I want a buell, Convince me I dont

[ktrim]

just got back from the local suzuki, kawasaki,yamaha,um, dealer (tried to by jets for gs, sorry we're out) lokked at an SV they look kinda nice too.  I'm not sure but I think I'm just attracted to the v-twin.  my brother has a race preppped super hawk (omg is it fast).   I like the way it sounds and feels while riding.   been on alot bikes and the v twins definetly have a different feel.  Like the looks of the buell-- Not cookie cutter  like the suzukis/yamahas/hondas etc.  they all look basically the same.

[ktrim]

forgot,  dealer also had a 50cc aprillia.  if it breaks down you can carry it home :lol:

[Altruism111]

My friend has a Buell and it is always broke! STAY away from those bikes! Just check the re-sale value it sucks! :nana:

[conflicttheorist]

The blast looks really cool... so long as you are under 5'5 and 150 lbs.  If you are any bigger than that it seems tiny compared to the GS.  Also, performance wise it is a step down from the GS.  I'd totally get one for my girlfriend- but she only wants something small and cute, and doesn't care if it is lacks performance wise.  Even in that case, buells are a bit overpriced.  But, man are they cute!

[Altruism111]

The blast looks really cool... so long as you are under 5'5 and 150 lbs.  If you are any bigger than that it seems tiny compared to the GS.  Also, performance wise it is a step down from the GS.  I'd totally get one for my girlfriend- but she only wants something small and cute, and doesn't care if it is lacks performance wise.  Even in that case, buells are a bit overpriced.  But, man are they cute!

And I hope you know how to fix that engine every time you ride that hunk of junk. :guns:

[Ed_in_Az]

 

[conflicttheorist]

Yawwwwn...  
'round and round we go and when it stops, nobody knows...  
...still enjoying my new HD
Did I mention it needs NO VALVE ADJUSTMENTS?
Did I mention it needs NO CHAIN ADJUSTMENTS?
Did I mention it ONLY needs oil changes every 5,000 MILES, and filter too of course?
Did I mention it DOESN'T LEAK OR USE ANY OIL?
Did I mention FUEL INJECTION is probably coming in 2006?(maybe I should have waited :dunno: )
Did I mention it does have some Japanese parts so for those that hate American, it is at least partially Japanese?

But you are talking about your sportster, right?  Get a sportster instead of a buell blast.  Way better vehicle.

[conflicttheorist]

Ed, out of curiosity, how does the sportster handle in twisties compared to the GS?

[Ed_in_Az]

 

[Jared]

Ed... I  personally don't hate American bikes... (Yes You never said I did.... just putting my 2 cents in..).  There's just nothing made in the USA out there that I want as far as motorcycles go..( Ok The Marine turbine technologies "Alien"...but that's  what 150k $...).

If Harley/ ANY  American company would build a bike comparable to what the Japanese brands build --quality, reliability,Value for the dollar -IE not 3x as much for a bike half as good-- I'd be the first in line ,money in hand.


Organ...yeah I'm sure other manufacturers have recalls.... He asked about Buells...that's what I found quickly. With a track record like that I'd steer clear of them myself.....but that's just me.

Yep no recalls on the Gs.... Or My ZX11

[cernunos]

Sorry Jared, but HD has been making reliable trustworthy machines far longer than the Japanese. I've owned more than one, my brothers have, my friends have...never had problems from any of them. Sure, the old ones (before the Evo and Twin-Cam) leaked a lot of oil, and the old CH with Mag could be a cantankerous devil, but they were definitely reliable. Never quite as quick or as fast ('cept on the dirt of course) but they would go miles and miles without tearing up. Shoot, if Japanese bikes are so reliable how come so many forums for Honda, Suzuki and the others have so many threads dedicated to the problems encountered? I love Jap bikes and Brits and anything else with two-wheels. But it just seems so many people are down on HD without having ever even ridden on one. Everything mechanical will have problems...remember the old adage; if it has tires or fun bags it WILL give you problems.  :lol: . And to all the women-folk...it's just a joke, not meaning anything in a demeaning way. Love the little GS, Japan (Gichin Funakoshi, father of Shotokan), and this forum.

C........

[gobstopper]

Two quick things...

