| Author | Message | ||
     Moondust |
Hey people, Im wondering what all you Buell XB riders really think of a typical Jap sportsbike like the GSXR 750 or 1000 ? Reason why I ask is - some friends of mine prefer to ride ninja's & Gixers & they have huge power at the throttle that really doesn't even compare to a buell & yet I've read some posts here from riders who ditch their big power sportsbikes for a Buell XB12s?? I went for the Buell City X for looks 1st & practicality 2nd & I don't much like the the sportsbike look - although the power looks attractive maybe a year or 2 down the line. If you add up the comparisons between the Buell XB's & GSXR 750 for instance -both in the same price range but everyone knows the GSXR is miles ahead in engineering etc so , why do you Buellers opt for the XB over something like the Gixer ? apart from the obvious styling etc. Im a new biker in general so XB is just right for my needs - but Gixers also look just as comfortable & the it seems odd that some of you ditch the Jap bikes for the Buell - so Im curious. BTW - this came up in conversation lately where someone asked why I chose an XB over something like a fireblade or GSXX - my response was a very fickle - I just like the style & look ... | ||
| Buellshyter |
The Buell is cool, don't ya think? | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
When you ride on a weekend, how many Gixxers do you see? For me, I didn't want a me too ride. The Buell also fit my needs and physical attributes as well. The GSXR is a great bike. For the track. Most of the power and capabilities are untapped in typical street riding. Buells are usable in 90% of what you want. If you want straight line speed in Montana, you might be able to use the best the GSXR has to offer. Buell put more into squeezing as much handling out of the bike as possible. The engine has also been maximized, but for the street rather than race track conditions. Right tool for the right job. Avoid the toaster. | ||
| Slaughter |
they're totally different bikes. I can't critique a man for his choice of women or choice of bike. The "typical" Japanese sportbike is an awesome handling and performing package - and for a lot of people it just makes sense and if you're just looking at the spec sheet, you can't argue. I like the Buells for all they are. I race one, ride the other on the street. Have had a chance to ride GSXR and R6 on the track and can't deny their appeal BUT I can't imagine riding one on the street... but that's just me. Those kinds of bikes are definitely crazy-quick and handle well - and in the XB, I have a bike that is plenty-quick and handles well. I also come from the school that says it's better to ride a slower bike fast than a faster bike slow - and NOBODY argues than an XB is faster than a gixxer... but it CAN be quicker... that's where the fun lies. The generic bikes will never make you a better rider. I only go as fast as my fear will let me. My fear usually slows me down before my skills let me down. The Buell is perfect for me. I'm a real fan of Buell, I'm just not a blind fan. Ride what makes your heart go all pitty pat and you'll be good. ME? I still ride and race a Buell. YMMV (Message edited by slaughter on March 12, 2007) | ||
| New12r |
both in the same price range but everyone knows the GSXR is miles ahead in engineering etc so , why do you Buellers opt for the XB over something like the Gixer ? I would disagree with that statement. ZTL brakes Fuel in Frame Oil in swingarm Wicked steering geometry. Those are huge engineering achievements. Ft.Bastard said it right, great street bike for sure, I love my 12R and it will live with me till I die. I have rode GSXR's and such and they just dont do it for me for street riding. The Buell aint no slouch on the track either. | ||
| Snakedriver |
I chose the XB simply because Im a true gear-head. Buell (IE Shelby, Porche, Chapman, Lyons, ect.) is such a geek you cant help but respect a man that is responsible for such a neat machine, also Shelby not with standing is alive and well. I beg to differ on your opinion that the Jap bikes are miles head. They just have new engines. I dont mean to sound like a jerk, but do you think in 2 years time you will be able to ride a Gixxer at 10/10s? For how many miles and where can you ride at 150 MPH? Lastly isnt the name of the game simply to have fun? Ride what YOU want. One last thought...I dont think you really understand what a wonder bike you have! Leo | ||
