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     Speedysheep |
Some of you may recall that I posted a thread recently on Buell reliability, as I was interested in replacing my Concours with a Ulysses. I rode the Connie from Indy over to St. Louis this morning to actually ride the Buell and see what it was like. I got myself out of bed early and made it over to Gateway HD about 10 am. 260 miles before breakfast, isn't that always the best way to start the day? Unfortunately the demo rides didn't start until 1:00, should have called ahead, huh? This did give me a chance to talk with the regional sales manager from H-D, the driver of the Buell demo truck (who has a Concours just like mine), and the mechanic who was setting up the Ulysses. The Uly had apparently just arrived the day before, due to some leg-work by the regional sales manager, and was being set-up for the demo ride. The sales manager noticed the IBA license plate on my Connie and got all excited about me riding the bike. He bent over backwards to make sure I got the first ride on the bike, all by myself and not in a group. He was very interested in my opinion of it, given my "serious riding background". Whatever. Enough foreplay I guess, what was the bike actually like? The Uly is a very tall bike. I'm 6' even, with a 32" inseam, and I can only get one foot on the ground at a time. I lowered the rear preload a couple notches, but it didn't make much difference. That's not a big deal, one foot is fine. The riding position is very natural and roomy. The seat is large and comfy and there seems to be plenty of passenger space. You could burn some serious miles on this thing without getting stiff. It's easy to stand on the pegs and stretch. The suspension seems very well sorted out, soft enough to soak up bumps, but still well controlled. I rode over metal plates (road construction), manhole covers, anything I could find and the bike soaked it right up. Sorry, I didn't ride over any curbs. The handling is much quicker than other bikes in this class that I've ridden (V-Strom and Tiger primarily), probably due to the shorter wheelbase. Very nice. This doesn't hinder stability however, as the bike still felt very stable when leaned over. There was no sign of deceleration wobble either, I could take my hands off the bars at any speed without a twitch. Very easy bike to ride. Very well sorted out. Unfortunately there's one thing about the bike that I just couldn't stand. The engine. I'm afraid I found the performance to be very uninspiring. Contrary to some printed reviews I've seen I could not lug it down to 1,200 rpm and pull smoothly away, not even in first gear. The throttle response at low rpm was horrible and the engine didn't smooth out enough to be rideable until about 2,000 rpm. The grabby clutch didn't help. Above 3,000 rpm it felt much better, but there still wasn't alot of power on tap. Maybe it's just the heavy flywheels muting the power delivery, but this engine just didn't do anything for me. I like my motorcycle engines to have some character, some guts. My SV1000, for example, is a rabid, snarling beast. Lots of character, lots of attitude. When you twist the throttle at 3,000 rpm in second gear it leaps forward with a roar. Twisting the Uly's throttle at 3,000 rpm in second resulted in some vibration and a gentle surge forward. Higher rpm didn't help much. It has all the character of a riding lawnmower engine. I was very excited to have a chance to ride the Ulysses. I really, really wanted to like this bike. Overall it is a great bike, and I love everything about it. Except the engine. It just doesn't have the responsiveness and character I want in a motorcycle. The H-D sales rep was quizzing me on the bike as soon as I got off. I really wanted to tell him I liked it, but I had to tell him the truth. It's a great bike, but the engine just ruins it for me. It is a great bike for the right person. I wish Buell the best and I hope they sell a million of 'em. It's just not for me until they replace that engine. I do think the universe sent me a sign on the way out of St. Louis though. I've been trying to find an orange Triumph Tiger, just to see what that color looks like in person, but haven't had any luck. One happened to go by as I was leaving the Buell dealership and the rider gave me a great big wave. I like the orange, it's a deep red-orange and looks great on that bike. I think that's my next ride. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Xb12burner |
