Future Uly with 1125 Motor?

[Kootenanny]

That's a pretty fucking elitist post there isn't it? Just because someone doesn't like the T'storm motor we are less of a motorcyclist than you are?

James, read what the guy said: "Relatively few riders are lucky enough to discover that there is a lot more to a lifetime of motorcycling enjoyment than just going fast."  

Nothing about engines there, or motorcycles for that matter.  I understand what he's saying, and I agree.  It would apply to riders of any motorcycles, no matter what engine size or brand.  He is simply decrying the obsession so many riders seem to have with powerful motorcycles--often, it would seem, to the detriment of their enjoyment of the sport.

[atypical1]

James, read what the guy said: "Relatively few riders are lucky enough to discover that there is a lot more to a lifetime of motorcycling enjoyment than just going fast."  

Nothing about engines there, or motorcycles for that matter.  I understand what he's saying, and I agree.  It would apply to riders of any motorcycles, no matter what engine size or brand.  He is simply decrying the obsession so many riders seem to have with powerful motorcycles--often, it would seem, to the detriment of their enjoyment of the sport.

Well he did say:

Unlike many people I don't purchase my bikes because some speed demon thinks it's fast enough for them.  I buy my bikes because I like them and they put a smile on my face.  Having said that I guess it would be accurate to say I bought my Uly for the engine not dispite it.  Those who look down on the Thunderstorm because it doesn't produce 150 hp are the same people who at one time questioned the need for 83 Hp when the Kawasaki Z1 first came out in 1972.  I don't really care that some staff person at Cycle World doesn't like the Thunderstorm.  

which is directly about the motor and defending it.

Look, I'm not at all about total HP (I ride a boxer) but I would never say that I am more of a motorcyclist or that anyone is any less because they prefer to have more power. That's just as elitist as saying "People who don't like a lot of HP just don't know how to handle it". Neither statement is necessarily true.

james

[BlueRidgeKat]

Relatively few riders are lucky enough to discover that there is a lot more to a lifetime of motorcycling enjoyment than just going fast. Those who do... become "motorcyclists".  The rest just happen to be riding a motorcycle.

Nuff Said

I tend to ride the 650 a little to "fast" at times I admit and I'm sure there are few people if any who own a motorcycle that doesnt break the speed limit from time to time. I sold a awesome "fast" ZZR1200 year before last and purchased a little XT225 that tries its best to do 60mph on a highway just to keep up with most traffic but the things a blast on old country roads or gravel roads, so I certainly dont have to have the "fastest" thing currently on the market. In 34 years of riding I have had slow bikes, fast bikes and most everything in between and have enjoyed them all. There has been a number I have test rode and didnt like as well, sorry to say the Uly was one of them. As stated before, everyone is different, some bikes feel or fit them better than others plus everyone likes what they like.

I dont care if the Uly would do 180 in first gear I would not purchase one in its present form. Again, I'm happy for Buell that the Uly is its best seller, Its just not for me. I also have the opinion which may be wrong that if the Uly had a different engine with less vibes and water cooled that they would have probably sold double the Uly's than what they already have. And if they do someday have a option for some type of de-tuned 1125 in the Uly I'll take another look.

As far as the "motorcyclist" comment. I have never considered myself a biker or a motorcyclist but instead use the term "rider". I commute year round in all types of weather, take day trips, weekend trips or week long trips or enjoy just going around the block.

Ride what you like and enjoy it.
  

[Oilhed]

I wish I could get a new 1200 motor in an old Tube frame.  I think they both look cool.  I test rode a Uly and loved it.  I just wish the 1125 motor hid the radiator a little better.  I don't need any motor over 99 hp!

[BobW]

Ya Hooligan!!! I only need 98

[Bueller]

I wish I could get a new 1200 motor in an old Tube frame.  I think they both look cool.  I test rode a Uly and loved it.  I just wish the 1125 motor hid the radiator a little better.  I don't need any motor over 99 hp!

Buell have taken out a patent on an under-seat radiator.  There is an  article stating that the Gen III 1125 will have this.

The Britten and the Benelli Tornado have both done similar.  You won't believe this, but I suggested to Mr Buell that they should put the radiator under the seat when he was in Australia for the launch of the 1125R last May.

[chornbe]

You're right, I don't believe it. He prefers "Hey, Erik!"  

[Bueller]

I can prove opportunity even if I didn't record the conversation.  These are pictures of Erik and the Buell Riders Australia Club (BRCA)

It may be that a rear radiator was under investigation even then.  What he said when I suggested it was that things which could be done with a race bike may not necessarily work on a road bike.

[chornbe]

that was a joke, actually

[st ryder]

Buell have taken out a patent on an under-seat radiator.  There is an  article stating that the Gen III 1125 will have this.

