| Author | Message | ||
     Archer |
I BOUGHT A SET OF SLIDERS FROM HAL'S. Cost me a hundred bucks. I haven't had them welded on yet. Kind of an interesting process since the frame is the fuel tank. I'll keep ya'll updated. Ross Republic H-D/Buell Ride Hard! | ||
| Bomber |
Y2 Metric atleast, my metric sockets fit nicely, and my avoirdupois ones have a little slop | ||
| Madduck |
I have bought three since my last Buell purchase, 00 M2L. A BMW K1200LT traded in on BMW K1200RS already. A Harley Wide Glide, about 3,000 in engine mods and 1,000 in chrome. I also have about $6,000 in my 95 S2 to go Salt Flat racing. Buells new lineup has next to no appeal to me. I would like a Nallin Street Tracker, which I believe may be Buell related as I met them thru TeamElves LSR. Is TeamElves a Buell/HD division yet??? Paul | ||
| Court |
Pardon me for laughing, but you and an NBC affiliate ask the same question in the same day?. . . go figure. Court (I know nothing AND can prove it!) | ||
| Snail |
Court, forget the XR650L and get CRF450R, it's lighter, more powerful, and easier to start. I absoluteley love mine. Get a Dakar kit from Electex USA and you have the ultimate dualsport. The other bikes I bought since the Buell, Goldwing '00 Busa '02 Busa Paul | ||
| Tavs |
On that frame issue; it looks like it could be repairable; why not pull the dent, like somebody said, use body filler and paint it? It may look better than new! | ||
| Y2k01x1 |
I, like many others, stumbled into our little community by way of the HD scene. My '00 FXSTB Night Train was easy on the eyes and scored way high on the coolness factor, but like your typical cruiser, was big, slow, and heavy. The Buells became an option for me because I was actually looking for a Harley with much improved acceleration, braking, and handling [suspension components & geometry]. I briefly considered the HD FXDX but it would have required many thousands of dollars in improvements and still would not come close to being the bike that the X1 is. The Buells had that connection. That connection being the motor. That good 'ole MADE IN THE USA, all-American V-TWIN! Could I have found more horsepower and torque elsewhere? Certainly. State of the art engineering? Surely. Better handling? Better braking? Lower cost? More reliability? More respect? Better service? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes! But that ain't what I was looking for. I still often wonder what UJM riders listen to while they're riding. If I couldn't listen to my motor, I probably wouldn't ride much. I feel like the conductor in an orchestra. Between the throttle, clutch, and shifter, I can play sweet, wonderful music with my motor. Don't need the tach or speedo much. My butt and ears give me all the feedback I need. How much time and money have Bueller's spent on getting that right sound from our exhausts? How active is the "exhaust" thread in our Knowledge Vault? Sure, many of us tinker with our exhaust in search of increased performance, but the sound is important too, and I know many who have sacrificed performance for the right sound. If the best performing exhaust system on the market made your Buell sound like a BMW or a Honda, who would buy one? NOT I! With the Buell, I didn't have to say goodbye to all my riding buddies or change hangouts. When the "bikers" ask, why? I say, "imagine taking your Harley, doubling the horsepower and losing 200-300 pounds of chrome." I've actually talked a few into taking the X1 for a flight or two and they all come back with a little more respect and understanding. The old schoolers still aren't quite comfortable with it, but they tolerate me because they know the funny looking Sportster can run circles around their hawgs all day long. Would I still be riding with these guys if I had a UJM or euro bike? HELL NO! The damn phone would never ring. Seen it happen to others. With the 2003 lineup, Buell has lost that connection. Good bikes? Absolutely. World class? getting there. They gonna win races? Already have. Different? Unique? Bad Ass? Not much anymore. The XB's may become an option for folks looking at UJM or euro bikes, but there's nothing in the lineup for me at this time. I'm nowhere near ready to replace the X1, so I have time to wait and see. Obviously, state and EPA emissions and efficiency policies will eventually send the V-twin as we know it to the