Culture Warriors

[2DFlyer]

I've been thinking a lot lately about Buell (itch to scratch).  Much like Ducati, Moto Guzzi, and others, Buell is developing a distinctive culture.  I think a lot of it has to do with the faithful having to defend its collective honor against ill informed bad mouthing, but I wonder what else is really driving it.  What do you think?  Is it all about Erik?  Is it the bike alone, ie would the culture thrive in Erik's absence?  Or is it the faithful?  How solid is the Buell culture?

[Rogue]

I think a lot of the prejudice comes from the source of Buell's power:  H-D.

As you know, there are A LOT of H-D haters here in this Forum alone.  Most of them are completely ill-informed  who knew a cousin, of a friend, of a friend who's H-D broke down, leaked oil, etc.  While there was a time when H-D did make some shit-quality engines, those days have been over for quite some time.  But the perception and opinions of those who have never owned a H-D persists.  

Some of the Buell-bashing was a result of the 1990's Buell's, which had a propensity to loosen parts & leak oil.  Many of those bikes where neglected, ignored, whatever.  Their problems made worse by a lack of dealership support & knowledge of the bike.  This made the problems worse, which in turn created horrors stories for generations to ridicule.  You gotta remember that Buell was a very low volume producer at the time.  A couple of thousand bikes a year was a good year for them back in the day.  And although there are similarities, a Buell is far from being a H-D.  Their requirements and many of their parts do NOT interchange.  

Ironically, the influx of new H-D money has allowed Buell to address the quality/durability issues of the early tube-frame Buells in a very short period of time.  In any case, I strongly believe Buell has exorcised its demons with the release of the XB program.

As for the Buell culture, I'm not really aware of it.  I've only been a Buell owner for a very short period and have met only a handful of fellow Buell owners.  I do however, love the bike.  If I ever get another Buell, then I can say I'm a Buell faithful.  For now, I just enjoy the bike a lot and find the stereotypes to be untrue so far.  I think that the overall ownership experience drives a great deal of the Buell faithful.  It does for me.

[Asphalt_Carver]

Buell has really surprised me in ways that are difficult to describe.  I could really less about Erik Buell, the brand's racing program, the history of reliability problems, etc.  I felt absolutely certain that I would never own any machine that was even remotely connected to H-D, let alone using it powerplant, albeit a "massaged" powerplant.  

Much to my surprise, a friend of mine bought a Firebolt.  Damn good looking bike.  Well thought out with solid choices in quality of parts and construction.  My friend had nothing but good things to say, but the position of the Firebolt was just too aggressive for my surgically repaired lower back.  I did not give Buell much more thought until I decided to sell my V-Strom for something lighter, lower, and significantly more nimble.  Unfortunately, I could not find anything that met my criteria which includes fully adjustable suspension, USD forks, V-twin, perimeter style frame and well sorted fuel injection.  I felt like I was going to just give up until I saw the Lightning XB12SS. What a machine!  It met all of my criteria and was priced fairly too!

The beautiful Sunset Orange paint job quickly sold me and I have not looked back every since.  If I crash this one or if it gets stolen, then I am buying another one.  I think that what makes Buells special is that they create a love affair with their owner and I can't see leaving mine for another.

[roadrailer]

I think the current Buell "culture" is a detriment to the brand's success. It's ranks are full of posers, stuntas, and owners more concerned with adorning their bikes with trinkets and chromed out parts than riding. You're more likely to see them hanging out at the bar than hitting the backroads. So many of them have bought into the brand solely because of where the engine is made. Instead of getting out and associating with other motorcyclists, they band together in little cliques. To make sure they can be identified by other Buell faithful, they cover themselves head to toe in logos, whether they're riding or not. Sound like another motorcycle culture you've heard of? It's pretty hard to take a brand seriously when you've got an image like that.

Fortunately, I think the trend is turning a bit. In particular, I think the Uly has done a lot to bring a different kind of rider to the brand, and to bring the brand to the attention of the mainstream in a positive way. These newer folks (like a lot of us here) are more interested in owning a Buell for what it is than what it stands for. Buell needs that if it wants its market share to improve.

[Kootenanny]

I think the current Buell "culture" is a detriment to the brand's success. It's ranks are full of posers, stuntas, and owners more concerned with adorning their bikes with trinkets and chromed out parts than riding. You're more likely to see them hanging out at the bar than hitting the backroads. So many of them have bought into the brand solely because of where the engine is made. Instead of getting out and associating with other motorcyclists, they band together in little cliques. To make sure they can be identified by other Buell faithful, they cover themselves head to toe in logos, whether they're riding or not. Sound like another motorcycle culture you've heard of? It's pretty hard to take a brand seriously when you've got an image like that.

