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.

[Brad1445]

I don't think Badweb is a good cross section of consumer opinions.  Much more focused on the factory and the dealers like a pep rally.  They will delete post and run even long time customers with 'un-positive' comments out of town on a rail.

Only on that site do people think going to the dealer for the 6th time on something like burned out LED tailamps is OK.

The owners that first reported drivability problems were ridiculed.  Buell has four re-flashes since those people were belittled after spending good money.

[Kootenanny]

Yes, the BadWeb site can be a bit "Rah-Rah" at times, but it is a good place for accurate information about your Buell (generally more accurate than most dealers).  Like many brand-specific sites, it has a lot of threads about problems people are having...reading it can make you feel that the bikes are incredibly problem-prone, but that's because every little problem gets reported, while few post about how many problem-free miles they're putting on.

About other people's opinions...when I was looking to buy a new bike several years ago, the final contenders were the Triumph Speed 4, Suzuki SV650S, and Buell XB9R Firebolt.  I discounted the Triumph because I was unable to get a demo ride (I refuse to buy a bike I've never ridden).  I posted on a couple of message boards, and asked friends and acquaintances, to get help with the decision.  Most people either didn't know what a "Buell" was, or were quite disparaging--I was overwhelmingly advised to get the Suzuki, which was a proven bike.  However, I had ridden both the SV650S and the XB9R, and foiund the Buell to be by far the more stimulating ride.  I also got the opportunity to ride the SV1000S, and all I could do while riding it was compare it to the Buell...I ignored the advice I'd been given and bought the Buell, and I do not regret it at all!  I''ve been riding the Firebolt for four seasons now, and it still stirs my senses...I feel no desire for anything else.

[scottzilla]

I don't think Badweb is a good cross section of consumer opinions.  Much more focused on the factory and the dealers like a pep rally.  They will delete post and run even long time customers with 'un-positive' comments out of town on a rail.

Only on that site do people think going to the dealer for the 6th time on something like burned out LED tailamps is OK.

The owners that first reported drivability problems were ridiculed.  Buell has four re-flashes since those people were belittled after spending good money.

I think the same thing can be said about every brand specific board.  They are pretty much circle jerks.
It's not difficult to wade through the dellusional and get really good info at these boards though.

[Hickey]

I think the same thing can be said about every brand specific board.  They are pretty much circle jerks.
It's not difficult to wade through the dellusional and get really good info at these boards though.

+1

Brand and model specific boards are for cheerleading and to a lesser extent for documenting helpful info.

[BlueRidgeKat]

I don't think Badweb is a good cross section of consumer opinions.  Much more focused on the factory and the dealers like a pep rally.  They will delete post and run even long time customers with 'un-positive' comments out of town on a rail.

Only on that site do people think going to the dealer for the 6th time on something like burned out LED tailamps is OK.

I dont know anything about the site, but doing a google search pulls this up.

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/321/RipOff0321663.htm

Must have been some disgruntled member that posted it. Theres been people here over the years thats bad mouthed STN just as bad. I usually dont pay much attention to such rants, but what the others have said about brand or bike specific forums is pretty much true.

[Kootenanny]

OMG!

I'd never heard of that "Ripoff Reports" site BRK linked to, but...gee, I betcha can find rants of all kinds on there!

The complainant definitely has to "man up" a bit...it's an internet forum.  Don't take it so seriously!  He says he's in the process of filing suit for "harassment and slander and lost compensation" (should be "libel" if it was in print, BTW, and whatever in the world is "lost compensation?")  He says BWB is dishonest and unfair, and bullied him mercilessly.  It's a forum, made up of individual members, the vast majority of whom have never met each other...how can a forum be dishonest and unfair?

The scariest thing here is if this idiot could actually file suit against a forum...being as it's in the US, where stranger things have happened...

[DogBoy]

http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/321/RipOff0321663.htm

had to seek psychiatric help

 

That is one of the funniest things I have ever read.

[Orson]

...was treated so poorly that I actually had to seek psychiatric help

 

[2DFlyer]

...was treated so poorly that I actually had to seek psychiatric help

 

YMMV

[Brad1445]

I agree many Brand Specific Forums tend to be obviously pro what ever the product is as thats what they all bought.

In fairness to the person that fileed that complaint I have first hand witnessed belittling of Buell owners of a Brand New Bike just because they asked a question about a perceived abnormality.  The 1125 introduction had many stumbles and if you said anything less than flattering praise you might find your post deleted or moved to sections they were using called "poo". Even as patches and other fixes have been coming out to fix these issues,  those people that first addressed it were never redeemed apologized for or thanked for trying to do the right thing,  fix problems not cover them up.

