| Author | Message | ||
     Dentguy |
I've seen and sat in a few Enzo's. Never thought about a Duc, but I did think about an F1 car (street legal F1 car). They are both red, Italian, beautiful and both sound amazing. (Message edited by dentguy on February 23, 2009) | ||
| P_squared |
Clarkjw, you missed my point. The development of the pods for 'crash protection' was done in conjunction with the insurance companies. The direct result being lower insurance rates for the bike. I give Buell pretty high marks for even THINKING of that part of the ownership equation & taking it upon themselves to address it. You may not like the looks of them, but when viewed under the context in which they became part of the package: -Lower insurance rates for owners -Patented design -Moves engine closer to front -Inexpensive to replace parts in the event of a crash -etc. The start to look more appealing all the time, instead of design for appearance only. Just my opinion & YMMV. | ||
| Clarkjw |
Hey P, I would never buy collision insurance for a motorcycle. So we'll just have to disagree there. Radiators can be there without bulky p;ods. Sleek How often do you brag about having an ugly girlfriend?  | ||
| Mainstreamer |
"And I can't think of anything more appropriate than cutting-edge US-designed aircraft as inspiration for America's first production superbike. Why not? " Because the current design of the 1125 does not have mass appeal to potential consumers. | ||
| P_squared |
I don't, but that's cause I'm married to a beautiful woman.  I agree that the looks aren't for everyone. To some, they are downright controversial. That's ok with me. No one else has to like, ride, or even look at MY bike. | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
"And I can't think of anything more appropriate than cutting-edge US-designed aircraft as inspiration for America's first production superbike. Why not? " What plane did the 6 year old 2003 Firebolt emulate? One side note anything strapped to the side of a bike would protect the frame, that is the silliest sales point possible. Strap two small children whaa laaa the frame is protected. Also, I think some Bike shoppers may appreciate Bikes when Bike shopping. I could be wrong, I have never been shopping for a defense jet maybe they want those to look like motorcycles? | ||
| Hellgate |
Clark why not buy collision? It's only about $125 a year. Sounds like a good trade to me. | ||
| Court |
>>>>Tell me, how many years has Buell been in business and how many years have they posted a profit? Interesting that Buell has outlived and far out "profited" so many other motorcycle companies and Hummer . . . I suspect Buell will be just fine. HD is getting a lot more out of Buell than the profit on the sale of motorcycles. Ask yourself if you really think that HD bought Buell for the "profit"? When the XBRR has it's problems at Daytona and the curmudgeons were running amok I said "in five years Buell will be a major force in motorcycling". I think I'm, going to be in good shape. But then . . . . when folks were were toll the Buell death knoll in the 80' and 90's . . . . 134,764 Buells ago . . . my confidence bore merit. I'm sticking with it. | ||
| Oddball |
  Maybe those are for the firebolt? | ||
| Hellgate |
^^^ What??? | ||
| P_squared |
'One side note anything strapped to the side of a bike would protect the frame, that is the silliest sales point possible.' I didn't say it was a 'sales point.' I said I find it VERY NEAT that Buell thought to come up with an idea, that they have a patent for, which resulted in lower insurance rates for 1125R/CR owners. Can someone tell me when Honda/Kawasaki/Suzuki/Yamaha/Ducati did this on a new model? The manufacturer working with the insurance companies during a new model design & development, which resulted in a savings to future owners? Scoff all you like, but that indicates a company that really is concerned with their customers in my book. Like I said, I think that's pretty freakin neat. | ||
| Oddball |
Brapbrapbrap asked what did the firebolt emulate. Couldn't think of a jet equivalent. Seemed more like a prop plane. Though a skyhawk is similar if the firebolt has the right side scoop installed. Liked when the Blue Angels used to use them. Always think of Van Halen's "Dreams"  | ||
| Zac4mac |
I'd rather have an ugly girlfriend that puts out than a fox that thinks that little thing is made of gold. Loretta puts out in spades and she's a fox. I win!!! Z | ||
| Dynasport |
Personally, the pods are growing on me. But then I like the unconventional. I have always thought the BMW R1200GS was about the ugliest bike in the world, but I think I could even grow to like it if I wanted a bike that does what it does enough. I also think the Multistrada of the famed Italian design is a bit homely, but again I would be tempted by the benefits of the bike. Personally, I think the 1125r is much better looking than either of those bike. Of course those bikes aren't competitors of the 1125r. I personally think the Japanese sportbikes are so cookie cutter. Do people really buy one of them over another based on looks? I thought it was based on which one was fastest this year. But then I know very little about sportbikes. BTW, crazy as it may sound to some of you, I find the white r pretty doggone good looking. | ||
