| Author | Message | ||
     Yahooboy |
I'm sorely disappointed that the Firebolt didn't get a damn thing for '06. Not even a great new color or anything! Is the Firebolt forgotten...or is it getting a ground-up redesign for '07 (wishful thinking?)? I'd love a long version with a few extra horses, then I'd happily convert! In Erik's video on the new bikes, he says the Lightning is the core of their bikes, but the 'Bolt has been in it's current state too long in terms of sportbike evolution. Come on Erik, forget the dirt roads, give us something to really eat up the jap bikes! | ||
| Buells Rule! (Dyna in disguise) |
I'm sorely disappointed that the Firebolt didn't get a damn thing for '06. Increased gas capacity, new lifetime belt, better swingarm with improved dipstick access, etc. | ||
| Buell12hundo |
the bolts got a new swing arm,1/2lb lighter,new tranny, that alone makes me want to trade my 05 in, and the clutch is easier to pull in by 22%. that 1/2 of a pound is a huge thing because unsprung weight is the hardest to get rid of and the big four try by losing oz's of weight which is a big diff to them. I would love to see more horse power and maybe a full fairing or new nose piece but then again I just bought mine in may and I'am glad there is no body changes  | ||
| M1combat |
It got a few upgrades  . I think we'll get more next year. I think the Ullyses will finance the road race effort quite nicely  . | ||
| Tbs_stunta |
Buell can't blow their wad in one go. Gotta have some love leftover for next years models. | ||
| Yahooboy |
Maybe it did get a damn thing, , but those all seem to be convenience mods. What about usable room for those of us over 6' tall, and real performance gains. I was on the Dragon this Saturday and the jap bikes were killing me. I have a XB9, not the 12, but it was brutal! Now I know what everyone says about doing well in the turns, but losing it from one turn to the next. | ||
| Buell12hundo |
any chicken strips? on that slow corner machine.LOL  | ||
| Whodom |
Yahooboy, Please don't take this as a criticism in the least - I have no clue of your riding abilities, but they say the best way to pick up speed is to go to school. A couple of track days might be much more effective and a lot cheaper than a new bike. | ||
| Dana P. |
Dyna no larger fuel capacity on the Firebolt or the S models.Just the two new models. | ||
| Buells Rule! (Dyna in disguise) |
You sure Dana? I thought but I could be wrong that all the models now breathe thru the area around the gas cap & the previous hole for air ducting had been enclosed & allows a bit more gas capacity. | ||
| Dana P. |
Yep your right if you really want to call it increased.Mine has 3.7 gal and the 06's have 3.8 gal. Not really a big deal. | ||
| Captjim |
Fuel capacity is 3.82 gal for 2006 and 3.7 gal for 2005. Looks like the volume of the hole in the frame for the air intake is sealed up to give us 0.12 gallons extra fuel. That is what, an 1/8 of a gallon, 4 quarts to a gallon and 2 pints to a quart, that gives an extra pint of fuel. I can't believe that the little air intake by the gas cap is big enough for all of the engine breathing but it looks that way. May be the gap between the airbox cover and the frame adds some open space for the engine to breathe through. I'm sure someone has engineered this. | ||
| Dana P. |
Opppps!!!! I'm sorry I forgot the 2 in 3.82 gallons.So that means you still will be looking for gas about the same time.Not much of a huge benefit.I'm not complaining about it anyways.Not enough changes for me to get a new bike. | ||
| Captjim |
Oops, You beat me to it. As far as the Firebolt forgotten. I really can't find anything wrong with my bike, I have a 2005 12R. The thing corners like it's on rails, has great power for the street, and sounds awesome. Maybe a little cramped ergonomically. The biggest complaint I have is that I can't get off of it. Every time I stop riding all I want to do is get back on. You can't see my house because the grass hasn't been cut in a month. I have a boat that might still be floating I'm not sure haven't even looked for it lately. I don't sleep, I don't shower... Hi, My name is jim, I'm addicted to my Firebolt. I want to be on my bike at 6,000 RPM all of the time. (Message edited by Capt.Jim on August 01, 2005) | ||
| Yahooboy |
I'm not saying I'm the best rider out there. In fact I know that I'm far from it. And I know that a different bike isn't necessarily going to get me around any quicker, but I think a dual sport is a weird choice for a brand built on "street fighters." I think dual-sport bikes in general are the equivalent of all these SUVs the cagers are driving. Just like BMW's GS series, how many go off road? And how many are all dressed up with every available option and are neatly parked in some lawyer's garage until a weekend with 0% chance of rain comes along? I might be the only person that has zero interest in the Ulysses, but I'd prefer real improvements on what we already have instead of a new bike that is a blatant stab at cross-over sales. P.S. - No chicken strips. Even though that doesn't measure skill in any way. | ||
| Whodom |
