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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: knowles on May 05, 2012, 08:55:55 PM

Title: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: knowles on May 05, 2012, 08:55:55 PM
Been looking at another bike for next year wondering what you guys like about Buell's? looking at a 1125 or the smaller 900's. found this one thats closish to me.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/2984199342.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/2984199342.html)
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: Huff1371 on May 05, 2012, 09:07:45 PM
Pretty good bikes but don't quite live up to the Eddie Buell name. Thanks to Harley being Fu(king stupid. Stay far away from the blast as all it is is a blast to your crotch after riding the 500 single a.k.a. thumper. The larger ones are awesome but still don't stack up to their foreign counter-parts in performance. That being said, EB was able to get dumb $hit Harley to allow some of his GREAT engineering ideas.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: Juan1 on May 05, 2012, 10:21:51 PM
I love them. Lots of character, but not enough leg room.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: Twisted on May 05, 2012, 11:12:39 PM
tt four is the man to ask
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: Kijona on May 05, 2012, 11:55:28 PM
Do not let the name deceive you..

IT'S STILL A HARLEY LOL

Seriously though...I've heard good/bad things about them. The bad things always, inevitably, stem back to the motor. Lots of vibration, not a lot of power, etc. Also, air cooled motor with one cylinder behind the other? That's the dumbest design I've ever heard of...sorry Harley.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: NesquikNinja on May 06, 2012, 12:26:07 AM
Quote from: Huff1371 on May 05, 2012, 09:07:45 PM
Pretty good bikes but don't quite live up to the Eddie Buell name. Thanks to Harley being Fu(king stupid. Stay far away from the blast as all it is is a blast to your crotch after riding the 500 single a.k.a. thumper. The larger ones are awesome but still don't stack up to their foreign counter-parts in performance. That being said, EB was able to get dumb $hit Harley to allow some of his GREAT engineering ideas.
I tthink it's actually erik

my buddy knows a guy who has th 1125r...he loves it, looks and sounds epic.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: slipperymongoose on May 06, 2012, 12:38:14 AM
I love the front brakes on them they look like nothing else.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: BaltimoreGS on May 06, 2012, 04:34:54 AM
Quote from: Twisted on May 05, 2012, 11:12:39 PM
tt four is the man to ask

+1

I think he is the only guy on this board that ever owned one.

-Jessie
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: Huff1371 on May 06, 2012, 07:28:46 AM
Erik ... Eddie.... Ezekiel ...it was late. He had some awesome ideas.  I ridden the x-2 city. Think thats what it was called, really cool bike. But I'd take a R6 any day .
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: dougdoberman on May 06, 2012, 07:41:09 AM
Quote from: Kijona on May 05, 2012, 11:55:28 PM
Do not let the name deceive you..

IT'S STILL A HARLEY LOL

Seriously though...I've heard good/bad things about them. The bad things always, inevitably, stem back to the motor. Lots of vibration, not a lot of power, etc. Also, air cooled motor with one cylinder behind the other? That's the dumbest design I've ever heard of...sorry Harley.

Sorry but this is somewhat misinformed information given above.


The earlier models are all pretty good handlers and have plenty enough power for spirited riding.  They do suffer somewhat from the Harley engine, which definitely wasn't made for this sort of application.  They're not terrible bikes by any means, but unless you're a Harley die-hard who has to have a sport(y) bike, there are much better bikes available for much cheaper. 

Now the 1125r that the OP is asking about is a different beast altogether.  It has very little Harley in it at all.  (Possibly none?)  The motor is liquid cooled & built by Rotax.   I wouldn't classify it along with proper sportbikes, but it fits in acceptably with the sporting standards such as the FZ-1 and the Bandit 1200.  It's always gonna be a little overpriced, but if you'd like something off the beaten path, it's a pretty good bike.  The couple that I've ridden have been solid all-around bikes.

The problem any Buell owner faces is maintaining it.  I only live about 50 miles from Buell, so there's a pretty high rate of ownership around here yet from what I hear from owners I know, it's always been somewhat difficult to get parts from their local Harley dealer and it's become even more so since they parted ways.   
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: Kijona on May 06, 2012, 08:46:51 AM
Quote from: dougdoberman on May 06, 2012, 07:41:09 AM
Quote from: Kijona on May 05, 2012, 11:55:28 PM
Do not let the name deceive you..

