| Author | Message | ||
     Tsienville |
Hello all. I'm new to the board as I'm considering a Firebolt XB12R. I'm looking for a new bike that carves twisties and Buell seems to be designed just for that. I've shopped for one locally and did a short demo ride and will probably need another to firm my decision. The vibration was probably the most detracting quality that I noticed - which I think is just a trait of American muscle. It is something I might be able to 'grow into.' I love the way the bike sounds though and the way it looks. The quality worries me, but with the new 2-year standard warranty, it may not be too much of an issue. I'll need to do a deep dive into this board, but in the meantime, if anyone has tips or information that would be helpful in my decision, I appreciate it. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Will they send em to Europe? If so I'd like one, how do I get it? | ||
| Reepicheep |
Tsienville... The character of the vibration is different then an inline four, but overall just about universally less offensive. The thing rattles like a paintshaker at idle, but goes smooth at speed. I think part of the reason it is still there (45 degree twin) is that back in 1920 or whenever it accidentally came about, somebody noticed the character of it was really pleasing somehow, and so it got kept. Not because it is the most theoretically efficient, but rather because it is the most interesting / satisfying. I know I would miss it if they went to the technically superior 60 or 90 degree configuration. I would also not sweat the reliability if you are buying an XB. The tube framers had lots of issues, but were worth the trouble. Look at the number of XB related problems here versus the number and nature of tuber related problems. People with 25k miles on the XB are just replacing belts, maybe a bearing or two, and the occasional stator, which is consistent (and probably better) with the best of the Japanese sportbikes. The only legitimate and recurring "problem" with the XB's is top speed. If performance characteristics from 135mph to 190mph are an important part of your buying decision, then you may not end up satisfied with the Buell, that is not what they are designed to do. Otherwise, they are fantastically useful sport oriented street bikes (as opposed to a street legal sport bike, which wins on paper but is a pain in the ••• to live with). Lots of great bikes of all brands though, its hard to pick a bad one anymore. Welcome, regardless of what you choose! | ||
| Reepicheep |
Grumpy... I think that is just the 2005 CD, my dealer has a stack of em. I will drop by and get some. I want to keep a couple on the bike anyway to hand out to people that are interested in the bike, I probably just made a "sale" sunday night to a guy in a parking lot asking about my 9sx, and it would have been nice to hand him a CD to drool over. Anyway, if your dealer can't get one, I will send you one. Just about all the material I have seen on it can be found on the Buell website though, anyone find anything on the CD that is not on the online site? And there is a great color brochure on a PDF on the CD (and I think on the Buell website), send that thing to a good color printer and it looks fantastic. | ||
| Henrik |
Tsienville; depending on how you rode the bike at your demo, the vibration could have been RPM induced. My tuber will shake like a paint mixer at idle. As soon as I get up around 2000 RPM vibration begin to fade. At 3500 RPM it's smooth as glass. Henrik | ||
| Tsienville |
Thanks Henrik and Reepicheep for the feedback. The vibration on the demo was primarily at idle and mild at speed. I only went around the block - low speed stuff so didn't really get a chance to air it out. I'm trying to decide if I don't like the vibration or if I think it gives the bike character - torn 50/50 on that one. I'm definitely not looking for a 130mph plus machine. I've done 130 once on a bike and it was stupid squidliness and I won't do it again anytime soon. I would like to have a bike that will hang tight in the North Ga. twisties at decent speeds. My ZZR is somewhat top-heavy and doesn't inspire that much confidence - although it is a great general purpose bike. Anyway - I can see there is a wealth of info on this board, so I'll be reading and maybe I'll be part of the gang before long. Thanks. | ||
| Daves |
