| Author | Message | ||
     Dtx |
The XB line was introduced back in 2002. My question is how does this attitude/theme of the 1125R section compare to the comments that were generated from the new XB line? 2002 was before my time for Buells and the Badweb. Were there as many comments on styling, looks, and other opinions/issues? (In other words, did everybody post up all their problems no matter how minuscule?) | ||
| Court |
Actually . . . it's pretty normal. I recall when the RS-1200 replaced the "Real Buell" RR-1200. The flip-up seat was blasphemy. In 1995 my epic 37 state 31 day journey was prompted by a VFR rider (Steve Beigler) calling the Buell the "sweepings off the Harley factory floor". When the S-1 hit the cover of Cycle World there was a collective "what the hell is that?" that could be heard around the world. When the M2 hit in 1997 Buell was accused of "going cheap". With the XB's the fuel in frame was immediately taken to task and folks pointed out the frame could rupture and spill fuel. These, bear in mind, are the folks who are running around with 1/16" aluminum 5 gallon tanks twinxst their nads. None have answer my "what happens to your tank when you crash?". With innovation comes the constant drone of "that's not the way we've always done it" and "sure doesn't look like anything I've ever seen". Erik and the folks at Buell get it from both the customers and many of the folks at HD. Oddly enough, Willie G is one of the biggest Buell fans. Buells have always been controversial. The good news is that since the days when there were about 20 of it, it's always been an interesting group and an yielded interesting conversation. Court | ||
| Dtx |
Court, As usual...interesting insight. Thanks. Now to answer your question about the fuel tank rupturing...look at what can happen when you wreck an R6.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nQy72y6lU8 | ||
| Court |
Anything about that surprise you? Look . . . it's a motorcycle. The chances of you and that tank being in the same place at the same time in the event of an accident are remote. My point was that folks, in the presence of something new and lacking for anything to say, will comment on the silliest things. Pods will be seen this way eventually. . . . didn't know what to say, so we discussed the first new thing we could see. By the way . . . . ever heard of a Buell fuel in frame rupturing? There was so much thought that went into that the term over-designed is almost laughable. A close look at head-on results will show precisely the predicted outcome. There is a lot to crash testing motorcycles and oddly enough there are (unlike cars) NO standards. Each manufacturer devises their own protocol. I wrote quite a bit about it for the book but alas, it's on the cutting room floor. . . . not, per se, part of "history". . although you will get to see at least on fun shot from Brankin's collection of the S2 tank testing. Fun stuff. | ||
| Reepicheep |
This picture was posted here a long time ago... I'm not worried about my tank.   | ||
| G234146 |
R6 vid: Whoa! even though they sprayed the extinguishers on it, it just kept burning!  | ||
| Jlnance |
Reep, are there anymore shots of that bike? | ||
| Jlnance |
Actually . . . it's pretty normal. I've been here for several model introductions. I've never seen one received well, with the possible exception of the Uly. | ||
| Elvis |
I've been here for several model introductions. I've never seen one received well, with the possible exception of the Uly. While the Uly may well have been the smoothest, do you remember: 1. It needs spoke wheels to be a true "adventure bike". 2. It needs a bigger front wheel to be a true adventure bike. 3. Rip off of BMW. 4. Front fender is stupid looking (and makes it look like a duck). 5. Seat too high. 6. You can't use a belt drive on an adventure bike - rocks will get under and break the belt the first time you hit a gravel road. 7. The ZTL will get twisted the first time you hit a rock, and how will it work in mud/sand if the front tire sinks in too far? 8. Steering lock too narrow. 9. Needs a real "bash plate". 10. Water will get in the exhaust . . . | ||
| Reepicheep |
I don't even remember who posted the original picture unfortunately, that was the only picture they had as I recall. Rider was OK, bike (obviously) wasn't. Sure shows what a stout frame that thing is... and how well the pucks work. | ||
| Krassh |
Was that the guys bike who's aftermarket exhaust broke loose, speared in the ground that caused that accident? Trying to remember his name. | ||
| Blake |
Drake (Dtx), Digging deeply into the dank and dusty old XBoard archives just for you bro. | ||
| Dtx |
Hey thanks! Some interesting reads in there. |