IT'S STILL A HARLEY LOL

Seriously though...I've heard good/bad things about them. The bad things always, inevitably, stem back to the motor. Lots of vibration, not a lot of power, etc. Also, air cooled motor with one cylinder behind the other? That's the dumbest design I've ever heard of...sorry Harley.

Sorry but this is somewhat misinformed information given above.


The earlier models are all pretty good handlers and have plenty enough power for spirited riding.  They do suffer somewhat from the Harley engine, which definitely wasn't made for this sort of application.  They're not terrible bikes by any means, but unless you're a Harley die-hard who has to have a sport(y) bike, there are much better bikes available for much cheaper. 

Now the 1125r that the OP is asking about is a different beast altogether.  It has very little Harley in it at all.  (Possibly none?)  The motor is liquid cooled & built by Rotax.   I wouldn't classify it along with proper sportbikes, but it fits in acceptably with the sporting standards such as the FZ-1 and the Bandit 1200.  It's always gonna be a little overpriced, but if you'd like something off the beaten path, it's a pretty good bike.  The couple that I've ridden have been solid all-around bikes.

The problem any Buell owner faces is maintaining it.  I only live about 50 miles from Buell, so there's a pretty high rate of ownership around here yet from what I hear from owners I know, it's always been somewhat difficult to get parts from their local Harley dealer and it's become even more so since they parted ways.

Well, I've never owned one so I can only go by what I've heard.  :thumb:
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: SAFE-T on May 06, 2012, 08:52:20 AM
Every Buell ever made with the new-style rotors on the outside of the front rim seems to suffer from overheating and bluing. For a while immediately after Harley cut Buell loose you could find new 1125's for half price. I rode the older trellis-frame Buells and they sucked ~exactly what you would expect a HD sportbike to feel like. The 1125 is fugly, the 1100 revved out at 6000rpm, which leaves the 900 as the only Buell I ever rode I actually liked ~
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: SS Adrenaline on May 06, 2012, 09:33:06 AM
I have ridden a blaster and it was a piece of crap.  It was slow and noisey and was like trying to ride a jack hammer around.  The only good thing was it was light and had ok steering.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: Huff1371 on May 06, 2012, 11:07:28 AM
Quote from: SS Adrenaline on May 06, 2012, 09:33:06 AM
I have ridden a blaster and it was a piece of crap.  It was slow and noisey and was like trying to ride a jack hammer around.  The only good thing was it was light and had ok steering.

I did my MSF course on a blast and it was definitly a POS. NO friction zone on the clutch, not enough power to get out of it's own way, and it's exactly like riding a jack hammer. They don't even handle all that well.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: SAFE-T on May 06, 2012, 12:03:36 PM
A couple of things I gathered from long-term reviews of the XB models were that they were fairly reliable with gas mileage in the 60mpg range. But I would only buy an XB9 if it was at a  bargain price because of the hassle of dealing with the HD service department. A friend of mine who has worked as a partsman in the motorcycle industry for 20yrs including some time at a large upscale Harley dealership has nothing good to say about either Harley or Buell, if that tells you anything. And he owns an RC30, so it's not like he doesn't have any tolerance for motorcycles with peculiar quirks.   
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: mister on May 06, 2012, 01:53:07 PM
Quote from: Kijona on May 06, 2012, 08:46:51 AM
Quote from: dougdoberman on May 06, 2012, 07:41:09 AM
Quote from: Kijona on May 05, 2012, 11:55:28 PM
Do not let the name deceive you..

IT'S STILL A HARLEY LOL

Seriously though...I've heard good/bad things about them. The bad things always, inevitably, stem back to the motor. Lots of vibration, not a lot of power, etc. Also, air cooled motor with one cylinder behind the other? That's the dumbest design I've ever heard of...sorry Harley.

Sorry but this is somewhat misinformed information given above.


The earlier models are all pretty good handlers and have plenty enough power for spirited riding.  They do suffer somewhat from the Harley engine, which definitely wasn't made for this sort of application.  They're not terrible bikes by any means, but unless you're a Harley die-hard who has to have a sport(y) bike, there are much better bikes available for much cheaper. 

