Buell, how bad are they?

[WRichStrom]

Thanks guys for the input. I am going to give a ridiculous low offer Friday and see if I can get a bite. If not I am going to wait for a used SV650. Still thinking my FJR needs a stablemate!!

Thanks all!

 

[WRichStrom]

Update

I went to make my low ball offer and it was sold two hours before I walked in. Again don't know if a Buell is a good bike but it can't be as quick as our FJR but it probably has excellent handling. Anyway the reason I was interested is it was "Arctic White" although being kind of color blind I think white is white. It looked like the bike on this My link . I will find a smaller sport bike though and still looking for that deal out there!

Thanks guys for all the advice.

 

[dc1300]

Never owned either an HD or a Buell. But after reading the most recent MC article (I get that free rag too) I am fairly certain that whatever Eirc B comes up with in his "rebirth" is likely to be far superior to the trash that they were forced to make under the HD (board of directors) label.

For one thing, they will no use HD engines. I think under the dissolution agreement, they can't. There was some talk about using Bombardier (Rotax) engines from Ca-na-duh, which would (IMO) be a huge improvement to that Old Milwaukee trash. Who knows, maybe even a multi cylinder (ie more than 2) bike in the future?

Hmmm, never owned an HD or a Buell" lack of education is a wonderful thing.

You better tell Ducati about that multi cylinder thingy.

DC

 

[Fred W]

Never owned either an HD or a Buell. But after reading the most recent MC article (I get that free rag too) I am fairly certain that whatever Eirc B comes up with in his "rebirth" is likely to be far superior to the trash that they were forced to make under the HD (board of directors) label.

For one thing, they will no use HD engines. I think under the dissolution agreement, they can't. There was some talk about using Bombardier (Rotax) engines from Ca-na-duh, which would (IMO) be a huge improvement to that Old Milwaukee trash. Who knows, maybe even a multi cylinder (ie more than 2) bike in the future?

Hmmm, never owned an HD or a Buell" lack of education is a wonderful thing.

You better tell Ducati about that multi cylinder thingy.

DC

Since when does one's education only become completed by wasting their money buying a severely overpriced, antique design motorcycle that is more about style than substance? If that defines "lack of education" then I guess you can sign me up.

FWIW - I never said that the V-twin engine design is a problem. It's how they happen to build them at HD that is.

Many manufacturers have figured out that a 90 degree V configuration with its inherently good primary balance, can make a nice running, high torque, twin cylinder engine. Ducati is among those makers, one of which I I have owned in the past. So I guess I'm not completely illiterate, (based on your ill founded accusations). I also have another 90 degree twin in the garage right now (V-strom) and it has a nice smooth running V-twin engine too. V twins are fine.

But I definitely won't be buying into the Harley (or Harley-built Buell) kool-aid any time soon.

[edit] Oh yeah, Merry Christmas... :glare:

 

[johnny80s]

I love this place.

 

[Andyman]

Before my FJR I owned a 2004 XB12S and loved it. The only major problem was the dealer I took it to for a minor Warranty issue. They made it into a very big issue and I never went back there. Thankfully never had to. I put 40,000 miles on mine including a week long bike trip from Iowa to Deals Gap(2600 miles total that week). My wife also owned a 2003 XB9SL. She put 16,000 miles on it... Then we had a baby... I still miss the handling and low end torque of my XB12S.

 

[dc1300]

Never owned either an HD or a Buell. But after reading the most recent MC article (I get that free rag too) I am fairly certain that whatever Eirc B comes up with in his "rebirth" is likely to be far superior to the trash that they were forced to make under the HD (board of directors) label.

For one thing, they will no use HD engines. I think under the dissolution agreement, they can't. There was some talk about using Bombardier (Rotax) engines from Ca-na-duh, which would (IMO) be a huge improvement to that Old Milwaukee trash. Who knows, maybe even a multi cylinder (ie more than 2) bike in the future?

Hmmm, never owned an HD or a Buell" lack of education is a wonderful thing.

You better tell Ducati about that multi cylinder thingy.

DC

Since when does one's education only become completed by wasting their money buying a severely overpriced, antique design motorcycle that is more about style than substance? If that defines "lack of education" then I guess you can sign me up.

FWIW - I never said that the V-twin engine design is a problem. It's how they happen to build them at HD that is.

Many manufacturers have figured out that a 90 degree V configuration with its inherently good primary balance, can make a nice running, high torque, twin cylinder engine. Ducati is among those makers, one of which I I have owned in the past. So I guess I'm not completely illiterate, (based on your ill founded accusations). I also have another 90 degree twin in the garage right now (V-strom) and it has a nice smooth running V-twin engine too. V twins are fine.

But I definitely won't be buying into the Harley (or Harley-built Buell) kool-aid any time soon.

[edit] Oh yeah, Merry Christmas... :glare:

I would respond but, if I have to explain.......................

Happy New Year.

DC

 

[oldryder]

if you like the v-twin power characteristics and are considering an SV650 you might also consider a Suzuki TL1000R. I've had one for a few years and it's a hoot to ride and gets a lot of attention becasue people don't expect that v twin rumble from a bike that looks a LOT like a GSXR.

they can be had with low miles in nice shape for little more than a nice SV650 would cost you and you get about 50 more hp.

 

[MotorToad]

I've ridden the XB-12R and -12S. They're (mostly) great. It was on the track and I got no street or even streetish time on them, but a couple few things stood out to me.

1. At idle, they shake mirrors, plates, signals, and everything so much I can't believe anything stays bolted on.

2. The rev limiter comes on *just* as it starts to feel like it's going, and a shift drops it below the power. Frustrating, that is...

3. My 45,000-mile beat-to-hell FZR600 was pulling them on the straights. My fizzer might have had 70 bhp at the time. As a matter of fact, the guy I was pulling away from is a guy that laps an NT-650 faster than me, so I don't think he was the problem.

4. I never saw a hint of that "low end torque." The sole memory of that engine is the rev limiter.

5. I'd still consider getting one if it was *cheap*. The handling was great.

6. I'd love to get the new Rotax Buell.

7. **** harley for killing Buell. Idiots.

Aside from that, since the one you found was sold, I'd look for a round-tube SV-650. VTR-1000Fs are also cheap and are a lot of bike for the money.

 

[beemerdons]

I love this place.

johnny80s, I've no idea why Fred W can't be warm, outgoing and friendly like you and I always are! Just our winning ways Irish and Italian personalities, I guess.

 

[Fred W]

I love this place.

johnny80s, I've no idea why Fred W can't be warm, outgoing and friendly like you and I always are! Just our winning ways Irish and Italian personalities, I guess.

Who me?

Spoiler

:****: