About Buells...

[LaytonNZ]

Are They Reliable?:blank:

[shafty]

One mans opinion: A FAB design let down by an old pushrod motor design trying to rev like a sport bike. I have met more than 1 person who describes their period of Buell ownership as when they were a "Buell fool".

I watch with interest feedback from the new Rotax powered model - they deserve success, are certainly innovative with 'out there' brakes, underslung exhaust etc etc

I expect to be shot down in flames for giving MY opinion, and know many many owners love them. Lets hope they are also honest about reliability and ownership costs.

[thepom]

No and they are very gay.......:bleh:

[Blackshear]

One mans opinion: A FAB design let down by an old pushrod motor design trying to rev like a sport bike. I have met more than 1 person who describes their period of Buell ownership as when they were a "Buell fool".

I watch with interest feedback from the new Rotax powered model - they deserve success, are certainly innovative with 'out there' brakes, underslung exhaust etc etc

I expect to be shot down in flames for giving MY opinion, and know many many owners love them. Lets hope they are also honest about reliability and ownership costs.
I'm also interested.
Though some reviews favor other twins in the same market over it.
I'm willing to get over the giant shoulderpads on the 1125CR :bleh:
Also has the same (taller by 25mm) seat height, same wheelbase, width and overall length of my bike. Weighs just a little bit more, same fuel economy.
Just 4.5x larger engine, and 3x more power!
GSX1400 or CR... Hmmm.

[sunhuntin]

i like the looks of em, but would never own one. have pillioned on one though, and considered it to be one of the most uncomfortable bikes to be on the back of. had a mate who raced his a couple of times at manfield. dont think he ever placed with it though... but then it could have been down to lack of rider skill rather than bike.

[jrandom]

had a mate who raced his a couple of times at manfield. dont think he ever placed with it though... but then it could have been down to lack of rider skill rather than bike.

It may have been down to both, but it certainly would've at least been down to the bike. They're slow. A wheezy aircooled pushrod V-twin out of a 15-year-old cruiser, twiddle it how you will, is simply not what you want in a sprotbike, and it'll get left behind by motorcycles with modern engines on anything other than a go-kart track.

Vis-a-vis handling, Buell aficionados seem to like the fact that the front forks have almost no rake and the bikes therefore have no stability while turning. Apparently this is revolutionary, rather than a design flaw.

I didn't like it, but apparently the one I rode was set up wrong.

The new 1125R is an entirely different animal, of course. I'd like to ride one.

[YellowDog]

I used to work close to AMPS and I had a good look at the Buells. Great looking bikes. I was pretty interested in an XB9, but I decling a test ride. It just felt too small for my 185cm height. Wheel base looks/feels too short which caused me to hunch up. The riding position was not really comfortable enough for my intended commute.

So far as reliability goes, they are as highly rated by their owners as their fat HD cousins. The only Buell owners that I kno are also HD owners.

You should try one as it might fit you like a glove!

[jafar]

Are They Reliable?:blank:

Yes they are reliable.:doh:

They are good fun to ride too
bit like a fat chick:devil2:

[Rob Taylor]

My mate had a XB12R.:first: Super realiable,Only had to change oil & filters as hydralic tappets and belt drive rear.Only issue was front brake pulse . We traced to build up on front brake rotor..Cleaned it and fine again. For some reason people think Harleys are unrealiable.That may have been so 25 years ago but no way now & most owners are very passionate about thier bikes so look after them...Pm buell babe on here ,she has one...And go take one for a test ride.:niceone:..Best if you only listen to people who own them as you are moving in to the Harley rhelm and all the wanky doodle knockers will come out of the wood work as you can see from the other answers so far:bleh:...If your in Auckland go to Ktl bikes...Nice guys, good old fashion service Ask for Kerry or Emma,, www.ktlbikes.co.nz

[jrandom]

all the wanky doodle knockers will come out of the wood work

I like Harleys, to look at and to ride. And I was a big fan of Buells, right up until I rode one.

[Sollyboy]

One mans opinion:

- they deserve success, are certainly innovative with 'out there' brakes, underslung exhaust etc etc


And storing oil in the swing arm to increase its unsprung weight , yeah thats a really good idea:spanking:

[Big Dave]

Why do you think 'Bike' magazine rated the Buell Firebolt 'the best cornering bike ever' in their review Random?

I personally rate them as the best cornering large capacity motorcycles under $30K. I liked the BMW Megamoto's manners better - but it costs 40% more.

After 4 years of ownership I would describe reliability as 'fair'.
Parts availability is not so.

Cost of ownership/servicing (as audited by Buell) was the lowest of the manufacturers they measured. No shims, no cam chains - self adjusting valves.

I rate them as excellent, great fun road bikes. If track days were my thing I'd own something else.

[Big Dave]

And storing oil in the swing arm to increase its unsprung weight , yeah thats a really good idea:spanking:

Nothing to do with weight reduction.
It's about keeping the mass lower to the ground and as central as possible.

[Blackshear]

Nothing to do with weight reduction.
It's about keeping the mass lower to the ground and as central as possible.

At risk of poking my head into a cannon, wouldn't storing oil in the swingarm increase the weight being pushed by whatever the back wheel hits?
Sorta like USD forks, I think is what I'm thinking.

[Big Dave]

At risk of poking my head into a cannon, wouldn't storing oil in the swingarm increase the weight being pushed by whatever the back wheel hits?
Sorta like USD forks, I think is what I'm thinking.

It's a dry sump and the oil has to go in a bottle somewhere.

The agility of the Triumph Rocket III I'm living with is testament to the importance of the height of the COG compared to just measuring the mass of the vehicle.

In the 1125R/CR it is in a chamber cast into the engine cases. Even lower and more central.

[coffeejunkie]

My partner has the 1125R and he loves it, As do i being the pillion, It corners amazingly well around 58 and over the rimmies, We did the 1000K ride on it last year and i found being pillion that it was one of the most comfortable bikes i've been on,

It never fails to start first time and it's just a mean ride,

[jrandom]

Why do you think 'Bike' magazine rated the Buell Firebolt 'the best cornering bike ever' in their review Random?

Because:

(a) 'best cornering bike ever' and 'dangerously unstable in turns' are pretty much a matter of how you squint on the day and whether your editor commanded you to write something positive, which leads into

(b) when was the last time you read a negative magazine review?

It's difficult to start pointing out the flaws of the XBwhatever without the whole concept of the bike falling apart, since its design oddities are its flaws, IMHO.

The only other option, I guess, is to laud it as wonderful and come down on the 'best cornering ever' side instead of the 'doesn't turn properly, will probably fall over unless you ride slowly' side, while trying not to mention the fact that the motor runs out of puff at about half the revs it should.


No shims, no cam chains...

Yes, come to think of it, pushrods were the apex of internal combustion engine design.

[dipshit]

It's about keeping the mass lower to the ground and as central as possible.

Which is a stupid idea in itself. Honda were going down that wrong track themselves on their gp bikes in the 90's with trying to lower the placement of mass... putting the fuel tank underneath the engine and such things.

Until they realised a higher centre of gravity actually helps a bike to go around a corner when it is leaned over.

[jrandom]

... a higher centre of gravity actually helps a bike to go around a corner when it is leaned over.

'Helps'?

How?

A higher center of mass makes the bike tip from side to side more slowly.

Of course, once it's done tipping, it'd turn faster at the same lean angle with more mass further away from the center.

So, yeah. Righto then.

[James Deuce]

Which is a stupid idea in itself. Honda were going down that wrong track themselves on their gp bikes in the 90's with trying to lower the placement of mass... putting the fuel tank underneath the engine and such things.

Until they realised a higher centre of gravity actually helps a bike to go around a corner when it is leaned over.

The current mass centralisation concept (pioneered by Buell) is to get the centre of mass on the axis of rotation and near the front of the bike.

