Buells... your opinions please

[ching_ching]

Hi gang,

Anybody on here ride Buells? Your opinions please.

Thanks in advance.

ching ching

[Hitcher]

Don't mention Buells, you'll make Jim2 hyperventilate...

[jrandom]

Don't mention Buells, you'll make Jim2 hyperventilate...

... and I'm sure Mrs Jim is well and truly sick of washing his undies after the XBnR test rides.

Of course, I haven't ridden a Buell myself, yet, but I truly madly deeply fancy one.

They're too pricey for me, though.

[AMPS]

Take a little trip north and come and try one. If you like twisty's you'll love it.
It's like a little GSXR with torque.
Lou

[James Deuce]

Aaarghy, woohOOo , AhaHAHa HAhahhhhh, teheeheheheheeeeeeee


Blither, bubble, fizz,

WooPpeeePepep[ppppee

Buell.

Mmmm

[Hitcher]

Aaarghy, woohOOo , AhaHAHa HAhahhhhh, teheeheheheheeeeeeee
Too late. The damage is already done.

[MOTOXXX]

there nice bikes and from what i hear they are wheelie machines.
shame about the brand of engine :Pokey:

[James Deuce]

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=2404&highlight=Buell+XB9S

BUY ONE!!

[bear]

Haven't ridden one, but by joves they look and sound great!

[Paul in NZ]

Apparently they are a Blast......

bwahahahahahahahaha (bonk)

:Punk:

Paul N

[aff-man]

oooooooooo arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

[duckman]

With all this positivity I'd just like to add ....

I think they're fugly and they shake like a scared dog at idle.

But thats just my opinion... I've never ridden one. :ride:

[jimbo600]

Hi gang,

Anybody on here ride Buells? Your opinions please.

Thanks in advance.

ching ching


A mate had one up in AK, and I had a burl on one in Welly. Bloody good fun. Handle well, look the bizzo, and insanely cheap parts. Good bikes all round really.

[DebK]

Tried one on for size at Sawyers the other day... fit too nicely.

Did you know that the fuel and oil is stored in the frame?! Mr Buell thinks outside the square (fuel tank), huh.

The exhaust ended under the bike, which looked tidy. The front disk was insanely huge and attached itself to the outer circumference.

[Racey Rider]

I fell in love with this green one.
If I had it, I'ld put a "Kawasaki Wan'abe" Sticker on the side of it!
Sold on Trademe for $13 000
Found some good write ups for them on the web.

[vifferman]

My first encounter with a Buell was on the way to work one day. I was filtering through the traffic and heard this ungodly rattling racket behind me. I thought, "Someone needs to fix their engine up before it falls out the bottom of their car!"

Then a Buell came past... :spudwhat:

[James Deuce]

I fell in love with this green one. If I had it, I'ld put a "Kawasaki Wan'abe" Sticker on the side of it!
Sold on Trademe for $13 000
Found some good write ups for them on the web.$13,000?????? :pinch: :no: :( :weep: :crybaby: :thud:

[750Y]

i like them. they are loud and obnoxious and they have a raw aspect to them that appeals to me. just the ugly airbox i dislike but where else can you hide the turbo? 8-).

[Racey Rider]

$13,000?????? :pinch: :no: :( :weep: :crybaby: :thud:

Yep.
02 XB9R Firebolt. 6400km Excellent Con. $13 000 + On road costs.
I inquired about it after seeing it had sold. (I had no money, so didn't want to talk until it was gone and I could sleep at night again!) :weep:

This is the reply I got

Hi ,yes it has gone,i had 3 people on it,they all arrived at once. Shit what a head ache.Yes it is factory colour.I can get more at these prices, I do have the 97 at a cheaper price if you are interested. Keep in touch and good luck with lotto. Thanks Kerry . PS. The white one has gone also.

He brings them into the country obviously.
$5 for his email address :whistle: - or a quick ride after you've brought one! :niceone:
Racey.