Just so everyone sees this, Well it's a go! I have the blessings of those involved to try to do something a little different(in every sense) than most dealers. Here's the deal, Dave’s Buy,Fly and Ride Buell Promotion Buy any new, untitled Buell XB series bike between Nov 10th 2004 and Dec 27th 2004 and receive the following! 1.Free storage of your bike until April. 2.One way air fare to Appleton Wisconsin for Thursday April14th or $500.00 gas money if you choose to drive here. 3.Picked up at the airport by Dave and shuttled to the dealership 4.Two hour suspension and service seminar 5.Buell factory tour 6.Meet Erik Buell 7.Hotel accommodations for 3 nights 8.Buell riders dinner Friday night 9.An “I bought my Buell from Dave in Appleton Wisconsin” T-Shirt 10.Free Service manual, autographed by Erik Buell! 11.15% off your accessories for one year! 12.Lunch on Friday 13.Coffee and Donuts on Sat morning 14.Lunch on Sat 15.Farewell breakfast on Sunday Itinerary of events Thursday April 14th, fly to Appleton, I’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to the dealership and then to the hotel. Friday April 15th 7:30 am I’ll pick you up at the hotel and drive you to the dealership. 8am-12:00 We will do everyone’s final paperwork and go thru the owner’s manual. 12:00-1:00 Lunch 1:00-3:00 Suspension and service seminar. We will walk you thru the suspension set up on your bike and do a complete fluid change service on one of our bikes. We will also answer any service questions you may have. 3:00-6:00 This is your time to do whatever you want! Go ride the bike, check out The Fox Valley area, whatever you want. I’ll furnish some routes and local attractions. 6:00-9:00 Buell riders dinner. Food is free, drinks are on you! Sat April 16th 7:30 AM, yes AM! Meet at the dealership for coffee and donuts. 8:00 am SHARP we leave to ride to East Troy for the factory tour. We will provide a chase vehicle to carry your cameras and other stuff 12:00-2:00 Lunch and factory tours. Meet Erik Buell! Group photo. 2:00 we will leave East Troy and ride thru some of the best roads Wisconsin has to offer back to Appleton. Sun April 17th 8am-9:30am Farewell breakfast, the food is on us again! 10am Ride your new Buell home! OK, now for the stipulations! All bikes must be paid for prior to Dec 30th 2004. Your warranty will start Dec 30th 2004 All bikes will be sold at MSRP but I’ll waive the frt and setup charges. You will have to pay your sales tax and lic when you get home. Make this your most memorable motorcycle purchase ever! Who's going to be first to sign up? Dave 1-866-757-1651 ask for Dave in the sales dept. daves@h-dappleton.com | ||
| Mikej |
Travis, All you've done is the equivalent of shaking hands. Now it's time to have a conversation with the bike. Bare minimum is 30 miles, or at least 15 if you're in the hills. Get it up to 55mph at least once, and try to keep the rpm's above 3,000rpm. I'm not sure where the cruising happy zone is in the XB's but on a 'tuber it's right around 80mph in 5th gear (which surprisingly is the generally flow of the commuter traffic in the mornings here). And at some point during your next test ride take a moment and get off the bike for a minute or two. Turn the bike off, take your helmet off, take the key out of the ignition, and walk at least 30 feet away from the bike. Upon your reapproach and remounting the bike a different feeling will come over you, and I'm fairly certain that the second half of your next test ride will convince you one way or the other if it's the bike for you. For some it is, for some it isn't, only a proper test ride will let you know for sure. And by the way there's a little town here called Thiensville, thought that's where you were from when I first saw your screen name.  | ||
| Court |
Tsienville: I'll simply add that the XB platform is proving to be one of the most trouble free motorcycles EVER (that is not NOW, that is EVER) produced. Ride safe, lean much and smile more, Court | ||
| M1combat |
10K miles... XB12R... One bad seal on the transmission. It was replaced by the dealer in about two hours (walk/ride in) w/ no questions asked. They were busy, but they try to do right by Buells so he put me on a bike stand and worked on the bike immediately. As a side note... Two Ducati 996's, a TL1000, an SV1000, an Aprillia Mille... The Buell made it to the top of the mountain first. All 80-120MPh sweepers up the mountain. They probably weren't trying TOO hard, but every pass was in a passing zone corner w/ the Buell in the outside lane. | ||
| Court |
>>>They were busy, but they try to do right by Buells so he put me on a bike stand and worked on the bike immediately. Dealer ? | ||
| M1combat |