Sorry to hear that you didn't like the engine. The fact that it seemed slow or sluggish to you baffles me. I guess it is an acquired taste. My bike rips when I open the throttle and I've only got the factory race pipe on it. I've got friends that have American and Japanese cruisers and sport bikes that have gotten off of my bike half shaken from the 3000rpm and up pull the bike has. One very experienced rider thought he was going to fall off the back of the bike. I may have some issues with the absolute top end, but on its way to 130 this bike rules. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Speedysheep |
I rode a XB12S Lightning as well, and had the same basic impression. Loved the bike and hated the engine. >>I've got friends that have American and Japanese cruisers and sport bikes that have gotten off of my bike half shaken from the 3000rpm and up pull the bike has. There's a big difference between an I4 sportbike engine and the V-Twin in the SV1000. Mine's got a Yoshimura exhaust, modified airbox, and fuel injection re-tuned. It makes an honest 110 RWHP and has tons of power everywhere, from 3k on up. Ride one some time. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Xb12burner |
Yep I've heard that they can be real monsters. I guess it just leaves it up to the owner to decide what they really want. Personally I don't think you'll get what you're looking for out of a Triumph. But that's my own opinion. The guy that I speak of has a Road Star Warrior with some minor performance mods, but he's had anything from a Blackbird XX to a VT1000 Superhawk, and still got off my 12R very surprised. And I've got some stuff to do to make it nice and smooth, ie: Drum it! And speaking from someone who builds lawn mower engines It definately already has way more character than they do. Good luck and stick around. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indy_bueller |
Speedy, I'm really surprised. I remember the first time I whacked open the throttle on my 9R, it scared the crap out of me. Those engine changes on the 12X must have really had a drastic effect. No matter. Stick around bro, I'm always looking for guys to go riding with around here. Stay in touch! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Speedysheep |
I've taken several long test rides on Tigers, so I know what I'm getting into. It's no SV1000, but it has the kind of engine character that I like. >> I remember the first time I whacked open the throttle on my 9R, it scared the crap out of me. The first time I whacked open the throttle on my first bike, a 47HP Suzuki T500 is scared the crap out of me. In the 25 years since then I've ridden every bike I can get my hands on. Honestly, nothing scares the crap out of me anymore, but I've enjoyed riding just about every bike I've been on. The engine on the XB's (both the Ulysses and the Lightning) kept me from enjoying these bikes. Even my old Concours felt zoomy by comparison. Sorry. They're just not for me. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opto |
I've taken several long test rides on Tigers, so I know what I'm getting into. It's no SV1000, but it has the kind of engine character that I like. I thought a Tiger would have more HP than an SV, but on a tight track on my last track day I left SV's and TL's behind, even on the short straight I could not hear them making any ground. I really can't see how you're disappointed, maybe like the 70's Ducati's they are a lot faster than they feel, because they hold the road so well? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buellerx |
The fact that you said the engine just doesn't have the responsiveness and character I want in a motorcycle really surprises me. Not that I doubt what you are saying because I have not ridden one of the new bikes yet. However my XB12R pulls really hard from idle all the way to redline. It also has to be one of the most responsive bikes I have ever ridden (I rode a V-max for almost 10 years). When I whack the throttle it leaps forward and make a great roar that only a big twin can make. I remember the first time I test rode a XB12S, I was on the Interstate in second and decided to go full throttle to see what it had. The front end stood up and I wheelied for a good 100ft before putting it back down. The bike had so much torque and was so fun to ride I decided I had to have one. I hope Buell hasn't tuned all the fun out the the new models. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Whodom |