What makes BadWeb a higher level of intensity is a bizarre relationship with the Factory that post under anonymous Im assuming for legal reasons.  This tends to leave a few others employees of Buell Dealers and their employees all trying to win favor with their superiors.

These unique factors tip the balance the content balance more so than on other sites .  It really is more like an Internal Harley Davidson Buell memo board than a open to the public discussion.

[Brad1445]

I would add as a long time Buell owner there really are no GREAT BUell only boards. I think the exchange you see her may be the best on the web as it gets to the facts more directly without fear of repercussions or lost in a sea of propaganda including lies and cover-ups.

[Thunderbox]

I have no doubt that James needed to seek the help of a professional.  He sure seems to be exciteable, paranoid, vengeful and who knows what else.  All for something with an on and an off button.  Wow!!!!

[2DFlyer]

I would add as a long time Buell owner there really are no GREAT BUell only boards. I think the exchange you see her may be the best on the web as it gets to the facts more directly without fear of repercussions or lost in a sea of propaganda including lies and cover-ups.

I like the brand/model specific boards for detailed info but prefer to hang out here.  I've not experienced what you described at BadWeb but did spend most of my time lately in Old School talking tubers.  There I found some great help and insight, but I was being pretty agreeable.  I'm also a bit oblivious at times so may have missed some of the more subversive stuff going on.  In any case YMMV.

[chornbe]

I don't think Badweb is a good cross section of consumer opinions.  Much more focused on the factory and the dealers like a pep rally.  They will delete post and run even long time customers with 'un-positive' comments out of town on a rail.

Only on that site do people think going to the dealer for the 6th time on something like burned out LED tailamps is OK.

The owners that first reported drivability problems were ridiculed.  Buell has four re-flashes since those people were belittled after spending good money.

I dont' do bike-centric sites any more. They're all brain-fucked zealots to some degree or another, IMO.

[scottzilla]

Brand/model specific discussion boards are circle jerks.  
If you wade through the bs you will get good info though.

[Rogue]

I have used BWB website and I give that site two thumbs up for helping me out on specific service questions on my Firebolt.  In fact, they have saved me tons of money by helping me do it myself.

As far as any assinine behavior in there, I haven't seen it happen.  Even with my opinionated posts, I have not been attacked or "harassed" by anyone.  I have seen some idiotic posts or useless drivel from people who type before they think.  Those usually get spanked and spat out.  

I think that in general, if you genuinely make an effort to ask a legitimate question at BWB, your question will be answered well.  However, if you come out talking trash and sounding like a punk, then you will get bashed and treated as such.  Same anywhere you go.  Most people can tell if you are are an idiot, punk, lazy, moron, simply by reading your posts so there.

[Mastros2]

Bugs,

I’ve owned Buells for the last 4 years.  In 2005, I bought a ’99 X1 Lightning from another BadWebber and absolutely love it.  I bought it with 16k miles, now has 38k miles.  No problems except when the stator went, the only time it left me stranded ( I ran out of gas but that was my own fault!!).  I’ve been all over the eastern coast from Maine to NC, Toronto to Cleveland.  I would feel completely comfortable riding any Buell bike for 100k miles and would trust it as well.  

Last month, I bought a 2007 Ulysses and they are completely different but enjoy both.  This is the first time I bought back-to-back vehicles from the same manufacturer (auto included I have owned a few cars).  If I didn’t find the deal on the Uly, I wouldn’t sell the X1.  Another thing, the maintenance is simple and both bikes get 50mpg.  I’ve seen low 60’s on multiple day trips.

If you want a tuber, I would suggest finding one from the original owner.  They have tweeked the bikes and worked out the factory bugs.  I’ve heard that the original tubers were called the “Beta Buells,” real life testers for Buell!  One person mentioned that the tubers were more “coarser” which isn’t a bad thing, just what they were.  

Go check them out at your nearest Buell dealer and ask for a test ride.  Even better, find a dealer that has good customer service (you can find that on the BadWeb).  Make sure that you leave your check book at home unless you plan to ride a new bike back!!!

Here is another good post…
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,41178.0.html

[chornbe]

I've ridden a couple, old and new, and can say that, like my Sportster, they're raw and unsophisticated and just plain old fun. Their excellent suspensions and good handling provide a nice counter to the raw and unpolished feel you get from the twin pulsing under you. It's quite a cool blend. And since they're based on the Sporty mill, the engines are basic and simple and maintenance will have to be a snap long term.