You guys need to stop confusing centre of mass and centre of gravity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_of_mass

[jrandom]

You guys need to stop confusing centre of mass and centre of gravity.

What's the difference?

[Sollyboy]

'Helps'?

How?

A higher center of mass makes the bike tip from side to side more slowly.

Of course, once it's done tipping, it'd turn faster at the same lean angle with more mass further away from the center.

So, yeah. Righto then.

The correct C of G and weight bias is varied and changing from manufacturer to manufacturer other factors is braking as well as when its to low the front wheel wont load up properly and tends to push under brakes or sledge during corners, and yes harder to turn side to side when to high, but increasing the weight of a swing arm with oil is retarded if it needs an oil tank then build it from aliminium or just partition the frame .
as for someone say usd fork too, well that was to increase the stiffy of the fork which is an acceptable compromise as it is a performance gain but oil in the swing arn adds no strength or stiffen just adds weight

[jrandom]

You guys need to stop confusing centre of mass and centre of gravity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_of_mass

Tut, Jim.

To repeat the Feynman quote in that article:

"In case the object is so large that the nonparallelism of the gravitational forces is significant, then the center where one must apply the balancing force is not simple to describe, and it departs slightly from the center of mass."

A motorcycle is not so large that when it rests on the surface of the earth, gravitational forces differ meaningfully across it.

From the same article:

"Even when considering tidal forces on planets, it is sufficient to use centers of mass to find the overall motion."

So, yes, for this topic, COM and COG are equivalent.

[Big Dave]

H'yar I founded that article.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showpost.php?p=1466037&postcount=76

[dipshit]

'Helps'?

How?

A bike will rotate around its centre of mass when leaning left/right. The higher this point is - the more it will influence a bike to track around a corner.

A low centre of mass will feel more stable when changing direction. Many people do not like the feeling of a top-heavy bike.

[jrandom]

A bike will rotate around its centre of mass when leaning left/right.

Huh? You might want to re-visualise that.

It will rotate around the tyres' contact point with the road. The center of mass determines the speed of rotation around that axis given any particular tipping force.

Look up 'moment of inertia'.


A low centre of mass will feel more stable when changing direction.

Huh?

A low center of mass means that less force is required to tip the machine from side to side.

[Big Dave]

Triumph TT600.
There isn't much to criticise any more. Yours regarding stability issues I disagree with.

Pinnacle - maybe. Apparently they can have a different combustion chamber shape due to the actuators. I certainly love them come paying for a service time.

[James Deuce]

What's the difference?

See above. A bike's centre of gravity is completely different depending on angle of lean or negative or positive acceleration, and is one of the reasons why you can balance a bike while leaned over. The centre of mass doesn't change.

The orginal low centre of mass concept placed the fuel low, which of course sloshed about changing fore and aft weight distribution as well as adding a random moments of rotation once you'd chosen your angle of lean. It also pushed the front under braking, as the the mass being slowed didn't act at the front wheel spindle because the suspension didn't get loaded

A top heavy bike accelerates toward the inside of a corner. Bottom heavy, or top heavy designs make it difficult for the rider to consistently and precisely dial up an angle of lean for a given corner speed.

[Big Dave]

I also need to correct myself - 'If track days were my thing I'd have something besides an XB series.'

A 1125CR could be just the thing.

[dipshit]

It will rotate around the tyres' contact point with the road.

Nope, i think you'll find the a bike will rotate around its centre of mass - not just tip from the tyres' contact patch.



A low center of mass means that less force is required to tip the machine from side to side.

To a degree. Other things of course also effect this.

[James Deuce]

Huh? You might want to re-visualise that.

It will rotate around the tyres' contact point with the road. The center of mass determines the speed of rotation around that axis given any particular tipping force.


That's about perception I think. The axis of rotation determines how the cycle parts are distributed on a MotoGP bike and is typically linked with a forward centre of mass. Fuel is mostly at the rider's crutch and under the seat because it is close to the axis of rotation to minimise the effects of liquid arcing through a large moment, and so that it can be reliably used to help load the front under braking.

[James Deuce]

Tut, Jim.

To repeat the Feynman quote in that article:

"In case the object is so large that the nonparallelism of the gravitational forces is significant, then the center where one must apply the balancing force is not simple to describe, and it departs slightly from the center of mass."

A motorcycle is not so large that when it rests on the surface of the earth, gravitational forces differ meaningfully across it.

From the same article:

"Even when considering tidal forces on planets, it is sufficient to use centers of mass to find the overall motion."

So, yes, for this topic, COM and COG are equivalent.

You've managed to contradict your own argument.

[Big Dave]

See above.

Why is your rep thingy black?

[Pussy]

Why is your rep thingy black?
He's probably disabled it

[Big Dave]

I now note that the the site is able to install a scrolling label with 'sycophant' on a member's posts - and find that quite preposterous.

Hitch - what is going on there?

[Duc]

My mates Buell has been reliable for 20,000ks +

As far as my humble opinion of the bike. (I have ridden it open road only)

Its kind of fun (for a short while) but kind of boring because of its "lazy" engine. Feels over geared to hell at 100-150kph.
Its tiringly loud (w./Drummer fitted) and the sound always surrounds you.
It vibrates heavily which is also tiring after a 100kms or so .
The mirrors vibrate so much that they are useless. (multiple images) .
The gyro effect on the wheel due to the large front disc brake, takes a way feel for the road but also is (dangerously) confidence inspiring at the same time
It looks too small under any rider (like a clown bike). The design is o.k though.

Just my opinion.

[Sidewinder]

Are They Reliable?:blank:

people say there meant to be good! well good compared to a harley maybe..... but there still crap! snap goes the belt drive!

[Big Dave]

people say there meant to be good! well good compared to a harley maybe..... but there still crap! snap goes the belt drive!

I've busted a belt. I could bust two more this week and I'd still rather it than a chain.

[ajturbo]

i enjoy mine.. i wont be selling it in any hurry...

not too keen on the 1125's but they are a great bike, love the slipper clutch!!!
and IF i had the money i would have BOTH in my garage

[Taz]

I found the 1125R to be ok...... But not really my style. Have sold my last sportsbike (Ducati) and will never buy another sports bike they are just too narrow in their focus.

[jrandom]

You've managed to contradict your own argument.

You should probably point out how I did that.

[jrandom]

Nope, i think you'll find the a bike will rotate around its centre of mass

*goes outside*

*stands bike up*

*tips it over*

Uh, nope, it rotated around where the tyres were touching the ground. Two contact points that form a line which is the axis it rotated around.

It can't 'rotate around the center of mass' anyway. That's a point. One dimension. It rotates around an axis. Two dimensions. Where are you getting the rest of that axis line from if the center of mass point is on it?

I don't think y'all have very clear mental pictures of any of this. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Bike stands up.

Bike tips over.

Axis of rotation = the two points where the wheels were touching the ground. (Barring any sliding tyres, of course.)

Whether or not it's rolling forward at the time makes no difference.

[dipshit]

*goes outside*

*stands bike up*

*tips it over*

Uh, nope, it rotated around where the tyres were touching the ground. Two contact points that form a line which is the axis it rotated around.

Wow, that was a thorough and in-depth analysis of cornering physics. You should go and inform all of the bike designers of your research findings and superior knowledge. After all you have done several track days and are the best thing since carbon fibre was invented. :rofl:

Any reading on the subject will soon fill you in.

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/2003/146_03_honda_cbr600rr_development/index.html

"One of the central concepts that drove development of the CBR600RR and the RC211V is mass centralization; that is, concentrating the component masses as close to the motorcycle's center as possible. When a rider initiates a turn, the motorcycle rotates around its roll axis--an imaginary fore-and-aft horizontal line drawn through the center of mass of bike and rider--as it leans into the turn. Placing the major masses (engine, fuel, rider) closer to this roll axis results in a motorcycle that reacts more quickly and smoothly to control inputs at the handlebars. The concept of mass centralization has been a guiding principal at Honda for decades,"

Wayne Gardner has just recently told storeys to the press of the trouble they were having with Honda's 500's during the 90's. Honda kept trying to lower the COM and the bikes were complete pigs to race as they just didn't have decent cornering speed. The bikes simply would not go around a corner the same as their competitors at the same lean angles.

