Buell experience?
05-05-2007 | 10:24 AM
#1
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From: Wekiva Springs (Orlando) FL
Buell experience?
This may seem like a strange place to post this, but I'm wondering if any of my fellow SH'ers own or have extensively ridden a buell XB model. I've demo'd them a few times and despite what most people think of them, I thought they were great fun. Laughing out loud in my helmet kinda fun. In fact, I had every intention of buying one until my local H-D (and begrudgingly Buell) dealer pissed me off. I came home and started looking at ads online, and found the SH.
I'm not looking for which bike is quicker in the 1/4, or any general anecdotes regarding H-D products. I just wanna know what people think of them, compared with a benchmark I'm familiar with. I'll tell you that based upon what I remember from my demo rides, the suspention was wonderful. Very compliant over bumps/holes. I felt like it was a smoother ride than my Wing. Power seemed good, and definately easily accesible. And I like the belt drive. Anyone else have an opinion?
I'm not looking for which bike is quicker in the 1/4, or any general anecdotes regarding H-D products. I just wanna know what people think of them, compared with a benchmark I'm familiar with. I'll tell you that based upon what I remember from my demo rides, the suspention was wonderful. Very compliant over bumps/holes. I felt like it was a smoother ride than my Wing. Power seemed good, and definately easily accesible. And I like the belt drive. Anyone else have an opinion?
05-05-2007 | 02:55 PM
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I had the chance to demo one on a track day and thought the Buell was alot of fun. Great steering, low center of gravity, and I think they look good too. Too bad they have an out of date engine and transmission in them. The dealers think very high of them also but all in all a cool bike. PS they dont like anything above 5500RPM. I forgot I was not on the Hawk in a front straight gave it full throttle in third. Just when I thought I was getting in the meat of what would be the SH's power I heard a nasty popping knocking sound from below and realized the Buell was crying for an upshift. Footpegs scrap too soon also.
05-05-2007 | 04:35 PM
#3
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Superstock
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From: Seattle
I rented one for a weekend while in PA a couple of years ago. I enjoyed beating it into submission. It handled nice and did crazy wheelies.
I would not turn one down if someone gave me one. I would most likely not buy one unless I came across a screaming deal.
I would not turn one down if someone gave me one. I would most likely not buy one unless I came across a screaming deal.
05-05-2007 | 04:43 PM
#4
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I rode a buddies 05'(?) Ulysses and found it to be a pretty cool bike. The stupid fan on the rear cylinder though, sounds like a very very loud vacuum cleaner when it comes on (often). The suspension was very good aside from the fact that it pitches through the first 4 inches of travel any time you get on the very good brakes. It handled great though for big sweepers at high speed. The power band is wierd, as mentioned before; just when it feels like things are getting good, it slams into the rev limiter. Very tractor like power delivery. Overall an interesting (in a good way) ride. Way way way too tall though. I'm 5' 10" and could only get tiptoes down.
-R
-R
05-06-2007 | 06:08 AM
#5
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From: Wekiva Springs (Orlando) FL
They do give nice freebies, tho. Buell seems to be always giving something away. This time, it's a messenger type bag with a strap to secure it while riding. Pretty nice stuff, with a laptop compartment. And my favorite price...
05-06-2007 | 06:45 AM
#6
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Squid
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From: Rhode Island
My buddy has a XB9R firebolt and i think it's a blast to ride. I would'nt mind seeing one parked next to my hawk in the garage. Riding around on it people don't really know what to think....it looks like a sportbike but sounds like a harley...I would definatly get the XB12R eventually.
05-06-2007 | 07:50 AM
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I finally demo'd a couple of the new XB series Buells this past week. Both the Ulysses and XB12 Lightning had bump smothering suspension, competent brakes, and comfortable ergos. But both transmissions were real notchy with a hard to find neutral. The back cylinder threw off too much heat. And the vibration level at idle is embarrassing. Fit and finish were underwhelming. But I give Eric Buell a lot of credit for not following the herd mentality. Whether it's fuel in the frame, oil in the swingarm, or that big front perimeter brake he goes his own way. The salesman handling my demo volunteered, "We sell these things at invoice, just to get 'em out of here." Not exactly a ringing endorsement. But I'll take the freebie bag they kindly offered, thanks. A VTR with a handlebar conversion is a much better proposition IMO.
