09 Buells TBA Today

[Rincewind]

Numerous sources say the HD/Buell dealer meeting is today and the new models will be shown.

Any guesses of what's in store for Buell (or HD)?  Any idea what time today they're gonna update their website?  

 

[Rincewind]

Well I guess no one's into speculating today.  

Someone on BWB said the sites should be updated in about an hour....  

[keystonejenks]

I haven't kept up the Buell rumor mill. Is there something that has been anticipated that we should be excited about?

[garry]

I predict we'll see the 1125 engine in a new model and the end of the XB9 series.

[Rincewind]

Yeah I anticipate a new Helicon 1125 model as well, hopefully a naked or supermoto version, but they'd have to do something about those large radiators.  

2009 was also the year mentioned previously for Buell's entrance into the dirt-bike segment, though I would be surprised if that happened --> http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,15797.0.html

[Rincewind]

Check it - http://www.buell.com/en_us/

New Helicon!  1125CR


Posted on: July 22, 2008, 11:36:59 am

[mr moto]

what the hell are those huge bit,s of plastic on both sides of the bike for ? they look like inflated fish gill,s the red colour in particular makes them stand out even more . they ruin the look,s of the bike completely ..

[ccryder]

Mr moto:

It is obvious that you have not been keeping up with Buells.  Those are called radiator pods.

Yes I agree the red does make them stand out.  I'm sure that, like the 1125r, that it looks better in person.

This is what my 1125r(t) looks like in black:


Neil S.

[keystonejenks]

Maybe I'll have to see it in person but it looks like they ruined an otherwise nice design with the fish gills.  

[garry]

I was hoping Buell would find some other way to mount the radiators for the new bike. I like the more naked look, but those pods are still ugly. Black hides them somewhat, but they look nasty in red. I like the black frame instead of the dark blue.

[Rincewind]

Maybe I'll have to see it in person but it looks like they ruined an otherwise nice design with the fish gills.  

I'm guessing there is not enough room behind the front wheel for a single radiator.  Yeah, side-mounted radiators on a naked bike are tricky in terms of looks.  The other naked bike with side-radiators that comes to mind is the Benelli TNT.  Perhaps if they had designed them as 1/2 exposed like the TNT, it would have looked less "fish gill" like.



Regardless, it's a done design and I don't think the 1125CR (Cafe Racer) looks too bad.  It's sort of in the same category as the B-King - borderline ugly, but looking mean.  I think I prefer it to the B-King for it's nice looking underslung exhaust.  

[scott-sts]

I would prefer an even more naked version.
It's not hideous.  The shrouds on the new Vmax (And the old one come to think of it) are ugly, as are the fluted panels on the ZX14.
I think Buell should have toned them down a bit.

[DogBoy]

Agreed with Scott and Rincewind on the "half" shrouds. I wish they would have used something like the XB-S headlights to keep the raw street fighter look. And handlebars rather than clipons. Naked bikes should have handlebars*. So far, this bike just makes the 1125r look better.




*With apologies to KeystoneJenks.

[Rincewind]

Agreed with Scott and Rincewind on the "half" shrouds. I wish they would have used something like the XB-S headlights to keep the raw street fighter look. And handlebars rather than clipons. Naked bikes should have handlebars*. So far, this bike just makes the 1125r look better.




*With apologies to KeystoneJenks.

It does have handelbars - M-style Cafe Racer type.  But they are so low that they are very near to the level of the 1125R clip-ons.



Should make it easy to change the ergos.

[keystonejenks]

Agreed with Scott and Rincewind on the "half" shrouds. I wish they would have used something like the XB-S headlights to keep the raw street fighter look. And handlebars rather than clipons. Naked bikes should have handlebars*. So far, this bike just makes the 1125r look better.

*With apologies to KeystoneJenks.

Oh, I agree, nakeds should have handlebars. As soon as I have the extra coin I'm getting LSL bars but on the Speed 4.

[rauchman]

Wow, I can honestly say, the new 1125 does absolutely nothing for me.  I'm sure it's a hell of a bike, but I'm really not digging it.  Reminds me of a BKing mating w/ a Cylon or something....maybe Robocop.