| Ducxl |
I like my Buells'.i have an aversion to asian imported bikes.But(never ridden one) they kick butt! Are as light(or lighter) than Buells too.I'll own (currently do too) Italian variants though. The Japanese machines perform very well,just look at Valentino's Yamaha.Although he got beat by a Ducati last weekend. | ||
| Terribletim |
Well, I like the "sportbike" look. So I'm putting a full body kit on my Firebolt. However, I got mine because everyone rides GSXR's & Ninja's. I HAVE to be different. That's why my '60s muscle car is an AMC Javelin! A Camaro would be run of the mill. I did it to be different! And I'm an attention wh*re, so the Buell fits the bill there too!  | ||
| Moondust |
I would disagree with that statement Thats just what I read & the general consensus from riders - but I hear you on the ingenuity of fuel in the frame etc etc. Gsxrs or Jap sportbikes in general seem to be ahead as far engine is concerned ie Buells Vtwin is based on quite & old design now - right ? hey im not arguing that fact - im asking - which is why im curious  dont get wrong here people - I love my buell - its just a topic that came up & as I have no Jap sportsbike experience - I though'd I put it to the board here  (Message edited by moondust on March 12, 2007) | ||
| Luckydevil |
little couple of little points, didn't the gixxers relocate their exhaust for 07 under the body like the buell? Cause it moves the weight lower. Buell says "Own the corners". this year Suzuki says "Own The Racetrack". you know what they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I'll bet you a dollar that in five years, perimeter brakes and Fuel-in-framemake it into standard import production on some models. because they are engineering innovations. they work to make the bike handle better. no disrespect the engineers at any motor company. But to say that the eastern imports are "miles ahead in engineering" is not true. They do have some killer power-plants. what we got here is apples and oranges. Refinement and redesign are also challenges that become harder every year. Much respect for that. The gixxers are fantastic bikes. but i really like the innovation eric has crammed into the XB platform. I like my orange. | ||
| Hammer71 |
I like the performance that has been achieved by the Asian makers but I also like the fact that my old technology engine is easily fixed by me in my garage or kitchen( if needed) with basic hand tools ( no crazy computer crap and so on) | ||
| Terribletim |
I agree with Luckydevil. And just tell 'em you aren't a "dime-a-dozen" rider, so you don't want a "dime-a-dozen" bike. That'll really make their day! Then, every time you pull up somewhere and there is a GSXR already there, just look at it and say "dime-a-dozen"! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I'll bet you a dollar that in five years, perimeter brakes and Fuel-in-framemake it into standard import production on some models. because they are engineering innovations. they work to make the bike handle better. Cool. Nothing like the toasters funneling funds into Buell's coffers. Fuel in Frame: Patent Number 6,484,837 B1 ZTL Braking System: Patent Number 6,561,298 B2 Underslung Exhaust: Patent Number 6,267,193 B1 | ||
| Teddagreek |
It comes down to taste... I prefer the power of twins compared to inline bikes. I think the technology as of late has really helped these bikes have more street usable power.. Triumph Triples are nice I'd go there before a IL4... If I wasn't riding a buell I'd have a ducati,Aprillia or a RC51.. I've heard Rumors of street version of Honda GP bikes | ||
| Fireflyer |
I love my Buell, but remember this is a pro Buell site. You may get some different opinions from other web sites dealing with different bikes. I don't ride my Buell because I care what others think. There are lots of great bikes out there and Buells are some of them. | ||
| Bads1 |
Actually the Gixxer 1000 lowered the cans and put one on each side. I don't see them coping at all. I like all bikes...love my Buell. Next year I'm looking for a new bike and Buell doesn't seem to have what I'm looking for any longer. Just as of recent the Gixxer 1000 as getting my attention. | ||
| M_singer |