[AMPS]

The shakes are 'character', you'll get used to them and your better half will love it. They disappear off idle. And the engine doesn't feel like a Harley either.
C'mon, try it. You know you'll love it.
Lou

[duckman]

The shakes are 'character', you'll get used to them and your better half will love it. They disappear off idle. And the engine doesn't feel like a Harley either.
C'mon, try it. You know you'll love it.
Lou
I suspect your right Lou, After all, it is a twin.. and I luuuurve twins!! :love:

[vifferman]

The shakes are 'character', you'll get used to them and your better half will love it. You talkin' 'bout the shakes, or the Buell? I'd heard that HDs were popular with wimminfolx because of the vibes... :blink:

[vifferman]

I suspect your right Lou, After all, it is a twin.. and I luuuurve twins!! :love:Almost right; I think you meant to say, "After all, it is a V.. and I luuuurve Vs!! :love:"

[ching_ching]

Aaarghy, woohOOo , AhaHAHa HAhahhhhh, teheeheheheheeeeeeee


Blither, bubble, fizz,

WooPpeeePepep[ppppee

Buell.

Mmmm


Shit, I didn't know Homer Simpson was a member of Kiwibiker.

[James Deuce]

Yep.
02 XB9R Firebolt. 6400km Excellent Con. $13 000 + On road costs.
I inquired about it after seeing it had sold. (I had no money, so didn't want to talk until it was gone and I could sleep at night again!) :weep:

This is the reply I got

Hi ,yes it has gone,i had 3 people on it,they all arrived at once. Shit what a head ache.Yes it is factory colour.I can get more at these prices, I do have the 97 at a cheaper price if you are interested. Keep in touch and good luck with lotto. Thanks Kerry . PS. The white one has gone also.

He brings them into the country obviously.
$5 for his email address :whistle: - or a quick ride after you've brought one! :niceone:
Racey.
I have foundsss itsssss. My precioussssssss.

$5, beer, conversion to Islam so you get the seven virgins when you die - whatever you want dude!!

[Racey Rider]

I have foundsss itsssss. My precioussssssss.

$5, beer, conversion to Islam so you get the seven virgins when you die - whatever you want dude!!

SEVEN, SEVEN, I'VE GOT SEVEN ON MY RIGHT!
DO I SEE EIGHT?? ;)

[Hitcher]

SEVEN, SEVEN, I'VE GOT SEVEN ON MY RIGHT!
DO I SEE EIGHT??
Seven virgins in New Plymouth?? You are dreaming!

[Coyote]

Haven't they got unreliable engines from HD?

If they do, who cares? They look cool

[James Deuce]

Haven't they got unreliable engines from HD?

If they do, who cares? They look cool
F__k Off Junior. :msn-wink:

Unlimited K 24 month warranty is pretty bloody good in my book, plus they ain't Harley Sportster Engines anymore, once Eric Buell's team have massaged them.

[MrMelon]

I'd love to get a buell xb9r.. one day!

[dangerous]

Hi gang,

Anybody on here ride Buells? Your opinions please.

Thanks in advance.

ching ching
Well what ya want ta know? I spent a lot of time on the one attached below... but telling ya bout that is only any good if you are asking about the X1 so old or the new? a... X1, S2, T3, the new generation like whats been mentioned above or the latest XB12???
FWIW..... I like em but they fall to pieces quicker than a Guzzi.... much quicker.

[onearmedbandit]

What would be very sweet would be if HD would let Eric get his hands on the v-rod engine. Performance Bikes just did a cornering compo between the following, GSXR600, ZX10R, 749s, Husqvarna SM450R, ZXR400 and a Buell XB12R Firebolt. 3 corners, both road and track, and 3 riders of different ability were used and the results may suprise.

Buell XB12R------------50.70s (Combined times of 3 riders each on 3 corners)
Kawasaki ZX10R--------51.90s
Suzuki GSXR-600-------52.05s
Ducati 749S------------52.85s
Husqvarna SM450R-----52.90s
Kawasaki ZXR400-------53.50s

To sum up they say, "if you want the scientifically measured quickest bike, take the Buell. If you want to stalk unsuspecting sports bikes down twisty, hedge-lined back lanes, take the Husky. If you want to stick with everyone in the corners, and destroy them on the straights, ZX10 for you. No comment on the duc, and they say the ZXR400 is fast at the apex, but if you want big corner kicks, theres no beating the GSXR."

[Jackrat]

A mate has an early one that has ALL the go fast goodies.
I've ridden it a couple of times and really liked it,but don't want one myself.
I have a major self control issue when I get on bikes like that.
One of us wouldn't last for long :whistle:

[FzerozeroT]

as soon as you thumb the starter you feel angry

so very angry

:devil2:

[Rapt]

I had an XB12R...which I recently sold...not by choice. It was the best bike I have ever ridden or owned and they look the ducks nuts. Recently awarded the 2004 design award by the Chicago Museum of Architecture & Design....

