| Author | Message | ||
     Buelluk |
45....Yup , just rode my nine into work after lunch, it was shaking like Elvis at the lights ,I don't care though, it calms down up the line, as you intimated at least we know the motor is runnin' and ready ! | ||
| Old_bird |
I'll say it again. I rode the same bike that Speedysheep rode, just one day later. I didn't notice any vibration. Just the opposite. It was very smooth. Perhaps something was adjusted overnight that might account for the difference. The engine, I believe, is deceptively strong. It got to highway speed easily, quickly and without making me notice it trying. I can see where somebody who likes to grab a big handful of throttle at once may not like it. I clearly remember thinking almost at the same time that the motor was almost boring (in that it made so little fuss in getting up to speed), that I could easily lose track of how fast I was going on this bike and that I could see myself putting in enjoyable long days on the bike. Right now, I am trying to convince myself that I should be fiscally responsible and not buy the bike. I'm trying real hard not to call the dealer and say "Here's my deposit." Not everybody is going to like the bike. But the bike is almost exactly what I have been looking for and is closer to what I want than any other bike out there. | ||
| Chadhargis |
One question I have is about the shaking at idle. I've never owned a Buell or HD product, and I know there are several high mileage HDs out there (and perhaps Buells too). I put about 10,000-15,000 miles a year on my FJR (has over 20,000 on it and it's less than 2 years old). Will the constant shaking at idle eventually rattle things loose? Will I have to keep tightening screws or eventually have to replace the rubber engine mounts? | ||
| Blake |
Liar? Suggest you calm down. Rather than exhibiting such indignation, maybe you can explain how you have "been excited about the XBX for months now"? I mean considering that even the existence of a Buell XB12X was announced just a few short weeks ago, that statement begs clarification. Maybe you mis-spoke? Maybe you exaggerated? | ||
| Whodom |
Chadhargis, I don't believe vibration causes any significant problems with late model Buells and fasteners coming loose. I've had a 2000 S3 for about a year and put about 7,000 miles on it in that time (my normal mileage would be higher, but I had a lot of unpleasant diversions in the last year) and I didn't have anything on it come loose or fall off. The XB's should be better in that regard. Hey maybe I'm just weird but I've gotten where I think the vibration at idle is cool. First time I rode an XB12 I was pretty freaked by the idle vibration. After I got my S3, I gradually got to where I actually liked it. I think it's cool to be sitting at a stoplight in traffic with the bike shaking like that. You catch looks from drivers like "man, that thing must have a BIG engine". A little visual intimidation is cool.  We have at least one BadWebber who has both an FJR 1300 and a Buell (an S3T); his handle is "Tyronewildman". He would probably be a good person for you to talk to- I'll bet he can tell you a lot about what to expect from a Buell relative to your FJR. I know this much: he says his S3T is more fun to ride in the twisties than his FJR, that's why he's kept it. Why not look up his profile and PM him; I'm sure he'd be glad to talk to you. | ||
| Mike748 |
I bet the female riders don't mind either.  | ||
| Speedysheep |
Here I am back again, but I'm not trying to stir up trouble. I actually feel like I should apologize for causing such a flame war here on BadWeb. That really wasn't my intention. I probably came across a little strong in my assessment of the Ulysses engine because I wanted to like the bike SO MUCH. I was just very disappointed after my demo ride. I apologize if my impressions came across in the wrong way, I really didn't wish to offend anyone. I shouldn't have been comparing the engine performance to my SV1000 in any case. I'm going to be keeping the SV whatever else I buy, so I'll be able to get my speed fix, the Ulysses was actually intended to replace my Concours. The power delivery of the engine isn't what I'm used to, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. For a touring bike it would probably be fine for me, except for the low speed driveability. The clutch on the Ulysses I rode was extremely grabby, probably the worst I've ever ridden. I rode a 2005 XB12S Lightning the same day and its clutch was fine. Is it the new high friction transmission oil they're using to enable