| Author | Message | ||
     Danxb9r |
All in all went real well lot of the riders couldn’t believe there was a Harley motor tucked in there. One guy had a SV1000 Suzuki and we seemed to be pretty neck and neck as far as quickness. A lot of the riders admired the Buell styling and really liked it. One guy said “we now accept the Buell’s they’re a fast bike”. One guy thought there was a 4 cylinder another seemed not believe the gas tank is the frame and the oil tank is the swing arm. Anyways all in all I had fun with a great bunch of riders that I met today that shared the same passion as I do. | ||
| Metalstorm |
Cool. Riders of all makes banding together as Motorcycle Enthusiasts. Gotta love it. | ||
| Rubdoggy |
yup, i get props from all types of riders. | ||
| Tomzweifel |
I either get props from all types, or dissed by all types. It doesn't seem as though our bikes inspire moderation... | ||
| Mellow_yellow |
I rode with 2 CBR600s and a GSXR1000 a couple weeks ago.I put a woopin' on the CBRs,the guy on the GSXR cleaned my clock.Those things are crazy fast.  | ||
| Duff24 |
yeah no kidding, it's just not fair! we meet up at sonic and i ride with a bunch of sportbike guys every friday and/or saturday late at night and tear up some of the twisties in the city, usually no traffic by the time we get out. but man those dang jap bikes can really get after it in a straight stretch, but i always seem to catch up once we get into the twisties...gotta love it!! | ||
| Chasespeed |
Yep...if you can ride it...they will give you respect.. I used to get my chops busted too...then we all lined up one time... Anyway, when we got to the gas station, everyone was like "dude, I thought that thing had a harley motor?????" Yeah, again, you gotta love these bikes.... Chase | ||
| Buellerx |
I am always amazed at the misinformation that gets passed from one person to another about BUELLS. I have often wondered where it comes from. I have people all the time wonder why I would ride a BUELL instead of some Jap Race Replica. When I say Why wouldn't I ride a BUELL they come back with this list of just ridiculous BS like: * They are soooo slow (I actually had a guy tell me that his SV650 was faster than my XB. He read it in a magazine somewhere) I have also been told that it is just a 1200 Sportster made to look like a Sport Bike. * They are the most unreliable bike ever built. Parts fall off the bike while you are riding down the street. (I have had several people tell me that one) * They shake and vibrate so bad they are uncomfortable to ride for more than a few minutes. * They are really heave because of that Harley engine that is in them. I used to try to set the record straight by explaining that they where actually really light (under 400 lbs, that they made over 100HP stock, they are very reliable and long lasting bikes, and the vibration is almost nonexistent once the bike is moving. It is amazing that no one believes me. They look at me like I am on crack. I wonder where these people are getting their info? The funny thing is the stories are pretty consistent from one person to another so its hard to believe that everyone is making up the same stories. They must be reading it or hearing it somewhere. | ||
| Starter |
Usualy these people have heard stories and have never riden nor seen one up close. Like my neighbour downstaires had a cousin who apparently had an old Lightning that was always breaking down. When the a cousin came riding one day it was revelaed it broke down cause it was outta fuel once. He'd never had any other problems except noise infringements. I've let all my friends ride my XB9R and they always comment on how different it was to what they expected and actually felt like a fast bike once the curse of running into the rev limiter was passed and the realisation that revs don't always mean best power. Buells are a relatively new product, very different from mainstream design and unfortunately not given the street cred due for being a top notch ROAD bike. Maybe if there were more expensive and not so publicly declared as a H-D product than they might be considered a little more exclusive like an MV Agusta, Benelli etc. People seem to live with owning their "personalities" and just write it off as being character and part of the admission price to an boutique brand. As an example take the MV Agusta F4 750. It regularly featured in magazine against GSXR-750 and was always placed second in terms of everything bar looks. In Aust the F4 was a good twice the price but plenty of them still sold. A panel beater that painted my last bike traded his 2001 GSXR-750 on one and was fairly honest in saying as a road bike it was lame in every way possible, but he always finished the sentence by explaining that when he goes for a ride in the twisties, no one else has got one. (Message edited by starter on July 29, 2005) | ||
| Djkaplan |
