| Author | Message | ||
     Mother_Big |
by the way, it cannot be said that the EFI on the Firebolt doesn't suffer from hesitation on occasion. i've had a couple of brief hiccups. i haven't owned a fuel-injected motorcycle before. is it simply to be expected (like, four times at about 2,000 rpm in second gear in the first 200 miles)? | ||
| Jim_M |
From today's (Sunday) Hartford Courant's Northeast Motorcycle issue (also available on www.ctnow.com): Ahead of the Pack June 16, 2002 By CRAIG BAGGOTT, The Hartford Courant Tired of that same old same old? Today's motorcycle marketplace is filled with amazing examples of vehicular technology - for less than half the price of an everyday car, a cyclist can get a powerful, high-revving, good-looking piece of machinery that is worlds ahead of all but the most expensive four wheelers - and a lot more fun. So what's the problem with that? In short, duplication, redundancy or - the bane of every self-respecting motorcyclist - ordinariness. Manufacturers have perfected the art of mass producing these marvelous machines, meaning you're apt to see a few carbon copies of your pride and joy on every ride into town. Some people take the custom route to escape this sameness, building choppers or faux racers. But there is another option for the determined, and in some cases for the well-off. Consider the niche, or specialty bike. Two examples are offered here, followed by the niche-seeker's ultimate niche. First is the Buell XB9R Firebolt, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $9,995. Look carefully at the picture, then repeat: This is a Harley-Davidson. It was designed and built by a man named Eric Buell, using Harley mechanicals. After years of struggling, he sold his company to the ultimate hog maker. Buy one at your local Harley dealer. What the Buell offers the "I'm unusual" buyer is a palate of technology. Gas carried in the frame, oil in the rear suspension arm. Front brake disc mounted directly to the rim. This is a light, tight machine that Buell calls a streetfighter. The great thing about a bike like this is that people really look it over. And when they do, they keep finding touches that set it apart. The Buell looks and rides like a racer, though it can't touch the hottest Japanese bikes. But so what? It's fast enough for 99 percent of riders, and it offers that Holy Grail of bikedom: Uniqueness.  (btw, the other bike was the Aprilia RSV Mille R) | ||
| Fasteddieb |
Puttin' miles on the Buell, came across this on Tamiami Trail. I made REAL sure it was dead!  Got dark on the ride home, was pleased with the backlighting of the instruments (attached). Lights are plenty bright and well-focused, too.  | ||
| Peyote |
superbad, I can't see them making frame sliders for the firebolt. But who knows. ASB will be selling them soon though. They have 'em on their site, but no prices yet. I bought their CF buckle guard (looks saweet!) and will probably get the frame sliders depending on how they mount. | ||
| Firemanjim |
I saw Tat's sliders on display at San Diego Brag ride party.They attach to frame bosses already there.I saw right side one was inset under frame--couldn't see it unless you looked carefully.They looked great!! | ||
| Peyote |
jim, When they start selling them commercially, let me know. thx. | ||
| Blake |
"(like, four times at about 2,000 rpm in second gear in the first 200 miles)?" MotherBig, That is WAY below the intended (and specified,I'd bet) operational range (when in gear) of the engine. Keep the revs up over 2500 at a minimum, over 3000 would be even better, over 4000 and you are getting close to the sweet spot. Your EFI hiccups will be a thing of the past.  Fast EddieB, That is a great pic. Needs a witty Buell related caption. | ||
| Fasteddieb |
> How about: BUELL - Everything else is just dead meat! | ||
| Court |
Make that HOW ABOUT THEM FOLKS AT BUELL! ! !  You'd almost think someone had been listening to Dave Gess and his "John Deere" lecture.... My most sincere compliments, and thanks, to the good folks at Buell Court | ||
| Rd350 |
I am looking to buy the firebolt but have questions about how the bikes are holding up. 1. What kind of problems even small are you guys having with them? 2. Do the mirrors work or the buzzy like the older Buells. 3. How is the shifting on these bikes? 4. Last what about insurance costs. The older Buells were not expensive to insure is the firebolt being put into a new insurance bracket like the big 4 bikes? Thanks.. | ||
| Donald |
Rd350 1. No problems found. It's California bike so it just got release. To early to tell, but quality seems outstanding. 2.No buzz in the mirrors at any speed. A little difficult to see out of. But not bad. 3. The gear box is super smooth. Shifting is easy no false neutral yet. Plus you know when your in first and also fifth. There is no slop. 4. Insurance cost $289 for 6 Mo. full coverage thur Allstate. | ||