lighter springs? I don't know, but I far preferred the 2005 clutch. I also had trouble with smooth power delivery at low rpms. I'm not talking about grabbing a handful of throttle here, I'm talking about very small throttle openings. I ride year-round in Indiana and get caught out in the snow a few times a year. Smooth low-speed throttle control is critical for me. The Ulysses and the Lightning both had issues in this area. They had to be revved to about 1500 rpms to launch smoothly from a stop. That's fine for most street riding, but fatal in a low traction situation. The throttle response was also very abrupt when trying to ride slowly at low rpm. The Lightning was a little better in this regard, but not substantially. I'm afraid I found this very annoying on the demo ride and it would be a problem for me. I am going to go ahead and buy a Triumph Tiger instead. That doesn't mean it's a better bike, it's just a better bike for me. That's all. I have to say though, I've hung out on other motorcycle forums for years now, and I just haven't seen this level of intolerance anywhere else. People come on the SV forum all the time looking for information, comparing the SV to other bikes. The same people come back from time to time stating that they bought another bike (a Buell, a Ducati, whatever) because they found something lacking on the SV. Some people don't like the suspension, some people don't like the power delivery. That's fine. Nobody gets offended, nobody starts any flame wars. The people on the forum are usually curious as to what they ended up buying and how they like it. Ride whatever you like and more power to you. I went out of my way to compliment the Ulysses, I think it's a great bike. I just don't like one component on the machine, and that's the engine. It doesn't have the kind of performance that I'm looking for. So what? I simply think it would be a better bike with a different engine, just as the SV would be a better bike with better suspension components. That's my 2 cents and now I'm signing off. I really do wish Buell the best. The Ulysses is a neat bike in alot of ways and I hope they sell tons of them. | ||
| Dave |
Having owning numerous Buells and a currently own a955i Tiger... It amazes me the intolerant attitude some display here on BadWeb. I appreciated and valued the comments of those that the non-Buell flock have. I guess it's attempting to see things from a different perspective. Imagine that. Speedy apparently crossed that line of death saying; "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." Talk about an unconfrontational way to put an opinion! You'd think he decided to pee on our collective Wheaties. Sounds like some here need to lay off the caffeine. Maybe jot things down and give yourself an hour or so to evaluate what was written. And 45_degrees ... Geeez man... "I'll race your Tiger with my 9 anyday. Unless you need a day to make valve adjustments!" C'mon now... Its D-U-C-A-T-I that needs the $2000 valve adjustment each day!  Get yer Urban Biker Myths right man! I've ridden the 9R, 9S, 12R, 12S, blah blah blah... Let's meet and go straight line (yes I said straight line) between your 9 and my 955i Tigger. :-) It will be fun! (Offer extended to anyone with a stock XB9) I just want to compare straight line engine to engine. I LOVE BUELLS. The Tiger 955i is no slouch either...just different. My ••• doesn't like it as much as a V-Twin. Kum ba yah DAve | ||
| Cajunrph |
Well said DAve. | ||
| Whodom |
Speedysheep, Sorry you caught the flack but this wasn't close to a flame war by BadWeb standards. We've had more heated discussions on stuff we all agree on for Pete's sake! I just think you unintentionally struck a nerve with a few people because you seemed to completely discount some of the very things about the engine that we REALLY like. Your comments on the clutch are something very few of us (at this point) can dispute because as you mention it is new with a new lubricant. Previous Buell clutches have been VERY smooth. Hopefully this was some sort of fluke (poor adjustment, lack of break-in mles?). None of us are going to be able to sell you on a bike that didn't "do it" for you; that's purely a subjective matter that no amount of other opinions or data will change. Still, considering what you've written about your desire to like the bike, maybe you should wait a few weeks and give one another try. | ||
| Doughnut |
Hey Sheep, still stick around, all are welcome. And remember, you can hot rod the engine if that is the only problem | ||
| Sleeper_777 |