It wasn't until one day when Suzuki was setup next to his motorhome and he could see straight in the side of the Suzuki tent and see their bike stripped down to its frame. A team of Honda photographers spent all weekend photographing the Suzuki through his mirrored motorhome windows shooting rolls and rolls film. They printed them out at lifesize and measured the Suzuki dimensions and realised they were completely wrong about their low mass centralisation.

Their new bikes that soon followed after having a good look at the Suzukis improved matters drastically.

[jrandom]

Honda kept trying to lower the COM and the bikes were complete pigs to race as they just didn't have decent cornering speed. The bikes simply would not go around a corner the same as their competitors at the same lean angles.


... once it's done tipping, it'd turn faster at the same lean angle with more mass further away from the center.

So, yeah. Righto then.

I'm not sure that we're actually disagreeing on anything.

Other than where the roll axis is.

I'm quite prepared to admit that it may well not go through the bottom of each tyre.

I suppose the key to visualising that is to remember that since the bike is changing its velocity (speed and direction) at the same time it's tipping, the roll axis is different to what it is when the bike is at a standstill. Fair call.

And so, yes, of course, if the axis isn't actually at the bottom of the wheels, lowering the mass as much as possible wouldn't always be the best idea.

Awesome. I learn something every day.

And hey, if Honda's racing engineers made the same mistake of (presumably) assuming that the roll axis was at the tyre contact patches, I don't feel too embarrassed.

:sunny:

[Ocean1]

Awesome. I learn something every day.


Yeah. We’re to be concerned that you found some discomfort on an XB12, a bike somewhat closer to the handling characteristics of a GP bike than… some other, heavier, less performance oriented machines.

Nah.

I look forward to the day you learn your perceptions about Buell's handling characteristics and geometry are at odds with those of most GP bike design engineers. Yes, they can feel seriously twitchy and they can feel unstable if attempted to be managed like a cruisier. It took me a while, but I believe I’ve got the required technique sussed, I find problems only when attempting to use the bike for things it’s not designed for. In their correct application they’re not only very good they’re simply unbeatable.

And lets be clear about that correct application eh? If you want to navigate sub-100k curves as quickly as possible consistent with a modicum of safety, on a reasonably affordable road legal motorcycle, and you’re prepared to learn what technique that machine demands in order for that to happen, then a Buell will be on your shortlist. It’s that simple.

[scumdog]

Because:

(a) 'best cornering bike ever' and 'dangerously unstable in turns' are pretty much a matter of how you squint on the day and whether your editor commanded you to write something positive, which leads into



Rode Rashikas Buell from Akaroa back to Chistchurch (at pace in the twisties) and had no issues from it re instability - despite being a cruiser rider with NO sprotsbike experience,

[dwnundabkr]

now to get back on topic
about buells
mine 2 half years 3rd owner had done 15,000ks
rode it home sweet
rode it up to warkworth 3 days later spat the gearbox
not bikes fault or design, bike when stripped down had either been riden with low or no oil previous (oil changed and rechecked before ride)
now at 30,000ks absolute ball of fun
smile on my dial everytime i ride it.
10000ks on same tyres, 15,000ks same belt,
change both oils every 5,000ks and filter
i have riden with other sport bikrs yes the buell is slower, (top end)
how ever now this is only my view as a buell owner for just under 3 years
if you want to race eveywhere by a sports bike have fun for a while until you lose your license
yes riding the buell can also lose your license but how can you hitting the corners at just above speed limit whether it is a 55 corner or a 35 corner when hitting the apex right and the torque out of the corner to the next corner is, i am unable to put it into words
i am no expert, i am no track junkie, just a average 40 year old bloke been around bikes most of of his life
just one buell owners opinion:corn::corn:

[dwnundabkr]

Yeah.

And lets be clear about that correct application eh? If you want to navigate sub-100k curves as quickly as possible consistent with a modicum of safety, on a reasonably affordable road legal motorcycle, and you’re prepared to learn what technique that machine demands in order for that to happen, then a Buell will be on your shortlist. It’s that simple.

cheers thats how i would describe it:apint:

[Sidewinder]

there shit

[Big Dave]

there shit

And they're is irony for ya.

[Madness]

there shit

Where?
<tenchars>

[Big Dave]

Where?
<tenchars>


Over their.
</tenchars>

[doc]

A wheezy aircooled pushrod V-twin out of a 15-year-old cruiser.

:Police:
Where do you get that from, the sportster engine started production in 1957. Longest production run of any motorcycle motor in history.

[Sidewinder]

never said what, but sounds like you did............

[dwnundabkr]

there shit

if your racing on a track with almost all modern sport,race bikes yes but if your info is based on your opionion rather than evidence go away and play with what u believe so much better and leave the real opinion to people that base it on evidence.
Dont buy one, dont ride one ride what you think is right for you and good luck to you

[scumdog]

there shit

where shit??:eek:

[Sidewinder]

if your racing on a track with almost all modern sport,race bikes yes but if your info is based on your opionion rather than evidence go away and play with what u believe so much better and leave the real opinion to people that base it on evidence.
Dont buy one, dont ride one ride what you think is right for you and good luck to you

what if im tugging myself off, would they be good for me then?

[dwnundabkr]

what if im tugging myself off, would they be good for me then?
Bwaaaah thats what Suzukis are for, noob

[Sidewinder]

Bwaaaah thats what Suzukis are for, noob

would you touch me in nice places if i was on one?

[BMWST?]

what if im tugging myself off, would they be good for me then?

another added to ignore list

[Sidewinder]

shit here come the HD heavys!

[scumdog]

shit here come the HD heavys!

no shit?:scratch:

[oldguy]

Are They Reliable?:blank:

answer to your question, yes they are :yes: don't worry about the knockers,
on here, each to there own, its the same with any bike,

[BALZYBUELL]

i have the 1125r and its awsum,had it on the track a few times now and find it handles really well.front brakes seem to stop really well and there is no shortage of power.just dont have enough track to get out of third gear at 200kms...i must say it rocks:first:

[AllanB]

I'm feeling the love.

[Shadows]

Are They Reliable?:blank:

Yes they are very reliable. Just like all Harleys are these days.

And just in case whatever throwback you were talking to gave you the other line, modern Triumphs don't leak oil either.

[SARGE]

ive ridden several times with a KB'r with a buell... he never seemed to have much trouble with the twisties .. :doh:

[98tls]

Like most comparable threads the only thing that makes a late model Buell or anything else..........fast/ill handling/blah blah blah is the person riding it,its that simple no matter what all the interweb heroes post up:doh:Trackdays etc are one thing but in the real world of the average Joe a well ridden Buell or anythihg else (comparable) will show anything else (comparable) the way home.When tacks come down to tacks its that simple,i recently went through the Hundaless with a few mates,all of them being long term riders etc and the best moment of that particular day was watching a bloke on an old,very old GSXR outbrake a guy on a K6 :doh:coming up to a very tight lefthander......pure gold and something the likes of it seems doesnt get mentioned very much on interweb forums:jerry:From what ive seen the Buells get along just fine as do many other bikes that suffer from intereweb postings like the afore posted (there shit) from nobs that wouldnt have a clue,i say that most sincerely.

[AllanB]

Like most comparable threads the only thing that makes a late model Buell or anything else..........fast/ill handling/blah blah blah is the person riding it,its that simple no matter what all the interweb heroes post up:doh:Trackdays etc are one thing but in the real world of the average Joe a well ridden Buell or anythihg else (comparable) will show anything else (comparable) the way home.When tacks come down to tacks its that simple,i recently went through the Hundaless with a few mates,all of them being long term riders etc and the best moment of that particular day was watching a bloke on an old,very old GSXR outbrake a guy on a K6 :doh:coming up to a very tight lefthander......pure gold and something the likes of it seems doesnt get mentioned very much on interweb forums:jerry:From what ive seen the Buells get along just fine as do many other bikes that suffer from intereweb postings like the afore posted (there shit) from nobs that wouldnt have a clue,i say that most sincerely.