[Rincewind]

 Reminds me of a BKing mating w/ a Cylon or something....maybe Robocop.

Those are good comparisons.  

http://www.harley-davidson.com/ is now down, just like buell.com was down earlier for the update.  I expect the 09 HD's will be rolled onto the info superhighway next...  

[DogBoy]

It does have handelbars - M-style Cafe Racer type.  But they are so low that they are very near to the level of the 1125R clip-ons.



Should make it easy to change the ergos.

Thanks for the clarification.

What is the point of putting clubman type bars on rather than the clips-ons?  The riding position doesn't seem like its much different from the 1125r.

[kevin_stevens]

Maybe I'll have to see it in person but it looks like they ruined an otherwise nice design with the fish gills.  

Does it make you feel better to know that they are designed to serve as crash bars/sliders, with cheap covers for easy replacement?

KeS

[kevin_stevens]

Man, check out the 1125R in white/blue!  

KeS

[scott-sts]

Thanks for the clarification.

What is the point of putting clubman type bars on rather than the clips-ons?  The riding position doesn't seem like its much different from the 1125r.

The riding position may be very different than the 1125R.  We need hard numbers to accurately compare but using the same frame the Firebolt, Uly and Lightning's have different ergos despite looking pretty similar.

[Rincewind]

The riding position may be very different than the 1125R.  We need hard numbers to accurately compare but using the same frame the Firebolt, Uly and Lightning's have different ergos despite looking pretty similar.

That's true, but I still think these two seem very similar ergonomically.

Comparison shows very similar numbers and nearly identical specs- link

Looks like the pegs are about the same place.  Handlebars on the CR may be slightly forward, and just slightly higher.

[Rincewind]

Press release of the changes, copied from here

New Ulysses Police Joins Restyled Lightning and Firebolt in Buell Line EAST TROY, Wis., July 22


EAST TROY, Wis., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Buell brings superbike
performance to the streetfighter category in 2009 with the introduction of the
1125CR, a new model featuring a modern interpretation of "cafe racer" styling
and the power of the Buell Helicon 1125 liquid-cooled V-Twin engine. The
1125CR is one of nine 2009 Buell Sportbike, Streetfighter, Adventure Sportbike
and Blast models.


"Part superbike and part streetfighter, the 1125CR is my vision of a 21st
century cafe racer," said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at
Buell Motorcycle Company. "It's got Clubman-style bars and a flyscreen instead
of a fairing. Then we geared it down to optimize acceleration. With a
class-leading weight-to-horsepower ratio, the 1125CR takes streetfighter
performance to a new level."



Buell Highlights for 2009 (see separate releases for more detail on each
topic)



The Buell 1125CR


A cafe racer for the 21st century, the new 1125CR nods respectfully to the
past with clubman bars, flyscreen and a tail cowl, while a 146-hp,
liquid-cooled Buell Helicon 1125 V-Twin engine and Buell Intuitive Response
Chassis (IRC) deliver the performance and handling of a modern superbike.
Final-drive gearing is lowered about eight percent from the 1125R to optimize
acceleration. Its sinister styling will make this bike unmistakable on the
street.



New on Buell XB Streetfighters


Buell XB Lightning Streetfighters, powered by an air/oil/fan-cooled
Thunderstorm V-Twin, get a menacing new look thanks to a blacked-out frame,
forks, engine and other components. Lightning models powered by the
Thunderstorm 1203 engine upgrade to the Buell ZTL2 front brake with four-pad,
eight-piston caliper, a design that debuted on the 1125R in 2008. The XB12Ss
gets fitted with the same supermoto-inspired suspension as the 2008 XB12STT,
and the new seat on the 2009 XB9SX lowers the seat height by 1.3 inches to
30.1 inches.