Speedy, Thanks for the well-written review. I think you're gonna find that most of us Buellers are baffled by your description of your impressions of the engine, 'cause if there's one thing a pushrod, air-cooled, 45 degree V-twin is NOT lacking, it's character. I'm sure it has a VERY different power curve from your Concours or SV1000, but it's still got an honest 85-90 RWHP (maybe a little more) and it should have gobs more low end torque than either of your bikes. The thing that really makes me grin with my Buell is to get on a tight mountain road. I can leave the bike in 3rd gear and take a 20 MPH curve with the peg dragging, accelerate out and up to 60 MPH or so, brake for the next curve and repeat- all day long - no shifting required. Maybe you're addicted to the top end rush of your bikes, and we're all addicted to low end torque. Torque may be an acquired taste, but I sure like it. At any rate, thanks for your impressions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trojan |
Speedysheep, I think you are kinda missing the point in there somewhere. This engine was not designed to pull from 1200 rpm in any gear any more than your SV1000 was. It wouldn't even be part of a conversation to say that a Ducati/Suzuki/Triumph/Honda... didn't pull from 1200rpm so why should it be for a Buell? This isn't a Harley cruiser but an adventure/sportbike. Just ride it where it likes to be, i.e. above 2000rpm, no problem. Lugging the motor at low engine speeds doesn't do it any good anyway. We have owned just about every model that Buell have brought over to the UK (plus one that wasn't) and never had a problem with throttle response on any of them. If you are looking for a low revving adventure bike then what about this?  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Speedysheep |
>> I think you are kinda missing the point in there somewhere. This engine was not designed to pull from 1200 rpm in any gear any more than your SV1000 was. Ah, there's the problem. My SV, Concours, and the Tiger WILL pull smoothly from 1200 rpm in first gear. The Ulysses wouldn't. I know which one is going to be tough to control starting out up a steep gravel road. Honestly the XB's just didn't feel that torquey to me. Maybe the dyno chart shows they are, but all the engine's power seems to go towards spinning up that huge flywheel and not toward forward acceleration. At low rpm the vibration and snatchy throttle response just made it painful to ride. The SV accelerates a lot harder at low rpm, without the engine trying to leap out of the frame. >>The thing that really makes me grin with my Buell is to get on a tight mountain road. I can leave the bike in 3rd gear and take a 20 MPH curve with the peg dragging, accelerate out and up to 60 MPH or so, brake for the next curve and repeat- all day long - no shifting required. That's exactly how I ride my SV. Only third is good for 110. The Buell just didn't have as wide a powerband as I was used to. A motorcycle just shouldn't have a 6,800 rpm redline. Too automotive for me. I've getting out of this forum, as I really didn't want to get caught up in a flame war. You guys just owe it to yourself to go out and ride some other bikes, there are some great engines out there. I really like alot of the design features of the Buells, especially the Ulysses, but the engine has got to make me smile when I twist the throttle. These could be some truly special bikes with the right engine in the frame. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 04buell |
With all due respect, I don't think you should judge the performance of a Buell or Sportster engine with less than 1500 to 2000 miles on it. I've had 3 new Sportsters and a xb12s in the last six years and each one performed better after at least 1500 miles. I might add that I fell in love with my Buell at Daytona Bike Week. I came home and rode one at a local dealer but it didn't seem the same, so i ask to ride a different one. The difference was amazing. I love MY Buell XB12S and I also own a 2003 Concours. Thanks for listening to my rant, I'll go back to lurking....... 04buell | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jackbequick |
"I could not lug it down to 1,200 rpm and pull smoothly away, not even in first gear. The throttle response at low rpm was horrible and the engine didn't smooth out enough to be rideable until about 2,000 rpm." Interesting, that sounds exactly like my M2 before I changed to the #45 slow speed jet and adjusted the mixture screw. But that ain't going to work on the Uly, is it? Maybe it will be another one of those "meets all specs as delivered" bugs with a simple owner's fix? Jack | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dave |
I think you guys are missing the point with SpeedySheep's opinion. It appears some are trying to convince him that the XB engine is for him. He simply states the engine isn't for him and he was hoping for a different engine experience. I can identify with that as well but I do prefer that lump of a v-twin Buell engine. Maybe the Uly package won't match up to my Tiger 955i *gasp* and I'll keep riding it. Shout how good the XB engine is for you... It's a matter of preference and opinion isn't it. DAve | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mrvvrroomm |