I know I shoulda hung onto it....at the very least I coulda hung it one the wall...

Have one in the garage...it'll give u a boner and turn the Mrs into Miss squelchy pants

Wellington Motorcycles sold it too me and ended up selling it for me...awesome team there so don't look past em :weep: :weep:

[Coyote]

F__k Off Junior. :msn-wink:

F__k off ya old coot!:lol:

Unreliable or not, they are damned awesome bikes. The exhaust at the bottom looks so awesome.

[James Deuce]

F__k off ya old coot!:lol:

Unreliable or not, they are damned awesome bikes. The exhaust at the bottom looks so awesome.

Buell used to have a falling apart, not very reliable reputation, I'll grant you that, but HD have brought Buell in-house, and the extra resources and funding have meant that the XBs are way more reliable than, oh, your average Ducati. :devil2:

[RiderInBlack]

Buell used to have a falling apart, not very reliable reputation, I'll grant you that, but HD have brought Buell in-house, and the extra resources and funding have meant that the XBs are way more reliable than, oh, your average Ducati. :devil2:Yep the older ones (pre 2001 if my memory sevres me well) are not very reliable. Both of the BOP CC's that I rode with had major problems with theirs. Mostly their own fault. They would use the Buells 2up:stupid: (which is not what these bike are made for). The Earlier ones did not have a belt tension jokey wheel on them. If you put too much weight on these Buells it put too much tension on the belt. This lead to too much tension on the gear box bearings and f*cked them totally:doh: Personally this has put me off Buells totally. There are plenty of better Street Fighters out there if thats what your after.

[ching_ching]

The mechanic in Taupo told me dead-faced to stay away from Buells but I didn't bother to ask him if this pertained to the earlier models (pre 2001 ala RiderInBlack's post).
With a 2yr warranty as standard I wonder if the build quality and maintenance issue will prevent one from enjoying the bike. Would be ratshit if one was to sit at home while their Buell was getting looked at because something still broke down on it despite the 2yr warranty. For me this is the main issue and I suppose it would be for anybody looking for a bike to enjoy (except you staunch spannerheads :headbang: )

Anybody else had any experience of them?

ching ching

[James Deuce]

The mechanic in Taupo told me dead-faced to stay away from Buells but I didn't bother to ask him if this pertained to the earlier models (pre 2001 ala RiderInBlack's post).
With a 2yr warranty as standard I wonder if the build quality and maintenance issue will prevent one from enjoying the bike. Would be ratshit if one was to sit at home while their Buell was getting looked at because something still broke down on it despite the 2yr warranty. For me this is the main issue and I suppose it would be for anybody looking for a bike to enjoy (except you staunch spannerheads :headbang: )

Anybody else had any experience of them?

ching ching


Look. Seriously. They are nothing like what they used to be.

Ring James (Jimmy) Mair at Wellington Motorcycles. Thats White Trash. He will give you the good oil on Buells.

In the meantime check out the Interweb thingy for owners reports and stuff. There are heaps of Buell related sites out there, with both good news and bad news about Buell ownership.

I would have no hesitation in buying one and using it as a daily ride IF I could afford it right now.

I've done the research, and the "Edsel" factor, as pointed out by RIB, still has a strong influence in people's decision to buy a machine. There was nothing wrong with an Edsel. It was just boring and had a grille that looked like an Elephant's vagina.

The XB9 and XB12 is most definitely NOT boring, is uniquely suited to NZ conditions, and the only negative comment I will make about them is that the gearbox is a little slow and you know that you are changing gears.

[Coyote]

At least mercedes don't make motorcycles. The only ride you would take on it is going to and from the workshop to sort out the problems.

[RiderInBlack]

I've done the research, and the "Edsel" factor, as pointed out by RIB, still has a strong influence in people's decision to buy a machine. There was nothing wrong with an Edsel. It was just boring and had a grille that looked like an Elephant's vagina.

The XB9 and XB12 is most definitely NOT boring, is uniquely suited to NZ conditions, and the only negative comment I will make about them is that the gearbox is a little slow and you know that you are changing gears.Nether of the Buells I refer to where "Edsel's" a far as I know (unless that was their designer). At least one was a Lightning Bolt. Nether of these bikes you would have called boring (especial in font of their owners). The problem was with their belt set-up (see my previous post), not their looks or they street fighter factors.