Now the 1125r that the OP is asking about is a different beast altogether.  It has very little Harley in it at all.  (Possibly none?)  The motor is liquid cooled & built by Rotax.   I wouldn't classify it along with proper sportbikes, but it fits in acceptably with the sporting standards such as the FZ-1 and the Bandit 1200.  It's always gonna be a little overpriced, but if you'd like something off the beaten path, it's a pretty good bike.  The couple that I've ridden have been solid all-around bikes.

The problem any Buell owner faces is maintaining it.  I only live about 50 miles from Buell, so there's a pretty high rate of ownership around here yet from what I hear from owners I know, it's always been somewhat difficult to get parts from their local Harley dealer and it's become even more so since they parted ways.

Well, I've never owned one so I can only go by what I've heard.  :thumb:

Then stop repeating things you don't actually know and have only heard. It's not helpful even though you are trying to be.

And don't repeat it anyway then write "but I don't know it's only what I heard" cause it's equally unhelpful. If you don't know, just say nothing. Simple.  :thumb:

Michael
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: Flux Maven on May 06, 2012, 06:04:37 PM
I haven't heard anything bad about buell's and I like the looks of them but I doubt I would ever buy one just because of how I was treated at the local Harley dealership. I went in and asked if they had any textile riding jackets that didn't say Harley on them and they said no, we are a Harley dealership. So I asked about Buell's and they just laughed and said they didn't carry anything for Buell's and if they could they would sell me the Buell sign off the building. They said when I was tired of riding like this (he bent over and pretended he was riding a sport bike) that I should come back and buy a Harley. Granted they were just joking, but still I was just looking for a simple armored jacket that wasn't a Harley bilboard.

Bottom line is, I wouldn't buy a Buell and expect to get much help from the Harley folks.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: dougdoberman on May 06, 2012, 06:44:03 PM
Quote from: Flux Maven on May 06, 2012, 06:04:37 PM
I haven't heard anything bad about buell's and I like the looks of them but I doubt I would ever buy one just because of how I was treated at the local Harley dealership. I went in and asked if they had any textile riding jackets that didn't say Harley on them and they said no, we are a Harley dealership. So I asked about Buell's and they just laughed and said they didn't carry anything for Buell's and if they could they would sell me the Buell sign off the building. They said when I was tired of riding like this (he bent over and pretended he was riding a sport bike) that I should come back and buy a Harley. Granted they were just joking, but still I was just looking for a simple armored jacket that wasn't a Harley bilboard.

Bottom line is, I wouldn't buy a Buell and expect to get much help from the Harley folks.

They weren't joking.  As I said, I live in what should be Buell country, and this is the attitude that basically all of the dealerships around here have always had, according to my Buell owning friends. 

Did you explain to him that you're never going to be a fat out of shape f%$k and that even if you were, you wouldn't want to ride with all of your weight on your tailbone for hours on end with no alternative weight placement?   That's my typical answer.  :)

I don't mind Harleys.  It's the Harley owners I can't stand. 
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: slipperymongoose on May 06, 2012, 07:31:22 PM
This has probably been thrown up but still with this thread I thought it most appropriate, till recently I didnt know that buell used HD and that there no longer around. Hey sue me I've only been riding a year and till then I was a pure cager. Here it is to make all of us happy lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izzlN2zC8PU&feature=player_embedded (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izzlN2zC8PU&feature=player_embedded)
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: The Buddha on May 06, 2012, 08:00:32 PM
Rotax powered 1125's are awesome.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: Twisted on May 07, 2012, 01:18:00 AM
Quote from: Kijona on May 05, 2012, 11:55:28 PM
Do not let the name deceive you..

IT'S STILL A HARLEY LOL

Seriously though...I've heard good/bad things about them. Lots of vibration, not a lot of power, etc. Also, air cooled motor with one cylinder behind the other? That's the dumbest design I've ever heard of...sorry Harley.

I notice you only quoted the bad things. Where are the good thing you heard? Such as belt drive and self adjusting valves?

Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: dougdoberman on May 07, 2012, 08:34:36 AM
Quote from: Twisted on May 07, 2012, 01:18:00 AM
Quote from: Kijona on May 05, 2012, 11:55:28 PM
Do not let the name deceive you..

