Lots of Affordable Buells

[X1Glider]

I've had a love/hate relationship with Buell for 18 years now (had 6 different ones).  Still wish they were around because I'd have loved to have owned a Ulysses.

On the SV650 comparison...  I raced a Buell that met Pro-Thunder requirements 2 years in heavyweight sportsman class in the CMRA against Monsters and SV650s.  While the Buell outcornered the SV by carrying more speed through the turn, the SV left me behind on every significant straight.  Yeah, the SV had crap suspension but that is easily remedied with some take-off forks and brakes from a Gixxer 750.  The Monsters were the Buell's most equal rival in this race class.  (TBH, I retained the stock belt drive which may have had to do with the SV out dragging me).

As for Buells being a great deal right now.  Possibly, if you like the fuel in frame design.  It works but I don't know if it's more desirable than a tube frame.  That's a personal preference.  I know I prefer the tube frames.

Regardless of selling price now, any used Buell I would go for would have to be pristine and perfect in the bodywork and other Buell spefic parts.  The drivetrain isn't even an issue.  The aftermarket for the sporty based engines is huge.  The only drivetrain specic parts to be concerned about getting a hold of would be the ECM and throttle body parts.  I think on the fuel-in-frame bikes, you can buy rotors and pads from EBR.  

What Brad said about EB knowingly releasing the 1125 to the public with tons of problems just so he could celebrate his 25th Anniversary on time is also something that I hold a grudge against him for.  So I agree with him.  I can't tell you what a PITA it was in time and inconvenience to get that bike to where it should have been when I first bought it.  No customer should have ever had to go through that much effort when the factory could have avoided the problems in the first place by postponing the release.  Any fan of Buell bike knows that Erik's ego is more important though.  The Anniverasry release had to happen on time.  It took me a year to get it worked out and reminded me of my first RSS1200 ordeal and even the ordeal with the S2 and X1.  But when they worked, they were mighty fun.

[stromgal]

I love my S1. I hate my S1. I love my S1. I hate my S1. I love my S1..................................... ........

 All depends upon whether it's running like it ought, and how much time I've spent on the 'seat of discipline'.  
 When it's good, it is very very good; and I'm hopeful that this riding season will be a 'good' one!

[sprk_sprd]

This thread is a bit convoluted.  One guy talking about XB12s, another guy jumps in and compares them to SV650s (nevermind that's almost HALF the displacement ), another guy throws in an R6 for good measure, then XB9s are compared...and of course the "I'll never buy a Buell" guy comes around again.  

As a current owner of BOTH a Buell XB12s and an SV650, I will say this:  They feel similar in terms of rideability (if that's a real word).  The V-twin characteristic (linear power delivery) of both bikes is the same, except that the XB12 pulls much more strongly than does the SV.  It's the easiest way to viscerally explain the old adage "there is no replacement for displacement".  While both motors accelerate in a nicely predictable manner (sans the top-end, double-digit RPM rush of modern I4's), the additional 558 cc's (1203cc for the Buell, 645cc for the SV) can't be overlooked.  That's not to say the Buell is a better bike than the SV.  It simply means that after riding the Buell, jumping on the SV (which I still own/ride) feels a bit like riding my old EX500.  Predictable, mild-mannered, lacking personality.

As far as maintenance, I'd say that's one of the biggest reasons I ended up adding the XB12s to my stable rather than the Ducati Monster which I originally was looking to buy.  

[JTM]

I've had a love/hate relationship with Buell for 18 years now (had 6 different ones).  Still wish they were around because I'd have loved to have owned a Ulysses.

I'll sell you my XBXT
I have a love hate relationship with it. I love it when it moving, I hate it when I have to try to hold it up at a light or when I need to back it out of or into a parking spot.

[atadaskew]

Even the 8V?

That's very good to hear.  

Yes.
And guzzitech.com has a one page step by step w/ photos post to show how it's done.  Could do it in a lunch hour.
Posted on: March 07, 2012, 11:02:27 AM

Well, at least you're no longer constantly talking about scooters.