New on Buell Sportbikes


The Buell 1125R, powered by the 146-hp, liquid-cooled Buell Helicon 1125cc
V-Twin engine, is available in new body and wheel colors and with tinted
windscreens for 2009. Also new for 2009 on the 1125R and 1125CR models are
targeted fuel injectors, relocated O2 sensors, and updated engine spark and
fuel maps. The combination of these features offers improved drivability below
6000 rpm, even crisper throttle response, improved heat management, and
significantly improved fuel economy. The updated engine spark and fuel maps
will also be made available for 2008 1125R models. The Firebolt XB12R, powered
by the air/oil/fan-cooled Thunderstorm 1203cc V-Twin, has a new blacked-out
frame, swingarm, powertrain, forks and other components. The performance of
the 12R is even better in 2009 with the addition of the eight-piston Buell
ZTL2 front brake, and new high-performance Pirelli Diablo Corsa III tires.



New on Buell Adventure Sportbikes


The sport-touring Buell Ulysses XB12XT, introduced mid-year 2008, joins
the versatile, all-road Ulysses XB12X in the 2009 Buell Adventure Sportbike
category. Both models feature new aluminum footpegs with an aggressive
"sawtooth" pattern. The new Buell Ulysses Police XB12XP is a "special duty"
motorcycle intended for government agencies and private security firms
requiring a quick and very nimble pursuit-and-patrol vehicle capable of travel
over a variety of road surfaces. It comes equipped with a special wiring
harness for easy installation of an Emergency Response Kit, which includes
special compact, hard-shell top and side cases, a siren, and LED police
pursuit lamps.



New Drive Belt


All 2009 Buell XB models will be fitted with a new, more durable Veyance
Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology, the same belt technology that
was originally developed for the Buell 1125R.



Economical Buell Blast


The easy-handling and affordable Buell Blast inspires confidence in new
riders and offers performance to satisfy an experienced motorcyclist. Powered
by a 34-horsepower, 492cc single-cylinder engine, the 360-pound Blast can
achieve 73 mpg highway fuel economy. The Blast is the training vehicle for the
Rider's Edge New Rider course, which has trained more than 100,000 riders
since 2000. For 2009, the Blast is offered in new Sunfire Yellow, and Midnight
Black, both with Stardust Silver wheels.



The Buell Lightning XB12S and Lightning Super TT XB12STT will not be
produced for 2009.



Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces
premium sport performance motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and
apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer
and experience the aggressive attitude, style and performance only found on
board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into
http://www.buell.com



SOURCE  Buell

[scott-sts]

I'm a little sad they are discontinuing the lightning.
My XB9SX is the funnest bike i'ver ever owned and I didn't even want one when I bought it.  The Lightning's are truly underated motorcycles.

[Rincewind]

I'm a little sad they are discontinuing the lightning.
My XB9SX is the funnest bike i'ver ever owned and I didn't even want one when I bought it.  The Lightning's are truly underated motorcycles.

I believe you misunderstood.  They are discontinuing only the Supermoto-style Lightning, and the standard XB12S Lightning.  The XB9S CityX, the XB12Ss Lightning Long, and the Low Lightning version, are still in the line-up.  

[scott-sts]

I believe you misunderstood.  They are discontinuing only the Supermoto-style Lightning, and the standard XB12S Lightning.  The XB9S CityX, the XB12Ss Lightning Long, and the Low Lightning version, are still in the line-up.  

Ah, thanks.  No longer sad.

[Oilhed]

basically all the XB9 will be short frame and all XB12 will be long frame and the TT is no longer.  I'm sure you can get the parts to make any XB a TT.

[Rincewind]

basically all the XB9 will be short frame and all XB12 will be long frame and the TT is no longer.  I'm sure you can get the parts to make any XB a TT.

Yes, in terms of the Lightnings.  But in terms of all the XB's, the XB12R Firebolt still uses the short-frame. 

[st2sam]

I like'em.
I finally saw one in the flesh ('08) and they look much better than in pictures.
IMHO, "get them out of Hardly Ablesome dealerships ASAP and these bikes would sell like hot cakes".  

[crb987]

That is not an attractive motorcycle . For whatever its worth, I will never buy an 1125 until they find a solution to those godawful pods.

[R Doug]

In the voice of Maxwell Smart, "Missed it by that much!"