IT'S STILL A HARLEY LOL

Seriously though...I've heard good/bad things about them. Lots of vibration, not a lot of power, etc. Also, air cooled motor with one cylinder behind the other? That's the dumbest design I've ever heard of...sorry Harley.

I notice you only quoted the bad things. Where are the good thing you heard? Such as belt drive and self adjusting valves?

I'm not sure I agree that belt drive falls on the good side of the equation.  :)
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: milezero5 on May 07, 2012, 08:41:34 AM
I own a 1125cr

Its my second bike, first was a yammy fz6      the 6 was a very reliable bike, great to begin on however it lacked character and soul
The power and handling are more than enough to give the big boy bikes a run for there money
The cr is an amazing bike   it has its quirks but what dosent
Bottom line is i would buy another one in a heartbeat
A buell is similar to the gs  when people ask me why did you buy a little old gs or some pos buell i tell them dont knock it till you ride one

Except the blast  thats a pos   lol
Oh and belt drive is amazing    chains suck
(http://i805.photobucket.com/albums/yy339/milezero5/20120413_180010.jpg)
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: SAFE-T on May 07, 2012, 10:06:47 AM
I liked the belt drive on the Buell ~ one of the first bikes I can remember riding that seemed to have no freeplay in the driveline
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: shonole on May 07, 2012, 10:31:14 AM
Quote from: mister on May 06, 2012, 01:53:07 PM
Quote from: Kijona on May 06, 2012, 08:46:51 AM
Quote from: dougdoberman on May 06, 2012, 07:41:09 AM
Quote from: Kijona on May 05, 2012, 11:55:28 PM
Do not let the name deceive you..

IT'S STILL A HARLEY LOL

Seriously though...I've heard good/bad things about them. The bad things always, inevitably, stem back to the motor. Lots of vibration, not a lot of power, etc. Also, air cooled motor with one cylinder behind the other? That's the dumbest design I've ever heard of...sorry Harley.

Sorry but this is somewhat misinformed information given above.


The earlier models are all pretty good handlers and have plenty enough power for spirited riding.  They do suffer somewhat from the Harley engine, which definitely wasn't made for this sort of application.  They're not terrible bikes by any means, but unless you're a Harley die-hard who has to have a sport(y) bike, there are much better bikes available for much cheaper. 

Now the 1125r that the OP is asking about is a different beast altogether.  It has very little Harley in it at all.  (Possibly none?)  The motor is liquid cooled & built by Rotax.   I wouldn't classify it along with proper sportbikes, but it fits in acceptably with the sporting standards such as the FZ-1 and the Bandit 1200.  It's always gonna be a little overpriced, but if you'd like something off the beaten path, it's a pretty good bike.  The couple that I've ridden have been solid all-around bikes.

The problem any Buell owner faces is maintaining it.  I only live about 50 miles from Buell, so there's a pretty high rate of ownership around here yet from what I hear from owners I know, it's always been somewhat difficult to get parts from their local Harley dealer and it's become even more so since they parted ways.

Well, I've never owned one so I can only go by what I've heard.  :thumb:

Then stop repeating things you don't actually know and have only heard. It's not helpful even though you are trying to be.

And don't repeat it anyway then write "but I don't know it's only what I heard" cause it's equally unhelpful. If you don't know, just say nothing. Simple.  :thumb:

Michael

There's absolutely nothing wrong with repeating what you've heard.  It's like stereotypes; they may be offensive, but quite often they are true.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: Kijona on May 07, 2012, 07:40:48 PM
Quote from: shonole on May 07, 2012, 10:31:14 AM
Quote from: mister on May 06, 2012, 01:53:07 PM
Quote from: Kijona on May 06, 2012, 08:46:51 AM
Quote from: dougdoberman on May 06, 2012, 07:41:09 AM
Quote from: Kijona on May 05, 2012, 11:55:28 PM
Do not let the name deceive you..

IT'S STILL A HARLEY LOL

Seriously though...I've heard good/bad things about them. The bad things always, inevitably, stem back to the motor. Lots of vibration, not a lot of power, etc. Also, air cooled motor with one cylinder behind the other? That's the dumbest design I've ever heard of...sorry Harley.

Sorry but this is somewhat misinformed information given above.