| Bud |
Hi, Best buelligan’s I’m a brand new owner off a XB9 , waited 2 month’s for it,( holland ) I’ have made some 500 km this weekend , it ride’s unbelievable good. The only thing that worries me, is that I don’t can get a good reading one the oil dipstick I’ have made one my self , because the one provided with the bike, I cant reed anything one it Yesterday , I tried my home made one , and the level was way to high, I check the level , as described in the manual , hot engine just after engine shutdown, one the side stand. Dues buell delivers the bike with a higher level or is this a dealer mistake? or do I measer it wrong??? Friendly greeting’s from holland bud Ps. I can’t wait fore the race can from Buell, my dealer made one to fit his xb demo , Looks like shit ,( no chin fairing ) but sound’s greet , and release’s a lot power . | ||
| Chainsaw |
RD350 For Firebolt insurance I was quoted $335 per year from State Farm Insurance, full coverage, Denver Colorado. They only care about engine size, not make of bike. It's cheaper to insure than my Sporty. Counting the days till mine arrives.... | ||
| Cro13 |
Rd350, I second Donald's comments. I have been very pleased with the XB. I ride every day to work and have fun on the weekends. I have NO complaints. Okay one complaint: My left knee hurts after a weekend of riding, I'm getting old! Insurance is $234 a year universal underwrighters Carter | ||
| Superbad |
I LOVE my Firebolt. I would rather ride it than my 748 Ducati. I did find out the tail light isn't sealed too well against water. The problem spot is where the clear plastic slides in for the licence plate light. I need to seal it a little with silicon. I pay $140 every 6 months full coverage with Allstate in Florida. By comparison my 748 is $350 every 6 months(was $92 until they repealed the helmet law). Bobby | ||
| Peyote |
bud, first off congratulations! My oil reads a little above max as well. I haven't talked to my mechanic yet, but have thought about it. I'm at 990 miles and I'm doing the rest of my oil changes so this is a concern for me too. That dipstick is a bee-itch to read. I had a little bleeding around the gear-box but was told to blot off with wd-40 and I did that back at 500 mile mark and have had no leaks or bleeds of any oil, so that is good news. I got a CF buckle guard (from asb) at 700 miles after I scratched the air-box a little and it looks awesome. I had a little problem with the rim-cap of the air-intake not locking in flush but I think I got it popped back in. Other then that I've had no problems. I've done 1st and 2nd gear wheelies but I'm assuming (this is my first buell) it was easier with the older higher torque buells. | ||
| Fasteddieb |
Forgive me if this is old news, but a friend forwarded the following links: Part 3 Part 4 Let the games begin! | ||
| Davegess |
FIREBOLT FOR SALE Milwaukee Harley-Davidson has a new white Firebolt just in for sale. I think they might take list with no charge for freight or setup. | ||
| Mikej |
Don't do that, I thought you were selling your's already for some reason when I read the tag line.  | ||
| Davegess |
Sorry Mike  Ain't gonna happen anytime soon. Dave | ||
| Court |
Tell'em about your phone message Father G | ||
| Mikej |
Dave, Are you going to come by West Bend on Saturday for the B-Trax there? I sort of get the feeling it will be lightly attended. Plus it's on the way sort of to Holy Hill and roads westward. I'm thinking of taking the M2 to play with. Then heading home and hopping on the S2 to ride up to the northlands late Saturday. Question: What's your gut reaction to a 250 mile ride on an XB? Just playing with the idea of the new model maybe sometime in the future and wondering how it'd be for medium jaunts. | ||
| Davegess |
Court you are, as usual, asking for trouble. He has started trying to entice children to support his Buell habit!!! Mike no batle trax for me this week. I'm hoping to get out to the cottage and really get it into shape for the rest of the year. Do some swiming etc. As far as a 250 mile ride on the XB? It is really almost the same seating postion as my Honda GB and I have done 5-6 hours on it without many problems. That is 5-6 hours on twisty back roads with breaks to take pictures and generally hang out. The GB has no fairing so it offers more wind pressure to lift weight off the wrists. I have already noticed that the XB is harder on the wrists than the GB. What I do on both is try and give my right wrist breaks. I scoot up in the seat and sit up riding one handed whan I have the chance. I also pop it into nuetral and cost up to stop signs with my right hand off the bars. I find that if I do this aggressivly early in the ride that I have no problems. If I wait until my wrist aches a bit than I can not get relief. Of course I am 53 years old and all my joints ache most of the time. You youngsters out there should have no problems. I actually pay attention to what i am doing with my right wrist just to prolong the days I have riding bikes with clip-ons. I can see that in 10 years I will be unable to ride this way for any length of time. | ||