Whoever designed those "radiator pods" should be shot.  They don't look that bad on the 1125R, but the pods are way out of place on a naked bike.  



Signed,

Still Really Wanting to Love a Buell

[keystonejenks]

In the voice of Maxwell Smart, "Missed it by that much!"

Whoever designed those "radiator pods" should be shot.  They don't look that bad on the 1125R, but the pods are way out of place on a naked bike.  

Still Really Wanting to Love a Buell

You and I both. This bike had a real chance of being a stunner; and a real threat to the Duke and Tuono. You would think somebody, anybody in the aftermarket could address those gills.

[TTaM]

an inside source told me that Harley will be announcing a factory trike.

Apparently their riders are getting old

[keystonejenks]

an inside source told me that Harley will be announcing a factory trike.

Apparently their riders are getting old

If you check out Harley's website you'll see your source is correct, MSRP $30K.

[Rincewind]

The more I look at the CR, the more I like it.  I even like the huge pods.  They make sense for cooling, for great ram-air intake, and they probably also keep your legs protected well from the rain or cold.  

It has a 375lb dry weight.  That is 25-lbs less than the Tuono R, 30lbs less than the Superduke.  I think it's going to do quite well.

[keystonejenks]

The more I look at the CR, the more I like it.  I even like the huge pods.  They make sense for cooling, for great ram-air intake, and they probably also keep your legs protected well from the rain or cold.  

It has a 375lb dry weight.  That is 25-lbs less than the Tuono R, 30lbs less than the Superduke.  I think it's going to do quite well.

Hey, it's not like my bike has beautiful ram-air intakes but I think I'd take the 25-lbs. more Tuono.    But at least Buell's offerings were more exciting than Triumphs.

[Rincewind]

Hey, it's not like my bike has beautiful ram-air intakes

Yeah I can't believe a guy with a Speed Four Snorkel, and another guy with an origami-style Superduke, are criticizing a little innovative styling here.  

[R Doug]

Yeah I can't believe a guy with a Speed Four Snorkel, and another guy with an origami-style Superduke, are criticizing a little innovative styling here.  

 

Because the sharp-angled Super Duke doesn't have elephant ears attached to the side of it.

[R Doug]

This...

is to this...


As this...

is to this...


EDITED to elaborate on Brad's point below.

[Brad1445]

The Duke is consistent in shapes angles and sized front to back.  If you like it or hate it, its a consistent message.

Buell went from the frying pan to the fire trying to save a buck as they keep mixing parts like its MR. Potato Head.

Some one needs to be fired at Buell unless Harley is intentionally looking for a tax write off and are trying to reduce profits.

A great Rotax engine, wasted.

[R Doug]

I've been telling myself (and others) that if and when Buell puts that motor in a Uly, I would love to buy it.  I've always like the Uly and would like it even better with the Rotax.  

But, if Buell includes those darn pods on a Rotax Uly, I'll have to take my search elsewhere.  

[st ryder]

The Duke is consistent in shapes angles and sized front to back.  If you like it or hate it, its a consistent message.

Buell went from the frying pan to the fire trying to save a buck as they keep mixing parts like its MR. Potato Head.

Some one needs to be fired at Buell unless Harley is intentionally looking for a tax write off and are trying to reduce profits.

A great Rotax engine, wasted.

Yes the "pods" remain an eye sore *IMO*, but one must conclude the people at Buell are no fools and that the sales of the 1125R were sufficient to spawn this variant offering. The reviews of the bike's performance seem mostly positive, and I haven't read any owner feedback about major dissatisfaction. So even though I'm not likely to own one becaue I find the 1125r and this new "CR" hideous, it doesn't mean they can't find a niche if in fact they already haven't.  However, the 2009 1125r in white and blue, is the nicest looking Rotax engined bike so far. One can *almost* look past the pods, so maybe there's hope for the future.  

[ccryder]

Brad, please don't hold back  .  I think most riders looking at Buell were expecting something different than the CR.  Well we did get something different but, not what we had hoped for or imagined.