My main riding partner in the twisties rides a GSXR1000. He's track day specialist and he keeps urging me to do Barber Motorsports with him. I think it's just so he can get me in the wide open and really show me what his bike can do, because the real world (at least in the mountains) pretty much puts us on parity. | ||
| Buell |
I used to own a '94 Honda CBR600 F2 - and I loved that bike. It was well made, I thought and was very comfortable. When it was totaled (a guy in a P/U backed over it) I went on a quest to find the bike that would hold the corners that I so love to ride out here in Colorado. My best friend has an X1 so I thought I would try out the Firebolt - along with all the other sport bikes (Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Triumph) and I fell in love. This bike has plenty of power for me and yawns when I push it through the corners that I used to take my Honda through. Anyway, one of my coworkers rides a Honda 900RR and gave me SO much crap when I decided to buy the 'bolt - gave me all of the reasons listed above for why I should have bought something else. When I got the bike, I convinced him to go with me on our lunch hour and trade bikes. All he could say when he got off the bike was "Wow." Buell: Breaking misconceptions one ride at a time. | ||
| Cataract2 |
I came off an FZR 600 to my Buell. Power wise I was not loosing anything and gaining everything. When I told some of the people what I ride with I to received all of the reasons why I didn't want a Buell. Funny, I sure can't seem to find any reason to agree with after 12,400 miles of smiles. | ||
| M1combat |
"12,400 miles of smiles." And there it is right there... These bikes NEED to be ridden to be understood. | ||
| Bigeasy |
I just came back from the Dragon 2 days ago. First time for me. If there ever was a road made for our bikes this is it! Lots of bikes of every make and size. Not once did someone run up behind me to pass. I was able to stay in 3rd gear the whole time except for 2 turns where I had to downshift to 2nd. Everyone I talked to had positive things to say about my XB12S and loved the sound from my D&D. I also sawa black 2003 xb9s with a chopped tail and some very chewed up Dunlops parked at the resort. Anyone from here? I rode the Cherohala Skyway back to 75 south on the way home, it was buellitfull! Art | ||
| Jeremyh |
Buellerx, one of the guys that works were i bought my Suzuki said you must be selling it because you are tired of all that vibration when you are riding. I thought ok i will give this guy some respect just out of my desire to be somewhat of a calm and cool person, but then he procedes to go on about how much of a Buell fan he is. The salesman that i bought my bike from was standing there and sais, yeah Jeremy he is big Buell fan maybe he will just buy your bike. Then the guy said something like yeah but they are too slow for me and i don't think i would want all that vibration. Thats when i snapped and said," its obvious to be that you have never and probably will never even sit on a Buell." He looked at me with a shocked look and asked why it is i am selling my Buell then. I told him its not because i don't like my bike, its just not the bike i wanted and it is a great bike for others to experience. | ||
| Kootenay |
I think Buells are a kind of "cult status" bike--those who have 'em generally love 'em, and those who don't, don't. The American motorcycle press certainly hasn't helped their image. | ||
| Midknyte |
the American motorcycle press certainly hasn't helped their image. I don't think that the motorcycle press has been innapropriate. This might seem a stab in the heart for the older guys here [read tubers], but pre Blast/XB models had issues and the appearance of a parts-on-hand designed bike (personal opinion). [I am developing an respect/affection for the some of the older models though] The tighter relationship with HD and the infusion of R&D $$$ has allowed Buell to make incredible strides in creativity, solid design, reliability, consistency, etc., etc. The shackles are off. All of the magazines at the launch of the Firebolt took a cautious stance. Taking the stance that it "could be" or "might be" a great bike - I know, I got 'em laying around here and there. That was discouraging, but wholly understandable. They're coming around. Take a look around at the articles about the Ulysses and you find them saying "it is" a great bike. And THAT ladies and gentlemen, is the "corner" that this bike has turned. | ||
| Buell12hundo |
I like that most people do not have a clue of what are bikes are all about. And when you get those guys who know it all about bikes, but are clueless to the tec that goes into our bikes and how well they are built and yet still callem a pile of ship. | ||
| Elff |