The Britten and the Benelli Tornado have both done similar.  You won't believe this, but I suggested to Mr Buell that they should put the radiator under the seat when he was in Australia for the launch of the 1125R last May.

Don't know about the Britten, but the Nellie is know to have seat/engine heat problems with the rad there due to lack of circulating/flow through air. Also, as I've mentioned in previous threads about so called "mass centralisation" where I mentioned specifically the Tornado, there are other opinions on what's best re weight placement. I hope "Eric", if I can call him that, will walk away from his "design trinity" and just build bikes the best way they should be built to maximise their function/utility and looks, rather than stick to design principles that result in products that continue to alienate potential buyers.  

[Bueller]

that was a joke, actually

I took it as a joke, and a photo opportunity  

[2DFlyer]

I can prove opportunity even if I didn't record the conversation.  These are pictures of Erik and the Buell Riders Australia Club (BRCA)

It may be that a rear radiator was under investigation even then.  What he said when I suggested it was that things which could be done with a race bike may not necessarily work on a road bike.

So which one of you is you?

And why wouldn't we believe that you and Erik think alike?  

[Bueller]

I'm up the back.  Grey goatee, bit of a height advantage from the ramp up to the door. Behind Denise. (That should make it easy)

Thinking alike.  I can't be immodest and let that pass.  He is really switched on.  Fascinating to talk to, and what he has done with the bikes are just so smart.  He also was just so natural with all he talked to.  He is someone worth meeting.

My only claim is that I like to ride.

[2DFlyer]

I'm up the back.  Grey goatee, bit of a height advantage from the ramp up to the door. Behind Denise. (That should make it easy)

Thinking alike.  I can't be immodest and let that pass.  He is really switched on.  Fascinating to talk to, and what he has done with the bikes are just so smart.  He also was just so natural with all he talked to.  He is someone worth meeting.

My only claim is that I like to ride.

I don't know Denise but she was easy to spot.

Everyone I've read who has talked to him has said the same thing, unassuming, accessible, every day kinda guy.  One of a kind.  How are Buell's perceived in Australia?  I understand they're more popular and given much greater respect in Europe than the US.  Not to compare Australia to Europe, but how well received is the Buell down under?

[Bueller]

They generate a lot of interest here.  

The Harley riders all know them and quite a few buy them as a second bike and use them as a first.

Not all riders know them and are usually interested.  I kinda like the "what's that factor".  

Riders who do know them are also up for a chat.

They are addictive.  Friends and the riders on the Buell forums here who switch to other bikes usually come back pretty quickly.

Until the end of '07 I'd say every Buell that arrived here sold pretty quickly.  Then we had many months with no stock, and now either the sales momentum has dropped off a bit or they've imported many more than previously.  Either way the result is that you see quite a few on shop floors at the moment.  Some dealers help us promote the club, and we are getting quite a few new memberships coming through so new bikes are selling.

[Kootenanny]

I understand they're more popular and given much greater respect in Europe than the US.

Yeah, I've heard this too, and it's interesting.  I think that in Europe, Buells aren't "tainted" by their relationship with H-D, the way they are in the US--for one thing, I understand they aren't as tied to the H-D dealer network, and are often sold in sportbike shops right alongside Ducatis, Triumphs, Aprilias, etc.  Here in North America, many sportbike riders won't even consider a Buell because they see it as just a weird-looking Harley.  One friend told me, when he first saw my bike, that he was relieved--he thought I'd bought some kind of Harley cruiser.

[st ryder]

Yeah, I've heard this too, and it's interesting.  I think that in Europe, Buells aren't "tainted" by their relationship with H-D, the way they are in the US--for one thing, I understand they aren't as tied to the H-D dealer network, and are often sold in sportbike shops right alongside Ducatis, Triumphs, Aprilias, etc.  Here in North America, many sportbike riders won't even consider a Buell because they see it as just a weird-looking Harley.  One friend told me, when he first saw my bike, that he was relieved--he thought I'd bought some kind of Harley cruiser.

So, MV Augusta will soon be tainted as well because they are now owned by HD? I seriously doubt it. If Buell is tainted, it's not because of HD; it's because of itself.

[Kootenanny]

So, MV Augusta will soon be tainted as well because they are now owned by HD?

Already happening:


Got the pic from this thread in which most posters were joking, but some seem genuinely worried about H-D changing MV for trhe worse.  American riders have a love/hate relationship with Harley that colours anything H-D touches.

(sorry about the threadjackiing...)

[Rogue]

So, MV Augusta will soon be tainted as well because they are now owned by HD? I seriously doubt it. If Buell is tainted, it's not because of HD; it's because of itself.

Spoken like a true Ducati elitist.  

As usual you drop in to give your negative thoughts.  

[mugwump58]

"... them negative thought waves Moriority, woof, woof.".