The pods are function first, this has always been #1 in Erik's design process.  Between the cooling functionality, crash/ tip over protection and making room for a high pressure, cool air intake for the HUGE airbox, I would hazard to say that those items have been met.

Alright some don't like the pods but, we are all not meant to like everything.  Buell is out there in the design forefront and that is what they intended to do.  More iterations are being designed as we read and dream.

Time2Work
Neil S.
 

[Brad1445]

Yeah, I can't even see pods  on my Blue and white one.

[Brad1445]

Your right Neil, I guess maybe I just feel a little betrayed as my favorite bike manufacture no longer has bikes I can buy, They have my dream engine than missed it in my opinion in styling by no starting with a clean sheet.  I don't want to bash, I'm just disappointed.

On a another note, you should go work for Buell as your 1125 is the most balanced looking one, I might buy yours.  

[HipGnosis]

one must conclude the people at Buell are no fools and that the sales of the 1125R were sufficient to spawn this variant offering.

That's quite an assumptive leap in logic.  It's probably more like: Gee.. we're not selling enough of the 1125Rs to cover our investment so we're gonna have to try something different.

For me, it's not different enough.  Thanks for the pics R Doug.  I like the 1125R fairing and they took it off...

I guess I'm waiting for a Helicon Lightning long.

[JReazor]

Still Really Wanting to Love a Buell

+1

If they'd find a way to stuff the 1125 mill in to some thing that looks like the old S1 or M2, then we'd be on to something.

[bikefreak47]

Buells' stylists are making the side mounted radiators a focal point on their Rotax powered 1125's-not unlike HD and the V-Rod family. I think Honda's approach to side mounted radiators on the Superhawk and RC-51 was integrated into the styling in a much more subtle way. I always try to tone down the appearance of radiators on any water pumpers that I acquire by removing contrasting shrouds and reflectors. Radiators are a necessary evil that rarely adds to the eye appeal of any motorcycle.

[st ryder]

 That's quite an assumptive leap in logic.  It's probably more like: Gee.. we're not selling enough of the 1125Rs to cover our investment so we're gonna have to try something different...

And of course there's nothing assumptive about that is there?   But maybe you're right. Maybe the folks at Buell are fools, or rather, maybe they're insane to try "more of the same" and expect different results if 1125r sales were low. Doesn't effect me either way, as I don't think I'd ever buy either of them like they're presently styled, but the white and blue 1125r looks the sweetest so far.

[keystonejenks]

However, the 2009 1125r in white and blue, is the nicest looking Rotax engined bike so far. One can *almost* look past the pods, so maybe there's hope for the future.  

Whoa, whoa, whoa. I know they dumped the Rotax for 2009 but until that time comes let's not forget this Rotax bike:



It's funny though how the white does almost disguise the pods:



Now, throw the Rotax into the Firebolt and you'd have no argument from me. Hell, it would probably be my next purchase.

[st ryder]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. I know they dumped the Rotax for 2009 but until that time comes let's not forget this Rotax bike:...Now, throw the Rotax into the Firebolt and you'd have no argument from me. Hell, it would probably be my next purchase.

Actually, we're both wrong. It's a Buell Helicon engine, designed co-operatively by Buell and Rotax engineers and built for Buell by Rotax.   The Aprillia (nice bike) has a plain 'ole Rotax designed engine afaik.  

[gtmg]

I am having a hard time understanding the strategy the Buell used for this release. It appears to me all they have done is just take sales away from the XB line. The naked bike market in the US is relatively small. I would think that new bikes would be designed to widen market appeal for Buell not just focus on the same market. I mean the obvious choices were:

1. 1125 with a full fairing minimizing the pods
2. Using the rotax engine to come out with a sport tourer with Buell's unique design used
3. Dirt which was tabled.

The CR could have been an add on model but should not have been the only model. Like others I have been waiting and hoping.

 do like the fact they finally came out with some smaller not overwhelming bags for the Uly.

Would like to hear others thoughts.