YB: Don't write the Ully off as a poser bike quite yet. If you haven't already, I highly recommend you read Reg Kittrelle's review at: http://www.sacborg.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=013152 He describes it as more of a "real world" sportbike- the extra suspension travel and open tread tires will let it eat a lot of "true" sport bikes for lunch on the less-than-perfect roads that we all spend a lot of our riding time on. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
Has it been 3 years yet???? Lets see, mostly for the last 2 MY's the Firebolt has gotten some cosmetic changes, and minor tuning tweeks. One of the minor tuning tweeks was a bump to 1203cc's. No big deal. Look at ALL of the other motorcycle manufacturers out there. Who does major design changes on a model line EVERY year? No one, its always minor changes and running updates. Even the Sx is a cosmetic change with some other running updates. Its honestly amazing the BMC came out with an ENTIRE new model line at the 3 year mark. So it isn't the firebolt, so its more along the core lines of the Lightning, just sit back, relax and enjoy the bike you have, and start saving up for the monies you will need for the next model. | ||
| Buell12hundo |
yahooboy I was being sarcastic about liking chicken products (nuggets & wings)and such. | ||
| Buell12hundo |
not trying to change direction of the thread but captjim have you heard of any brag goings on over at ocean co.buell last I heard the pres left and the 2nd up was on vacation, and no one new anything. | ||
| Yahooboy |
Maybe I started this thread with a bad tone. Maybe I'm letting my bad Monday at work take over my posts. I know I'm jealous of the "average height" guys who can fit on a Firebolt without aftermarket bits to make it comfortable (or taking up yoga to learn to fold my legs that tightly). Why couldn't the Lightning Long had a companion Firebolt Long? That's what I really want. | ||
| Tbs_stunta |
>>I think dual-sport bikes in general are the equivalent of all these SUVs the cagers are driving. Just like BMW's GS series, how many go off road? And how many are all dressed up with every available option and are neatly parked in some lawyer's garage until a weekend with 0% chance of rain comes along? You have a sportbike, how often have you put it on the track? | ||
| Dago |
I'm 6'3" and feel pretty comfy on the R. I may look too big for it, but it doesn't feel that way. What aftermarket bits did you add to increase your comfort? I know I'll be getting a better saddle soon. | ||
| Djkaplan |
I ride one of the older Buells, an M2 (not even considered a performance Buell) and I don't have any problems at all leading or following any of my friends on their Japanese bikes when we're in the twisties. It's usually me and my step-brother (GSXR1000) who break away and have to wait up for everyone else. | ||
| Aldaytona |
I'm 6'2" and have ridden from Ft. Lauderdale to the Gap on my R and back. Only change I made was Gel Superbike grips, and find the stock seat comfy (with unpadded bicycle shorts under my outer clothes), but then I ride approx. 5,000 miles a year on top of a Specialized Pro Ti and have lower handlebars as well. Comfort is subjective. I even enjoy the seat on the S1  | ||
| Yahooboy |
"You have a sportbike, how often have you put it on the track?" I don't have a sportbike. I have a Lightning (I consider a standard), but have lust in my heart for a Firebolt I can fit on. Even a Firebolt isn't intended for the track...just a bitchin' street bike! "What aftermarket bits did you add to increase your comfort?" If I had a Firebolt, I'd put the Lightning pegs on it and change the grips. If they make a Long version I'll have to see how I feel about the clipons, but would most likely put Heli bars on it (my hands fall asleep on the current R). | ||
| Yahooboy |
"Ft. Lauderdale to the Gap on my R and back" How far is that? Do you mean Deal's Gap? I rode my S from Gainesville to Knoxville (near Deal's Gap) and I thought it was a tough trip. I was following the last Hurricane that came up through FL, so I was wet most of the way and chapped like crazy by the time I got home. Not fun! | ||
| Yahooboy |
"Don't write the Ully off as a poser bike quite yet. If you haven't already, I highly recommend you read Reg Kittrelle's review" It's still ugly IMHO  (just kidding) But I understand what you mean. Now I'm at least curious to see one in person. I still think it's a weird choice, though. Call it the most capable street bike, or a better sport tourer, but why a dual sport? How well will belt drive really work off-road? | ||
| M1combat |
They don't call it a dual sport . They call it an adventure sport . A sport bike capable of some adventure as I see it. | ||
| Izzinya |
I think dual-sport bikes in general are the equivalent of all these SUVs the cagers are driving. Just like BMW's GS series, how many go off road? And how many are all dressed up with every available option and are neatly parked in some lawyer's garage until a weekend with 0% chance of rain comes along? you mean the most sold kind of cage ???? the new buell WILL sell like hotcakes Izzinya | ||
| Captjim |
Hundo, I have been going to all of the BRAG meetings in Ocean. Supposed to be the last Sunday of the month. No one was there yesterday  If your interested we can schedule a meeting over at the shop with the new leadership. If you want to go for a ride I'm always up for it. Plan on going into the mountains again this weekend. Send me a PM if your interested. jim |
