[Curve]

I have heard many good and bad things about Buell. Especially the Buell Blast. My concerns are about the XB9R and XB12R. From what I gather the bikes handle great but the motor lacks adequate power. People have said that the bike needs tuning but do not say what exactly on the bike needs to be tuned. Can anyone tell me specifically what the Lightning and Firebolt bikes lack? Also what's the deal with the belt drive I hear so many complain about?

 

[Gas Man]

WELCOME!!!

:twfrox:

 

[Need4Speed]

Harley's arent built for performance...and buell is about as performance as they get. Its true the buell's are generally kinda doggish and unless you really mod them out, performance wise...its more of the essence of owning one, rather than getting one for pure performance.

 

[RATyson]

I am an XB9SX owner (that is the City Cross). I think what people usually have a problem with on the Buell is that they lack the top end that the in line 4's have (as well as the jap twins).
As with any V-twin, they have gobs of low end torque, but not a lot of high end at all.
Add that to the history of HD being from the cruiser family, not the racing family, and there are many folks that don't like them.
From what I remember, buell used to have a problem with drive belts breaking. They have improved the technology greatly, and now the belts are MUCH better. They put up with quite a bit of abuse. Granted, I check my belt before I ride every time because I am still a little wary of it. There is an aftermarket conversion kit to switch to a chain, but I think it costs a good bit.

I for one, love my buell. I don't care much for going 140+. What I wanted in a bike was a short wheel base, and perfectly managed COG, the best setup for the twisties, which the Buell has in both areas. Also, I have always liked the "street fighter" look. Naked bike with a bit more upright posture. The XB was the right fit for me. I also didn't have a huge buget for a bike, so that ruled out my first choice which was a Ducati Monster.
The first mod that most folks do, is to add the HD race kit. That involves a new ECU, airbox, muffler. From what I have heard, that setup adds a LOT more power and usually runs about $1000 installed from the dealer.

The funny thing about owning a Buell, is that I get grief from both sides; The cruiser folks AND the jap sportbike folks. I have a thick skin, so it doesn't phase me. I have fun on my bike, and that is all that matters to me.
I am the type of person that likes all bikes, cruisers and rockets.

If you are interested in taking a ride on a Buell, I suggest going to a HD Dealer that carries them and take one for a test ride to see what you think.

 

[Captain Morgan]

If you are interested in taking a ride on a Buell, I suggest going to a HD Dealer that carries them and take one for a test ride to see what you think.

Also, check here for demo rides in your area: http://www.buell.com/en_us/news_events/eventslisting.asp

 

[ConeKLR]

I truly believe Buells are for people looking for a unique experience.
If you want really fast then the Buell is not for you, there are plenty of bikes that would leave it in the dust in a straight line.

The belt drive system was improved in 04-05. You can upgrade the belt drive on 03 to the newer system.
You can swap out the muffler, ecm, air filter system, they even have kits to up the cc a little without to much work and money. So some searching on the internet they are plenty of tuner shops and parts.
The Buells are unique and you don’t see them around every corner.

 

[Gas Man]

I can understand all that.... and the more I read up on them and look at them... the more they look to be a fun bike. And in that and that alone is the only selling point I can see...

 

[brupska]

I have owned a 9S and now own a 12R. The big difference in the Buells and inline 4's is the top end power. The 4's have it won above 100 mph. The Buells have the torque advantage. I think my brothers 05 R6 has around 42 to 47 ft/lbs. and my 12R has around 70 to 80 and I had to watch it coming out of the corners on last Saturday and Sundays trackday. I was grabbing to much gas and doing some Gp slides from the slow second gear corner at Putnam Park. You also have to watch chopping the gas in a corner. Since the flywheel is so big and when you chop the gas all of a sudden you will get engine braking and it will slide on you. I know all the sport bikes handle really well so that is no problem. The Buells do vibrate at idle and are smoother at higher rpms. The big flywheel again. If you get one with stock Dunlop D207 change them out. They are known to make you stand up in the corners. The ones from the Buell dealer are made custom for Buell. They have shaved them down for weight and don't last long at all. I wore out a set in three trackdays last year. They are very fun bikes to ride with all of that torque. As for mods. There are a lot of companies that make great pipes for the Buells. The Drummer I am told is the best all around pipe. The others seem to add top end while giveing up low end power. The drummer is made from the stock can that you can send in to www.kdfab.com. You will have to either buy a Race ecm or buy a TFI unit to use with your stock ecm to add more fuel and buy a KN filter for better breathing. Nallin racing makes engine kits for the XB's you can spend as much as you want to get the HP you want from them. I would ride one before you buy it. A lot of local dealers will let you test ride if you have a Motorcycle endorsment and a full face helmet. Call around and ask to do a demo ride. Good luck. Brupska

 

[jeeps84]

Buell's are cool!
If you want something different, Buell is the bike!
If you want something fast! Stay away! :2cents:

 

[Gas Man]

Buell's are cool!
If you want something different, Buell is the bike!
If you want something fast! Stay away! :2cents:

That's about right! After the surprise at the BMW dealer I can't wait to test ride some Buells!

 

[jeeps84]

That's about right! After the surprise at the BMW dealer I can't wait to test ride some Buells!

You will be impressed.
Maybe not the bike for you but impressed.
You want a real surprise get on a V Rod! :2cents:

 

[Gas Man]

I would love to ride a v-rod as well!! I want to be there like all day just riding riding riding!

 

[jeeps84]

I would love to ride a v-rod as well!! I want to be there like all day just riding riding riding!

Unless you are in the market for a cruiser I don't think you will want to ride anything else.
One thing I always do at a Demo day is pick a bike I would never think of owning and ride it.
It gives you a whole new way of looking at bikes.
You might even find you like other things.

 

[Pigface1]

I have fun on my bike, and that is all that matters to me.
I am the type of person that likes all bikes, cruisers and rockets.

If you are interested in taking a ride on a Buell, I suggest going to a HD Dealer that carries them and take one for a test ride to see what you think.

I'm the same way about bikes and cars. As for going to an HD dealership, every one I've been in to has been nice, right up until they find out you drive a jap bike. No wonder so many of the owners are pricks, but that goes with any vehicle. It sucks, all motorcycle riders are on the same roads, taking the same risks.

Anyway, I'd like to ride a Buel, they look like fun.

 

[Pigface1]

I would love to ride a v-rod as well!! I want to be there like all day just riding riding riding!

I haven't ridden a VROD, but I rode my buddy's Road Star Warrior and that thing was a blast.

They had Triumph test rides out here a couple weeks ago, but I missed it. A couple people here have Daytonas and they absolutely love their bikes.

 

[Gas Man]

Yeah I want to test ride as many bikes as I can... there is also going to be a Honda open house here soon that I want to attend...