Confessions of a Harley Rider

[DynaSport]

A few weeks ago Buell had a demo day at my local HD dealership. I did my best to ride pretty much every Buell they had. I saved the Firebolt for my last ride, though, as I didn't think I would like it at all. High pegs. Clip on handlebars. I am 44 years old and ride a Harley for goodness sakes. There is no way I could like a sportbike. It did feel a bit odd to sit bent over like that. But I wasn't uncomfortable the way I thought it would be. We only got ride each bike for 15-20 minutes or so, so it may have gotten uncomfortable soon after, I can't really say. I was actually starting to feel a bit of tightness at the base of my neck, but no pain yet.

What I found most surprising was how much I like the feeling of the ride. I felt way in control. The other Buells had the same engine, and mostly the same suspension, but I did not enjoy them as much. So, it had to be the riding position. Which is what I thought I would hate. So, now I want a sportbike as a second bike. I still can't give up my Harley. And I like the Buells. I like the sound. I like the low end torque they make. I know most Japanese bike riders don't think much of them, but hey, I'm not looking to race any of you young guys anyway. I do want to be able to go 300 mile days on the bike, though, as I take a trip or two from Florida to NC each year to ride in the mountains. We usually don't ride in excess of 300 mile days. So, am I nuts? Should I just be content on my Harley? Will I regret the purchase as the pain shoots through my neck? Or is 300 miles easily doable on a sportbike? Is it something that I can build up to. Will it get easier over time?

Thanks

 

[madmike2]

But I wasn't uncomfortable the way I thought it would be. We only got ride each bike for 15-20 minutes or so, so it may have gotten uncomfortable soon after, I can't really say. I was actually starting to feel a bit of tightness at the base of my neck, but no pain yet.
What I found most surprising was how much I like the feeling of the ride. I felt way in control.

The seating position increases the feel for what the front end is doing. You've more weight on your shoulders and hands, so you are instantly aware of what the front is doing rather than waiting for the bike to make a move, like on a cruiser.
The tightness in your neck is because you are not used to riding in that position. That may or may not ease, but we who came from cruisers to the FJR learned to let our bodies acclimate to the new position. It'll take a few rides, say 50-100 miles and let your muscles strengthen.

So, now I want a sportbike as a second bike. I still can't give up my Harley. And I like the Buells. I like the sound. I like the low end torque they make. I know most Japanese bike riders don't think much of them, but hey, I'm not looking to race any of you young guys anyway.

Actually, there are a number of FJR owners who also own Buells (and sportbikes). Isn't the Firebolt new this year with a Rotax, purpose built engine for Buel? He builds a great handling bike (though its reported that the Firebolt is a bit sensitive to the suspension being set for the rider, i.e., preload for your weight, etc.) The only reaction you'd likely hear is that "some" of the past engine issues gave them a bad reputation.

I do want to be able to go 300 mile days on the bike, though, as I take a trip or two from Florida to NC each year to ride in the mountains. We usually don't ride in excess of 300 mile days. So, am I nuts? Should I just be content on my Harley? Will I regret the purchase as the pain shoots through my neck? Or is 300 miles easily doable on a sportbike? Is it something that I can build up to. Will it get easier over time?Thanks

There are many sportbike riders who have added luggage to their sportbikes and use them for sports-touring, so I dee no reason you couldn't do the same. You might have to stop every 70-90 miles to get off and stretch until you ger accustomed to the bike seating position. You might find that you'll do the 300 miles much quicker than on your harley touring-cruising rig and enjoy the corners a heckuva lot more.

If you have it in your mind this is what you want, no substitute will work. The only other thing yo could do is buy an older Buell and ride it for a season, but it wont be the same as the new generation.

 

[boogahboogah]

I was riding a non-harley cruiser when I traded it in for my FJR.

Took a few weeks to fully acclimate to the riding position change, did a few farkles, then I did a 1k day mostly because I wanted the license plate. 300 mile rides now qualify as a ride to eat or an afternoon out.

The FJR runs much faster, stops way better, handles way way better, & hauls more stuff than my cruiser with bags ever did. I don't have to get off every 100 miles because of spine pain anymore either.

I'll never ride a cruiser again. BTW I'm 55...

 

[Coyote]

Isn't the Firebolt new this year with a Rotax, purpose built engine for Buel?

The new one with the Rotax engine is the 1125r. I've been wondering if I could do 200 miles on one of these (in the same day that is). It would look great parked next to my FJR The local HD sales guy said the first one is due in this week, but it and the next three are already sold.

 

[dhalen32]

Dynasport:

I'm an FJR/Buell owner. The only Buell I would be comfortable with on a 300 mile ride is the Ulysses. That's what the FJR is for! However, the new 1125R is supposed to be a good combination of sport and all day comfort. Buell has been bringing a fleet of them to their inside pass track day events. You may want to find one of those near you and give one a try. I will trade my Ulysses on watercooled Buell soon.

My track bike is a Firebolt and it stays with the Japanese and Italian machines in the corners but is hopelessly out gunned when I get to a straightaway. If you can live without the power, a current XB Buell is a pretty simple and reliable machine. No valve adjustments, no chain maintenance, cheap parts and what maintenance is required is pretty simple with everything easily accessible.

Dave

 

[FZ/FJR Mike]

Since you've come for confession, Father Mike will absolve all your sins, if and only if, you leave lots of $ in my farkle account. Seriously, ride all the bikes ya can. sportbikes are a lot of fun. I've got an 06 Fz1 sportbike, very well farkled & love it. I'm much older than you & will not ride cruisers of any make.

 

[Jazzzzz]

Dynasport:I'm an FJR/Buell owner. The only Buell I would be comfortable with on a 300 mile ride is the Ulysses. That's what the FJR is for! However, the new 1125R is supposed to be a good combination of sport and all day comfort. Buell has been bringing a fleet of them to their inside pass track day events. You may want to find one of those near you and give one a try. I will trade my Ulysses on watercooled Buell soon.

My track bike is a Firebolt and it stays with the Japanese and Italian machines in the corners but is hopelessly out gunned when I get to a straightaway. If you can live without the power, a current XB Buell is a pretty simple and reliable machine. No valve adjustments, no chain maintenance, cheap parts and what maintenance is required is pretty simple with everything easily accessible.

Dave

Buell is supposedly looking at putting the 1125 motor into the Ulysses, so don't go trading yours in just yet.

If they do put that motor into a Uly I'll be in line for one, check in hand.