| Author | Message | ||
     Indy_bueller |
Lets give this a whack. Lets do a thread on what we'd like to see from Buell in the form of a Sport-Touring bike. Use current production, off the shelf parts and bikes, and design a 2008 model Buell Sport-Tourer. Yea yea, I'm sure it's been talked about endlessly, and there are a dozen threads on the subject. Problem is, the threads I have seen where its talked about are combined with Uly threads, etc. Lets do one about a future bike. Discuss! | ||
| Naustin |
How hard is this??  Take a uly. Stick a fairing on it. Done. (Message edited by naustin on November 19, 2006) | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I think BMC did didn't they? It's called the Ulysses, I think. That said, I think there is a significant segment of society that lack the inseam to feel comfortable on it or want a full fared option. Potential parts: Use the basic structure of the XB12SS for the longer frame, wheelbase, and larger tank. Use the suspension from the XB12SS, XB12STT. Use a modified faring from the XBRR with slightly larger and higher windscreen. Make the windscreen adjustable. Use the tail section from the Ulysses. Use the H&B bags but make them color matched. Equip the bike with the new Avon AV55/AV56 Sport Touring tires. Equip the bike with grip heaters standard. | ||
| Notpurples2 |
1203 motor Ss(Long) chassis dimensions X(Uly) Seat and Optional Bags (though maybe reworked to be sleeker) Uly increased tank capacity Firebolt fairing with an extended windscreen (Maybe a reworked version of the fairing; make it larger with out ruining the looks of the bike) Uly or Long bars and foot pegs hmmmm.... did I leave anything out? | ||
| Bake |
If the Uly is the platform we still need a decent fairing. | ||
| Outrider |
How about defining the bike from existing sport touring platforms. Do you want a Yamaha FJR1300, a Honda ST1300, a Beemer Mid or Large bike, or do you want the new Kawasaki Concours? The reason I ask is once you agree on a basic platform or two, it will be much easier to work together to design your concept bike. Enjoy!!! PS: The XBSTT is a great bike. It just isn't a sport tourer or an XBRR.  | ||
| Gomo |
Popped on over from the quick board. The ULy may be a great bike but just not my style. I have read several times that Eric has stated that sport tourers do not sell. I really can't say if thats true or not, but look whats out there: Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Triumph, Moto Guzi, and especially BMW all manufactor sport tourers and sell them. I wouldn't know the quantity they manufactor and if that number would justify the cost of production for Buell. But with the XB platform, and now the larger frame associated with the SS and Uly, they could probably come up with a great design. My S3T is what got me into owning and enjoying Buells. Great handling, decent wind protection, hard bags and the power and torque of a V-twin. Sure there is lot of $$$ involved with R&D, but with having a great platform to start with, you have a head start to build from. Kawasaki had the style of the Concours for 20yrs with minor changes - had to pay for itself over that time more than a couple of times for them. Same for the Honda ST 1100. Since Buell has an interest in what there customers want/have to say, perhaps a survey to get feed back on such a bike may change their mind or they may be on the correct track now and the few of us that are looking for a sport touring bike similar to the S3T will just have to realize the direction Buell is heading will not include the style we want. So what does that mean for us??? Not sure...... | ||
| Asdf |
I think that the bike could come in two general versions. Then, each of the two general versions could be further adjusted to fit the purchaser. This concept would be unique among motorcycle manufacturers. The tall version would be based on a "De-Beaked" Ulysses. From there, add a full fairing to the de-beaked Ulysses. The shorter version would be a de-beaked Ulysses that was equipped with the lower TT suspension. This version would have the same full fairing as the taller version. All touring models would be equipped with HEATED Traction Grips, Heavy Bar Ends and Sliders on the frame and axles. I suppose a lower first gear, with the addition of a sixth gear, would be too much to hope for... The full fairing would have a full featured dash, drink holder(s)and "Stash Bins" or glove compartments. The fairing would have built in provisions to mount communications, GPS and everything under the sun that touring bike riders like to have on their bikes. Installation of the extra accessories into the dash would be simple and quick. Wiring harness pigtails would be present. Also present would be mounting brackets, tabs or flanges. Adding a CB, GPS, Am-FM or other device would be "Plug & Play". Both versions could then be further adjusted by the selling Dealer to fit the customer as needed. The adjustments would be accomplished via bolt on kits, at no extra charge. Ergo kits to fit the purchaser would include handle bar risers, low-medium-high seats and foot peg - foot control kits. The seat heights are already available, so this one is easy. Handlebar risers should be offered that go up to 3 inches. To accommodate this much rise, the bike should have enough length available in the wiring harness and front brake hose. Foot peg and foot controls should be available that are an inch or so lower than the current Ulysses. Of course, installing such a kit will reduce lean angle, but that is the trade-off for increased comfort and leg room. In cases where someone is too short for the short bike with a low seat, a very low suspension could be made available. This would probably be the suspension off of the Ss model. Of course the draw back is that the short Ss suspension will not be nearly as plush as the Ulysses or the TT. Shorter suspension kits would include modified tail section under liners, if they are needed for tire clearance under full suspension compression. Unfortunately, this would reduce or eliminate storage under the seat. This decision would be a compromise that the purchaser would be responsible to make, based on their needs. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