[naustin]

I owned a 2001 S3T and loved it. Bought it with 6,000 miles, and sold it with 20,000 miles. But, I wouldn't own another one.  The front motor mount failed 3 times in 2 weeks while I was on vacation, and had failed prior to that once before.  The saddlebags are made out of crappy plastic.  They were stressed cracked from the vibes coming though the frame.  This was a VERY common problem with S3T saddlebags. Plan on them sucking.  There is no aftermarket alternative that will fit either, unless you build custom mounts. The shock was recalled twice.  Many bikes do not have the final 3rd revision, and you need to do your research to make sure you have the right unit.  The fuel injection is also finicky.  I bought a $300 software tool to take care of mine.

Its a one-up bike, period.  The suspension and the front motor mount can NOT handle the extra load of a passanger or heavy luggage.  Also, my front brake rotor warped.  I was in Vermont 2-up and had to get back to Minnesota.  I was not riding aggressively or overly fast, it was just the extra weight and the hills of Vermont and before I knew it, my front rotor was badly warped.

Finally, There are not a lot of Buell dealerships.  When My bike broke down in N.H., I got turned away by 3 Harley Dealers who wouldn't help me, even one that was selling buells, and had to ride 300 miles in bad weather on the bad motor mount to get to a "real" buell dealer.  They fixed it, measured the frame to confirm nothing was out of alignment or bent, and told me I must have got a defective part for it to fail the way it did.  It failed again 2 days later.  I'm convinced it was because I was over-loaded.

I loved the Sound, the look, the torque, etc.  I really loved Buell and went to homecoming and toured the factory etc.  But, at the end of the day, the S3T was not reliable, or functional as anything other than an in-town cruiser.  I could not trust it on a trip of any real distance.  So, I got rid of it.


Good Luck.

[f_skinner]

The S3 and S3T are great bikes. I have a few tubers. I did not realize they were undependable and wish someone would have told me that before I put over 110K miles on a 95 S2. I guess I should have been worried.

The key to riding a tuber is preventative maintenance.

[jim williams]

I'm the proud owner as of a couple weeks ago of a 09 XP ULY. I'll be selling my 1150GS for it. Previously, I had a 1200GS, a Tiger 1050 and an older BMW oilhead. I will say this: this bike is FUN! It tours as well as any of the other bikes listed. I flew to Tn., and, rode it home 1400 miles in 3 days. Mostly twisties before DC. This bike has a real seat of the pants feel to it. You actually feel like your riding a MOTORCYCLE! It's quirky, exciting, fun, handles great, and, did I mention it's FUN? So far, I love this bike!

[Rincewind]

Hey Jim, glad to hear your update.  Enjoy your Ulysses.  It is on my list of possible next bikes, but I'm not sure if I would prefer it over the T1050's.  It seems the maintenance should be a fair amount less.

[Squidbuzz]

Jim, one other thing that you might want to investigate is the Uly Comfort Kit.  That came out a few months back and cures the hot right leg syndrome along with the hot seat situation.  Not to mention it also helps the fan from not running all the time.

[Kootenanny]

...This bike has a real seat of the pants feel to it. You actually feel like your riding a MOTORCYCLE!

By George, I think he gets it!

Welcome to the club.

[scottzilla]

I'm the proud owner as of a couple weeks ago of a 09 XP ULY. I'll be selling my 1150GS for it. Previously, I had a 1200GS, a Tiger 1050 and an older BMW oilhead. I will say this: this bike is FUN! It tours as well as any of the other bikes listed. I flew to Tn., and, rode it home 1400 miles in 3 days. Mostly twisties before DC. This bike has a real seat of the pants feel to it. You actually feel like your riding a MOTORCYCLE! It's quirky, exciting, fun, handles great, and, did I mention it's FUN? So far, I love this bike!

You liar.  Where are the pics?

[ninegear]

buells sound good from what i have heard. people who hate them seem to fallow the same pattern. they dont like it cuz its not a gsxr. then again i don't think they are not the best looking ether. the lightning is ok now with its newer colors. the old red and orange looked like crap. the hero blue(needs to be reproduced again)the kick ash grey and the cherry bomb red look awesome.

the uly it plain ugly though. thought it looks good on paper and has had some good reveiws. thought i dont know bout their gas mileage. the site dose not say.