The earlier models are all pretty good handlers and have plenty enough power for spirited riding.  They do suffer somewhat from the Harley engine, which definitely wasn't made for this sort of application.  They're not terrible bikes by any means, but unless you're a Harley die-hard who has to have a sport(y) bike, there are much better bikes available for much cheaper. 

Now the 1125r that the OP is asking about is a different beast altogether.  It has very little Harley in it at all.  (Possibly none?)  The motor is liquid cooled & built by Rotax.   I wouldn't classify it along with proper sportbikes, but it fits in acceptably with the sporting standards such as the FZ-1 and the Bandit 1200.  It's always gonna be a little overpriced, but if you'd like something off the beaten path, it's a pretty good bike.  The couple that I've ridden have been solid all-around bikes.

The problem any Buell owner faces is maintaining it.  I only live about 50 miles from Buell, so there's a pretty high rate of ownership around here yet from what I hear from owners I know, it's always been somewhat difficult to get parts from their local Harley dealer and it's become even more so since they parted ways.

Well, I've never owned one so I can only go by what I've heard.  :thumb:

Then stop repeating things you don't actually know and have only heard. It's not helpful even though you are trying to be.

And don't repeat it anyway then write "but I don't know it's only what I heard" cause it's equally unhelpful. If you don't know, just say nothing. Simple.  :thumb:

Michael

There's absolutely nothing wrong with repeating what you've heard.  It's like stereotypes; they may be offensive, but quite often they are true.

I rode both a Soft Tail and Sportster...and both were like riding, as others have put it, a jackhammer. Limited powerband - thanks 'self adjusting valves' among other things - and not a lot of power to begin with - especially for the displacement. Plenty of torque, though.

I do know that the HD motors aren't exactly "great." I can imagine what a Buell would be like: innovative and unique motorcycle that you wish had a different motor. I can't comment on belt drive, but in concept it does seem better.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: SAFE-T on May 08, 2012, 06:22:20 AM
The early Buells were the one's you wished had a different motor. The ones in between were better. The 1125 is the one with the best motor but beaten with an ugly stick.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: SAFE-T on May 08, 2012, 06:23:28 AM
Buell's successor to the 1125 looks good, but I don't know where you can get one for use outside of a racetrack.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: jestercinti on May 08, 2012, 10:45:46 AM
Hmmm...not sure about Buell.  Out of business like BSA, Bultaco, OSSA, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Saturn.

Yes, it's a Harley, but availability of parts will get harder as the years go by.
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: Twisted on May 08, 2012, 03:10:07 PM
Quote from: jestercinti on May 08, 2012, 10:45:46 AM
Hmmm...not sure about Buell.  Out of business like BSA, Bultaco, OSSA, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Saturn.

Yes, it's a Harley, but availability of parts will get harder as the years go by.

OEM parts maybe harder to find but a quick search on the internet will bring up repro and aftermarket parts I am betting for all those names you just mentioned. Just because they quit making a bike does not mean there will be no parts for them. If there is a market for them some thrifty person out there will be fabbing something up and then selling. My mate is doing up a Bultaco from scratch and was amazed at the availability of parts.

To many people listen to myths and hearsay on forums. From what I have seen especially on this forum is that if the bike is not Japanese it is written off as being a quirky basketcase. To me the Buells are a damn beautiful bike. Look at the XB9 or XB12. They are sex on wheels.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMXT4Y1Y-PA

I would not say no to one being in my garage. But I spose it is each to his own.

Title: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: cbcanada on May 08, 2012, 03:31:53 PM
I would not recommend the The buell blast
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: milezero5 on May 08, 2012, 04:15:46 PM
Fyi- i can get parts for my buell faster than i  :thumb:can get parts for the gs

Buell is yes out of business   but erik buell racing still supplies quite a few important parts since that is his new company

Not to mention the 1125s arent harleys     there are very little parts associated with them

And hate to say it but there is way more aftermarket support for buell than the gs

But hey what does it reallu matter as long as your out enjoying yourself     :thumb:
Title: Re: How do you feel about Buell's?
Post by: slipperymongoose on May 08, 2012, 04:19:44 PM
I saw mythbusters yesterday and they did the tablecloth pull with a motorcycle myth, and guess what bike Jamie rode? You guessed it a buell.