I should have mine done by Homecoming. Starting with an XB12TT(1" more suspension travel, but still shorter than a ULEEEE). XBR fairing with touring shield. Uly tail section, seat and bags. I'm using existing parts, with no fabrication needed, so it should all be a bolt on for the most part. | ||
| Diablobrian |
Sweet Steve! I look forward to seeing it. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I will be very interested in seeing the transformation, Steve. I'm assuming the XBR faring allows for headlight mounting? It would be cool to have the bags color matched. | ||
| Old_mil |
Take the basic XB12SS, add a fairing, windshield, heated grips, and the ULY luggage. | ||
| Diablobrian |
I think Steve intends to use the firebolt fairing/headlights. Probably with the zero-gravity ST windscreen. But that's a "guess" based on what we were discussing at homecoming earlier this year  | ||
| Old_man |
Bore out the short stroke 9 engine, SS chassis, Blast bars, Touring fairing without lowers, sculptured hard bags.---- A bike that I would trade into. | ||
| Jaimec |
Take the XB12Ss, add a Laminar Speed Shield, Buell Soft saddle bags, tank bag and trunk pack. Done. MAYBE if you want, the touring saddle, too. | ||
| Bake |
 Hard bags....now wait a minute... I don't mind a bit of extra fairing protection but no hardbags for me and no gizmos in the fairing. Maybe I had better stick with what I have got and keep changing it to make long rides better (eg S top tree and pegs, select seat) (Message edited by bake on November 19, 2006) | ||
| Kdan |
Here you old soft guys go...The minivan of motorcycles.  Sport tourer...Nancys. | ||
| Diablobrian |
Hey now, we all have our own vision of the perfect bike. I used to never carry anything I couldn't fit in my pockets. Now I have to carry a tank bag or messenger bag etc for my cane and other necessities. I've begun to see the value in hard luggage. I guess If I'm going to be trapped in the body of a ninety year old I'm going to be thinking like one soon too. Does that make me an "old Sport tourer Nancy"? maybe I should have listened to the doctors and stayed in the wheelchair. I wouldn't want to be, act, or think differently now would I? That might upset people! Come on people you are entitled to your opinion, but I see an awful lot of people being really negative right now. To the point they are attacking what others see as their ideal motorcycle. If you wanted cookie cutter bikes why aren't you riding a japanese repli-racers? Leave these guys be to discuss what they would like to do with their bike. If you have nothing to add to the discussion, let it be. Start your own thread about your ideal bike and play there. | ||
| Asdf |
How about a Buellized version of the old BMW R100RS Mono? The lower portion of the fairing would be easily removed and replaced on an XB Buell. Even guys who don't like lower fairings might like to have that option for cooler or wetter climates or seasons. http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/photos/photophotos/r100rs mono%20(2).jpg | ||
| Diablobrian |
I like that concept asdf. | ||
| Old_man |
Great idea. | ||
| Asdf |
Oh, how could I forget! The air box cover would have the City-X rubber "X" on it. After all, a touring bike will have a tank bag on it much of the time, so the bike needs the "X" to keep the plastic air box cover from getting messed up with scratches. I suspect that Steve will have an "X" on his parts bin TT+R+Ulysses... So it will actually be a TTXR Ulysses. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Brian has the right idea. A lot of us *NEED* to carry stuff with us. The hard bags make it weatherproof without the help of hefty garbage bags. I want a *REAL* replacement for my S3T, and since Buell wont build it, I will. With the help of Hals. I was thinking of maybe adding their sharkskins front fairing as well in the future. Make fun of the stuff in the fairing all you want! I like my GPS. I can go wherever I want, without carrying a single map, and without ever taking my eyes off the road. | ||
| Asdf |
Yes, you certainly do need a GPS, but should it fail, you will need a giant map case with a large detailed map inside of it! | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Carl, yes, the X is needed IMHO. It doesn't just stop the tank from getting scratched. It adds some support. I've had 50+ pounds of steel in my tank bag in the CityX  | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Yes, you certainly do need a GPS, but should it fail, you will need a giant map case with a large detailed map inside of it! Or at least the ability to speak the local language and ask directions! (Message edited by ft_bstrd on November 20, 2006) | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I've had 50+ pounds of steel in my tank bag in the CityX I've heard of brass ones but never steel. Yours are really 50 pounds? They must clank pretty loudly!  | ||
| Steve_mackay |
See, Carl knows I'm directionally challenged | ||
| Asdf |
Ask for directions??? Nonsense! That is what a WIFE or SO is for. I'll look at a map, but NEVER shall I ask for directions! (Message edited by Asdf on November 20, 2006) | ||
| Danger_dave |
what have you done to my bike!!!!!!! dd |