| Mikej |
You youngsters out there ... Thanks. We are closer in age than your child is old. For the distance riding and aches, I somewhat do similar stuff. Rise up on the seat and use my knuckle pads (palm side) on the grips to ease the wrist some on straights. Do the regular hand flex, if on the freeway I'll speed up a little, pull in the clutch, then release the throttle (time to think about a throttle lock or Throttlemeister again). Thanks for the feedback. Wonder if I can grab a demo-bike for the weekend someplace. Probably not. Plus I'll be on some dirt/gravel roads and don't think they'd like their nice new bike returned with gravel dings on the lower parts and edges of the fenders. | ||
| Court |
MikeJ: It's not your and Dave's ages...he is reeling from the influence I am trying to exert on his teesny weensy daughter. Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep....."you've reached the Gess residence, sorry we are not here......." Court: "XXXXXX, this is a friend of your Daddy's and he's asked me to do a favor for him. The next time your Mommy and Daddy leave you are to place your Daddy's NEW (not the old one) motorcycle keys under the doormat and call -555-555-5555 and let Mr. Canfield know that "it's time". I am trying to help your Daddy lower his personal property and insurance costs and you can be a big helper" Any questions as to why I am banned from Wisconsin? | ||
| Mikej |
Does this mean, linking this with the cottage comments, that you'll be sneaking into town this weekend then? I'll keep my eyes open and alert for a 'stich'd rider on an XB with a greybeard in hot pursuit on his GB. Yah, I think it's a good weekend to seek the high ground with a good vantage point and watch the fun.  | ||
| Fasteddieb |
"Question: What's your gut reaction to a 250 mile ride on an XB?" I've found that 60 to 70 mph is the region where the wind starts to support your upper body. The height of the pegs is no issue, so far. I'm 6'1" with relatively long legs. The seat is horrible for me, causing "numb-nuts" within 1/2 hour. The bike is very smooth, maybe with a slight "throbbing" at about 3,000 rpm, but by no means objectionable. I ordered the custom seat. If that doesn't work I'll send the stocker to Sargent - they did a good job on my K1200RS seat  | ||
| Davegess |
The rottwiller is ready. I have been grinding Cordura Nylon into his raw meat and he has developed quite a tatse for it. dave | ||
| Mikej |
I can see it now, at 2:37am, an extreamly hi-viz yellow clad helmeted rider with rivet-palm gloves will approach the doormat. Gently lifting a corner of the mat near a slight bump in it he finds a single key. Gently kneeling and grasping the key with his gloved fingers he doesn't notice the very fine piano wire attached to it. As the key is barely lifted a single red led embeded into the front door jam turns on. The riders eyes, seeing this led light up, turn into full moon saucers as he quickly begins to try and scan the darkest corners of the property. Gently replacing the key, not wanting to make any quick movements lest the movements incite the beast, he slowly raises one hand up and closes the visor on his helmet as his other hand begins to wander around an open pocket looking for the rental car key that he thought he wouldn't be needing for many hours later. The rider then notices above his head, on an elevated shelf of sorts at the corner of the porch, at the end of a ramp coming from the side of the house that he hadn't noticed before since his attention was focused on the doormat, he sees the beast just as one long drool drops from it's jowels and falls to the porch steps below. The rider, knowing full well that he has no chance to reach the rental car, instead reaches into his other pocket to retrieve his cell phone and hit the autodialer for 911. The dispatcher later reports that all he heard was a very faint "gulp help" and then the most gawdawfull snarling growl, and then the phone went dead. And, inside the house, sits a white haired man, content in the knowledge that his new bike is still safe and secure, and smiles that he won't have to feed the beast for at least another week. | ||
| Davegess |
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