Now that you mention it, my Vespa PX has no valves to adjust...

Wadda ride!

[Tpoppa]

What Brad said about EB knowingly releasing the 1125 to the public with tons of problems just so he could celebrate his 25th Anniversary on time is also something that I hold a grudge against him for.  So I agree with him.  I can't tell you what a PITA it was in time and inconvenience to get that bike to where it should have been when I first bought it.  No customer should have ever had to go through that much effort when the factory could have avoided the problems in the first place by postponing the release.  Any fan of Buell bike knows that Erik's ego is more important though.  The Anniverasry release had to happen on time.  It took me a year to get it worked out and reminded me of my first RSS1200 ordeal and even the ordeal with the S2 and X1.  But when they worked, they were mighty fun.

There some merit in your point, I just think it's aiming at the wrong target.

By all acccounts of industry insiders and journalists, HD was pushing for the anniversary date not Buell.  And HD introduced some 'suspect' desgn criteria that altered the final appearance, which is Brad's 'White Whale' (go ahead on post the pod photo for the millionth time).

[X1Glider]

I'll sell you my XBXT
I have a love hate relationship with it. I love it when it moving, I hate it when I have to try to hold it up at a light or when I need to back it out of or into a parking spot.

Didn't know you hung out here Justin.  May see you at bike night next week.  It would be nice to have more than one bike there (mine) for a change.  Sad considering I put on 100 miles on the way there.  Gotta bust everyone's balls, especially the ones that live within a mile.

[scottzilla]

I've had a love/hate relationship with Buell for 18 years now (had 6 different ones).  Still wish they were around because I'd have loved to have owned a Ulysses.

On the SV650 comparison...  I raced a Buell that met Pro-Thunder requirements 2 years in heavyweight sportsman class in the CMRA against Monsters and SV650s.  While the Buell outcornered the SV by carrying more speed through the turn, the SV left me behind on every significant straight.  Yeah, the SV had crap suspension but that is easily remedied with some take-off forks and brakes from a Gixxer 750.  The Monsters were the Buell's most equal rival in this race class.  (TBH, I retained the stock belt drive which may have had to do with the SV out dragging me).

As for Buells being a great deal right now.  Possibly, if you like the fuel in frame design.  It works but I don't know if it's more desirable than a tube frame.  That's a personal preference.  I know I prefer the tube frames.

Regardless of selling price now, any used Buell I would go for would have to be pristine and perfect in the bodywork and other Buell spefic parts.  The drivetrain isn't even an issue.  The aftermarket for the sporty based engines is huge.  The only drivetrain specic parts to be concerned about getting a hold of would be the ECM and throttle body parts.  I think on the fuel-in-frame bikes, you can buy rotors and pads from EBR.  

What Brad said about EB knowingly releasing the 1125 to the public with tons of problems just so he could celebrate his 25th Anniversary on time is also something that I hold a grudge against him for.  So I agree with him.  I can't tell you what a PITA it was in time and inconvenience to get that bike to where it should have been when I first bought it.  No customer should have ever had to go through that much effort when the factory could have avoided the problems in the first place by postponing the release.  Any fan of Buell bike knows that Erik's ego is more important though.  The Anniverasry release had to happen on time.  It took me a year to get it worked out and reminded me of my first RSS1200 ordeal and even the ordeal with the S2 and X1.  But when they worked, they were mighty fun.

Hmmmm, so my comparison to the performance level of thenSV650 was spot on, huh?  

[scottzilla]

This thread is a bit convoluted.  One guy talking about XB12s, another guy jumps in and compares them to SV650s (nevermind that's almost HALF the displacement ), another guy throws in an R6 for good measure, then XB9s are compared...and of course the "I'll never buy a Buell" guy comes around again.  

