First Ride, Buell XB12STT: Motorcycle Daily

[Schneegz]

Link to Article:

[Nimh]

Interesting.  I would love to demo one.

Those massive number plates on the back would have to go.  

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

Yeah I don't think the plates look good either.

[Metal Doc]

A little rattle can and it look great, to match the ride.

[ferrix]

Some people complain this new Buell is just another variation on the Buell theme... this might be true, but I don't think it is so horrible at all. Buell comes pretty close to making a bike that would be just right for me, it's just some practicalities and details that put me off. So I'm all for them rehashing the basic design - one of the variations might just be it.

I agree with just about everyone - these number plates would have to go, but luckily, I think they are very easy to take off. I am very curious about the seat though. On spec it appears to be lower than other models, which is good for me - I like to be able to touch the ground comfortably. But in practice, I've seen people complain this seat is actually worse for them! I guess there's more to the seat than just the height - its width and shape make a big difference as well... I guess only a test ride could answer this one for me.

I just wish Buell could get a different engine!  Heh, I'm asking for it, aren't I? Let me explain!!! I don't want to see a 'modern', water cooled inline-4! I am fine with the PRINCIPLES as they are - simple, air cooled, large capacity, low revving engine of modest power and lots of torque is just great with me. I just don't like this particular incarnation of these principles: the HD engine.... I wish that Buell could design their own engine, or source it from someone else rather than HD. (though I know it's not likely given their size, and their association with HD) Surely someone else *could* make a large V-Twin like this, but one that would be a bit lighter and virtually bullet-proof, and at the same time, leak oil and shake a bit less?

A Buell  I test-rode a while back really did shake something terrible. Yes, it smoothed out at higher revs, but I'm afraid I can't just dismiss the problem this easily. Shaking at idle/low revs is a serious issue for me because I do a lot of my riding in dense city traffic and I'd estimate on an average 20minute trip, at least 10 of these minutes is spent at idle, or inching forwards at very low revs....

But I think I will try to test this one when  I can because I remain interested in this brand. It seems to me Mr. Buell has a lot of right ideas, and as for their actual execution, he is learning and getting better with every model.

[veefer800canuck]

I just wish Buell could get a different engine!  Heh, I'm asking for it, aren't I? Let me explain!!! I don't want to see a 'modern', water cooled inline-4! I am fine with the PRINCIPLES as they are - simple, air cooled, large capacity, low revving engine of modest power and lots of torque is just great with me. I just don't like this particular incarnation of these principles: the HD engine.... I wish that Buell could design their own engine, or source it from someone else rather than HD. (though I know it's not likely given their size, and their association with HD) Surely someone else *could* make a large V-Twin like this, but one that would be a bit lighter and virtually bullet-proof, and at the same time, leak oil and shake a bit less?

Association with HD? They are a wholly owned subsidiary of HD.

Erik Buell first sold 49% to HD many years ago, keeping himself in the rider's seat owning the rest of the company.

Later on, HD bought the remaining 51% with a clause built in to keep Erik Buell on as Head Guru Cheez Whiz for life.

Thus, a snowball's chance in Hell of ever seeing a Buell with a KTM or Highland V-twin between the framerails.

[ferrix]

Association with HD? They are a wholly owned subsidiary of HD.

Well, being owned by someone makes you undisputably associated with them

Thus, a snowball's chance in Hell of ever seeing a Buell with a KTM or Highland V-twin between the framerails.

In practice, yes - I'm aware of that. But this was a wish and wishes don't have to be practical... besides, who knows? Maybe HD will sell them one day... stranger things have happened. Except that if HD do sell Buell, it will most likely be to the Chinese

[vitaminC]

There's also a review in the LA Times.

[2DFlyer]

There's also a review in the LA Times.

Finally!  Something in the LA Times I can agree with.