the first new vehicle of any kind that i have bought. | ||
| Doerman |
Peter, I don't believe it is a CA bike thing. Mine is 99-44/100% flawless. The 66/100% has to do with replacing the O2 sensor. I am very confident it will continue to give me great service. It is approaching 4000 miles and it was at 2000 miles that I replaced the O2 sensor. My friend, who is visiting, has been riding it quite a bit and really enjoys it better than his 06 Duc 999. And I believe that says a lot. Yours seems to be quite the conundrum. And the following is none of my business, each individual has their expectations and tolerance levels, but were I you, I'd work with it just a bit longer before throwing in the lemon towel. But that's just me. On a different note, I spent quite a bit of time at Skip Fordyce's open house last Saturday and chatting with the handful of 1125R owners with anything from 500 to 1500 miles on their bikes who claims theirs is running well and exceeding their expectations. These guys weren't BadWeB-bers either and I emphasis that since there is a bigger voice out there than this board. Quite a bit bigger as a matter of fact. In the end, it is your experience that counts for you Peter and nobody else's and you have my deepest sympathy for the issues you have had with your bike. I would just caution others reading this thread against extrapolation from your experience. (Message edited by doerman on March 06, 2008) | ||
| Krassh |
I am coming close to my 600 miles and mine is a Cali bike. So far (knock on wood) no real issues. The bike starts fine in cold weather up here in the mountains and have had only one stall when it was hot and idling. I hope they get things sorted out for you or you move onto something that makes you happy. | ||
| Sheridan_bueller |
Mine's at 2100 miles as of today, just rode to work. Absolutely no troubles I haven't caused. Got to tickle her soprano the other day.... WWWWWOOOOOWWWWWW. I'll be doing that again soon when the snow melts off of my favorite snake trail!!! JJ | ||
| Interex2050 |
Asbjorn and anyone interested, This is my situation: Unfortunately I do not have the luxury of being able to stop and take a break. I do not have another vehicle, the XB decided that it does not like me anymore again; http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/327 77/341699.html?1204856305 I have lecture M-F with work right after lecture M,W,F... The weekend I spend catching up on studying. My days are from 6:30am-12am... I am really tired and simply do not care for any added stress, especially the lack of transportation is simply devastating. At least with Ducati they will lend me a donor bike if goodness forbid it ends up in the shop... hence my cycle of madness is not broken, and I do not have to arrange transportation back from Glendale which is about 20miles away... and figure out how to get around afterwards I really do appreciate Buell's effort to remedy my problem, and I appreciate the battery tender and extended warranty... But all these extra goodies do not make up for a lack of transportation. Buell does not seem to be concerned about my situation, and I guess that is fine, but it is a BIG problem for me. I bought the 1125R because it seems liked like a good successor to the XB and because it should not ping For some reason has the notion that if I get into trouble Buell would listen to me and take care of me and for that confidence I wanted to support them And I am not exactly over flowing with cash, I need to pay for books/tuition/life... I do NOT get ANY financial aid. This was a serious investment That turned into a big mistake. Atop of which each month the bike spends sitting at the shop I basically throw away $370/month for insurance. I just want this nightmare to end... The past year has been transportation hell, the bikes have been in and out of the shop on a regular basis... I am seriously loosing my mind, and getting pretty desperate. Thank you, Peter P.S. I want to leave Buell... Sure their motorcycles make me get all giggly, but I need something that I can depend on. I do not care about the 1125R, its not worth my effort and has so far been a HUGE disappointment. And because Buell does not care about my situation, I do not care if the Lemon Law is not "good" for them. I think it's only fair for them to be treated the same way they treated me. (Message edited by interex2050 on March 06, 2008) | ||
| Spatten1 |
Can't argue, I'd be done with that 1125 and the XB if they were my only ride. If the Duc dealer gives loaner bikes that would be a good route, for sure. Otherwise, and there are those that disagree, the Japanese stuff is mostly extremely reliable. Sure, you can cherry pick models with problems, but all in all, you can find some fine reliable machines. I've had about 15 bulletproof Japanese bikes, and I seem to be able to break my Buells fairly regularly. |