05-06-2007 | 08:13 AM
#9
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Yea, most Buell dealers don't seem to want to be bothered. I think they look at it as taking up floor space that could be used for a high margin H-D. It's interesting how some of Buell's ideas are starting to be adopted by the mainstream manufacurers, like the underslung exhaust now used by Kawasaki on the 650 Ninja, and to a lesser extent, the new gsxr. He definately designs "out of the box".
05-15-2007 | 12:20 PM
#10
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Squid
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From: Vancouver, WA, USA
I test rode a XB12Ss Lighting Long. Thought it was a hoot of fun. Like bluevtr sais, I thouhgt it smoothed bumps as well as my GL-1800 'wing. Felt like a bicycle under me, very flickable without being at all nervous. Nice power down low; I never really tried to rev it out though. My stealer likes them (my sales man rides one) but they ask MSRP + freight + prep, in all $1,500 OVER MSPR. No way Jose`! Used ones here are better, but I can pick up a SH for the same $$, and it's a Honda. ;-)
The Buell forums identify enough problems that I'd be leery of buying one without a warrenty.
The Buell forums identify enough problems that I'd be leery of buying one without a warrenty.
05-15-2007 | 01:45 PM
#11
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I rented one of these for my brother for a day and we took turns on it (he'd ride my SH while I rode the XB9). It was a fun bike. The front center is so short you feel like you're sitting on the front tire and the handlebars are so close it's like they are in your lap. I'm 6'4" so take all that with a grain of salt.
Despite the bikes seemingly strange dimentions the thing handled very neutral and I really liked the big single front disc. It did not have the initial grab of the best brakes but it did have bottomless modulation. It was pretty confidence inspiring. I was not crazy about the engine's narrow rev range (redlines at 6500) and broad gearing. It's a really cool bike but I can only own one bike and this would not be an "only" bike for me.
Now if somebody would make a reasonably priced 5 gallon tank for the SH...
Despite the bikes seemingly strange dimentions the thing handled very neutral and I really liked the big single front disc. It did not have the initial grab of the best brakes but it did have bottomless modulation. It was pretty confidence inspiring. I was not crazy about the engine's narrow rev range (redlines at 6500) and broad gearing. It's a really cool bike but I can only own one bike and this would not be an "only" bike for me.
Now if somebody would make a reasonably priced 5 gallon tank for the SH...
05-15-2007 | 01:51 PM
#12
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They are great bikes although I don't like the harley engine. We got one on the dyno and it was hilarious. It had a higher torque number than hp. Mathematically that means it cannot reach 5750rpm. The numbers were pretty pathetic too but after riding with a guy on an xb12 I'd say it keeps up better than I thought it would. The guy was estimating 100rwhp with all his mods... more like 71.
Pros:
Great handling
decent performance
Cons:
harley reliability
heavy vibration at idle
Pros:
Great handling
decent performance
Cons:
harley reliability
heavy vibration at idle
05-15-2007 | 03:14 PM
#13
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From: Seattle, WA
C'mon Dave...explain what really happened...and how you offered to buy it...
05-15-2007 | 04:13 PM
#14
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Squid
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I had the chance to demo one on a track day and thought the Buell was alot of fun. Great steering, low center of gravity, and I think they look good too. Too bad they have an out of date engine and transmission in them. The dealers think very high of them also but all in all a cool bike. PS they dont like anything above 5500RPM. I forgot I was not on the Hawk in a front straight gave it full throttle in third. Just when I thought I was getting in the meat of what would be the SH's power I heard a nasty popping knocking sound from below and realized the Buell was crying for an upshift. Footpegs scrap too soon also.
05-15-2007 | 05:18 PM
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Who is this loser? All I can tell you is at the track my stock superhawk would leave them in the straights and I could pass on the outside in the turns on 95% of the Buells (stock vs stock). Its not because im a great rider. Hell for that matter, I have just been riding for one year but I can tell you I use all of my tires how bot you?I will take my liquid cooled 1000cc any day over your 1200cc air cooled but you know what they say about a$$holes, everyone has one. BTW I think HD are cool but just too overpriced for me and at 6'2" I am way too big for the sportster. See you on the roads.
05-15-2007 | 05:34 PM
#16
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Yea, I was spending a lot of time on BadWeb, the buell forum, and it seemed like there were rampant probs being reported daily. I was definately leery of mechanical issues w/the buell. But for some reason I still want one next.