[dangerous]

CC have you been here http://www.buell.com/selector.asp
Now in any breed of bike you will get the good ones and the bad ones, so regarding the Buell its up to you, I'd have one if the riding position suited and I dident cover the amout of K's that I do in a year even tho I think the earlier models look better than the new ones.
If I had listened to all the bad points about the 1100i Guzzi I would never have brought one..... but I did and I only ever had relay problems (a easy fix) yet I knew of others that did gear boxs etc in theres...... its the luck of the draw when it comes to the exotic.

[James Deuce]

Nether of the Buells I refer to where "Edsel's" a far as I know (unless that was their designer). At least one was a Lightning Bolt. Nether of these bikes you would have called boring (especial in font of their owners). The problem was with their belt set-up (see my previous post), not their looks or they street fighter factors.

The stressor in that "Edsel Factor" phrase isn't that Buells's are boring, but that Buell's past reputation for poor quality and reliabilty precedes them, to the point of affecting sales of models with proven reliability.

[almonster]

Mate has one keeps braking down like cluch alternator main drive from moter to gearbox but mainly the engin mount keeps brakeing bolts like every 300k but he loves riding it and when its going it great but i want some thing that with a better build thing his is a t3 ? getting to the point that he want go out on it by himself but as he says it great fun to ride

[Jackrat]

Mate has one keeps braking down like cluch alternator main drive from moter to gearbox but mainly the engin mount keeps brakeing bolts like every 300k but he loves riding it and when its going it great but i want some thing that with a better build thing his is a t3 ? getting to the point that he want go out on it by himself but as he says it great fun to ride
Both your mates problems are an easy fix.
There is a kit he can buy to solve the alternator problem and HTS bolts don't break.Tell him to check with his dealer for the Alternator kit,their available for all Sportsters,an just go to his local engine shop for the HTS bolts.
I'm sure AMPS has the alternator kit,it's a common Sportster problem.

[avgas]

With all this positivity I'd just like to add ....

I think they're fugly and they shake like a scared dog at idle.

But thats just my opinion... I've never ridden one. :ride:
Ridden a TL lately :Oi:
SSDD

[marty]

yup. it was fun too.

[James Deuce]

http://bikepoint.ninemsn.com.au/portal/alias__bikepointau/tabID__5760/ArticleID__119570/DesktopDefault.aspx

[Sniper]

Aaarghy, woohOOo , AhaHAHa HAhahhhhh, teheeheheheheeeeeeee


Blither, bubble, fizz,

WooPpeeePepep[ppppee

Buell.

Mmmm

Shit grab him, :doctor: :laugh: :calm:

[AMPS]

I know of one XB12R that is on the wrong side of 80,000 km's without any major repairs having to be done.
Lou

[almonster]

Both your mates problems are an easy fix.
There is a kit he can buy to solve the alternator problem and HTS bolts don't break.Tell him to check with his dealer for the Alternator kit,their available for all Sportsters,an just go to his local engine shop for the HTS bolts.
I'm sure AMPS has the alternator kit,it's a common Sportster problem.
hts bolt do brake he has been up to auck on it and got his dad to make some up (his dads a fitter turner tool maker ) they snaped last friday after less than 1000ks the dealer say this is most strange and now want him to buy a new mount as they think that might be the reason and as for the alternater kit if its a know problem why werent the bikes recalled and fixed i ask you :spudwhat:

[RiderInBlack]

I know of one XB12R that is on the wrong side of 80,000 km's without any major repairs having to be done.
Lou:crazy: What:gob: only ONE:Pokey: :lol:

[James Deuce]

:crazy: What:gob: only ONE:Pokey: :lol:

Bloody Honda rider :)

[RiderInBlack]

Couldn't help myself:rolleyes: It was just too easy:devil2:

[Bonez]

as for the alternater kit if its a know problem why werent the bikes recalled and fixed i ask you :spudwhat: And are they still producing bikes/engines with this "problem"?

[AMPS]

:crazy: What:gob: only ONE:Pokey: :lol:

Hondas are superb bikes too. As are Harleys, Moto Guzzi's Aprilias, KTM's, Voxan's, Triumphs and of course Buells. Kawasakis were superb until a few months ago, now they're merely good.
Get my drift?
Lou

[James Deuce]

And are they still producing bikes/engines with this "problem"?
No. No. No. No. No.

Sorry - stupid too short message.

[SPman]

Buell XB9R..mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
Loved the 9R I took for a ride...although it needed more go and felt like a combine harvester at idle!
So
XB12R...........mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
(see Jims 1st post)
wibble!
SP