Buell
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 135
Likes: 1
From: Keaau, Hawaii
RE: Buell
If you check into it you may find that the Buell test fleet may come to a dealer near you. Thats what I did a few years ago and test rode an XB9R Firebolt, and a Blast (yes-a Blast). The Firebolt was a hoot to ride. I don't know if I could ride one on a regular basiss though, since I'm 54 years old and the riding position is pretty radical. The Lightnings are much more comfortable.
jon
jon
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
RE: Buell
A friend of mine has a Buell, and a StreetGlide. He rides the Buell much more often than he rides the Geezer Glide. I've rode his bike a couple of times. It's not for me, but they are fast! I don't think I could ever get used to the backwards shifting. The Buell is 1 up and 4 down. I guess that's a racing thing. His Buell is the top model, which ever one that is. I'm not familiar enough with them to know the different models.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
RE: Buell
HOTLAP! That's very funny and very true!!
The earlier quality was questionable -pre '98 models had some serious issues. The newer ones are MUCH better. There's still a question of how well the brake rotors will hold up over time. They are a difficult piece to manufacture and highly prone to warping issues because of the large diameter and "trueness" requirements for a piece that big...
The Blast can be had for very little money. A friend bought one for 1800 used ('05 model) and has spent the majority of his time trying to get it to stop leaking oil. Power is on par with an import 250cc single.
The above said, I think that they are a peice of rolling artwork. Every piece was analyzed and designed with purpose. The tank in the frame, the oil in the swing arm, and the many amazing and unconventional uses of coventional components make these bikes NEAT!
The earlier quality was questionable -pre '98 models had some serious issues. The newer ones are MUCH better. There's still a question of how well the brake rotors will hold up over time. They are a difficult piece to manufacture and highly prone to warping issues because of the large diameter and "trueness" requirements for a piece that big...
The Blast can be had for very little money. A friend bought one for 1800 used ('05 model) and has spent the majority of his time trying to get it to stop leaking oil. Power is on par with an import 250cc single.
The above said, I think that they are a peice of rolling artwork. Every piece was analyzed and designed with purpose. The tank in the frame, the oil in the swing arm, and the many amazing and unconventional uses of coventional components make these bikes NEAT!
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Buell
My other bike is an '07 Buell XB9SX. So far I've got 5,000 trouble-free miles on it. It is light, well-balanced, and has good power from 2500-7500 rpm(nothing compared to the high end of most of the 600cc and 1000cc water-cooled sportbikes, but plenty enough to have fun with).
Out of the box, it has the normal 1-down, 4-up shift pattern- it would need to be modified to get the race shift pattern. It's a great street bike that's lots of fun when the road gets twisty.
I probably do about60% of my riding on my Sporty, and the other40% on the Buell.
My main problem with theBuell is when I ride it for a while and then get back on the Sportster. Then I drag parts in the first nice turn I come to. The Buell can lean waaaay over without dragging anything. :-)
Out of the box, it has the normal 1-down, 4-up shift pattern- it would need to be modified to get the race shift pattern. It's a great street bike that's lots of fun when the road gets twisty.
I probably do about60% of my riding on my Sporty, and the other40% on the Buell.
My main problem with theBuell is when I ride it for a while and then get back on the Sportster. Then I drag parts in the first nice turn I come to. The Buell can lean waaaay over without dragging anything. :-)
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 3
From: Boise, Idaho
RE: Buell
ORIGINAL: SportyPig
A friend of mine has a Buell, and a StreetGlide. He rides the Buell much more often than he rides the Geezer Glide. I've rode his bike a couple of times. It's not for me, but they are fast! I don't think I could ever get used to the backwards shifting. The Buell is 1 up and 4 down. I guess that's a racing thing. His Buell is the top model, which ever one that is. I'm not familiar enough with them to know the different models.
A friend of mine has a Buell, and a StreetGlide. He rides the Buell much more often than he rides the Geezer Glide. I've rode his bike a couple of times. It's not for me, but they are fast! I don't think I could ever get used to the backwards shifting. The Buell is 1 up and 4 down. I guess that's a racing thing. His Buell is the top model, which ever one that is. I'm not familiar enough with them to know the different models.