Thoughts on Buell
03-11-2010, 01:38 AM
#1
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Thoughts on Buell
I know I know, it's not a Honda. I just want your thoughts on Buell's Lightening or Firebolt. They are really inexpensive (maybe for a good reason) and abundant. I'd prefer thoughts from those who have experience or at least know someone with one or something.
03-11-2010, 02:04 AM
#2
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I think that they are great, simply because the PO of my '05 SH sold it because he bought 2 new Buells and needed the money. He bought an 1125 with the Rotax engine and the 1200 with the Sporster engine. They look nice, and are cheap right now (so are SHs). His comments were that the 1125 was a great track bike, and the 1200 was his ride for when he and his GF take trips. He said that the SH was easier to ride and more comfortable, and not as fast or nimble as either of the Buells. All his bike were cherry - he took good care of them. So I gave him $3400 and took the SH off his hands. So I think that Buells are great. JB
Last edited by residentg; 03-11-2010 at 02:05 AM. Reason: something to do at 5am.
03-11-2010, 06:43 AM
#3
evil man of nothing
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03-11-2010, 06:55 AM
#4
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I have an XB9r along with my SH. The 9r is a very different animal. Revs stay lower than even the SH. Almost feels like short-shifting. Power on the 9R is less than the SH, but linear. the 12R would be more than the SH.
Overall, I prefer the SH. just personal preference.
Overall, I prefer the SH. just personal preference.
03-11-2010, 07:15 AM
#5
2nd mouse gets the cheese
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I believe the 1200 actual rwhp was avout 90. So it isn't any faster than the hawk, I think they where within a few hundreths of a second in motorcyclist magazine's numbers they used to post in the back. It was their numbers from their dyno and their quarter times. I think the buells are only less expensive then they where because of harley killing the program.
03-11-2010, 07:20 AM
#6
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I picked up an 1125R for a steal when Buell was dumping them. Definitly faster and more nimble than the hawk. Brakes and suspension are def an upgrade. But thats what I would expect with a bike that is a decade newer.
As for the XB's, I have alot of expierence on those too. Similar to the hawk, but once again the Buell better in the turns. Since they are air cooled that fan is annoying as anything. I do like the brakes better too. Shifting sucks, unless you like a big clunk. They feel like they will die due to the low-revving, so that takes some getting use to.
Overall I like the Hawk better than the XB's, but the 1125 is pretty sweet
As for the XB's, I have alot of expierence on those too. Similar to the hawk, but once again the Buell better in the turns. Since they are air cooled that fan is annoying as anything. I do like the brakes better too. Shifting sucks, unless you like a big clunk. They feel like they will die due to the low-revving, so that takes some getting use to.
Overall I like the Hawk better than the XB's, but the 1125 is pretty sweet
03-11-2010, 08:48 AM
#7
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as for the 12, you could be right that it'd be comparable to the SH. My comments were only based on my 9R experience and assuming where the 12 would be based on that.
If you are really looking at buells though, the 1125 is the way to go, for sure.
If you are really looking at buells though, the 1125 is the way to go, for sure.
03-11-2010, 01:21 PM
#11
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One of the things I really love about the XB9R is how wonderfully smooth it is at higher speeds. On the highway, it just strums along at about 4k RPMs making a beautiful exhaust note. It's one of the reasons I'm hooked on twins of all types. My next favorite exhaust note is V-4s, but I do love to hear my i-4 triumph screaming on the track at about 13k! 
03-11-2010, 05:45 PM
#12
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I have a Buell XB9R Lightning as well as the VTR. I've had the Lightning for 4 years and love the bike. Fantastic, telepathic handling...(no need to lean, just countersteer with your fingertips) and a front brake to make your nose bleed. Great bikes, pics attached....
03-12-2010, 05:53 AM
#16
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IMO, the biggest problem with a Buell, especially the bikes with the 1125cc lump, is going to be parts availability.
H-D says they will continue to support the machines, but I've got to believe that the individual dealers will be hesitant to stock much other than routine maintenance items.
"Yeah, we can order that part for you, it should be here in 7-10 business days."
Rex
03-12-2010, 07:08 AM
#17
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That's true Rex, but is that really different from our Super Hawks? My local dealer never has anything in stock. That's why I generally order online for much of what I buy. If I'm going to have to wait anyway, why waste the trip out. It's easier to have it delivered to my doorstep. 
03-12-2010, 07:28 AM
#18
2nd mouse gets the cheese
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I agree, the parts I need for the hawk they might have in stock maybe one in ten, ironically every part I need for the 73 cafe they stocked... weird.
Wasn't harley obligated to carry parts for buell for the next 7 yrs?
Wasn't harley obligated to carry parts for buell for the next 7 yrs?
03-12-2010, 07:43 AM
#19
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I think it's a very different situation. The SuperHawk was a Honda product, while the Buells were, at best, a secondary, niche product to H-D management.
The management team at H-D could pull the pin on Buell support at pretty much any time (I have no idea if they face any Gov't. mandated requirement for product support). It will cost them $$ to maintain Buell specific inventory, and they may decide, at some point, that it is an expense they no longer want to carry on the books. When that happens Buell owners will be in the same situation as someone who owns a Scott "Flying Squirrel".
If you have one, and plan on keeping it, it might be a good idea to find a couple of cheep donor bikes to build up your own parts department.
Then again, I could be talkin' outta my ***.
My crystal ball is broked!
Rex
03-12-2010, 08:01 AM
#20
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My point was that the other manufacturers eventually discontine parts on their bike models as well. given that the SH is no longer being produced, the amount of stock is limited. I had large problems with this for my 90 Suzuki VX800. Tried to get body work...backorder, backorder, backorder.
I'm not sure what the parts manufacture quantities were for the 1125. As long as there's stuff available, the dealers will be more than happy to sell customers them for a profit. When it will dry up is the big question though, huh.
I'm not sure what the parts manufacture quantities were for the 1125. As long as there's stuff available, the dealers will be more than happy to sell customers them for a profit. When it will dry up is the big question though, huh.
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