1125r-the newest member and flagship bike of buell. it has a great engine and has won an it has won an AMA recently.  the early models had problems like gas boiling in the frame. the problems have been corected though.  

[Brad1445]

Buell bought the AMA the rule book has been tossed no other manufacture gets to run bikes that are not available to the public, and no the problems have not been fixed go to bad web many owners leave their bikes out side a few hours before bringing them in the fuel smell is so bad from the boiling.

THe haters?  I guess Im one have bought 5 Brand new ones before.

Sorry everything in your post was wrong.  It looks like a badweb post where a dealer employee or manufacture employee plants stuff to try and get some good press.

[Brad1445]

PS my ugly Uly, was one of the best bikes I ever owned never got less than 50mpg and if I was nice could see 65.

[jim williams]

Hey Jim, glad to hear your update.  Enjoy your Ulysses.  It is on my list of possible next bikes, but I'm not sure if I would prefer it over the T1050's.  It seems the maintenance should be a fair amount less.

yeah, you know I thought about another Tiger, but, then figured I might as well try a Uly. If I don't like it, I'll go back to the Tiger. I still rave about that 1050 motor, probably the best engine to ever grace 2 wheels.

This Uly though. I gotta say... Well, it's alot like how motorcycles used to be, if that makes any sense? When it was 2 wheels, and an engine. After being on a few refined bikes the last few years, I kinda feel like how those guys must have felt many years ago when they strapped a motor to a bicycle. What fun! And, if it's not fun, what's the point?

[jim williams]

Jim, one other thing that you might want to investigate is the Uly Comfort Kit.  That came out a few months back and cures the hot right leg syndrome along with the hot seat situation.  Not to mention it also helps the fan from not running all the time.

Ihave it, just haven't installed yet. As of yet, the heat doesn't really bother me much, it's more the noisy fan. It is kind of annoying. I mean, I understand why it's there, and, I think that's great, but, it is annoying, esp. the time it ran so long on my driveway that it woke up my 11mon. old taking a nap I ordered the kit that day

[jim williams]

You liar.  Where are the pics?

Can you post pictures here? My XP is kinda unique

[Rincewind]

yeah, you know I thought about another Tiger, but, then figured I might as well try a Uly. If I don't like it, I'll go back to the Tiger. I still rave about that 1050 motor, probably the best engine to ever grace 2 wheels.

This Uly though. I gotta say... Well, it's alot like how motorcycles used to be, if that makes any sense? When it was 2 wheels, and an engine. After being on a few refined bikes the last few years, I kinda feel like how those guys must have felt many years ago when they strapped a motor to a bicycle. What fun! And, if it's not fun, what's the point?

I read your post on the Tiger board when you were contemplating the bike change, and whether to get another Tiger.  I'm glad that you are well pleased with your Ulysses XT.  I like what you say of the simple pleasures of the American Vtwin.
Posted on: October 06, 2009, 08:21:35 pm

Can you post pictures here? My XP is kinda unique

You can attach pics in the post reply window, or hotlink them from another host.

[2DFlyer]

I spent a fair amount of time looking into M2 Cyclones.  The impression I came away with is tubers are for tinkerers.  They'll run forever if taken care of but are higher maintenance than the XB's.  I'd own one in a heart beat if I had the time to play with it when not riding.

[00buck]

I bought a new 2001 Cyclone M2 tuber after enjoying a 1998 Sportster 1200S for some time. The M2 was problem free for one year and 25,000 km with no recalls. Looking back it had to be the most satisfying bike of the 30+ bikes I've owned. In the end, dealer incompetence misdiagnosing a warranty issue ruined the bike so I traded her off. Recently I bought an 09 Uly XB12XT and once again am in love! I just installed the comfort kit and after 8,500 km have had no issues, only good times. My back was suffering on the FZ1 but this Uly is so comfortable with a natural seating position and plush suspension I can ride 12 hour days and feel refreshed, not to mention exhilarated. Meantime, I am looking to add another tuber as a hobby bike since I love tinkering with simpler older bikes. The XB is practically maintenance free, just ride and enjoy. My local riding buddies, mostly BMW riders were stunned by my choice but so far I've got thick skin, not sure for how long though, it gets tiring. Funny its ok to badmouth a Buell but don't dare criticize their 'superb' BMW's. lol... At least I get the chance to educate them on the merits of Buell motorcycles.  

[Kootenanny]

...Funny its ok to badmouth a Buell but don't dare criticize their 'superb' BMW's. lol...