Read my earlier post concerning the XB9 to the SV1000, love the XB handling best, love the SV engine and tranny best. But the XB gives me confidence on the roads, the SV made me worry. No flames, you ride whatever you want and fits you best. Flame wars are easily started and this is nothing compared to the jeers I receive on sportbike message boards. So I stay away from them now. I hope I don't have to do the same here. | ||
| Limper |
Blake, Allright. I'll explain whay I had been excited about the XBX for months. 1. I was diagnosed with MS a year ago and had to give up my 954 which I loved cuz I needed help with the bills and cuz there was no way I was ever goin to ride a sportbike or do a trackday again. 2. So, after treatment and slowly getting my symptoms under control I have been looking for another bike for the last four months. One that was comfortable enough and yet still got my juices flowing, ya know? Rumors started about a new adventure bike coming from somewhere, BMW, Buell, Polaris, Uranus? I heard the rumors in May and visited numerous forums and online mag sites every freakin day hoping to find something out. I know I wasn't the only one. In June, it seemed to be Buell and lo, it was. I just test rode the bike last week. Months... So yeah I was and actually am very excited about the XBX, cuz even if it isn't the bike for me, my guess is that it will spur the development of other bikes. I will repeat myself and say that I am a fan of Erik Buell and appreciate his vision and his style. It may be, without having ridden the 9, that I would actually prefer that powerplant. Satisfied? | ||
| Speedysheep |
>>Read my earlier post concerning the XB9 to the SV1000, love the XB handling best, love the SV engine and tranny best. But the XB gives me confidence on the roads, the SV made me worry. How much do you weigh? The SV suspension seems to work better for people of the heavier persuasion (I'm about 240). The stock suspension seems to be a little stiff for lighter gents. I've never felt like it's holding me back, although I did notice some front-end chatter riding around TWO this spring. I think it just needs some fresh fork oil. Honestly though, I do not doubt that the XB handles better than the SV. I really enjoyed the handling of both the Ulysses and the Lightning I rode. Now just imagine that chassis with an SV1000 engine ... mmm ... that's what I want. | ||
| Eor |
Speedy and Limper...you don't owe anyone an apology or an explanation for expressing your opinions...there was nothing inflammatory in your comments. I'm embarrassed by the manner in which you have been treated here by some. I have been hanging around here for a couple of years and I have observed that this board,as a whole, does appear to have become increasingly intolerant of divergent viewpoints....even when reasonably and respectfully put forth. This contrasts dramatically with the camraderie and fellowship that Buell enthusiasts have become identified with. | ||
| Old_bird |
Chadhargirs, I've put almost 50K on my Sportster. It is a rigid mount engine and does have a reputation as a shaker. Mine really hasn't. But I have been picky about keeping it tuned and the primary chain properly adjusted. The only time it got bad was shortly after I had the engine rebuilt. Apparently, the top motor mount wasn't properly tightened. A quarter turn tighter and the bad vibes were gone. It is not as smooth as the Uly though. On the Sportster the vibration only got to my taillight. I just had to keep an eye on the lens bolts. The taillights are different on the Buells so that may not be a problem. I have no experience with Buells so though the following may not apply but it is the same basic engine as the Sportster. HD uses torx fastners. If you have no experience with those, it is important to use the largest possible bit. Too small a bit is prone to stripping them out and then they are a PITA to remove. I have found a manual impact wrench very handy for gettin them loose without stripping. Hope this helps. | ||
| Old_bird |
Mike suspects the HD secret: I bet the female riders don't mind either. They're not called the Milwaukee vibrator for nothing. Third gear at 38 miles seems to really work for some female passengers, at least on the pre-03 Sportsters. | ||
| Chadhargis |
Thanks for the feedback. I don't plan on spending lots of time idling, but the only XB12 I've ridden was a real paint shaker at idle. Like I said, it actually blurred my vision and sort of gave me a headache. I don't mind a little shaking. Heck, my Ducati has a nice thump to it. But anything that shakes hard enough to make the turn signals bounce up and down has got to be loosening something somewhere. | ||