Speedy, nice ride report, thanks. I've got a few different rides in my stable. My main ride is an FJR1300, pulls like a freight train from almost any rpm, love the way she runs. I also just recently sold my '03 GSX-R750. I could run circles around my XB9S with it, anywhere, anytime. I hated my Buell when I first bought it. I really don't know why I bought it. It was an impulse buy, surely. Since April, the Lightning and I have bonded. The Gixxer was voted off the island. I've ridden numerous SV1000's, Aprilia Milles, Tuonos, Futuras, most of the latest/greatest Ducatis. I'm about as far from a fan of HD as anyone could be. But there's just something about my Buell and her little 984cc V-twin that does it for me. I DO love the sound of my wife's inline-4 revving at 16,000 rpms! ('04 636) The more Bueller and I ride together, the better understanding we have between us. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dr_greg |
I guess I'm in there with Mrvvrroomm. My '00 Aprilia Mille pulls like a locomotive from virtually any speed and that extra 3000 rpm is sometimes nice to have. And it looks, feels, and sounds like a real V-Twin. BUT.... My '03 XB9R with its "little engine that could" always brings a smile to my face :-) Lotsa great engines out there; plenty for us all to be happy! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wildbuellrider |
I rode the Ulysses here in Sturgis at the HD demo, and I was surprised to find the 1200 motor behaves so much differently than my XB9R. I liked it--I think it is very well suited for what it's made to do--just not used to the power delivery. I also rode the lightning long, and found myself hitting the rev limiter on both bikes... I guess I am used to revving the 984 motor a bit more. I also sat on the "low" seat for the Ulysses--big difference. Get it if you are worried about the height. ~T | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buellerx |
I dont think anyone was trying to convince him or were they flaming him. As I read the above post, I think everyone is just expressing the opinion that they dont agree with his assessment of the engine based on their experience. I also think that his comment "You guys just owe it to yourself to go out and ride some other bikes, there are some great engines out there." Is a fair statement. Speedysheep's comment sounded like he was implying that the only reason anyone could like the motor was because we didnt know any better. I have owned or ridden dozens of bikes over the years. My opinion of the XB engine is based on years of experience on everything from V-4's, in-lone 4's, in-line 3's and a couple of old Kawi triple 2 strokes and others. Yes I love my XB (best bike I have ever owned) and it does lack some things compared to other bikes (top end speed being one of them) but acceleration and responsiveness isnt something I feel like im lacking when I whack the throttle open. If he doesnt like the XBX that is fine, different strokes for different folks. I dont like the concourse (which he seems to like). I haven't ridden the 12X but I hope to soon. I really hope that the new FI maps haven't slowed the throttle response any. Nothing like giving the bike a handful of gas and having it feel like the bike is going to rip your arms out of their sockets as the front end comes off the ground. Ok I'll step off my soapbox now. }  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
Speedysheep, Your characterization of the low-end power of your SV1000 versus that of the Buell XB12 engine just doesn't bear up under scrutiny. Not even close. Simply compare the dyno test results from MO for each of the two bikes.  SV1000 is in Blue; the red is Kawi Z1000 Since the SV1000 chart doesn't show data for engine speeds below 2,800 rpm, I used the MO dyno chart for the DL1000 V-Strom for that, which is probably being generous to the SV1000 as the VStrom I understand is tuned for better low-end.  V-Strom DL1000 Dyno from MO  MO Buell XB12 Dyno The only time the SV pulls ahead is above 6,800 where the Buell smacks into its rev limit.  So if you had said that you prefer the top-end power and revability of the SV, you would be in agreement with what the performance tests show. But to say the low end of the SV1000 is better than that provided by the big Buell is simply not supported by the facts. It ain't supported by experience, nor conventional wisdom either. The Buell XB12 engine is the undisputed KING of low revving V-Twin sportbike performance. In tabular form...