I prefer my Firebolt to a Japanese sport bike for a number of reasons. I appreciate the ingenuity and advanced engineering that went into the XB. I like the strong low and mid range of the thunderstorm motor and its linear power delivery. I can live w/o the extreme top end rush of a modern sporting multi (not that that sort of thing isn’t fun at times). It does not bother me that any supersport 600 could spank my Firebolt in a drag race or top speed contest. I think my Firebolt is cooler and more unique then any current Japanese sport bike. I like the low maintenance of the Belt drive and hydraulic lifters. The 600’s have no significant power below 8k rmp’s or so. I don’t want to have to ride at such high revs to access the power. I don’t have the skill to use the power that a liter class Jap sport bike makes on the street. Few people do. Too much power for your skill level can slow you down on a twisty road! I ride on twisty mountain roads. I do not ride on a race track at triple digit speeds. I rarely ride over 70 mph. I find that the BX12R has “enough” power for me. My firebolt is the most confidence inspiring bike that I have ever ridden. Different riders want different things from a bike. I think that GSXR’s are awesome! Buells and GSXR’s are very different bikes that people buy for different reasons. One isn’t better then the other, but each is better for some riders then the other is. | ||
| Crg11983 |
I questioned whether or not get get a Buell for my first bike. Of course after doing so I have never turned back. My reasons for choosing a Buell are as follows: American V-twin power & sound Unique engineering (fuel in frame, oil in swing arm, etc...) Rarity of the bike itself Naked bike styling I could probably go on and on I have never ridden with another Buell rider, but do ride with many jap bike riders. They love to give me a hard time, but I couldn't care less. The only thing they can do is out run me on the freeway or expressway. There is only so long you can go 150 mph. If that is your goal, then get a jap bike. If you want a bike that will "Own the Corners", and is extremely distinct in every way choose the Buell. | ||
| Pmpski_1 |
One look at the XB and I wanted to ride. Once I heard it I needed to ride. No gixxer ever did that for me. | ||
| Jjk |
Hey Moondust! I've been keeping up with some of your posts over the last few weeks and I feel like you have a big case of 'buyer's remorse'! Hang in there! Trust me, the more you ride your CityX, the more you will like it. Especially if you like to ride twisty roads! When I bought my CityX, I was also looking at ZX10s and CBR1000s and I could have had either for a few dollars more. But I already had a Suzuki TL1000S and an old FZR400 and wanted something that would complement them. The Buell has been everything I thought and more. It will never win a drag race, but it's abilites in the corners are amazing and allow me to stay with or even get away from a lot of the guys on R1s and such. Soooooo . . . hold onto your CityX, get the RaceKit ECM, do some other personalizing (I just installed some neat LSL rearsets), and then buy another bike like a GSXR1000. Apples and oranges, and it's fun to have such diverse products in the garage. | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
I love all bikes and i have owned an 03 xb9r Firebolt, 01 kawi zx9r, 01 honda f4I, and a 98 gsxr 600 srad. I will honestly say that the buell was the best most reliable bike of the 4 and its the only bike that made me smile yes i have gone faster on the other 3 so much faster i ended up in jail and even totaled one of the bikes. I think all of those bikes had great qualitys about them but for me the buell gave me the most fun so i plan to get me another one when i get back from korea in december. (Message edited by firebolt020283 on March 12, 2007) | ||
| Metalstorm |
I think the Gixxers & Ninjas are great. Lots of power, lots of revs. My Buell suits me better. The looks, the torque, the character, the flickability. My next bike will probably be another Buell because I've yet to find a better bike for street duty. But I do like the SuzuKawaYamaHondas of the world and I'll respect those who find them appealing & ridicule those who claim that they're the only bikes worth owning. | ||
| Ejiii |
I went from a '98 CBR600F3, tricked out to 101 rear wheel HP on Erion Racings dyno. A great bike. To a '01 CBR929 with 130 rear wheel HP. To a very tricked out 03 KTM Duke with close to 70 rear wheel HP. Everyone of them were great! Now I ride a '05 XB9SX. I love the bike. It's as good or better than the previous bikes I have owned and the cool thing is it's Team Obsolete and cutting edge technology all rolled up in to one. When riding the classic twisty roads in Southern California the Buell will hang with all the Jap and Euro bikes and in most cases will out handle them. In the twisties I never feel out gunned on the Buell. | ||