[slowduc]

Handlebars on the CR may be slightly forward, and just slightly higher.

warning: my inner cheapness frugality is going to show here...
-from this view, it looks like those bars could be easily flipped over and tilted to offer a MUCH more comfortable riding position.  that assumes the cables and brakelines are long enough to accommodate.
-if the sidepods standout too much just paint them to match the frame... if you REALLY want the streetfighter look, just take the covers off and leave the radiators exposed

[Rincewind]

warning: my inner cheapness frugality is going to show here...
-from this view, it looks like those bars could be easily flipped over and tilted to offer a MUCH more comfortable riding position.  that assumes the cables and brakelines are long enough to accommodate.
-if the sidepods standout too much just paint them to match the frame... if you REALLY want the streetfighter look, just take the covers off and leave the radiators exposed

Yeah I think you'd need to replace the cables.  The Buell accessory handlebar requires replacement lines.

http://www.buell.com/en_us/gear/accessories/product.asp?Menu_ID=2&ProductLineID=1&CategoryID=7&ProductID=4273

All that ads up to over $185 for different handlebars...  

In terms of the pods, give it a few years and the Hondazukimahsaki bikes will have big ducts too.  

[scott-sts]

Yeah I think you'd need to replace the cables.  The Buell accessory handlebar requires replacement lines.

http://www.buell.com/en_us/gear/accessories/product.asp?Menu_ID=2&ProductLineID=1&CategoryID=7&ProductID=4273

All that ads up to over $185 for different handlebars...  

In terms of the pods, give it a few years and the Hondazukimahsaki bikes will have big ducts too.  

It did take them a long time to copy the under engine exhaust.

[Oilhed]

-if the sidepods standout too much just paint them to match the frame... if you REALLY want the streetfighter look, just take the covers off and leave the radiators exposed

Yeah, on a naked bike, exposed radiators might look cool.  But, does it need the pod shape to force the air thru them?  I still think the best looking Buell would be the front of a Lightning mated to rear of a Firebolt but with one big round headlight.

[Rogue]

I really like the red one!  

The subtle red pinstriping on the wheels really adds a nice touch.  I'm in love.

[Rogue]

It does have handelbars - M-style Cafe Racer type.  But they are so low that they are very near to the level of the 1125R clip-ons.
Should make it easy to change the ergos.

Having ridden a few nakeds, I'm convinced that Buell did the right thing by keeping the riding position sporty.  Slightly more upright than the 1125R but not by much.  This is important especially when you have over 130 rwhp on a lightweight frame.  I would guess that you can ride the 1125CR well above triple digits and not get blown off the seat thanks to the forward position of the ergos.  Anytime you sit straight up on a naked, the windblast becomes a huge factor.   for Buell's choice of ergos.

[Rogue]

This...

EVeryone's entitled to their opinions and tastes.  These side by side comparison makes the KTM look positively BORING!  It looks like it is incomplete....like it's missing body parts.  Look at the center and the rear!  It's all pipes at the rear.  The front spoiler looks like garden tool.  I wouldn't say it's ugly.  But in my eyes, it pales next to the 1125CR.  

[R Doug]

EVeryone's entitled to their opinions and tastes.  These side by side comparison makes the KTM look positively BORING!  It looks like it is incomplete....like it's missing body parts.  Look at the center and the rear!  It's all pipes at the rear.  The front spoiler looks like garden tool.  I wouldn't say it's ugly.  But in my eyes, it pales next to the 1125CR.  

Yea, the Super Duke is one of those bikes that people either love or hate.  I was not trying to say the KTM is better looking than the Buell or vica versa.

My purpose for posting those side-by-side photos was to point out that the RC8 and Super Duke don't look alike even through they are basically the same bikes.  In contrast, the Buells do not have that much separation to them in appearance.  

[st ryder]

I really like the red one!  

The subtle red pinstriping on the wheels really adds a nice touch.  I'm in love.

I wonder if the pods will block headlamp light pattern when turned in, creating dark areas on the shoulders, since they project well past the head lamp.

[Brad1445]

Since Buell refuses to invest time or money to design a bike from end to end  we end up with what now is more than ever looks like a very bad Mr Potato head.  Nothing matches.