| Old_bird |
Limper, I am very sorry to hear your MS. (I have a sister-in-law with it so I have some familarity with what you are facing.) You have my best wishes and prayers. Please forgive the preach mode, be sure and get your rest, stay out of the heat and take your meds. There appears to be some really good support networks out there. If you would like I can see what I can find out for you. Damn,sometimeslifejustsucks division | ||
| Old_bird |
Speedysheep, I'm glad you posted. I couldn't get any of the other riders to stick and around talk after they rode it. The two that I did get a brief comment out of seemed to really like it. The clutch did need at least some breaking in or more likely an adjustment. Good luck with the Tiger. | ||
| Limper |
Thanks, Old bird. I'm one of the lucky ones. Diet, exercise, plenty of sleep and physical therapy keeps me in there pitching every day. I can't sit in one position for very long and I have some circulation problems in my feet and hands, thus my sensetivity to vibe issues. I will keep riding as that has been my joy and passion since I was ten. Just have to be smart about it.  | ||
| Speedysheep |
Old_Bird: I wanted to stick around and talk to some of the other riders on Friday as well, but unfortunately I had to be back in Indianapolis by 6:00. I had to book out of there right after I rode the Lightning. | ||
| Sleeper_777 |
hey speedy, I'm what Stymie from the little rascals would call the talking babies he encountered: a fidget. I'm 5'6" , 160 pounds, 30" inseam. I've tried 8 to 10 configurations of suspension settings on the SV and I can't get it dialed in. I nearly lost it from a front end wobble at 60mph on the 4th dial in, this on a straight smooth highway( and yes, I had both hands on the bars and was sitting down :-) ). I agree about the mating of the two bikes, the XB chassis/suspension, the SV motor and tranny. Of course, there is the Penske or Ohlins aftermarket for the SV, I was under the impression the stock suspension would do the job, and I just don't want to put money into it. I'd rather just go buy a used GSX-R-750. BTW, this is the only bike I ever bought without a demo/test ride...never make that mistake again. I knew coming into the XB9S deal that 90HP was at the crank and I really did not want to invest in upgrading heads/cams and fuel injection dial-in if necessary. I was most concerned with comfortable riding and smoking twisty roads. But I really have to admit (this is the testosterone in me), I want to smoke the quarter mile in under 11 seconds. Convince Buell to get 125HP reliably at the crank from a factory bike, and they have made another sale from me. good ride to you, thanks for your honesty. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
One thing I don't understand is when people complain about the exhaust on thier leg. I learned real quick if you just move your foot its not a problem. | ||
| Steve_a |
Blake, if you search on Advrider.com, Limper has been posting on the Buell rumor threads for many months prior to the Ulysses' release . . . and it's not that unusual for someone who's been anticipating something that much to be a little disappointed in the reality -- it can't possibly be as good as your imagination. I'm intrigued by reading non-Harley/non-buell riders' opinons on the engine. I think if you're coming off a steady diet of Japanese bikes, without any American or European Twins to leaven it, you might just think the XB engine crude, and even a bit slow responding. Now if you're coming from an XL 1200, it's a marvel of refinement. I have a little harder time thinking anyone would find it boring, giving the Ulysses' propensity to wheelie. I was catching a lot of serious second- and third-gear front wheel air time over little rises in the Kettle Moraine area of Wisconsin this past May . . . I've ridden perhaps three Ulysses at this point, and none of them have had a grabby clutch. And I think almost everything in the Motor Company's line gets the new gearbox/clutch lubricant and reduced effort clutches -- certainly all Buell XB's do. | ||
| 45_degrees |