So it is clear that any kind of characterization that the XB12 engine is lacking in low end power compared to an SV1000 is simply inaccurate. At least according to the test data. Maybe Speedy's demo bike was not running well. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
Sometimes just the better sounding aftermarket exhaust will impart a faster feeling to a motorcycle. The stock Buell could obviously benefit from an aftermarket pipe in that regard. That coupled with the Buell being brand new out of the crate, which would tend to hurt performance due to a tight engine, could explain the strange perception of poor low-end performance by the Buell compared to an SV1000. Nice report though. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buell_less |
Blake said: So it is clear that any kind of characterization that the XB12 engine is lacking in low end power compared to an SV1000 is simply inaccurate. At least according to the test data. Dynos ain't everything. The SV1000 might be geared shorter, which would certainly give the impression of better low-end power. Note that I said might be geared shorter; I don't know if that's true. (Message edited by buell_less on August 13, 2005) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dr_greg |
Back when I extolled the virtues of the Rotax V990 (Aprilia Mille) as compared to the XB 984cc they (well, a frequent poster to this forum) contradicted me, claiming the 1203cc Buell motor out-torqued the big Rotax. Well, maybe so. Next Wednesday I'm going to test-ride an XB12R and I'll see how the "seat-of-the pants" torque compares to my Mille. That said, I DO LIKE MY XB9R!!! That's why I bought it!!! I am very much looking forward to the ride on a 12R to see how it compares. I've always said that my dream bike is the XBR chassis with the Rotax V990 engine. Like I said, with all the great engines (and bikes) out there we can all get along... And I'm already saving for an XBX for my 60th birthday... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sleeper_777 |
Go easy here, he is being honest with his opinion and I would rather he be honest versus candy coating his feelings. That said...I can compare a 2003 XB9S w/race kit against a 2003 SV1000 Naked as I own both. I have also previously owned other American and Japanese motorcycles. This is my opinion only, not a point/counterpoint. Suzuki SV1000 Naked: I like the motor and tranny in Suzi. It shifts smoothly, quietly and precise, it's a 6 speed gearbox. The motor pulls well from 3k RPM up to the 11k RPM redline. Wheelies are easy pie. The fuel injection is very Japanese, as in good Japanese. The frame, swingarm and shock/suspension leaves me uninspired and lacking confidence on the road. It wallows through the twisty's and makes me worry. The suspension is fully adjustable front and back, but no matter what I do, I can't get it tuned correctly. It also feels big and heavy because of the suspension. This would be a great bike if Suzuki had not penny pinched these pieces, but alas a great motor and tranny still in search of a home. Buell XB9S: The Buell has the best suspension/handling of any sportbike I've ridden. Showa works superb, road courses are easy pickins'. It feels light and nimble because of the short wheelbase and great frame/weight balance. Buell did something radical with this frame and I love it. I like the torque of the little V-twin,...but I would like about 30 more horsepower from the factory. I don't want to go find an aftermarket shop to change heads, change fuel injection. I want it that way from the factory, period. I don't care if it is air/oil cooled or water-cooled(provided the radiator is not gargantuan). It is not a show stopper for me, as I prefer great handling over raw horsepower, along with a healthy dose of rider education frequently. That said, I put three times as many miles on the Buell as the Suzi. And I currently have Suzi for sale. As for the Uly, I would probably love this bike, but I would need a milk crate to mount it. I will form a jelled opinion once I can demo ride it. I like the report and appreciate all honest and heartfelt reviews/opinions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Steve_a |
Blake, there are a couple of factors that would make a Suzuki V-Twin feel substantially faster. First, with a higher redline, the Suzuki is almost certainly geared lower, for more torque multiplication and more thrust delivered. Nothing makes a bike accelerate harder in low gears than deep gearing, which is almost a given when the redline is several thousand rpm higher. Second, the Suzuki V-Twin has much less flywheel than the Buell XB12, which will make it feel zippier and actually improve quarter mile acceleration measurably (a tenth or two). As for the Buell pulling from 1200 rpm, it will, but not at full throttle. I was impressed by the smoothness of the engine just off idle when riding over fairly slippery damp grass, where the last thing you wanted was too much power. That's when you appreciate the heavy flywheel, perfect for the Ulysses (it could be lighter for other applications). But as for whacking the throttle open fully, the XB-X was happier if you were on the north side of 2000 rpm. The driveline is smoothest and happiest between 3000 rpm and redline. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frausty12r |