junk heap. Until then, i'm waiting for the tube-framer with the 100-incher making 130 ponies and 130 ft-lbs. at the rear wheel. Thought these were supposed to be streetfighter's? I love the twisties, but 90% of the time it's green-light-to-red-light, green-light-to-red-light, for me. Light turns green, light up that rear tire, wind her up real tight, run through the first 3 gears, shut her down, and get staged for the next green light. The damn wife is nagging at ya to go git some baby diapers from the convenience store down the road. You got the Buell and the Kawazuki settin' in the garage. Guess which one's gonna go for a ride. Erik and BMC may have accomplished much in a short time but at this particular junction, it appears that Buell and I are parting ways and the greenbacks in my back pocket walking in the opposite direction are what will determine whether their's is a short- or long-term endeavor. Anybody remember where I can find that "Confederate" thread? (JMHO) Bob | ||
| Y2k01x1 |
Bomber: Thanks! Just what i was waiting to hear. Time to go tuell shopping... Bob | ||
| Aaron |
Saw and sat on the XB9S a little bit ago at HCHD ... My impression: now we're getting somewhere! With some more motor, the bike could be a worthy succesor to the S1 heritage (my apologies to the X1 owners out there, but I never felt the X1 was). Not quite enough to get me to open my wallet, but definitely getting closer. More motor, please. | ||
| Mitchelob |
I loved my Buells, BUT...have purchased a '01 750 Monster, '90 Hawk GT, '87 VFR700, and '00 CBR600 F4 since selling my M2 a year ago. Sold the VFR, but still enjoy the others. Yes, I would still like to own another Buell someday. Add me to the list of enthusiasts that can appreciate the XB's, but can't seem to write the check for one. | ||
| Roc |
Worthy S1 succesor, that is saying a lot. I have yet to see a XB9S but if the S1 was any sharper looking it would poke your eye out just glancing at it. | ||
| S320002 |
Court, When you get to be our age (okay maybe I have a year or two on you) motorcycles and women have certain things in common. 1. Because of our age we become much less selective about their age and much more appreciative of some the older models . 2. We can still might take some of the newer built-for-speed, high maintenance types out for a spin but may be less willing to pay the price of ownership. 3. We can appreciate those that are less flashy but are built for the long haul. 4. We spend more time enjoying what we have and like and less time comparing it to what the guy down the street has. 5. We have a better understanding of the limits of our abilities and are more inclined to stick to those that we can handle without killing ourselves. I could go on but you get the point (and yes I'm single). Greg | ||
| Davegess |
I'm one of the old Buell guys who bought an XB, First new bike in 10 years so I guess it got me going. I could not resist the very light weight, and small wheelbase coupled to the big v twin. I love mine. I too have a long list of wish list bikes but the Buell got my money. If it had not come along I think the W650 Kawasaki would have. How's that for two bike at oppisite ends of the spectrum!! Dave | ||
| S1_Buell |
I have a strange problem with my S1 and am wondering if anyone has had this happen to them. I was smoking the back tire off, keeping the rpm's well below redline when it seemed to lose power to one cylinder. I stopped and pulled the plugs & checked for compression and did not find anything wrong. When I fired it back up it ran fine. A couple of days later I was smoking the back tire off again and it did the same thing. It does not sound like a valve sticking. The engine was not overheated and again the rpm's were below 6,000. Where should I start looking? Nick | ||
| Loki |
Aaron, I too just saw a 9S in the flesh and a black one at that. They came ever so close to hitting that mystical nail(jmho). Not one picture of one has really done it any justice. It is pulling me in.............. | ||
| Dantheman |
Does anyone know the difference between Buell Thunderstorm heads and Screamin Eagle dual-plug heads as far as combustion chamber size, valve size, and port cc's? Do they make around the same hp or is one much better than the other? I'm only asking because I got a pair of the dual-plugs and I dont know if I should port them or spend the extra dough and buy some Thunderstorm heads. I do kinda like the idea of 2 spark plugs per cyl... reminds me of a top fuel dragster! | ||