Mayer HD. I think might be called "Grand Canyon HD". They are located in Mayer AZ and have a sister store that I hear is also Buell friendly up near Flagstaff. Also a little T-Shirt Butique on Whiskey Row in Prescott. The service manager's name is Mike. Maybe you could have Erik give him a call and congratulate him on good service? The sales men aren't TOO Buell aware, but they don't generally try to steer anyone towards anything else if they are looking for a Buell. /Edit They did the same thing for my 1K service as well. Put my bike directly on the stand and got it done right and quick when they had work to do. (Message edited by m1combat on November 10, 2004) | ||
| Tsienville |
Glad to see the additional posts with good feedback on the XB. I'm definitely encouraged enough to go back for another look this weekend, weather permitting. Speaking of dealers - I'll add that Harley Davidson / Buell of Atlanta was great. That's the only store I've looked and the sales rep (Dale) had extensive knowledge about the Buell's (rode one himself) and comparo data with other bikes. I'd feel completely comfortable buying from them when that time comes. And lastly, speaking of buying, "Daves" - your post "Buy Fly and Ride" is very tempting. I've never heard of a dealer setting something up that cool. Seeing the factory, meeting folks and riding a Firebolt back to Atlanta might be pretty fun. Does "paying by Dec. 30" include Harley financing, or full payment only with my own bank financing, etc.? Also, does the bike have to be registered in December, or when the bike is taken to the state of residence in April? Lastly, if the race kit is purchased, is that installed there or shipped to state of residence to be installed later? Thanks. | ||
| M1combat |
Just FYI... I live in Arizona and got my bike from Daves... | ||
| Billiegoat |
Help anyone, I've got a 2002 M2 Cyclone, with K&N air filter & Wiley Co. Exhaust, pushing 12,000 miles. All else is stock. Recently I've been experiencing a very annoying “cough” when riding along. It’s starting to get worse. Just about in any gear, and more so when revving at slower REV, under 3K. It basically is like a dead spot and when it happens around corners it gets my attention, and when it happens in traffic it’s annoying & embarrassing. Happens more when she’s cold. Although I do let her warm up, and when I push the enricher back in after the regular warm, it happens more frequently. Even after 12 miles of riding it happens. Is it the plugs, carb, dirty fuel filter??? Has anyone else had this problem? I took it to San Diego Harley for it’s 10,000 service and mentioned it (when it was starting to get more noticeable) and they said they couldn’t find a problem. But with the extra 2K miles on it, it’s starting to get to me. Help please Billiegoat | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Quite the morning. I got "stranded" for the first time. Old Mr reliable (my S2)let me down. I turned onto the on ramp for the freeway a bit over a mile from my home. Accelerated through first, then second, went for third and rolled on the right wrist. Hmm motor revved too quick. Boy that's odd, I've never missed a gear on the S2. Tried shifting again. Same result. Light bulb goes on! Drive belt!!!! Coast to a stop and have a look see. No belt. After 10 minutes on the cell phone trying to find someone still at home with a trailer I give up and start pushing. I'm part way up the ramp (going the wrong direction of course) and LEO pulls up. He asks me if I was out of gas. I tell him "I broke a drive belt". His next question was "Is that a Harley?" I then have to tell him about Buell history. He offers to contact a towing company but I figure I can get it home in about the same amount of time it would take to wait for the tow. He then backs up to shield me from traffic as I continue up the ramp. 1 1/2 miles later I'm back in my driveway. Reshower and put on non-sweaty cloths and cage it to work.. My legs are gonna be complaining tomorrow! Off to track down a new belt. Probably a good time to put in the new isolators too! hmm, maybe replace the swing arm bearings.... I guess I can't complain. The S2 has almost 33,000 mile on it and I bet the belt is original. That would make it about 10 years old! It was due to be replaced this winter anyway. Brad | ||
| Daves |
Travis, I can set up the loan with HD for you, no problem. I can also have the race kit already installed when you get here to get the bike. Dave Brad, I'll look to see if I have a belt in stock for you. I should have one. (Message edited by daves on November 10, 2004) | ||
| Daves |
Brad, Yep, I have one in stock. List is 175.00 Badweb price is 157.50 No sales tax | ||
| Ccryder |