<opinion> I can see where Speedysheep's getting his "feeling" as I've ridden a few GSx-r 750's ('02,'04, and an '05) Also ridden a 94 Ninja ZX-6 (back in my highschool days this was THE BIKE) and they all felt like they were pulling hard, my latest the 05 Gixxer felt really strong, all the way through the rpm band. I own an XB12R, which pulls harder, but for shorter periods of time (the revability plays a big role in the "feeling" of pull) Even with the tests showing more torque, and more HP at any given RPM (within range of the XB engine) the higher revving bikes seem to pull more to the rider, because they pull for longer between gears. But when it comes down to it, the XB engine does pull harder. Period, why do I feel that? Because it's the only bike of the above listed I actually had to HOLD ON TIGHT to fight the sheer force it exerted. </opinion> | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Vaxb |
My two cents... I have an 04 12r and it pulls harder and better than any of the demos I rode (both 9 and 12). So, it may have to do with set-up/breakin. These bike really do change after 1k miles or so. You mentioned that the bike Had just arrived. Maybe it just was't set-up right. I recommend a second ride at a different dealer with different tech's setting up the bike, maybe even a used one with some miles on it. One more thing my 12r will pull off the line with no clutch so starting on gravel should not be problem. I agree w/sleeper thanks for your honesty and opinion! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2hogs |
I'm just glad Speedysheep gave it a test ride, before deciding it wasn't the right ride. There are many folks that will look at the specs, read a few magazine reviews and dismiss a manufacturer entirely without ever riding anything from that maker. I think Buell (and HD) engines are a love/hate thing the first time you ride one. I happen to love them and have 2 Harleys. But to each his/her own. Cheers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
Good point about the lower drive ratio of the higher revving engine and the six speed tranny. I was assuming same speed, same rpm, the Buell would pull harder. If the speeds are different all bets are off. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Makenzie71 |
had a nice long post written up but opted aginast posting it. I'm convinced only a portion of a handful of youguys know what you're talking about, and I'd hate to point fingers. Please note: The above is a perfect example of a complete and utter waste of BadWeB bandwidth. This post is of absolutely ZERO value to the people visiting the site. On the contrary, it detracts and poisons the place. It is negative, insulting, confrontational and combative. Please don't post trash like this on BadWeatherBikers.com. Anyone who does will simply lose posting privileges. Thank you for understanding and thank you for helping to make BadWeB an enjoyable and informative place for all Buell enthusiasts. Blake (chief custodian - BadWeB) (Message edited by blake on August 14, 2005) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Limper |
I'm going to agree with Speedysheep's ride report. I've been excited about the XBX for months now. Couldn't wait to see it and get a demo ride. Put my deposit down to lock up an orange one. Last week I got a chance to ride one. A new owner was picking up his black XBX and graciously allowed me to take it for a quick ride. I would just duplicate Speedysheeps report. Great bike. Terrific engineering and finish. Top of the line ergos and mechanical operation, ie. shifting, controls etc. But...like Ssheep, I couldn't get past the 2 apparent qualities of this engine. 1. The extremely linear and rev-limited power delivery gives a seat of the pants "illusion" that there is something missing. What's missing is a surge of horsepower found with powerbands that increase dramatically as the revs go higher. If I looked at the speedometer I would be surprised at how quickly the bike got off the line. But it didn't "feel" quick. And on my ride, twisting the throttle more just brought the same even accel, but more vibes. Which brings me to... 2. The vibration was the deal killer for me. I'm just not used to it. That's it. All my bikes have been inline 4's or Triumph triples. I expected the idle vibes which I didn't find to be that bad. Once underway the seat was as calm and quiet as any bike I've ridden. The bars would be reasonably quiet in a narrow range between 2000 and 3000 rpm, but anything on either side brought noticable vibes. The vibration thru the pegs was unacceptable on any bike. I played with the rev range and for me, at no time would the pegs quiet down. I admit I'm a Buell wannabe, a Buell fan. I appreciate the efforts and the quality of thought that goes into this design. But I'm too spoiled by smooth bikes and too susceptible (physical challenge) to vibes to pull the trigger on the XBX. I know I could get used to the power delivery, but not sure that I could mitigate or live with the vibe. I'm actually very sorry. **Just wanted to add that I have a notion that the XB9 engine may have been a better choice for a bike that would appeal to and bring in owners from other brands. I know horsepower is king for most American riders, but not for me and not for those who would appreciate Buell in the first place. Just my opinion... (Message edited by limper on August 14, 2005) |
