Buell Bikes

[Bugs]

Hey - I'm looking for any input anyone has on Buells, specifically the S3T. Pros/cons , long distance & otherwise. Thanks, Bugs.

[garry]

From what I've read, the XB series were/are more reliable bikes than the previous gen stuff (tubers).

[rhpaw]

*You will either love them or hate them.
*Take no one's opinion but your own.
*The harley dealers do offer test drives.

I have two Buells and love the crap out of them. Some friends think I'm looney.

[scottzilla]

www.badweatherbikers.com

Don't bother asking anyone here for info.  These STN types hate Buells because they aren't Harleys.  They Love Harleys.

[Hickey]

Although I don't own a Buell, I consider myself Buell curious.  I've had two test rides, Ulysses and the STT, and I'll probably do so again.  At some point I'll almost certainly actually buy one.

I'm of the opinion that the XB series are great bikes.  From experience I can say they don't feel like other bikes and the vibration at low RPMs is pronounced.  Fortunately Buell dealers usually let you try before you buy, so if you are curious at all, get a test ride.  

[county]

I went and test rode one (I think it was a 900) once when the Buell truck came thru Memphis a few years ago....I liked it, it felt like I was almost sitting on toppa the front wheel.

I've heard they are much better bikes since 2003.

[Ti954]

IMO buells are junk.

[Bugs]

Alrighty then! Don't hold back - keep it goin'... who's next? Come get some!

[TBone]

www.badweatherbikers.com

+1
badweb is the place, especially for older models like the S3T.

[roadthing]

Up until 2005 all Buells were disappointing. They have improved but your money is better spent elsewhere, IMHO.

[Kootenanny]

As someone said above, ya gotta make your own decision.  I love mine.  There's so much more to this sport than horsepower...

The S3T is an older generation tube-frame Buell, commonly known as a "tuber" (as opposed to a "fuel-framer").  Buell's reputation for poor reliability was built by the tubers...nonetheless, I'd love to own an S1 Lightning some day!

(BTW, the XB series, the "fuel-framers," have a very good reliability record.)

[Bogie]

I had a 99 S3 for 5 years and loved it. 16K trouble free miles. However, my riding buddy bought one and hated it. I think it was because he didn't know how to ride it and I told him as much,,,he kept trying to run it up to ten grand rpm all the time...gotta short shift Buells! The S3 rides like a big old dirt bike, very confidence inspiring,,,I think you should get one.

Later, Carl

[bomber]

IMO buells are junk.

For some reason that I don't pretend to understand, Buells seem to draw more of this kind of thoughtful, fact-driven analysis than other brands (sarcasm module installed) -- many people who have never been within 20 feet of a Buell are experts, and none of thes experts have anything good to say (Ti MAY have, in spite of his less than illuminating post, some valuable experience wrt Buells).

Badwether is a good place to get data and positive opinions on Buells (go figure ;--}  ) . . . . . . . . . .

While the XB series is very different than the Tubers, and the Tubers werre different from teh 1st gen street Buells, they all have a family feel -- if not siblings, cousins -- I chalk this up to the fact that they are the product of a small company that is still being guided by the founder  . . . . . . some folks LOVE Buells (count me as one of those) -- others don't - - while tbuers had their share of problems (and, perhaps, a little more), XBs have proven to be pretty solid bikes -- the good news is that, as others have written, most Buell dealers allow test rides.

Be aware, if you are comfortable spinning wrenches, Buells may not be for you. While you MAY luck out, and live close to one fo the few HD dealershipsthat can adequately support a Buell, you'll likely be subjected to a lot of nonesense, and the standard issue waiting time for service at an HD dealership -- many consider Buell's biggest shortcoming to be the HD dealership network.

THe bikes handle extremely well, very responsively, perhaps too much so for a new or unskilled rider . . . . the encourage the maintenance of momentum, and are torque monsters (I've not ridden the newest incarnation with the water-cooled mill, so can't comment on them) . . . . . . they are iconoclasts, and not for those who are more comfortable riding the same bike that all their buddies ride  . . . . . .

Ride one and judge for yourself . . . . .

[Brad1445]

(buells are junk)

I don't think so.

I have had 5.  I think there is a shred of truth to the rumor but in my case it may be dealer service that made the product look bad.  Many repeat visits for same small issues  I have had issues with Ducati's but they are fixed right the first time in my experience.  I never have trouble with my Japanese bikes so only know about oil changes.  I would not touch the new Buell with a 100 foot poll yet.

That Said the Buell XB bikes are a kick ass ball of fun. THE BEST bang for the buck! Ducati's are a roll in the hay good time and my japanese bikes are ehhhh on the excitement level.

[X1rider]

While I have never owned one, I have ridden several, the old "tubers" and the newer aluminum framed units. The alloy models are far and away superior to the tube framed bikes. Those old things shake like paint mixers, and routinely throw things off.

However, if you can get a real cheap deal on one, go for it. Nothing like an on going project.....

[adr88]

My life with a 97 M2 was a total joy: light weight, unbelievable torque, solid handling, good braking, and great gas milage. My wife didn't enjoy the helmet bumping caused by compression braking; she won. Perhaps the M2 is small for two people. I ran a S3 fairing for about a year, but the turbulence at helmet level became too much, so back to the fly screen. I must not forget the Lightning cams and Race Pipe, which both woke up the M2.

I feel the reliability problems of the early models was mostly caused by riding constantly at higher RPM; we can't escape that this is a Harley motor. The dealers, in my opinon, also share a great deal of the responsibility for the reports of lack of reliability. I know my local dealer never returned the bike after service work without "not" needing their work double checked. Three years ago I was interested in a Ulyses, but the Harley dealer convinced me to buy a Multistrada.
Dave

[blackbuell]

I owned 2 different S3's over 11 years, one was a '97 S3T, the other a 2000 S3. The lower fairing and the luggage on the "97 were real junk, but I liked the bike. I did have significant problems with the bike, but most were taken care of by Buell under waranty and through recalls. The 2000, though more reliable, still had issues that you usually don't encounter with a Japanese product. However, the 2000 tuber was the most fun bike that I ever owned.

I will likely buy an old tuber in the future, after I get a larger garage. I wouldn't recommend them to a new rider or to someone who is reluctant to tinker with motorcycles. However, if you are an experienced rider and are pretty good with a wrench, you might enjoy the bike. Great torque, great handling.

Jon

[Bugs]

Hi y'all - Thanks a bunch for all the replies. It's great to have a place like this to get everyone's opinions - pro & con. Bugs.

[Roader06]

You may notice that ....as often is the case.... the two most negative (and short replies) were by people who did not identify themselves as having been beull owners.

I haven't owned a tuber but I have put 6500 miles on my 2009 ulysses xb12xt in less than 2.5 months and it is my favorite bike of 38 years of riding.

+1 again on badweatherbikers for beulls

[2DFlyer]

+1 again on badweatherbikers for beulls

+2 on BadWeb

Unlike some, you'll be hard pressed to find a Buell pilot who'll talk trash about your bike - even after he's embarrassed you in your back yard.  Spurned by sport bike and Harley communities alike, I think you'll find the brotherhood of Buell to be respectful but unreliant on others opinions.

Tubers are for tinkerers.  XB is wrench free.

Like any other bike you'd buy, ride both and read up on them.  They're not for everybody but those that do drink the Kool Aid are more passionate about the them than just about any other brand.  I've never had a bike put a SEG on my face like an X1 Lightning.  I'd buy a well sorted out 20K '02 M2 Cyclone in a heartbeat.  Without question, there is a Uly or Xb12Ss in my future.