Well said - and as I ride my Hornet like a granddad (that means I pass Nanas) all Hornets are crap. :devil2:

If you like them just bloody buy one. :niceone: I'll ride with you.

[Krayy]

All I have to say about Buell ownerships is...

woooohooo!!!! yeeeeeeee-haaaaaaaa!!! brrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmm!!! hahahahahahahhahahah!!! woooooooooahhhhh!!!

Puts a smile on the dial every time.

Only thing I'm planning to change is to gear it lower using an XB9 primary sprocket and chain to get 3rd more usable in corners.

[Big Dave]

See - we's all different. I wouldn't change the gearing for ze quids. Tis perfick.

[Thunder 8]

:eek:

<object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TkyOAEtf70Y&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TkyOAEtf70Y&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>

[Sidewinder]

lame............

[Shadows]

lame............

Queer........

[Sidewinder]

Queer........

fag..........

[scumdog]

fag..........

No thanks, just put one out.

[Hailwood]

My 2c worth. I have only had my Buell since Jan but it does everything I need it to. It corners well enough for me, it handles well enough for me, it has enough power for me and its comfortable for me...and I guess since I bought it, I really dont give a rats arse what anyone else thinks.

Parts are nowhere as expensive as HD parts that I have seen so far anyway and, if my dealer doesnt have it, well internet shopping is easy.

Ride all the models of Buell as each one is different (it would be like saying I rode a GSXR and it was uncomfortable therefore all suzukis are uncomfortable). If you are tall, have a ride on a Ulysses. If you are not, then maybe not a good idea as shorter people seem to struggle touching the ground.....

[Big Dave]

Aye.
Just got mine out after a long lay off whilst I've been doing other bikes.
Man I still dig it.

[scumdog]

Amazing how many negative thinkers assume their opinion = fact on this (and other KB) threads.

[NighthawkNZ]

Are They Reliable?:blank:

They are reliable as any modern bike or as reliable as you want it to be... if you do the maintenance and look after it you should get 1000's of km's out of it... if you don't do the maintenance and services etc then well who knows, you still may get the 1000's of km's.

That being said, things do break down no matter how well it is maintained.

As for the rest of this thread, if you like the style, if you like the powered out put performance, if you find it comfortable and if you like its handling then don't worry what every one else says...

[warewolf]

Amazing how many negative thinkers assume their opinion = fact on this (and other KB) threads.Yeah, just like the positive thinkers...

[dangerous]

Are They Reliable?:blank:

having not read the thread ill answer you as you posted... the buell has changed so drasticly since the thunder bolt to the 1125.

tubers, the early buells are hotted up harley 1200's reliable yes, hell thay are part jap, hwever 110 hp is the most you would want from one.

XB's purpous built, the 12 being a stroked 9, reliable yes... as with any beast you will have issues with some.

rotax powered, well time will tell, once again i cant see any more reliable issues than any othe bike.

[scumdog]

Yeah, just like the positive thinkers...

The + thinkers seem to not be of the 'ram-it-down-your-throat' line of approach, unlike most of the - types.

[warewolf]

Honda were going down that wrong track themselves on their gp bikes in the 90's with trying to lower the placement of mass... putting the fuel tank underneath the engine and such things.There were two major flaws with the underslung fuel tank: firstly, as the fuel load reduced, the bikes CoG raised (note this is the complete opposite effect of the more usual configuration); secondly, the top-mounted exhausts were problematic (think chestnuts in the fire and also lack of cooling air). Per Kevin Cameron in his "Sportsbike Performance Handbook" IIRC.


Until they realised a higher centre of gravity actually helps a bike to go around a corner when it is leaned over.

'Helps'?I don't know how/why, but many bikes these days boast in their marketing material that they have the engine mounted higher in the frame for better handling, eg '09 Kwaka ZX-6R per Kiwi Rider review. Dirt bikes are doing the same thing.


You guys need to stop confusing centre of mass and centre of gravity.Not as long as we are all on the same planet...


See above. A bike's centre of gravity is completely different depending on angle of lean or negative or positive acceleration, and is one of the reasons why you can balance a bike while leaned over. The centre of mass doesn't change.I have trouble reconciling that. The CoG can only separate from the CoM if gravity is not consistent across the masses in question. Orientation is not important.

Even if you factor in suspension compression on acceleration/braking/turning G's, the CoG will change - but only because the CoM has also changed, so again it is moot.

On further thought, it sounds like you are confusing gravity with centripetal/ centrifugal forces which balance gravity when the bike is leaned in a fast turn.

[GMcC]

My 50cents as well
Have had various bikes over the past years and did own a 07 Ulysses and found that to be an OK bike
Excellant for pillion with a very comfy seat ( 2 up whatever felt good )
Seat height was an issue for me - short legged - but we still did 11000ks and had 1 off due to a slow near walking pace turn - ego buggering !
Power was as one would expect
I found the engine mangement system to be basic ( I shagged with the stock exhaust and developed a lean misfire ) [ in pursuit of noise ! Ha ! ]
Still that said It cured itself after returning the pipe back to standard !
Headlights had limited range for paced night riding ( not many bikes out there that have - altho me Speedy aint bad )
Did a few ks on the gravel and never an issue with the belt - a great idea I rekon
Good allround riding position and didint mind a crosswind even with all 3 hardboxes attached
Front suspension a tad soft but could have been the longer travel the Ulysses had over the other X bikes ?
What else ????
Bike cruised or sprotted and real easy to get out and go with
Oh yeah - that annoying fan noise.......................
Have looked at the new 1125s and although not keen on the manta ray type front could be worth a gander ( perhaps the 1125CR ? )
Few of mates with later HDs and they aint had issues with them other than usual dealer fog-offs
Sometimes ride with dude on a Firebolt and he still loves that baby
Its about being different from the masses and wherever you are the Buell will get noticied
A great bike for those so inclined

[nallac]

having not read the thread ill answer you as you posted... the buell has changed so drasticly since the thunder bolt to the 1125.

tubers, the early buells are hotted up harley 1200's reliable yes, hell thay are part jap, hwever 110 hp is the most you would want from one.

XB's purpous built, the 12 being a stroked 9, reliable yes... as with any beast you will have issues with some.

rotax powered, well time will tell, once again i cant see any more reliable issues than any othe bike.


The 900 is a destroked 1200 not the other way round..the 9 can be bored to just over a thou..not to 1200 as a 883 sporty can be.

[dangerous]

The 900 is a destroked 1200 not the other way round..the 9 can be bored to just over a thou..not to 1200 as a 883 sporty can be.

HUH... same thing really altho the 9 was released 1st telling me the 12 was a stroked version... and the 9 is actually a 1000cc anyway.
883 and 1200 sportsters are entiley different engines.

[nallac]

HUH... same thing really altho the 9 was released 1st telling me the 12 was a stroked version... and the 9 is actually a 1000cc anyway.
883 and 1200 sportsters are entiley different engines.

the 9 is a destroked 12
you can stroke a 9 to 12 but can't bore a 9 to 12 as in a 883 to 1200
the 9's not quite a thou .but can be bored to just over a thou.

the buell engines are based on the sporty with a few mods that can be retro fitted to the sporty engines. And a few improvements such as oil jet cooling which was done to the sportys.

And the heads which are a big improvement if you want to chase power espically with a 1450 kit fitted.

[Big Dave]

the buell engines are based on the sporty with a few mods

Say that at a Buell factory event and you can hear a pin drop.
'There are very few shared components'.
'Oh' says David.