| Court |
Father Gess: The ends of that spectrum make lots of sense to me....the W650 is a "looker" with the engineering to warrant owning. Your comments, with regard to the XB, will do nothing to bolster the resolve of the aged Buell riders to resist. I'm not sure I WANT to see an XB9S . . . the force is growing stronger Luke! | ||
| Court |
Greg: that's funny and deadly accurate! At least it saves you explaining your Bachelorarity! You've only been around this Buell thing since time began (I have a killer Rolodex)....I'd have thought you'd have learned your lesson. Mitch: Tell me a story about the Hawk....I've bought all the books on it (as well as the CL77 Honda 305 Scrambler) and am fascinated with it! By the way, I'd also enjoy your comments on the Monster. I actually did a test on one once. It came up short in every catagory except one yet I gotta tell you it, to this day, has powerful appeal. Court | ||
| Snail |
Y2k01X1, ever heard a Busa at 11K? It will get your attention! Compared to that, your old air head sounds like a drunk snoring. Paul | ||
| Rocketman |
What will Buell do when they decide to do a bike with modern engine technology ? What I don't figure is why would Buell, in their indomitable style, build a bike as evolutionary as the Firebolt, then sell it short of a powerful motor in the first place. I don't buy the reliability line either. For a kick off, that fan whirring away tells me there's a potential problem with what they've got now anyway. Hell, if the Firebolt is really that spectacular a bike to ride, and it can trounce the opposition in the corners, it makes sense to me to throw everything you had at it to make it go FASTER. What idiot decided to play 'safe' and take the long way around to lure in the customers ? You just don't build an evolutionary bike with sublime handling and give it a 'pussy' motor. A powerful Firebolt would be the bike to beat, no matter what else the opposition rode, if I'm to believe what everyone tells us about the Firebolt's sublime handling. There's another aspect to building a powerful Firebolt. If I were to presume power came from a modern design of engine, o.h.c, 4 valve at least, modern technology dictates, to some degree, that reliability is a by-product. As for the 9S, I wait eagerly to see one at next months NEC show before I pass judgement as to its looks, but I too , like many others I've spoken to, want to see it with more power. Perhaps lots more if the Firebolt wants to become serious about winning. After all, Firebolt owners would have us believe its chassis is certainly capable. Rocket | ||
| Snail |
You got it right Rocket, pump that puppy up to 150 horse power with a top end around 200 mph and watch the buyers fall all over themselves, (me included) to buy one. Performance counts. Stuff a large bore liquid coolded four in there and add a fact. turbo for good measure. Build something that would make mortals palms sweat and their knees shake when they climb aboard. Something that would rip a wheel smoking fourth gear wheelie at about 120 mph. One can only dream, and in the meanwhile theres a Gixer 1K... Paul | ||
| Davegess |
The answer to why the Firebolt does not have a different engine? One word AMORTIZATION. (Now Court figures I don't know what that means nor how to spell it but I am full of surprises) Buell and Harley looked at a selling price , under 10000 dollars, and how many they could sell over the life of the bike. (I suspect there were many raging arguments about the life of the bike, one side saying 5 years MAX while the other says " the tubers lasted 15 years this should last as long" I'l let you all speculate who was on what side) That give them a budget for the parts, the labor, the factory overhead, the tooling and the R&D. Buell choose to put almost every penny of the tooling budget into the cycle parts not the engine. There was no other way to build it. I am sure they strained that tooling budget to the limits and then some as it was. Slice the money any other way and you get either a convention chassis with a modern motor, a 15000 dollar bike with both, a company rapidly going broke or the Firebolt. Me, I'm very happy with the 'bolt and can't wait to see what the next generation brings in 5 or so years. One thing to remember about the 'bolt and any other Buell, Erik builds the bikes as close to what he wants to ride as possible. The coolest Buells have been the ones that most reflect his wants, The RW750, RR1000, S1 and WL and now the XB's. Buell does market research that is for sure BUT they still build to one man's vision. it will often not appeal to many, many people but is it rings your bell it will ring it like no other bike will. Dave | ||