| Ceejay |
thanks for the entertainment... | ||
| Sparky |
"I find the white r pretty doggone good looking" That's a big 10-4 on that statement, IMHO. | ||
| Old_man |
To each his own. To me it's a very good looking bike. | ||
| Pariah |
What plane did the 6 year old 2003 Firebolt emulate? I'm not sure what you are getting at, but... There's a lot of similarity between planes and motorcycles... both lean to turn, both give you a sense of total freedom, both require skill to control properly and both need a pre-flight check... Many pilots are also motorcyclists (don't take my word for it, have a look at Reg Pridmore's book). | ||
| Jersey_thunder |
ERIC BUELL MADE IT...I'LL RIDE IT...  JT | ||
| Court |
>>>Many pilots are also motorcyclists (don't take my word for it, have a look at Reg Pridmore's book). I'm one of them. By the way, you should see Reg's hanger . . man what a place to hang out. When the S-1 was about to be introduced I took one up to his place and we spent a couple hours playing on the tarmac. He was a happy camper! | ||
| Pariah |
Hey Court, didn't know that you flew or that you knew Pridmore... are these bits chronicled in your book, by any chance? Gotta get myself a copy (been meaning to). I haven't met Pridmore, but I have thought of taking his CLASS school. | ||
| Slaughter |
You OUGHT to take CLASS soon. Reg is talking about retiring! | ||
| Chadhargis |
Reg is a great guy. I learned a lot from him. CLASS was my first track day. I took it on my old Ducati Monster 900, but I was waiting for my Ulysses to be built back then. He didn't have a favorable opinion of Buell when I told him I was buying one. Still a good school though. Read his book, "Smooth Riding the Pridmore Way" before you go to CLASS. I think I learned more in depth stuff from Ed Bargy. His school had quite a bit of engineering, physics, and "how stuff works" type discussion. And after you're done riding, Ed offers you up free beer.  (Message edited by chadhargis on February 24, 2009) | ||
| Slaughter |
Reg and Code will fight to the death about "peg weighting" and "body steering" but you can get good info from either or BOTH. | ||
| Court |
>>>>He didn't have a favorable opinion of Buell when I told him I was buying one. Buell wasn't sponsoring him . . ask him what he thinks of BMW and Honda. Motorcycles are about business when you are in the business of motorcycles. | ||
| Dentguy |
Do you know for a fact that he did not have a favorable opinion of Buell just because of business? It is possible that there are other reasons. Never mind, I guess you have to say that because you are involved in the Buell business. (Message edited by dentguy on February 24, 2009) | ||
| Chadhargis |
He was riding a CBR that weekend, so I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have dogged Honda. His comment regarding Buell was, "Don't bring it to a track day. We've had two oil the track this year when their engines let go". Or something to that degree. I thought that was a pretty tasteless thing to say to someone who'd already bought one. I've always been told if you can't say something nice, then keep your mouth shut. Never dog the competitor. (Message edited by chadhargis on February 24, 2009) | ||
| Court |
>>>Do you know for a fact that he did not have a favorable opinion of Buell just because of business? No, I don't. >>>It is possible that there are other reasons. Sure. >>>Never mind, I guess you have to say that because you are involved in the Buell business. No I don't. Three years ago I owned 5 different brands of bikes and I've been paid more by Ducati and Arai than by Buell. I don't have to say ANYTHING and, when warranted, have been the first to speak my mind. >>>>"Don't bring it to a track day. We've had two oil the track this year when their engines let go". Yes. I was one of the two and have a nice plaque from Reg commemorating the event. The oil filter gasket blew (it was by the way a Harley-Davidson Sportster, not a Buell), the bike spun 360o, I stayed atop it (pure luck) and the two bikes behind me went down. Reg and Jason (who broke his leg while on a bicycle ride while staying with us in Topeka) are wonderful people and great friends. | ||
| Dentguy |
>>>Never mind, I guess you have to say that because you are involved in the Buell business. No I don't. Three years ago I owned 5 different brands of bikes and I've been paid more by Ducati and Arai than by Buell. I don't have to say ANYTHING and, when warranted, have been the first to speak my mind. Sorry. I should have said Never mind, I guess you WANT to say that because you are involved in the Buell business. Of course YOU don't have to say ANYTHING depending on who is paying you. You just suggested that Reg has to. (Message edited by dentguy on February 24, 2009) | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
I have had repeated oil leaks on my top oil cooler connection maybe they had a similar situation Killed a pair of good boots before I noticed. I know we all beat up on a guy at the track that lost a radiator cap. &%$#@( |