[dipshit]

I don't know how/why, but many bikes these days boast in their marketing material that they have the engine mounted higher in the frame for better handling, eg '09 Kwaka ZX-6R per Kiwi Rider review.

Exactly. The Japs have been there and done that and moved on. It's not too surprising that Buell is a couple of decades behind.
:oi-grr:

[nallac]

Say that at a Buell factory event and you can hear a pin drop.
'There are very few shared components'.
'Oh' says David.

Ok, I should say they were based on em ...with lots of changes

[ajturbo]

Hi its Buellbabe here (in Welly for the wkend and hanging with AJ).

Just saw this thread and thought "WOW! 90 replies! Gee I didn't know there were THAT MANY Buell OWNERS on KB..."

Assuming that this would be yet another thread full of non-Buell owners dissing them I haven't even bothered to read it all. Apologies if I have made an incorrect assumption.

Instead I am just gonna answer the question.

As a Buell owner I can honestly say YES! They are a very reliable bike.

[Scarydog]

I have had the XB12R for 18 months now and it hasn't missed a beat. Lots of fun, but not the best 2up. Nice not having a chain to maintain too. I'm thinking of selling the Buell and getting a Superduke, but I am sure that I will miss the low maintenance of the Buell. There is just nothing to do apart from warrants and oil changes :-).

It's great on gas too, though I do ride like a nana.

[dangerous]

Say that at a Buell factory event and you can hear a pin drop.
'There are very few shared components'.
'Oh' says David.
Thats what I thought...



the 9 is a destroked 12
you can stroke a 9 to 12 but can't bore a 9 to 12 as in a 883 to 1200
the 9's not quite a thou .but can be bored to just over a thou.

the buell engines are based on the sporty with a few mods that can be retro fitted to the sporty engines. And a few improvements such as oil jet cooling which was done to the sportys.


And the heads which are a big improvement if you want to chase power espically with a 1450 kit fitted.

Ok, we are both on the right track, but...
The 9 was released in 03 the 12 in 04
the 9 engine was a new design from casings up, the 12 was devloped from it by stroking as theres no meat left to bore out 200cc (9 is 998cc IIRC)
The sportie (HD engine) that is in the tubers cant be compeared to the XB. The HD engine was not up to the performance Buell wanted much over 110Hp and they would blow the cranks.


Exactly. The Japs have been there and done that and moved on. It's not too surprising that Buell is a couple of decades behind.
:oi-grr:

and it was done before the japs even knew what a wheel was... they have only ever improved a design...
point in case.. 1920 guzzi had a dohc 4v head, suspension and the wast oil from the head gear was saved and channeled to the chain as a auto lube system

[AllanB]

the wast oil from the head gear was saved and channeled to the chain as a auto lube system

Old Triumphs had a similar auto chain oiler, however the factory never worked out how to stop the engine oil from coming out after you turned off the bike :bleh::bleh:

[jrandom]

'There are very few shared components'.

I don't suppose you thought to ask what those shared components were.

('Block, pistons, crankshaft and valves' is, after all, only a 'few' components, etc.)

I find it interesting how one can't make negative comments about a motorcycle without those comments being distilled down to "it's shit".

Anyhoo, subjective impressions are all that's been posted on this thread.

Have Buells ever been given the 'Masterbike' treatment, or something similar?

[Ocean1]

I don't suppose you thought to ask what those shared components were.

('Block, pistons, crankshaft and valves' is, after all, only a 'few' components, etc.)

I understand there's just 6 common components, (presumably outside bearings etc, which are common to a wide range of machinery), none of the above are HD stock items. The engine's claimed to be derived from the HD sporty, but a brief glance at both the engine itself and it’s spec's should tell you it hasn't merely been mildly breathed upon. To get that level of improvement here's not only some serious breathing improvements but significant structural ones as well.


I find it interesting how one can't make negative comments about a motorcycle without those comments being distilled down to "it's shit".

Anyhoo, subjective impressions are all that's been posted on this thread

It’s easy to find objective comparisons if you’re happy with numerical descriptions. For the realist subjective is all there is. <_<


Have Buells ever been given the 'Masterbike' treatment, or something similar?

Don’t know what that means. Although I’m surprised there’s not more available in the way of off-the-shelf mod’s for the Buells. Then again I’m surprised there’s not more available to help broaden what I see as being a fairly narrow OE choice across the entire market, particularly wrt ergonomics.

[dangerous]

I don't suppose you thought to ask what those shared components were.

('Block, pistons, crankshaft and valves' is, after all, only a 'few' components, etc.)

I find it interesting how one can't make negative comments about a motorcycle without those comments being distilled down to "it's shit".

Anyhoo, subjective impressions are all that's been posted on this thread.

Have Buells ever been given the 'Masterbike' treatment, or something similar?

Ok we need to find some writen proof of thes engines cos as far as I know "Block, pistons, crankshaft and valves" are not the same as the HD engines, not by a long shot.

Whats the 'Masterbike' treatment?

[Big Dave]

I don't suppose you thought to ask what those shared components were.




Yeah I did ask and was told how many there were. Forget. Might have been single figures.

I was more intrigued by the vehemence of the response at the time.

Buell people, whist duly respectful, are keen to highlight the difference between theirs and the parent company's products.

Owners generally are proud of the '3%er' tag - their slice of the overall H-D sales figures.

[Big Dave]

I also have an excellent tee shirt that says 'LOUD FANS SAVE LIVES'.

[jrandom]

Whats the 'Masterbike' treatment?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masterbike

[Big Dave]

Up until the rotax they weren't masterbike material.

'Providing optimum enjoyment at around about the speed limit' isn't one of the criteria.

Nor was 'sick fun in an urban envioronment' from what I read?

[Fatjim]

Rode Rashikas Buell from Akaroa back to Chistchurch (at pace in the twisties) and had no issues from it re instability - despite being a cruiser rider with NO sprotsbike experience,

If by "cruiser rider" you mean cruiser speeds then the answer is right there. Peter Fonda thought his chopper was stable too.


My mates Buell has been reliable for 20,000ks +




20,000ks with no problem is not "reliable", yet. Your yardstick is a few feet short.

[Thunder 8]

Old Triumphs had a similar auto chain oiler, however the factory never worked out how to stop the engine oil from coming out after you turned off the bike :bleh::bleh:

:lol: hahaha very good.:laugh:

[jrandom]

Up until the rotax they weren't masterbike material.

And, I think, that's the sum of any criticism that I would be personally inclined to make.

You must admit, Buell haven't historically advertised their bikes as 'optimum enjoyment at around about the speed limit'.

[jrandom]

If by "cruiser rider" you mean cruiser speeds then the answer is right there. Peter Fonda thought his chopper was stable too.

Mmyes.

My comments re. 'instability' were from the perspective of getting off, say, a GSXR600, Street Triple (haven't ridden one, but I hear they're great...) or whatever, and onto an XB12R.

Similarly priced bikes, advertised at the same target market (as far as I can tell), but the Buell simply doesn't work as well, where 'working well' is defined as the bike's ability to go quickly (and, preferably, safely) around corners and in straight lines.

And, sure, going quickly is only one small part of motorcycling. It's commonly called 'sport riding'. But I thought that a 'sportbike' was what the XBnRs were supposed to be.

[Big Dave]

And, I think, that's the sum of any criticism that I would be personally inclined to make.

You must admit, Buell haven't historically advertised their bikes as 'optimum enjoyment at around about the speed limit'.

All the advertising I can recall has been about the 'experience' and the 'one with the machine' trip - owning the corners.

It was nicely done and I thought pretty accurate. Been a while since we've run any. (Tell that to your conspiracy theorists)

What I was trying to say is that the bikes they rate for masterbike are bikes that (as a consumer) I'm not interested in. Track performance and 10/10ths capability are not important to me.

Hooking a Buell in third gear and hitting the road between Waihi and Whangamatta (at legal speeds) is one of the sweetest things I've ever done on a motorcycle.