Hey guys... it's not that I'm intolerant all the time... it's because the way speedysheep came across originally that hit an intolerant nerve I have. I actually wasn't going to add any comment at all to the thread, but I was stewing about it all night and into the next day until I finally just blew up! I really like all kinds of motorcycles, and I have owned many different brands, but now I'm a Buell man. I really like the SV1000S, and I was seriously considering buying one once! Suzuki is actually one of my favorites brands. And you know what... I like the Tiger too. I considered one of those also. They are pretty cool machines. I've always wanted a nice Daytona 500 or Bonneville 650. And the reason I have a little seat time on the V-Strom, is because one of those almost came home with me. There aren't many bikes I don't like. And speedysheep... I own a very nice, low mileage (~2000 miles) '75 T-500... excellent bike. I love it! So now you really should know that I think it is fine that you prefer the Tiger... I'm not just saying that. But from my shoes... you know.  Now that my nuclear reactor has cooled... I am glad to see that at least you guys actually consider Buell motorcycles as a viable option, instead of dismissing them entirely. So, accept my apologies for my meltdown.  I want to add... that I still think a new generation 45 degree, air/oil-cooled, pushrod, two valve per head, extremely lightweight engine, with a higher redline to satisfy a broader range of consumers is the way to go for Buell in the future. Maybe even pushing 125 HP+ no sweat for a 1000 cc version. This will keep the tradition of this excellent powerplant alive and keep in tradition of Buell- "Different in every sense". Plus, it keeps the center of gravity down low, and the physical size down. Sorry to hear of your misfortune limper. Hope you enjoy the City X! It is silky smooth above 3K. And the shaking is just that... not really a "vibration", but more of a nice shake. I usually associate the buzzy vibes with inline-4 engines. Enjoy your Tiger speedysheep. Great bike. Cajun... everythings cool man. You might like the 9, as my cousin's Bandit isn't much faster (in a straight) than my stock 9. (Message edited by 45 degrees on August 16, 2005) | ||
| Blake |
"I have a little harder time thinking anyone would find it boring, giving the Ulysses' propensity to wheelie." Ditto. I may be a bit overzealous and confrontational wrt such commentary that I perceive as disingenuous. Maybe not. I just smell something a little stinky in the air here and have little tolerance for it. Whether that stink is malevolent or not is debatable. I accept for now that it is not. Speedysheep, You upgraded your SV for more performance. Why? | ||
| Reepicheep |
If the SV was like the TL's, it was my understanding that the addition of a good exhaust and a power commander could net you an extra 20 horsepower or so. | ||
| Blake |
Bashing the motor of a motorcycle based on inaccurate characterizations will probably elicite a similar reaction from me pretty much every time. Especially when one chooses thoughtful descriptions like "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." Yeah, see fit to post inflamatory statements like that on a Buell Enthusiast's forum, darn right a newbie author will likely be met with much skepticism as to his/her motives. I call it like I see it. One favorite method of trolling is to disguise disingenuous commentary among what appears to be thoughtful content. Basically what Limper and fast Sheep-man have claimed is that the Buell XB12X is great except for the not-so minor points that its engine is supposedly anemically whimpy, vibrates and is hard to manage/control at low speeds. Not only are those comments self-contradictory (whimpy/gentle versus hard to control) , but they are also opposite of what every prominent moto-journal has reported about the performance of the Buell XB12 series. The XB12 is almost universally lauded for its fantastic low-end grunt. The fact that at 2,500 RPM the Buell XB12 mill is putting down 30% more power than an SV1000 seems to support what they say and contradict what detractors here say. At 3,000 the Buell stomps the SV1000 by over 20%. I'd love to take a test ride on an SV1000. Unfortunately Suzuki dealers don't do test rides. (Message edited by blake on August 16, 2005) | ||
| Xb12burner |
Very nicely put Blake!!!!  You know I went out today to try to see where someone would construe that an XB12 would seem wimpy or lack character. But for the life of me I couldn't make it happen. All kinds of character and more machismo than an Italian at a scarface movie. I live in a pretty small town and I just cant help but notice how everyone stares when this bike is around. And the first thing that everyone notices is the motor, so maybe that would obviously be a great target for Buell detractors to start at when bashing an unbashable bike. Bad place to start bashing this being "BadWeb" and all. |