05-15-2007 | 07:09 PM
#17
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Who is this loser? All I can tell you is at the track my stock superhawk would leave them in the straights and I could pass on the outside in the turns on 95% of the Buells (stock vs stock). Its not because im a great rider. Hell for that matter, I have just been riding for one year but I can tell you I use all of my tires how bot you?I will take my liquid cooled 1000cc any day over your 1200cc air cooled but you know what they say about a$$holes, everyone has one. BTW I think HD are cool but just too overpriced for me and at 6'2" I am way too big for the sportster. See you on the roads.
05-15-2007 | 07:45 PM
#19
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I own a '03 Buell 9r and a '04 SH, enjoy both. Buell has 23k trouble free miles, SH has 18k miles and only prob was the RR.
Buell parts are cheaper
The archaic eng gets 50-60mpg and will pull to redline in 5th(7500-130mph)
but clatters at idle, has very good fuel injection and a self-diagnosing ECM. It's rubber mounted and is smooth at speed. Belt is maintenance free and has no slop in dtriveline.
Trans takes a firm foot to shift, but is bullet proof.
Haven't weighed them but the Buell feels quite a bit lighter.
Good fully adj suspension and excellent brakes.
I'm less tired after a long ride on the SH than the Buell
Both are good at wearing tires out.
Rooster, I don't know what kind of Buell you were riding that redlined at 5500, 12 revs to 6800 and the 9 will rev to 7500 without any strange noises,
also if you are draging foot pegs on a R, you are a talented rider.
Buell parts are cheaper
The archaic eng gets 50-60mpg and will pull to redline in 5th(7500-130mph)
but clatters at idle, has very good fuel injection and a self-diagnosing ECM. It's rubber mounted and is smooth at speed. Belt is maintenance free and has no slop in dtriveline.
Trans takes a firm foot to shift, but is bullet proof.
Haven't weighed them but the Buell feels quite a bit lighter.
Good fully adj suspension and excellent brakes.
I'm less tired after a long ride on the SH than the Buell
Both are good at wearing tires out.
Rooster, I don't know what kind of Buell you were riding that redlined at 5500, 12 revs to 6800 and the 9 will rev to 7500 without any strange noises,
also if you are draging foot pegs on a R, you are a talented rider.
05-15-2007 | 08:10 PM
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Where is hell is this coming from. I ride in Southeast TN, NC, and North GA. Down here every road has a curve in it so sitting on a 700lb bike does nothing for me . If you remember dumba$$ ,YOU jumped on me about wanting to ride like Rossi. Hell yea, I want to be a better rider dont you? Like I said Harley's have air cooled pushrod motors that run out of guts way too early IMO. They are great for: Bar hopping, getting girls, getting to buy those assless chaps, making a bike payment for about 10 years, buying lots of chrome, standing in parking lots telling your buddies how gay those sportbikes are (while wearing assless chaps),and riding on the highways. You are right, none of this stirs my sole. Bluevtr asked what people thought of the Buell and I told him. It sounds like you have Little Man's Syndrum since You are calling me out becuase I didnt feel HD's engine is the Best in the World and you are trying to tell me different.The Fetal Position is not bad but I am young so what. One of the main reasons I picked the SH was I felt like I fit on it compared to other sportbikes. To each their own, Funny thing about this forum is how open-minded everybody is toward other brands and bikes. I would expect this kind of garbage from other forums. I guess I deserve this for being dumb enough to reply to you in the first place. I m going to bed now. Till tomarrow.
05-16-2007 | 10:11 AM
#22
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Where is hell is this coming from. I ride in Southeast TN, NC, and North GA. Down here every road has a curve in it so sitting on a 700lb bike does nothing for me . If you remember dumba$$ ,YOU jumped on me about wanting to ride like Rossi. Hell yea, I want to be a better rider dont you? Like I said Harley's have air cooled pushrod motors that run out of guts way too early IMO. They are great for: Bar hopping, getting girls, getting to buy those assless chaps, making a bike payment for about 10 years, buying lots of chrome, standing in parking lots telling your buddies how gay those sportbikes are (while wearing assless chaps),and riding on the highways. You are right, none of this stirs my sole. Bluevtr asked what people thought of the Buell and I told him. It sounds like you have Little Man's Syndrum since You are calling me out becuase I didnt feel HD's engine is the Best in the World and you are trying to tell me different.The Fetal Position is not bad but I am young so what. One of the main reasons I picked the SH was I felt like I fit on it compared to other sportbikes. To each their own, Funny thing about this forum is how open-minded everybody is toward other brands and bikes. I would expect this kind of garbage from other forums. I guess I deserve this for being dumb enough to reply to you in the first place. I m going to bed now. Till tomarrow.