Billiegoat: 2 things to check: A: Are the terminals on your spark plugs tight. I had that same symptom on my S3T. B: The harder one to fix, but more likely is your intake seal on the manifold. They can be checked by spraying carb cleaner or WD-40 at idle and seeing if your idle changes. Just my $0.02. Time2Work Neil S. | ||
| Tripper |
Intake seal leak. Stop riding it and get it fixed. | ||
| Tripper |
Tsienville - I lived in Atlanta last year. Stone Mountain HD or Earl Smalls are both very Buell enthusiastic. Glad to hear Atlanta Buell is talking to you though. On almost every weekend at T.W.O. you will find several Buells. Approach them with care as they will agressively attempt to give you their keys for a demo ride. Avoid following behind the purple S2 at all costs. He will suck you in and spit you off the mountain faster than you can imagine. He goes by the nickname Buellish, but he is really Satan incarnate. Look for the black XB9s with the funny grill over the headlights. His name is Glitch. Much safer riding partner. He will lead you to the most active Buell riding club in America. He and his pack of Buell-isti can be found every Thursday evening at the Vortex in Little Five Points area (best damn bike night in all the USA). If you do buy the Buell, seek out JMartz from this board. If he tells you something about the mechanical workings of the Buell, you can take it to the bank. If he hands you a "cigarette", don't take it. | ||
| Sandblast |
Tube frame slip-on mounting question in the knowledge vault, if any one is bored. Thanks. | ||
| Captainkirk |
Billiegoat; You don't say what carb you're running- I'll assume the stock CV-40, as you said everything else is stock. Do what has been suggested first. If that doesn't pan out, check your VOES switch. It comes off the back of the carb, pointing straight up in between the cylinders. It has a Deutsch connector on a two-wire harness. Usually the little rubber connector hose is just a slip-on deal, could've come undone. If that's OK, GENTLY tug each wire to see if one pulls out of the potting compound on the switch, which it will if it's broken inside. If so, let me know- there is a way to fix it. | ||
| Kinger |
Somewhere someone wanted a picture of an S3 dash.  I couldn't find the original post so here it is. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Dave, Done deal. I'll call you Thursday AM Brad | ||
| Tsienville |
Tripper - cool deal on the fellow Buellers up north. I rarely see Buells up there in the sea of rice rockets - but occasionally run across one that could be one of the fellas you mention. I've not done the Vortex nite, but keep telling myself that I'll eventually do it. Hmmm - forcing a test ride on me at TWO - sounds tempting! Hard to turn down a ride on any bike in the hills. | ||
| Billiegoat |
Thanks for the advice on my "cough" everyone. I re-gaped the plugs last night and ensured that the plug wires were fitting tight. Pulled off the K&N and cleaned up everything and re-set it all back. Was going to try the WD-40 to check for an intake seal leak, but sitting at idle in the garage it doesn’t “cough” it only “coughs” when I’m riding and after I shut off the choke or enricher. So… I don't think I have a intake seal leak, and the test ride made the cough considerably less than yesterday. I am running a stock carb, and it has never been touched. My ride to work this morning had only about three “coughs” which is not too bad, but I’d like to have none. Will follow Captainkirk’s advice, and see if there is a problem there with the carb wiring. This weekend, will buy some new plug wires & plugs and install. Have been thinking of jetting the carb or upgrading… my seriously consider buying a Mikuni42HSR (part 42-11) which will increase performance (yee-haw) and may solve my problem. Anyone have an opinion on a car-jet (on the stock one I have) vs. a new Mikuni? Anyone think this is my problem? Thanks again, Billiegoat | ||
| Firemanjim |
Stock carb--untouched.Change jetting and remove the plug from idle jet adjuster so you can actually set idle mixture.From factory you are running lean,and any changes to air filter and exhaust will only make it worse.That's your cough.Notice it does not do it with "enrichner" on cuz it's not running lean then. | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
Billiegoat: CHECK FOR INTAKE LEAK, TOO! the consequences of an undetected intake leak CAN ruin an engine's day. then do what FMJ said, and also replace the pilot jet with a 45 or 48. the stock main jet will work fine. but by all means, CHECK FOR AN INTAKE LEAK! Ferris | ||
| Davegess |
THIS JUST IN http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2004/Nov/041111g.htm Muzzy to drag race Buells!! |