If Harley/ ANY American company would build a bike comparable to what the Japanese brands build --quality, reliability,Value for the dollar -IE not 3x as much for a bike half as good-- I'd be the first in line ,money in hand.

I'd like to second that, please.  I'd also like to note that I'd like something that's not a cruiser, since that seems to be all that American motorcycle companies know how to build.  Hey, Buell...Build me an American version of the SV650 that revs to 11000 and handles well, I'm interested.  If you're going to stuff another hotted-up cruiser motor into a sportbike's frame, I'm not interested.  I like revs.  Revs are good.  I'll take the revs Ed doesn't want. :lol:

Second, I sat on the new Sportster in January at the Motorcycle show in Atlanta.  I liked it until I tried to lever it off the kickstand.  I blurted out loud "Holy shaZam! this thing is heavy."  There's really no reason that the Sportster should weigh 560 pounds, other than engineering indifference.

[gs2sv]

Ok here is the straight dope on the buell XB series. This does not pertain to the blast. The XB series is constructed of foriegn parts. the brakes, suspension, electrics and fuel injection are all japanese made. the Frame and swingarm are made in italy. The XB series is actually holding it's value pretty well. About the same as ducati for example. As far as reliability, These things have proven themselves to be pretty bombproof. If you factor in cost of ownership, considering very little scheduled service, no valve adjustments, and no chain maintenence(you do have to replace belts between 12-18,000 miles as I understand) and the 2 year warranty that comes standard, not to mention a relativley low price on parts($60 for the headlight assembly, try getting a headlight assembly for a japanese bike from a dealer fo $60) they are actually a pretty decent deal. If you are still concerned about reliabilty, you can purchase an extended warranty through HD. they are a bit more expensive than similar items from the japanese, but you are getting good quality componets.(Ex. nissin/showa) and you can always rebuild them. For god sakes, even the bodywork is color impregnated plastic, not painted. The truth is that buell really put a lot of thought into this series. (unfortunately,the same cannot be said for past models) To those of you who are trashing the Xb series and Harley in general, you might want to do your homework before you shoot your big trappers off. peace ya'll.

[Ed_in_Az]

 

[pantablo]

...I bought a bike to ride, and ride, and ride. ... but don't tell me Harleys are the ones that require all the work and repairs.

wait till you have some miles on that bad boy...

[Altruism111]

The easiest way I can put this. My friend has a Buell. And he is the first to tell me that its a piece of crap. He even told me that on his Buell forum that it is common knowledge that all Buells have problems and lots of them. But go ahead and buy it. GOOD LUCK I hope you like getting your hands dirty.  :lol:

[cozy]

The easiest way I can put this. My friend has a Buell. And he is the first to tell me that its a piece of crap. He even told me that on his Buell forum that it is common knowledge that all Buells have problems and lots of them. But go ahead and buy it. GOOD LUCK I hope you like getting your hands dirty.  :lol:

What Buell, what year? Let us know willya? Does he always take it to the same dealer for service?
And remember, the GS is outdated technology as well.  

[Ed_in_Az]

 

[Kzin]

Ed,

Some people just insist on spouting what they've been told regardless of the facts.  I myself am not a huge Harley fan.  I prefer sportbikes, and the XB buells though they qualify are just a tick off what I'd like to see out of them for me to buy one as a primary bike.  If I could afford to have one to add to my stable I'd pick one up though.  My stable consists of bikes all below 4K purchase price.  XB's don't qualify yet, but the first low miles XBS either size that I see cheap with low miles just might join the club.  I'd still prefer water cooled.  How many of you that are giving Buell a hard time have actually riden one of the new XB series bikes yourself??  I'd be willing to bet none.  Glad to hear what the mags and your friends (internet buddies) have to say about em  

[Jake D]

Ok here is the straight dope on the buell XB series. . . The truth is that buell really put a lot of thought into this series. (unfortunately,the same cannot be said for past models) To those of you who are trashing the Xb series and Harley in general, you might want to do your homework before you shoot your big trappers off. peace ya'll.

I couldn't agree more.  WELL SAID!!!!

BTW, I'd give away pretty much all my possessions for an City X (except my girlfriend's little miniature Dachshund, Sparky, who is the coolest little dude on the planet).  But you could put the rest of my crap in a pile, including the GS, and light it on fire if I could have the keys to a new City X.