[Big Dave]

>>Similarly priced bikes, advertised at the same target market (as far as I can tell), but the Buell simply doesn't work as well, where 'working well' is defined as the bike's ability to go quickly (and, preferably, safely) around corners and in straight lines.<<

Based on my experience the Buell has superior cornering ability to the vehicles mentioned.

[jrandom]

All the advertising I can recall has been about the 'experience' and the 'one with the machine' trip - owning the corners.

Mm, OK. Just a perception thing, I guess. After years of drooling over the ads, I felt let down by the ride.


What I was trying to say is that the bikes they rate for masterbike are bikes that (as a consumer) I'm not interested in. Track performance and 10/10ths capability are not important to me.

Well, me neither. S'why I ride around on a GSX1400, innit!

I guess the older Buells just are what they are.

Now, it certainly sounds like the 1125R can hold its head up high in the true sportbike market. So did Buell change their focus? Wasn't the 1125R lauded as the bike Mr Buell 'had always wanted to build'?

Sounds to me like the previous ones, while not horrible in their own non-sprotbikey way, weren't quite up to scratch.

[jrandom]

Based on my experience the Buell has superior cornering ability to the vehicles mentioned.

With respect, pig's arse. Nobody would be quicker through the Taupo infield on an XB12R than they would on a GSXR600. I'm sure of it. You can't brake in as late, turn as quickly under the brakes or accelerate out as early on a Buell as you can on the average modern sprotbike. What do you see as 'good cornering ability'?

Case in point.

My first day riding at Manfeild (PMCC round 2 this year), I pootled around on a K4 GSXR600 belonging to someone else with worn, mismatched road tyres and a lowered rear end, doing 1:21s. And I'm not a fast rider. That's about as slow as that bike would go without falling over due to lack of forward momentum.

If anyone out there has recorded (on mylaps.com or some other verifiable source) a lap quicker than that on an XB12R, I'll give them the dozen Steinlagers that Crasherfromwayback's going to buy me next weekend.

Buells are just slow.

Good stunt bikes mind you! Being both timid and uncoordinated, though, I don't do that shit.

[Big Dave]

Mm, OK. Just a perception thing, I guess. After years of drooling over the ads, I felt let down by the ride.



Well, me neither. S'why I ride around on a GSX1400, innit!

I guess the older Buells just are what they are.

Now, it certainly sounds like the 1125R can hold its head up high in the true sportbike market. So did Buell change their focus? Wasn't the 1125R lauded as the bike Mr Buell 'had always wanted to build'?

Sounds to me like the previous ones, while not horrible in their own non-sprotbikey way, weren't quite up to scratch.

Erik rides a XB12X - so do 'his people'.

My theory is he wanted to build a bike that had the power to win races and 'prove' that his designs work.

They squeezed 103 hp out of the 'sportster' (don't tell them I said that!) but no matter how well his 'trilogy of tech' works that ain't competitive.

So with the 143hp donk you have a wonderful handling and cornering, wicked fast machine for $20k.

(As a tester) I loved the 1125CR. Test is in this month's rag.

[Big Dave]

With respect, pig's arse. Nobody would be quicker through the Taupo infield on an XB12R than they would on a GSXR600. I'm sure of it. You can't brake in as late, turn as quickly under the brakes or accelerate out as early on a Buell as you can on the average modern sprotbike. What do you see as 'good cornering ability'?

Case in point.

My first day riding at Manfeild (PMCC round 2 this year), I pootled around on a K4 GSXR600 belonging to someone else with worn, mismatched road tyres and a lowered rear end, doing 1:21s. And I'm not a fast rider. That's about as slow as that bike would go without falling over due to lack of forward momentum.

If anyone out there has recorded (on mylaps.com or some other verifiable source) a lap quicker than that on an XB12R, I'll give them the dozen Steinlagers that Crasherfromwayback's going to buy me next weekend.

Buells are just slow.

Good stunt bikes mind you! Being both timid and uncoordinated, though, I don't do that shit.

Good road bikes actually.

My experience - I can't ride a GSXR600 fast - preying mantis syndrome - and it corners better than a Standard street triple. Sorry - it just does.
Haven't ridden the R yet.

[dangerous]

Mmyes.

My comments re. 'instability' were from the perspective of getting off, say, a GSXR600, Street Triple (haven't ridden one, but I hear they're great...) or whatever, and onto an XB12R.

Similarly priced bikes, advertised at the same target market (as far as I can tell), but the Buell simply doesn't work as well, where 'working well' is defined as the bike's ability to go quickly (and, preferably, safely) around corners and in straight lines.AHHHHHH... BUT, you wont get off ya GSXR or street trip with a grin, buzzy feeling in ya gut and wanting more after a scoot through some tight n curleys like ya do on a Buell, the sound and feel you will never get on the above. Mate ya cant explain it but it is what owning a buell is about.

[ajturbo]

20,000ks with no problem is not "reliable", yet. Your yardstick is a few feet short.


Buellbabe's X1 has done 124,000ks

YES 124k!!!

and is still going strong!!!!!

so.. reliable...yes... she gets it serviced when it is due, every time.

[dangerous]

Buellbabe's X1 has done 124,000ks

YES 124k!!!

and is still going strong!!!!!

so.. reliable...yes... she gets it serviced when it is due, every time. yeah but... she rides it like a girl :chase:

[ajturbo]

but remember people... we WERE suppose to be talking about

RELIABILITY.....

[ajturbo]

yeah but... she rides it like a girl :chase:

these are fighting words there ya ginga.. (HER words!!)

bring it on... she says,

oh that's right.. your tooo chicken

:jerry::jerry:

[Big Dave]

The tile is 'About'

[dangerous]

but remember people... we WERE suppose to be talking about

RELIABILITY..... OK...
from new till now (4yrs and 44k)
the engine on the XB12 hasent missed beat
Battery shit out
clipon welds broke (AFTER MARKET)
belt broke (but was on one wheel giving it the berries and it has no guards)
front rim has a leak due to a pin hole in the casting.
Lights were replaced as a recall

Relibile, yeah for a non mass produced japer I think so.

[AllanB]

Relibile, yeah for a non mass produced japer I think so.

Actually this is a valid point in this discussion. They are a relatively low production, dare I imply 'hand built' (compared to say a Honda, Suzuki etc) bike. So with respects to reliability how do they fair to similar machines, Guzzis, Aprilias, KTM's etc.

And previously stated - if you have ridden one and loved it then buy the sucker.

[Ocean1]

Sounds to me like the previous ones, while not horrible in their own non-sprotbikey way, weren't quite up to scratch.

Depends on who's definition of sprotsbike we're using, dunnit.

Most seem to centre around "Almost identical to that Rossi fellers" and "Fastest machine at teh trackdays... *if dat Rossi dude were riding it*".

I, for one, *counts* don’t subscribe to that as a real-world definition. I'm not sure we're going to come to any agreement as to what might be a valid definition here. Sufficed to say that, for me the Buell fulfils my requirements, for my definition of a sprotsbike.

Don’t know about that “the engine we always wanted” thing, sounds perilously close to marketing bullshit. Again, for me the XB engine delivers exactly what I want in a road bike, for the purposes of abusing tight country corners. So if true, then I’m well pleased Eric was constrained to the development of the XB.

[buell]

AHHHHHH... BUT, you wont get off ya GSXR or street trip with a grin, buzzy feeling in ya gut and wanting more after a scoot through some tight n curleys like ya do on a Buell, the sound and feel you will never get on the above. Mate ya cant explain it but it is what owning a buell is about.
I agree fully. I have owned my buell for 2 years and 35 000 Km later still going strong:clap:. Every time I ride it I look for the tight & twisties and get off at the end of the ride on a buzz, it has a unique feel thats just awsome. I :love: my bike :2thumbsup. Each to their own I say!