05-16-2007 | 10:17 AM
#23
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Squid
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 31
I own a '03 Buell 9r and a '04 SH, enjoy both. Buell has 23k trouble free miles, SH has 18k miles and only prob was the RR.
Buell parts are cheaper
The archaic eng gets 50-60mpg and will pull to redline in 5th(7500-130mph)
but clatters at idle, has very good fuel injection and a self-diagnosing ECM. It's rubber mounted and is smooth at speed. Belt is maintenance free and has no slop in dtriveline.
Trans takes a firm foot to shift, but is bullet proof.
Haven't weighed them but the Buell feels quite a bit lighter.
Good fully adj suspension and excellent brakes.
I'm less tired after a long ride on the SH than the Buell
Both are good at wearing tires out.
Rooster, I don't know what kind of Buell you were riding that redlined at 5500, 12 revs to 6800 and the 9 will rev to 7500 without any strange noises,
also if you are draging foot pegs on a R, you are a talented rider.
Buell parts are cheaper
The archaic eng gets 50-60mpg and will pull to redline in 5th(7500-130mph)
but clatters at idle, has very good fuel injection and a self-diagnosing ECM. It's rubber mounted and is smooth at speed. Belt is maintenance free and has no slop in dtriveline.
Trans takes a firm foot to shift, but is bullet proof.
Haven't weighed them but the Buell feels quite a bit lighter.
Good fully adj suspension and excellent brakes.
I'm less tired after a long ride on the SH than the Buell
Both are good at wearing tires out.
Rooster, I don't know what kind of Buell you were riding that redlined at 5500, 12 revs to 6800 and the 9 will rev to 7500 without any strange noises,
also if you are draging foot pegs on a R, you are a talented rider.
05-16-2007 | 10:31 AM
#24
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Squid
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 31
I don't know what Sochiro Honda was up to. Early aircraft engines turned low revs,too. Strong, simple,low stress powerplants were the rule.
05-16-2007 | 10:36 AM
#25
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,132
From: Phoenix, AZ
" If Harley built an airplane, would you fly in it?" MOST DEFINITELY! The Harleys and Mr. Davidson were tinkering in their little backyard shack, when the Wright Bros. (bicycle mechanics!) were getting the world off the ground!
I don't know what Sochiro Honda was up to. Early aircraft engines turned low revs,too. Strong, simple,low stress powerplants were the rule.
I don't know what Sochiro Honda was up to. Early aircraft engines turned low revs,too. Strong, simple,low stress powerplants were the rule.
In fact: http://www.ultralightflyer.com/airshow-snf05/21.html
05-16-2007 | 11:32 AM
#26
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From: in front of you
xb9r is a better bike. higher redline, better "feel". have friends that have xb12r and xb9r i have ridden both on street and track. xb12 seat is great. both vibrate badly. front cylinder is prone to oil sending failure or something. they run hot, transmission sucks. power wishes it had a higher redline. all in all, there's a reason why u can get a 2 yr old one for 1/4 the original sticker price.....harley sportster motors and transmissions suck. bad. everything else about the bike is totally awesome though. shawk is a better bike imo one it is tailored to you......
05-16-2007 | 11:34 AM
#27
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Squid
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 31
Still are, a piston engine in an airplane is about the most archaic design you will find for one simple reason: reliability. They still have mixture controls.. Been a while since you have seen that on a car or bike.
In fact: http://www.ultralightflyer.com/airshow-snf05/21.html
In fact: http://www.ultralightflyer.com/airshow-snf05/21.html
05-16-2007 | 04:17 PM
#29
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Rooster, I don't know what kind of Buell you were riding that redlined at 5500, 12 revs to 6800 and the 9 will rev to 7500 without any strange noises,
also if you are draging foot pegs on a R, you are a talented rider.
It was a Lightning 1200 long, The pegs felt like they were lower than the SH's and the peg feelers are molded into the peg. So short of changing pegs,
you are stuck with the ground clearance. No, I am not talented as I said in prior post in this tread. I just got lucky that my friends are talented and are helping me become a better rider (maybe not safer).
also if you are draging foot pegs on a R, you are a talented rider.
It was a Lightning 1200 long, The pegs felt like they were lower than the SH's and the peg feelers are molded into the peg. So short of changing pegs,
you are stuck with the ground clearance. No, I am not talented as I said in prior post in this tread. I just got lucky that my friends are talented and are helping me become a better rider (maybe not safer).