As a current owner of BOTH a Buell XB12s and an SV650, I will say this:  They feel similar in terms of rideability (if that's a real word).  The V-twin characteristic (linear power delivery) of both bikes is the same, except that the XB12 pulls much more strongly than does the SV.  It's the easiest way to viscerally explain the old adage "there is no replacement for displacement".  While both motors accelerate in a nicely predictable manner (sans the top-end, double-digit RPM rush of modern I4's), the additional 558 cc's (1203cc for the Buell, 645cc for the SV) can't be overlooked.  That's not to say the Buell is a better bike than the SV.  It simply means that after riding the Buell, jumping on the SV (which I still own/ride) feels a bit like riding my old EX500.  Predictable, mild-mannered, lacking personality.

As far as maintenance, I'd say that's one of the biggest reasons I ended up adding the XB12s to my stable rather than the Ducati Monster which I originally was looking to buy.  

Tell Rogue he owes me an apology.  

[Mr.Black]

Tell Rogue he owes me an apology.  

Pussy.

[DogBoy]

Tell Rogue he owes me an apology.  

 

[Rogue]

Scott, the CityX was one of the best models Buell had.  It was perfect for its role--an urban hooligan bike.  I'm surprised you didn't like yours but to each his own.

[tankhead]

It also does well for a X-country trip!!!!



Somewhere near Page AZ........

[JTM]

I wish...
1) that you were serious, and
2) that I had the $$$

I'd be on a plane/train/bus right now. I love the Ulie XT.  

I can grant the first part, I am serious.

It is frightening for me everytime it rains, because I can barely touch the ground. (don't even get me started on my fuel stop yesterday in the rain, smooth concrete, spilt fuel and rain water pooling together  )
But I still love it: it is so comfortable for long trips, I can fit everything I need in the factory cases, better milage than any of the 600-650s,...

X1 I'll see you next week, and I'll be on a bike

[Tpoppa]

It also does well for a X-country trip!!!!



Somewhere near Page AZ........

Did you make the brackets for the HB sidecases?  I wanted sidecases when I had my XB9S.

BTW, know anyone that wants to by a brand new HB Junior Flash 30 (Left side only).

[KodiakRS]

I think listening to the on-going wheelnerds saga about Buell issues has pretty much removed any chance of me ever owning one.  

[tankhead]

Hey where did my pic go.?  

No H and B had a kit for the 9sx and the 12s.  The shorter frame.  

[X1Glider]

I think listening to the on-going wheelnerds saga about Buell issues has pretty much removed any chance of me ever owning one.  

TBH, once I got through the mess and got all the Buells sorted through either warranty/recall or my own doing, the bikes were rock solid reliable.

The X1, for instance took 2 years and 10,000 miles to get to that point.  There was a niggling problem that reared it's head a dozen times.  I eventually got a personal visit from a warranty representative and we worked in the local dealer's shop in a corner for a full weekend tearing the engine down and measured everthing by the book.  The bore for a main bearing on the primary side was too small of a diameter which caused the bearing to overheat and melt the seal.  I got a whole bunch of new engine parts out of the deal and still got to keep all the extra machine work that went into it.  We put it back together and never had another problem for the next 40k miles when I sold it off.

All the other Buells I had were ultra reliable once I took care of the small details that made the difference.  It was just fluid changes and clutch adjustments after that.  All you have to do is find one that someone else kept up with.

[scottzilla]

I think listening to the on-going wheelnerds saga about Buell issues has pretty much removed any chance of me ever owning one.  

XB's are pretty awesome.  I miss mine.
People talk about bullshit like "Character" but Buell is a different riding experience; you have to ride them differently than Italian/Japanese bikes.  Not better or worse-just different.

[scottzilla]

Scott, the CityX was one of the best models Buell had.  It was perfect for its role--an urban hooligan bike.  I'm surprised you didn't like yours but to each his own.

Never, EVER said I didn't like it.
I didn't sell my Falco, Buell or Speed Triple because I didn't like them.