| Rocketman |
I don't buy that 'crock of shit' Dave. Harley sold more bikes this year than in any other year in their history. Their profit margins are up 16% etc etc............ Fact is, if for example Ducati can do it, and they're not on their own, there's just no excuse in the world why HD can't do it with the Buell brand. All it takes is more money, and HD have plenty of it. Amortization doesn't count when you're filthy rich ! You know why ? Because demand is greater than supply. So what are they scared of ??? Rocket | ||
| Davegess |
HD wants Buell to be profitable not a cash sucking drain on the profits. Which unfortunatly they currently are. Ducati has managed to turn profits for the last few years but not very big ones despite record sales and have been bankrupt or on the verge of it several times in the last 15 years. In point of fact if the Italian government had not helped out Ducati would be long gone. I own stock in Ducati and think they can make it big but I also think that they need to control expenses in a big way as the MotoGP and WSC teams are costing them far more money than they can afford at this point. They also sell about 5 times as many bikes as Buell so they have 5 time the budget Buell does. It is true that HD is rich but they are watching the pennies closly being very worried ablout a weak economy and sales that may go south after the 100th party is over. I have seen fortune 500 companies go from record profits to bankrupcy in under 5 years (allis Chalmers come to mind) so they need to be careful. Dave | ||
| Rick_A |
I for one love that man's vision. The S1 is truly the bike of my dreams, and though I love the XB's as well, I'd only buy one after they seriously depreciate! | ||
| Rocketman |
Dave, those American guys (I forget their name) that own Ducati, have trawled in massive profits in the last 2 years. That's a fact , right ? If so, your post is misleading..... Rocket | ||
| Blake |
Paul, "ever heard a Busa at 11K? It will get your attention! Compared to that, your old air head sounds like a drunk snoring." Or conversely... ever heard a Nallinized Buell cranking WOT at 6K like a P51 climbing to attack altitude? Compared to that your Busa sounds like a bitch shrieking.  Ladies, No offense intended.  Cecil will like this... On the way from the track to a friends house last weekend, I motioned for him to take lead, me in my truck, him on his ZX12R streetable dragbike. He nailed it. My window was open... sounded like he was tearing a hole in the fabric of time. Hey all you tech question asking dudes! ... Knowledge Vault? Post there? Maybe?... don't make me shame you. | ||
| Ar15ls1 |
Exactly Blake! Its as American as you can get. As good as the busa and other jap bikes are, they still are not made in America!!!! I know that half of the parts on the Buell are made in foreign countries but it is still assembled here in the USA and the profits go to Americans. The same people that slammed their mitsubishi built zeros into our father and grandfathers air craft carriers build your badass jap bike! You cannot beat the sound of an Old dinosaur 45 aircooled v twin. Blake, thats the same P-51 that climbed to altitude to shoot down those zeros! | ||
| Ray_Maines |
Dave, there is only one mans vision that really counts. Mine! I'm the customer and I'm always right. If the "perfect" Buell is made and nobody buys it, is it still perfect? Maybe it is for all I know. Somewhere along the line, Erik Buell has to decide what he's in business for, money or art. | ||
| Erik2 |
I was able to check out the 9S today at Uke's. It's pull on me was very strong. The Firebolt never quite hooked me like the Lightning does. I could see myself owning a 9S. As Aaron said, "more power please". More juice would definitely put me over the top. I guess I'll wait for the White Lightning version. And while I'm asking, how about getting some paint on the bikes again? EG |