[keystonejenks]

Since Buell refuses to invest time or money to design a bike from end to end  we end up with what now is more than ever looks like a very bad Mr Potato head.  Nothing matches.

shhhhhhhhhhh just post another picture of your Firebolt.  

[Rogue]

....the Buells do not have that much separation to them in appearance.  

I think that was done on purpose.  You guys hate it but there are others who will like it.  I'm sure the Buell designers are laughing at some of the posts in here because they did the polarizing design on purpose.  Just like you said about the KTM, you either love it or hate it.  And that is how you stand out in a sea of "me-too" bikes.  Look at the Hayabusa.  A lot of people hate the looks of that bike.  Yet, Suzuki sold 10,000 units a year for 6 years!  Of course, the Hayabusa also had that monster of an engine to go with its large, jellybean shape, as well as the performance to put everyone down.  So once again, the expression about one man's trash is another's treasure rings true.  I'm sure that Buell is capable of making really sleek looking bikes.  I'm also sure that their design teams want something that would make people go WTF!  

Check out the Suzuki B-King:  

Here's another perfect example of a love it or hate it design.  Do the design elements look somewhat familiar?

[keystonejenks]

Check out the Suzuki B-King:  

Here's another perfect example of a love it or hate it design.  Do the design elements look somewhat familiar?

MY EYES, MY EYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[R Doug]

MY EYES, MY EYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's going to be OK.  Take deep breaths, step out into your garage, and stare at that Speed 4 of yours for a while.  You'll feel much better after you get the horrible image out of your head.

[Brad1445]

Check out the Suzuki B-King:  

Here's another perfect example of a love it or hate it design.  Do the design elements look somewhat familiar?

No.  The Suzuki is cohesive in angles shapes and proportions.  The buell has parts from three different bikes some parts over 5 years old.  Maybe the designers should do less laughing and be a little more serious about their work so the jokes can subside.

[Rincewind]

No.  The Suzuki is cohesive in angles shapes and proportions.

      The one I saw looked like a nightmare from an Anime cartoon.  IMHO, the Buell looks a lot more organic and flowing.  The only similarity between the Buell & B-King is the shape of the headlight, and a similar breadth at the tank area.  Beyond that, the B-King weighs 143lbs more than the Buell CR, so they aren't much in the same weight class.

[ccryder]

Does this help?

[Lon]

If I wanted a hooligan bike, I would totally go for the 1125CR.

I don't want one right now, but I'd still love to take one for a test ride.  Then again, I'm not exactly hung up on aesthetics...

[st ryder]

Does this help?

Only if you wear this while riding it:

[Rogue]

      The one I saw looked like a nightmare from an Anime cartoon.  IMHO, the Buell looks a lot more organic and flowing.  The only similarity between the Buell & B-King is the shape of the headlight, and a similar breadth at the tank area.  Beyond that, the B-King weighs 143lbs more than the Buell CR, so they aren't much in the same weight class.

I agree with everything you said.  The B-King does look like an Anime cartoon come to life.  I spared you guys the shot of the massive exhaust tips!  Nevermind that however because some people will like the looks of the B-King, others will hate it.  I will bet that the Buell 1125CR will no only outsell the B-King, it will also outlast it in the market place.    Definitely a better bike overall.  It doesn't help that the B-King's price is as high as it's power curve!

[Tar Snake]

Press release of the changes, copied from here

New Ulysses Police Joins Restyled Lightning and Firebolt in Buell Line EAST TROY, Wis., July 22

Po-Lyssses?  

[nanbil]

I don't mind it so much, would I buy one?  No!  Not because of its looks but because it is not the kind if ride I want.  When they make a Uly version, then I'll think about opening my wallet.  

[Bueller]

Does this help?

That looks heaps better

[Bueller]

I like the blacked out look on the new XBs Black - forks and levers.  I got black levers when I ordered my bike, but the forks are a nice detail.

[scott-sts]

Does this help?

IMO, yes.

[R Doug]

IMO, yes.

+ another yes.

You should forward that idea to Buell.  

[ccryder]

I'll just bet Buell already has seen this on their styling boards.