I had a cool experience the other day I pulled into a WAWA [Convenience store in our area] and parked on the side of the building which is the unofficial parking spot for motorcycles. I was the first one. Went inside, got some cash and something to drink. When I came out 2 Kawa ZX-636s pulled up and parked. THe one guy had a cool Laser tail pipe which I checked out, then they came over to look at my bike. When the one guy saw the open Airbox conversion under the see through blue he flipped out. Dude Check this out, HOLY SHEEET Check this out. His friend came over was impressed as well and then came the dumbfounded looks Hey? Where is your gas tank then? It's in the frame and I point to it on both sides, here and here NO F-ING WAY Holy crap that is awesome, I bet that makes this handle like mad. I agreed and went on to explain the trilogy pointing out the muffler and oil locations and explaining the angle of the front fork. Then I show them the front brake. More amazement and 4 letters expletives. Is this seat stock?? No I got that from a UK company. It's Bad@SS, can I sit on it. Sure, Wow, this fits like a glove can I take the kick stand up and feel the balance Sure Holy Crap, it's perfect you must love this thing. H3LL Yea Then, a guy on a pretty chromed out Harley pulls up and shortly thereafter a custom chopper with a really kille paintjob pulls in. Hey, how do you like that? Who me, what? OO yea it's awesome. That's a Buell right? Yup. Neat concept and it sure looks cool. Im beeaming from ear to ear now. He asks about the engine. I tell them it is the small one and it's roots and give him the numbers. That shocked him a bit. On a bike that small with that small engine you get that much power? Yup, and it is right where you need it, these twins kick butt and so on............. What a great day. Seems like most gearheads who understand tech respect these bad boys when you explain what they have | ||
| 45_degrees |
I understood them before I even rode one. Fell in love and bought it before I even heard what it sounded like. And this was after I had read a few bad articles. I knew the bad articles were from biased opinions. Funny though, some of their whiney gripes actually intrigued me more. I was also aware that I would have to travel at least 300 miles to find a halfway decent dealer. Always had Japanese bikes before and loved them. But now, they don’t seem as interesting. Man... that first ride was life changing, and I didn’t even go past break-in engine speeds. They make perfectly respectable power. Anyone that says they’re slow is a DORRK (Dummy On a Race Replica 1000). Yes, ignorant people that don’t understand technology can't understand Buell motorcycles and usually don’t care too... there was this Road Crayon on a CBR1000RR one day going the opposite way on a twisty canyon road. I was just pulling off to turn around (to go back through a great section of twisties) and he gave me this look like ‘look at me, I'm superior to you and my sweet Honda will blow away your POS Buell’. Well, he took off to pass some cars on a straight while I was still facing the other direction. Got turned around, accelerated and passed the line of cars just before the passing lane ended, and proceeded to catch up to the Honda through the twisties (he was struggling very hard to leave me behind). I got right behind him and stayed there like a fighter plane chasing down a Zero. Wasn’t even pushing my Lightning. I could tell he was trying very hard but couldn't get away. He was running so wide I could have passed him had I wanted. They (the CBR and rider) were at their limits, while we (me and my Lightning) were nowhere near ours. After we got out of the canyon, he popped a huge wheelie at about 50 mph and took off. Later, I passed him when we got nearer the city and looked over at him staring at my Buell. He was still acting like his Honda was superior because when I gave him a nod, he just scowled at my Buell with a disgusted, evil eye. I shook my head at rode away. I’ll bet in reality he was actually ashamed and pissed off because his sweet superior machine just got embarrassed by, in his mind, an inferior American bike All of my friends and all my brothers are now Buell enthusiasts because of my Buell, and they don't even have one... yet. My XB9S is the center of attention. My next purchase will be another Buell! And another after that, and another... Buell motorcycles are awesome... Different in every sense, superior in every way.  | ||
| 45_degrees |
One more thing... Buells ARE Sportbikes. Since when is going around corners really fast and excellently NOT a sport? | ||
| Jeremyh |
holy complex dude, are you ok 45_deg. you sure sound like someone crapped in your wheaties, and man i'm not sure i want to know if this tell tale fish story of yours made you a bigger man or more of an ego egg head. Don't get me wrong, i do think a lot of folks on IL4's have some eagos...especially litre bikes butt man. It was one guy and i have the hardest time believing that you even saw the evil eye...you sure your mind just isn't just letting you see what you want to see? Sorry dude.....i just couldn't help it. I liked my Buell but now maybe i am glad i got rid of it in fear of turning out like you. | ||
| Danny |