| Teddagreek |
Oh God here we go again.... Yes our bikes handle well.. Don't buy into your buell being the best handling bike.. A lot of that is hype Rider ability and experience come into play. "Hey that crappy Jap bike can take the corner at that speed my buell will do it easy"... I just don't want any one to get hurt... | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Moondust, Enjoy the bike you have. Luckily there is no such thing as "bike marriage". There is only bike dating. When the relationship is over you date the next one. It isn't like you have to buy "the" bike. Enjoy every facet of the bike you have right now. You have only scratched the surface of getting to know the 9x. In time, you will be able to precisely tell someone what you love about your girl. Or you could do what many here have done and create a harem. | ||
| Plag |
I used to race when I was younger. Wouldn't have owned anything but a jap litre bike. I've owned a ZX9, R1 and a CBR1000. They are frustrating on the street because you can really only use 20 or 30% of what the machine is capable of doing. Slaughter's got it right: "I also come from the school that says it's better to ride a slower bike fast than a faster bike slow" I bought my XB12Ss for the street because I can shag it hard without having to go 300kmh. Try actually using the power of a new jap litre bike on the street...very frustrating! | ||
| Chainsaw |
why do you Buellers opt for the XB over something like the Gixer ?  Primarily because I believe "Be American, Buy American. " I've never been with the 'in' crowd and I give a rat's-ass about who has the fastest bike this month...I've never cared for that kind of pissing contest. If I wanted a 180mph sport bike I could surely buy one. They just don't appeal to me personally. | ||
| Strato9r |
The GSXR 750 is my favorite Japanese machine. If I were to own one, though, everything I'd end up doing to it would be to make it more Buell-like; more street friendly ergos, snottier midrange, that sort of thing. Which would kind of undermine the purpose of the machine. In my opinion, a hot-rodded street engine, whether it's a big block Chev, or the Buell refined Sportster, will always deliver more smiles per gallon than a de-tuned race engine will. | ||
| Tommy_2stroke |
Why have a Buell? Because it is absolutely the best general-purpose tool ever invented for half-mad tear-arseing around town and country, that's why. The guys who designed this thing must be complete lunatics, God bless 'em... [insert demented grin here] | ||
| Xbullet |
I own a CityX. My brother owns an 05 Ninja 636, which is probably a little quicker than the GSXR750, at least of the same year. We ride together all the time and trade off from time to time. i love riding, and i like his bike, but it's not suited for me and the type of riding i do. i don't feel comfortable on it like i do my buell. i'm only 5'8", and he's 6'1". the Kawa stretches out and fits him, while the xb tends to cater to my stubby little frame. the ninja also doesn't respond to the throttle the same way the xb does. that's not to say it's bad. it's powerful. the ninja's power is like getting rabbit punched in the face by bruce lee, whereas the xb's power is more like getting body slammed by tank abbott. here's the scenario. two hooligans, myself on the xb, little bro on the 636. we leave a stop sign side by side. i toss the front wheel into the air, bring it down, and accelerate to 120 or so VERY quickly. meanwhile, little bro is floating a long slow wheelie, then bringing it down and fighting to get up into those high revs to catch up. i get to one thirty and hold it there, but he's so far behind he has to do 160 just to catch and pass me because it takes him longer to get to 100. my buell will NEVER do 160. it's not capable. but i know that at 70-80 i can take a HARD corner, roll the throttle and leave him in the dust. so it's all down to what you like. forget looks or engineering. let's be self-centered. he likes the feeling of 150 mph in fourth gear. i like to be the first guy to the top of the mountain. take your pick! unfortunately for my ego, lately i've been riding with some badwebbers who will definitely beat me up the hill.... |