Yeah...BMW, Ducati, Honda, doesn't seem to matter...Buells are fair game, but their band is not...

[Brad1445]

Yeah...BMW, Ducati, Honda, doesn't seem to matter...Buells are fair game, but their band is not...

Any company that spends valuable marketing dollars bad mouthing their own products/customers (crushing the blast)  set the stage for others to join in.

Great marketing, NOT!

[olderigetfasteriam]

Any company that spends valuable marketing dollars bad mouthing their own products/customers (crushing the blast)  set the stage for others to join in.

Great marketing, NOT!

So, how did you enjoy your Buell?

[Brad1445]

So, how did you enjoy your Buell?

Very much until the image became tarnished with ridicule and quality reliability issues.

Newer models were less reliable than older ones???  

[bomber]

so you liked your bike until it's image became tarnished?

I've got a tube of Semichrome you can borrow!

[Kootenanny]

Any company that spends valuable marketing dollars bad mouthing their own products/customers (crushing the blast)  set the stage for others to join in.

Great marketing, NOT!

Brad, the "bad-mouthing" of Buell was going on long before the Blast crushing thing, or even the introduction of the 1125 models.  In fact, it has become less over the years I've owned my 'Bolt.

One thing I don't understand...you owned what, 5 Buells, and several of them were Firebolts IIRC...was there a reason for changing?  I've only ever owned one Buell, and I will probably only ever own the one...I can't imagine selling my Firebolt (especially now), and I don't really want to change it for something else.  

[Brad1445]

The Firebolt with belt drive, 84ft torque is a incredible experience.  It was perfection  below 100mph.

[FlowBee]

Let's face it folks.  If it weren't for the niche manufacturers like Buell, KTM, Ducati,  ... even BMW:  we'd all be riding Japanese inline four sportbikes or retro American V-twins.   There is a market for these oddballs, however small.   They're the pioneers, and they have the arrows in their backs to prove it.  Too bad Buell was never truly allowed to innovate away from Juneau Ave. His wings were clipped.  What was his foundation became his anchor.

Hats off to the innovators.  RIP Buell Motors.

[Rincewind]

Well said.  I'll miss the Buell brand, but if Erik is still on HD payroll, there may be something else afoot?  We don't know.

[Kootenanny]

The Firebolt with belt drive, 84ft torque is a incredible experience.  It was perfection  below 100mph.

Ah.  Since I seldom ride in excess of 100 mph on public roads, no wonder I love my 'Bolt.

Now, honestly...how many of us actually do regularly exceed "the ton" on public roads?

[ninegear]

Well said.  I'll miss the Buell brand, but if Erik is still on HD payroll, there may be something else afoot?  We don't know.

i hope harley just gives him back his company and let him do it all on his own again. thats my wishful thinking.

[Brad1445]

Well said.  I'll miss the Buell brand, but if Erik is still on HD payroll, there may be something else afoot?  We don't know.

I think he was the problem.  Good engineer, very poor in design, quality control, consumer testing management.

Buells ideas executed with thought and care would have been a world class bike.

[Thunderbox]

I think he was the problem.  Good engineer, very poor in design, quality control, consumer testing management.

Buells ideas executed with thought and care would have been a world class bike.

Buells are world class bikes.  Have you ever ridden one or just listening to others who haven't.

[DogBoy]

Buells are world class bikes.  Have you ever ridden one or just listening to others who haven't.

First time in the Buell forum?

[chornbe]

[naustin]

 

[falconati]

I love this website.

[whodom]

First time in the Buell forum?

Definitely his first encounter with Brad.

[Brad1445]

Hey I did not jump on that train.  
The XB Bikes were reliable, fun and cool.

It was the 1125 that will forever leave a bad taste in people.

[ninegear]

heres a quick update on erik buell

at his website. www.erikbuellracing.com he offers race motorcycles and other things. problems i see is that the site hasnt changed at all since it opened.

i would love to make a custom bike with one of those 1125r engines. not sure if the laws would allow that though.

personally i think he should start a new company and start again from square one. sell one or 2 diffrent bikes like roehr and fischer.

i still think HD screwed him over. if i was hd instead of shutting buell down completely i would have cut down the bikes to the uly,firebolt, 1125r because the 1125cr was a waste of time building and bring back the blast but make it worth looking at.

maybe have buell build four wheelers or dirtbikes. the uly did ok on the dirt but i think the blast would make a really good dirtbike with some mods to it.