DORRK (Dummy On a Race Replica 1000). Oh man, I'm stealing that!! We'll probably start describing half our customer base like that, unfortunately, but if the flip-flop fits... Good one! Danny | ||
| M1combat |
If the flip flop fits  ... HA! | ||
| Butch_xb9r |
Everyone I ride with has a rice rocket so I stick out like a sore thumb. Some of the guys like the Buell overall and some don't but they all seem to want the sound and my front brake! | ||
| 45_degrees |
jeremy- I could see his evil eye because he had no helmet on! Just one reason why he earns the title of Road Crayon DORRK by me! I was thinking he was a relatively good rider by how he could pop a wheelie and ride it a ways at such a speed and we were going a pretty fast clip down the canyon too. If I had a motorcycle like that I wouldn't try to pop a wheelie at that speed and I've been riding motorcycles for 19 years! I don't think I'm crazy enough. I didn't race after him when he did his wheelie like he wanted me to because I knew there was no sense in it. He would have beat me in the straight line. But I beat him where I think it counts most in motorcycling... in the handling department. Maybe this does make my ego bigger (I know it is bigger now that I have a Buell). Just bragging and reinforcing how great Buells are around corners. Do you not believe that Buells handle well? Did you sell your Buell and get a 1000 Super Sport? How come you lurk here if you have no more Buell?... I think you miss it.  My Buell makes me a better rider than I was before. I won't reach the handling limits of my Buell anytime soon, especially on the street. I think the reason I got so pumped up in the first place to beat him was I had just been through some great corners and I was already feeling pretty good, and then I saw the way he looked at me and my Buell and I thought... come on my good friend, let's show this guy what you can do! And that we did. We're a team. The stories I have of people admiring my Buell are too many. I just thought this story would be more excitin' to all y'all. These kind of stories get your blood a pumpin' and your ego a growin'. Oh yes I still admire Japan's offerings... but they don't look so good to me anymore. I've not a problem riding with fellows on them. I find my fellow riders are constantly admiring my Buell. And now they all want one. I can't wait for them all to get theirs too! I know they will be loving the riding experience even more when they do get one. It all comes down to this... I'm proud to be an American. | ||
| Midknyte |
It all comes down to this... I'm proud to be an American. Ain't that the truth! And Buell[/HD] gives you that ability (bikewise). There would be a lot less polarization if there were four or five American sportbike mfr's. As it is, there is one, and with that comes the mixture of pride and defensiveness. | ||
| Olinxb12r |
I personally like the fact that some people think my XB is a pile. I think it is funny! I like the missconception, and the fact that I rarely see anyone else on my bike! That was part of why I bought the bike to begin with. Well, that and the fact that I was sick of hearing my old man rant about my Yamaha! He has a Road King, so he loves that I ride a Buell. When people scoff at my bike I laugh and ride a sick wheely right by them. Then later they are like "holy crap I didn't know those bikes could be riden like that!" Then I tell them not to buy one because I like to be different! | ||
| M1combat |
"and the fact that I rarely see anyone else on my bike!" Do you always leave the keys in it or something?  | ||
| Blake |
Great stories all! Thanks for sharing them. Jeremy, B nice. | ||
| Tomd |
Hi All, I ride with friends with metric bikes of sushi and pasta origin all the time. Before I bought the XB I tooled around on a 1200 sporty flat tracker. They thought the sporty was "quaint" and "really cool looking, but slow" Truth is, they were right, it was no match for the liter or super twin bikes in either handling, stopping or going departments. The day I brought the XB home I rounded them up and we went for a blast through the hills. Even though I was still learning the XB's habits, I was not left in the dust like I was with the XR. The group realization of just how much of a "super twin" the Buell is came when we stopped at the overview point, where the fast guys wait for the slow bikes to catch up, I was there with the leaders, not with the slow pokes. At the turn around point, we took a brake. The XB became the topic of all discussion. By the time we got suited back up for the return trip, there were 6 converts to the Buell formula, 1 of whom has joined the ranks as a "tube-ahh". (his spelling) I still loose on the straight parts to the TL's and the liter bikes in the group, but as soon as they have to put the front wheel back on the ground to turn, their mine..... Tom | ||
| M1combat |
"but as soon as they have to put the front wheel back on the ground to turn, their mine..... " HA!! I love quotes like that . |