I think that's painting Buell owners with a pretty broad brush.  Of course, I know little or nothing of any "Buell Culture," as I own one of only 3 Buells in my area (and I don't know the owners of either); when I ride with others, they are riding any brand but Buell.

For myself, like AC I never envisioned myself actually owning anything with any connection to H-D; I bought a Buell despite BMC's H-D association, not because of it!  My bike has absolutely NO chrome on it; the only aftermarket items I've bought are a tankbag and tailbag;  I don't own so much as a hat with a Buell logo on it; and I ride my Buell, dead sober (I won't even have a beer with lunch if I'm riding) on some of the twistiest backroads you're gonna find.

Now, what was the question again?  Oh yeah--although I've never met him, I think Erik Buell must be some sort of genius, or at least a very creative and driven man.  He's not only a great designer and engineer, but he has the moxy to put it together and create a company, the business smarts to make it successful (inluding hooking up with H-D), and hey he's a musician (and much more) too!  And while I believe BMC would continue without him, I dunno if it would continue in the same direction.  As to "Buell Culture," as I said above, I wouldn't know about that--but, kinda like riders waving to each other on the road, there's definitely a feeling of cameraderie when we meet another on the road, because they just aren't that common (especially where I live!).

[2DFlyer]

...but, kinda like riders waving to each other on the road, there's definitely a feeling of cameraderie when we meet another on the road, because they just aren't that common (especially where I live!).

Maybe I'm mistaking camaraderie for culture.  Culture implies more than commonality.  I'm not sure what Moto Guzzi has going for it but Ducati has the whole racing aspect of it's identity as well as Italian heritage.  Maybe that's part of Buell's racing effort.  He's trying to develop the Buell culture, though you don't see him going out of the way to identify with the line's heritage.    No disrespect intended.

[Kootenanny]

Y'know, maybe there is a kind of Buell culture...I hang out on the BadWeb every now and then, and it would seem my preference for quiet bikes is not thought well of over there...if Buell culture consists of putting the loudest, baddest pipe you can find on your Buell just to piss off old geezers like me, revving it hard outside the university dorm because someone asked you to keep it down, etc., I don't think I want any part of it...

[Rogue]

Y'know, maybe there is a kind of Buell culture...I hang out on the BadWeb every now and then, and it would seem my preference for quiet bikes is not thought well of over there...

Well you've got a brother here.  I prefer the quiet stock pipe of my Firebolt too.  In fact, I wouldn't think of taking that stock muffler out as it is more functional than any aftermarket slip on out there.

I do agree that areas of Bad Weather Bikers do have their fair share of immature, bling-bling crowd.  There is a recent post there in the XB Forum about a guy who wants to put a chain and sprocket on his 'Bolt because it looks different and is "better".  

 

[bizarro]

I like Buells, they're okay. I don't think I'd really like to ride one because I've seen how they vibrate at stops (or some of them, at least) and that would drive me nuts, but I bet they give the rider the same sense of hooligan glee that my Speed Triple did, and in my book that's what matters most.

[2DFlyer]

I like Buells, they're okay. I don't think I'd really like to ride one because I've seen how they vibrate at stops (or some of them, at least) and that would drive me nuts, but I bet they give the rider the same sense of hooligan glee that my Speed Triple did, and in my book that's what matters most.

That's where it's at right there.  Walking up to the thing as it thrashes about is probably as close as you can come to a cowboy roping a wild horse without getting kicked in the head.  Throw a leg over, feel it chomping at the bit to go, and you can't help but have a great time.  It is a blast to ride.  

I want no part of the obnoxious subculture.  I just love the feel of the bike.  The only thing that keeps me from being a Buell rider now is, after a succession of twins, I kinda miss the wail of an I4 (though a triple would do quite nicely).  I'm not interested in 12K RPM but a liter bike running at 7-8 just can't be beat.  

[Rogue]

 I don't think I'd really like to ride one because I've seen how they vibrate at stops (or some of them, at least) and that would drive me nuts, but I bet they give the rider the same sense of hooligan glee that my Speed Triple did, and in my book that's what matters most.

The vibes at idle do bother some people.  Other's not accustomed to seeing the shaking at idle will usually have their mouth open going:  WTF?    But it's not any different than a Guzzi or a BMW Boxer twin at idle.  The Buell's smooth out as the revs rise to the point where it is actually smooth with a pleasant, pulsating beat.  

[bizarro]

Funny you should mention BMW's. The vibes at idle were one reason I ended up detesting my GS. I remember doing the WMRRA new racer clinic a few years back and I was on my little Zook GS500 and a guy on a Buell was slotted next to me and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I thought it was going to come apart right there on the track!