[Krayy]

Any Buell XB owners should take a look at this thread:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1129226422#post1129226422

Easy mod and makes a world of difference to low speed riding and getting off the line.

[buellbabe]

I agree fully. I have owned my buell for 2 years and 35 000 Km later still going strong:clap:. Every time I ride it I look for the tight & twisties and get off at the end of the ride on a buzz, it has a unique feel thats just awsome. I :love: my bike :2thumbsup. Each to their own I say!

I 2nd that!

Its all about that special "X-factor" that is unique to Buell.
Some like it and some don't...

[dangerous]

I 2nd that!

Its all about that special "X-factor" that is unique to Buell.
Some like it and some don't... and some just dont get it :scooter:

[ajturbo]

and some just dont get it :scooter:
like your for instance.....

(re- front wheel getting repaired...:stupid:)

[scumdog]

I 2nd that!

Its all about that special "X-factor" that is unique to Buell.
Some like it and some don't...

And some think that if it's not a bike they like/ride then it can't possibly be any good for anything and must be utter crap...<_<

[NighthawkNZ]

And some think that if it's not a bike they like/ride then it can't possibly be any good for anything and must be utter crap...<_<

yup and now I own a Ducati... <_< :confused:

[ajturbo]

And some think that if it's not a bike they like/ride then it can't possibly be any good for anything and must be utter crap...<_<
you have it one, O wise man of the south.....

you see, all Honda, Kawasaki, hog, ducati, Bimoto, etc, riders are ghey, as they don't ride a bike like mine.....

[Headbanger]

I 2nd that!

Its all about that special "X-factor" that is unique to Buell.
Some like it and some don't...

The same could be said for any bike that a person finds to suit themselves perfectly.

[dangerous]

like your for instance.....

(re- front wheel getting repaired...:stupid:)

HUH? :scratch:

[buell]

I think when you say "some" you must mean those out there that dont ride bikes. Sounds like a good time for one of those quote thingys " It's not about the bike that got you there, but the road you took!" :ride:
Ps. probably helps if it's a nice bike too

[buell]

I 2nd that!

Its all about that special "X-factor" that is unique to Buell.
Some like it and some don't...
Great to see you bike has done the Km's:2thumbsup keep the same service period as you, (do it all myself). I will be keeping mine till it's a vintage. Just an awesome bike to ride, awesome!

[scumdog]

I think when you say "some" you must mean those out there that dont ride bikes. Sounds like a good time for one of those quote thingys " It's not about the bike that got you there, but the road you took!" :ride:
Ps. probably helps if it's a nice bike too
As I say: "It's not his ride but the man astride that counts"


(awaits a burst of smart comments about 'ride' 'astride' and 'counts')

[buellbabe]

Headbanger you make a valid point but the X-factor thing with a Buell is not just about finding a bike that suits ya...its hard to explain...

Maybe its has something to do with the fact that they aren't mass-produced, or it could have something to do with the fact that they don't seem to fit into a neat little slot in the market...Buell might market them as one thing or another but really when it comes down to it they are a hoons bike!
However Buell don't like to market them as such cos that would encourage 'bad behaviour'.

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaa!

[Pixie]

Best if you only listen to people who own them as you are moving in to the Harley rhelm and all the wanky doodle knockers will come out of the wood work as you can see from the other answers so farwww.ktlbikes.co.nz

Good idea!You'll get good even handed,unbiased opinions from the Hardley owners :stupid:

[Pixie]

The 900 is a destroked 1200 not the other way round..the 9 can be bored to just over a thou..not to 1200 as a 883 sporty can be.

It's not quite breakfast, it's not quite lunch, but it comes with a slice of canteloupe at the end. You don't get completely what you would at breakfast, but you get a good meal

[Headbanger]

Headbanger you make a valid point but the X-factor thing with a Buell is not just about finding a bike that suits ya...its hard to explain...

Maybe its has something to do with the fact that they aren't mass-produced, or it could have something to do with the fact that they don't seem to fit into a neat little slot in the market...Buell might market them as one thing or another but really when it comes down to it they are a hoons bike!
However Buell don't like to market them as such cos that would encourage 'bad behaviour'.

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaa!

Everything you said to dispute my point just reinforced it 100 percent, The bike and (how you perceive) everything about it hits your individual sweet spot.

[Rob Taylor]

Good idea!You'll get good even handed,unbiased opinions from the Hardley owners :stupid:

Thankyou for helping me prove my point:stupid:

[NighthawkNZ]

(awaits a burst of smart comments about 'ride' 'astride' and 'counts')

sarcasm joke... overload... ov...er... load

[ajturbo]

Thankyou for helping me prove my point:stupid:
i was even more one eyed when i had my suzuki....


we all used to feel sorry for our mate who had the 883....even after he bored it out to 1200cc.... big rushing .. yawn... lol

[buellbabe]

Really? have you ridden an 883?

They are almost as much fun as the Buell LOL.

I had one many years ago and used to treat it like a trail bike!

Got lots of happy memories of that little bike :love:

[ajturbo]

Really? have you ridden an 883?

They are almost as much fun as the Buell LOL.

I had one many years ago and used to treat it like a trail bike!

Got lots of happy memories of that little bike :love:
no i never got to ride his... we all felt sorry for him as he was the ONLY one in our group who (at that time) had a hog...

but they also felt sorry for me.... i was the only one with a GS750 ESD....:confused:

[sheddy]

Hi.
I am not the fastest or most capable of riders, but I love my bikes just like you guys. I have had several bikes over the last 30 years. I have never ridden a better handling bike than the Uly. Ive had faster, quicker bikes but nothing has delivered usable power and handling and seat comfort like this little sucker. Yep I have a softail so if that makes me biased you can use that to justify your thoughts. These Buells have more character than any Japanese bike I have had. I love Jap bikes so dont bother using the HD line as a reason for a biased opinion. I have a list of other bikes I would like including Dukes Guzzis and Hondas but a bloke can only afford so many toys at any one time.
Because I love my softail I'm not trading it. To be perfectly honest I'd keep it in my lounge if I was allowed. Aside from any pros or cons on how it goes the HD is the nicest piece of art work I have ever owned. The Buell however, is not the best looking piece of kit, but the innovations, the power delivery and the handling make it something else. Now I will have my show bike and a go bike.
Thank goodness Mrs B :2thumbsup and my excellent Banker have made it possible even in these testing times. Hey I'm a lucky bast**d and dont I know it. I hope I have my low km 06 Uly by this weekend. All the good info on the net indicates the XB's are no more problematic than many other MC brands .
It wont be my last bike but I hope we get along nicely for this next summer. ps If I'm not waving and your on a bike its probably cause If I take my hand off the bars I'll crash. [ Excepting maybe burgmans I dont get those at all]

[buellbabe]

I like the way you describe the Uly. It is what it is and everyone I know who has one absolutely loves it...

ENJOY!

[Big Dave]

The 06 had a few issues

wheel bearings - the originals were made from cheese
Bank angle sensor was a recall

check that they were done.

Mine is nearly 4 years old. Broken it once, broke a belt once.

I still think it's a fantastic NZ all roads bike.

[Pwalo]

Have a look at Badweather bikers. They are definitely Buell biased, but you will find the sort of problems other riders are experiencing with their bikes.

I must admit that I've had a hankering to own a Buell, but until their later model bikes there did seem to be a lot of niggling and annoying faults.

One day when I use my bike for enjoyment rather than commuting I wouldn't mind an XB12.

[Ducky848]

I had an 04 XB12R. I didnt rate the handling much and the brakes are shite...BUT..Fantastic commuting and short trip touring bike. The engine was its best feature without a doubt. Several reliablity issues with mine including a dodgy ignition relay which was tricky to ID and would cause the bike to cut out randomly, broken belts, the fecking annoying cooling fan packed it in (maybe a good thing?), low speed miss and enough false neutrals to make getting to 5th gear an adventure.