[lonestarbueller]

Like Rogue has said, they do smooth out at speed.  I guess if you spend alot of time in stop and go traffic it could become an issue, they are comfortable once under way.  My Buell is actually smoother out on the road than my RoadStar Warrior.  There is a definite following for the Buells, but I don't think they are any worse or better than any other clique of riders of a particular brand, but then there aren't many Buells in my area maybe four or five of us.  

[FullMonte]

From what I've been able to acertain, the biggest detriment to Buell developing their own culture is HD dealers.  In 8 out of 10 dealerships the Buells are treated like red headed stepchildren and quarantined to a dusty back corner.  The chrome drones working the sales floor have no interest in or knowledge of Buells and it puts quite a few people off.  IMHO, Buell would be better off if they were allowed to be sold in multi line shops.  Harley riders are not their target market.  Do you see Wal Mart selling Rolex or Cartier watches?

[Rogue]

.....a guy on a Buell was slotted next to me and I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I thought it was going to come apart right there on the track!

  Yeah.  That's the reaction I get from a few people.  The signal stalks on the XB line is very flexible with a soft, rubber-like stem.  It lets the signals shake at idle and it does look alarming.  I still snicker everytime I see them shaking at idle.

[Kootenanny]

I don't think I'd really like to ride one because I've seen how they vibrate at stops...

Hmmm...I try to keep moving when I'm on my bike.  If you ride in the city and sit in traffic a lot, I'm told nothing beats a Vespa.  

[2DFlyer]

From what I've been able to acertain, the biggest detriment to Buell developing their own culture is HD dealers.  In 8 out of 10 dealerships the Buells are treated like red headed stepchildren and quarantined to a dusty back corner.  The chrome drones working the sales floor have no interest in or knowledge of Buells and it puts quite a few people off.  IMHO, Buell would be better off if they were allowed to be sold in multi line shops.  Harley riders are not their target market.  Do you see Wal Mart selling Rolex or Cartier watches?

There's something to this.  Buellers don't have a place to hang out like Euro riders ( BMW, Triumph, Ducati, Moto Guzzi super shops).  I wonder how well they do hangin at Harley dealers in Europe.

[Kootenanny]

I wonder how well they do hangin at Harley dealers in Europe.

In Europe, Buell is not tied to the H-D distribution network--yeah, they're available at Harley shops, but they're also available at other dealerships and are often sold right alongside Euro brands like Ducati, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, etc.  And notably, Buells sell better in Europe...

Yes, there's a problem with Buell distribution in North America.  Sportbike riders who might appreciate a Buell are often reluctant to visit the H-D boutique to check them out (and of course, a lot of the "mythology" surrounding Buells stems from their association with H-D).  I know the first time I ever visited a Harley shop was when I was interested in a Buell...and at that, I ended up educating the salesguy about them (he knew virtually nothing).  I would be the only guy checking out the Buells in the corner, pretty much any time I went in there...and I got a few questions from other customers, asking how I could be interested in that "plastic" bike.  Doesn't look very comfortable, you know?  How does anyone ride with their ass in the air like that?  Your shoulders will be killing you in twenty minutes...etc, etc.

[Rogue]

....I would be the only guy checking out the Buells in the corner, pretty much any time I went in there...and I got a few questions from other customers, asking how I could be interested in that "plastic" bike.  Doesn't look very comfortable, you know?  How does anyone ride with their ass in the air like that?  Your shoulders will be killing you in twenty minutes...etc, etc.

You should tell them that when speeds get above 65 mph, and/or the road gets REAL twisty, everything just gels on that bike.  Pretty much the type of riding most Harley's stay away from.  Harley's are for low speed.  Buells are for high speed, big lean angles.

[Kootenanny]

You should tell them that when speeds get above 65 mph, and/or the road gets REAL twisty, everything just gels on that bike.  Pretty much the type of riding most Harley's stay away from.  Harley's are for low speed.  Buells are for high speed, big lean angles.

I used to think this, but since an experience last year on a very twisty highway, I dunno.  I met some Harley riders on the ferry.  While I was the first off, one of them passed me quickly--the first 10 km or is quite straight, and I keep my speed reasonable so I wasn't surprised when he went by, but I expected I'd be passing him pretty quick once in the twisties.  Surprise--it took me a while before I caught him, and I followed him for a while.  That guy could ride!  I never knew a Harley could be ridden through curves like that!  I dunno what model it was--Harleys all tend to look the same to me, this one was long and black, with matching hard luggage, loud pipes, no windscreen.

He did eventually wave me to pass him--I was following along, just watching him throw that behemoth through the curves, but it is true I was comfortable going a bit faster on the Buell.  Nonetheless, I honestly believe speed is in the rider, not the bike, for the most part.  

Anyway, I try to never diss anyone else's ride.  Actually, some of the guys I met in the Harley shop were real "characters," and worth listening to.  Some of 'em...