Lots of personality though without doubt.

[Big Dave]

Don't agree about the handling or brakes, but now you remind - my fan failed too. But then I don't find it annoying, I appreciate what it does.
Mine has never missed a gear either.

I've ridden a lot of later model ones, they've all handled as sweet as - when set up properly.

Had yours been crashed or something?

Brakes I reckon are about average. Buell says that the advantage is in unsprung weight - then 1125R are really nice.

Some reports of XBs pulsing due to residue are about. Mine's not done that either, but apparently it's fixed with aftermarket pads

[buellbabe]

Brakes shite???
Wow thats a first!

Bad handling?

Most bike critics would disagree with ya there...

I recently demo-ed and subsequently bought an 1125CR.

I was reminded of a report on a CR on here earlier in the year. It was a very unfavourable report. I mentioned this to the dealer .

Their response was "oh yeah...well maybe if the suspension hadn't been totally f**ked with (front and back set to extreme soft and hard) he might have had a different experience...

Now they weren't actually saying that this reviewer was responsible for the alteration ...buuuut...thing is that the suspension is really easy to adjust and people do tend to fiddle just cos they can. Now maybe some else had fiddled in which case bad one dealer for not setting back to default before giving the bike to a journo... My point? I just find it hard to fathom that an XB12 can be accused of bad handling...I have ridden quite a few of them and they never fail to put a grin on my face...
Also what some people call 'bad handling' is the fact that they just aren't used to a bike that drops into corners as ridiculously quickly as the XB does, it can be a bit disconcerting if you are used to a different style of bike LOL.

As far as niggles and problems go...jeez I have owned a Buell (an older model) for the last 9 yeras...no niggles and problems and all my Buell riding friends report the same satisfaction from their beasties.
People tend to focus on the small percent of reported niggles and forget about the huge percentage of absolutely trouble free bikes.

And anyway, "niggles" are something that happens with ANY brand of motorcycle. Buell certainly haven't cornered the market on that score LOL.

[Big Dave]

I must admit that I've had a hankering to own a Buell, but until their later model bikes there did seem to be a lot of niggling and annoying faults.
.

That reputation put me off till I test rode the XB12X.

Parts availability is my biggest gripe. But they aren't Caruso R. in that regard either.

[98tls]

Brakes shite???
Wow thats a first!

Bad handling?

Most bike critics would disagree with ya there...

I recently demo-ed and subsequently bought an 1125CR.

I was reminded of a report on a CR on here earlier in the year. It was a very unfavourable report. I mentioned this to the dealer .

Their response was "oh yeah...well maybe if the suspension hadn't been totally f**ked with (front and back set to extreme soft and hard) he might have had a different experience...

Now they weren't actually saying that this reviewer was responsible for the alteration ...buuuut...thing is that the suspension is really easy to adjust and people do tend to fiddle just cos they can. Now maybe some else had fiddled in which case bad one dealer for not setting back to default before giving the bike to a journo... My point? I just find it hard to fathom that an XB12 can be accused of bad handling...I have ridden quite a few of them and they never fail to put a grin on my face...
Also what some people call 'bad handling' is the fact that they just aren't used to a bike that drops into corners as ridiculously quickly as the XB does, it can be a bit disconcerting if you are used to a different style of bike LOL.

As far as niggles and problems go...jeez I have owned a Buell (an older model) for the last 9 yeras...no niggles and problems and all my Buell riding friends report the same satisfaction from their beasties.
People tend to focus on the small percent of reported niggles and forget about the huge percentage of absolutely trouble free bikes.

And anyway, "niggles" are something that happens with ANY brand of motorcycle. Buell certainly haven't cornered the market on that score LOL. Your old Buell was a pretty good testament to there reliability,certainly shut me up.:pinch:

[Ducky848]

Brakes shite???
Wow thats a first!

Bad handling?

Most bike critics would disagree with ya there...

Their response was "oh yeah...well maybe if the suspension hadn't been totally f**ked with (front and back set to extreme soft and hard) he might have had a different experience...

My point? I just find it hard to fathom that an XB12 can be accused of bad handling...I have ridden quite a few of them and they never fail to put a grin on my face...
Also what some people call 'bad handling' is the fact that they just aren't used to a bike that drops into corners as ridiculously quickly as the XB does, it can be a bit disconcerting if you are used to a different style of bike LOL.

And anyway, "niggles" are something that happens with ANY brand of motorcycle. Buell certainly haven't cornered the market on that score LOL.

Ok, I know what Eric Buell says about the XB12R and is low unsprung weight, 250cc frame geometry and low centre of mass etc.
Sounds great...but..I just dont think it handles that great. Maybe it seems that way if you get off a CX500, j/k
Fact is I think I know how to set up suspension and I know how I like a bike to handle. The XB I owned no matter how much setup time spent still would not hold a nice line and tended to push the front. It refused to brake into a corner and would constantly fight to stand up. 3 hard laps at a track day and the brakes fade. Changing up out of a corner full tit causes the frame to flex and will throw your line. All these things combined make it less stunning for me than the promo material suggest. :dodge: Im not scared or put off by a bike that 'falls' into a corner, I raced Honda RS125's and 250's for a few years.

All that said I stand by my comment that the engine is its best feature. I had a lot of fun with that and I would avoid the 1125 purely on that basis.
I like Buells, many of my good mates ride 'em and I drunk a lot of beer at the 2007 SI Buell rally.

It just aint that great in the handling and brakes in my opinion...depending on what you are looking for. Personally I like big twins, gobs of torque, sharp handling and brutal brakes...hence my choice to move from Buells to Ducati's.

Just an opinion of course :hug:

[Ducky848]

Don't agree about the handling or brakes, but now you remind - my fan failed too. But then I don't find it annoying, I appreciate what it does.
Mine has never missed a gear either.

I've ridden a lot of later model ones, they've all handled as sweet as - when set up properly.

Had yours been crashed or something?

Brakes I reckon are about average. Buell says that the advantage is in unsprung weight - then 1125R are really nice.

Some reports of XBs pulsing due to residue are about. Mine's not done that either, but apparently it's fixed with aftermarket pads

Mine was 3rd hand and I dont think it had been binned...no marks that would suggest it.
I don't know if the later ones are better or not, the 04 handled great round town and mild fangs, but push it and it struggled.
Never had the brakes pulse just fade quickly. I tried a couple of different brands/types of pads including new factory ones with little improvement.
I like the idea of reduced unsprung weight and the big single rotor looks the bizzo, just doesnt seem to work for me. I havent ridden an 1125R, cant get past the Rotax engine thing and the front air scoops..but thats just me.

[hospitalfood]

i must say mine has been reliable. 19,000 km from new and no issues.
you either love them or don't. i do love them.
the handling is an interesting one. on most corners i find it is best for me to put my arse over into the corner and my body the other way into full countersteer and rape the throttle.

i guess the 1125r would be the one for the track, don't think the XB would be great on the track but they are heaps of fun on the road

[buellbabe]

Well Ducky it sounds to me like you had a lemon cos what you say is at complete odds with everything that is a known fact about the XB12R.

Shame about that.

Glad you are enjoying your Ducati, V-twins ROCK!

[Ducky848]

what you say is at complete odds with everything that is a known fact about the XB12R.

Bit like anthropological global warming, it needs to be considered in context and with balanced information. The XB12R is a capable bike, but compared to other examples of modern sportsbikes when ridden hard, particularly on a track (its supposed to be race bred according to promo material) I do not rate the handling or the brakes....its not a pig at any stretch, just not what I expected.


Glad you are enjoying your Ducati, V-twins ROCK!
Hell yes. I have found the 996 and 848 much more suited and V twins/L twins indeed rock.

[Big Dave]

And anthropologically I still disagree about the handling. :-)

[Ducky848]

And anthropologically I still disagree about the handling. :-)


That sir is the beauty of opinions. Everyones entitled to one, even wrong ones :beer: