| Author | Message | ||
     Hickey |
I've kinda got this urge to get a Buell. I'm back and forth between the Firebolt and the Lightning Long. I like the 'Long" for it more humane ergos and bigger fuel tank. But I like the Firebolt for its appearance, especially the tail, and occasional track day capability. I know there would be a difference in comfort between the two, but I'm wondering from those who have them how comfortable the Firebolt can be. The reach to the bars doesn't look extreme to me, compared to other supersports on the market. The seat looks wide and supportive, if somewhat thin. And it does have some wind protection compared the the total absence of that on the Lightning. I don't and don't plan to ride across the country. A really long day for me would be 600-700 miles. And a long trip would be two or three days of that at the very most. That is only possible for me on a comfortable bike with a supportive seat. For example, 600+ miles was doable on my (now gone) Ducati Monster, although the wind blast would wear out my upper body. I could barely manage 200 miles on my (long gone) Yamaha R1, mostly due to the thin and useless excuse for a seat it had, although the reach to the clip ons would get painful too. Think the Firebolt can be pressed into that kinda of duty? Or do you think the Lightning is better suited and acceptable for an occasional track day? The Ulysses is out. It is just too tall and unweildy for me, even with the new seat design. | ||
| Dbird29 |
TT? | ||
| Tleighbell |
I don't have any Firebolt experience but I have found my 9S to be reasonably comfortable. The wind blast is really not an issue if you keep your speed down to 80 to 85 mph. The stock seat is not bad, not great. My longest ride was 2-3 hours and I had no real problems with the seat. Overal comfort was much better than my YZF 750. I have read good reviews on this board about the Select and Corbin seats but not sure if they are available in the size to fit the Long, which is a bigger seat. Sat on a City X a couple of times and the seat felt really good and the MO review last year found it very comfy, but again it won't fit the Long. I did a short test ride on a Long but didn't form any opinion about the seat. | ||
| Hickey |
Maybe. The seat looks pretty narrow and there are no passenger pegs. I rarely give rides, but pegs are good spots to tie luggage to. | ||
| Metalstorm |
Well I suppose if you really want a Firebolt and the seating position got to be too painful on long rides you could always install the lightning pegs (1" lower) and the heli bar top triple which relocates the bars something like 3" up & 1.5" back so there are definitely ways to alter the ergos to fit you. You of course need to test ride each bike to really know what you want. Like Dbird29 above, I think you should consider the new TT as well. It has a rake & trail in between the Firebolt & Ss Long. It'll turn a little quicker than the Long and still has the bigger frame (4.4 gal). Plus the suspension is really good, possibly the best yet from Buell from what I've heard. | ||
| Metalstorm |
Looking at photos of the TT, it sure looks like it has a regular sub frame. I'm guessing that passenger brackets could be bolted on in place of the number plates. But sometimes pictures can be deceptive so I can only guess until I see one for real. | ||
| Kootenay |
I have a 'Bolt, which I've taken on some pretty long rides (5 days, a couple thousand km) with no problems. I've installed the Helibars riser triple, and also the Lightning pegs (these last because I accidentally broke one of the stockers, and decided to try 'em out). Keep in mind that I'm a shortass at 5'4" tall, and therefore what fits me well might not work for the average Joe... | ||
| Nutsnbolt |
I have a Bolt and I can tell you from past experience from owning a Ducati prior to, .... that it is not made (stock) to handle long distances (Firebolt) For that matter, I would even say that MAYBE the Lightning is, but I would go with the Lightning Long just for the ergo's reason. This is just my opinion. Mark | ||
| Anonymous |
Passenger pegs can be installed on the TT, but you have to remove the number plates. Also you cannot carry a passenger on that seat by law, because it has no grab strap. That's why the crazy "No Passenger" stamp is on the seat. Regular Lightning Long seat would go on, though. | ||
| Metalstorm |
Thanks Anony I've liked the TT from the start & it keeps looking better & better. If I wasn't still making payments on my S I would seriously think about trading her in on a TT Congrats to all of you who brought it to life. The suspension travel looks about perfect for nice asphalt and "very poorly maintained" asphalt. As in; bumps, cracks and pot holes Oh My!  | ||
| Interex2050 |
I have an XB12R and I have had an chance to get to know the Ducati S4R (I had the Ducati for about a month earlier in the year). I am 150 lbs and about 5'11" I must say that the firebolt is surely much more comfortable then the Ducati monster. As mentioned earlier the wider seat does wonders, the frame/airbox setup leaves for a nice cozy spot for ones legs (and the different seat/handlebars/pegs may get rid of that on a lightning). I do not have any trouble putting on several hundred miles in a day, although I cannot attest to anything more then that as I have never had the chance to get some longer distance runs. Hope this helps... P.S. I have never ridden the XB12S or long. But I have ridden an XB12R with Sato (sp?) rearsets and Heli upper triple clamps, that was the bike that convinced me to get the buell... | ||
| Bertman |
I have a XB12R with Helibars and a Corbin seat, and have done 400 mile rides without much of a problem. I am 6'1" and even with stock pegs I find the leg position to be fine. Have only sat on a long, not ridden one, so have no opinion other then it does feel more relaxed. | ||
| Cochise |
I have owned both. Get the Lightning Long and do an S to R conversion, at least a front fairing. YOu can do the Firebolt with the aftermarket Pegasus Seat with the lightning pegs, but my knees always hurt. Maybe it's comfort, but I ride MUCH faster and harder on the Long than I did on the 'Bolt, it just has hardly any wind protection OR storage, not that there is much, but there is more on the 'bolt. Hope it helps. | ||
| Blake |
I really dig the "crazy No Passenger stamp" on the TT's seat. Can we also please get a "No Rice" emblem on the filler cap? | ||
| Ducxl |
I suggest you buy a 12r Mr.Hickey.I find the seat plenty roomy.And not too much reach to the bars.I don't ride it much(my'0512r),but it's an awesome machine.(note to others,i'm not hypocritical here,but i do feel Buell needs another line) | ||
| Hickey |
Thanks for all these great responses. I know that neither the Firebolt nor the various Lightning versions were intended for sport touring duty. Truthfully, both were built to do the kind of riding I like. Sporty and sane street riding. The trouble is that sporty, twisty road riding requires curvy roads. Locally, those are few and far between, so I have to rack up highway miles getting from curve to curve. Or spend hours on the highway to get to someplace like south-western Wisconsin. I know how odd it must seem for some guy to be asking about the touring potential of Buell's sportiest bikes. But if I can't comfortably ride far enough, then I won't be able to enjoy the sporty potential of the bike on proper roads. I'm not hearing strong objection to the Firebolt. If the reach is a bit extreme there are risers. If the seat isn't supportive enough, there are different seats to try. How far can the Firebolt go before the fuel light comes on? How much space is under that passenger seat? For that matter, is there any storage under a Lightning seat? | ||
| Teddagreek |
I bought my City x in austin texas and drove it home 1200 miles... If I were to buy a new buell it would be a Lightning long.. I've ridden the bolt and long a bunch of times and to me the long handles better than a standard lightning.. | ||
| Aldaytona |
I have a Firebolt with stock seat and bars, and have ridden further than 700 miles with no discomfort. I am over 6' and over 200 lbs most of the time. It's all about physical conditioning, going to the gym is money better spent than bar risers and hokey seats. Get the Firebolt if it's what you like, don't settle for something because you think it might be more comfy. | ||
| Jaimec |
Go with the Lightning Long. It's GREAT for everyday riding and an occasional track day. It's got reasonable range, and enough comfort that you can easily drain the tank (and wish you could go farther) without having to stop. I've had the bike on the track last year for California Superbike School Level 3 (click my name to the left for a photo) and I'll be putting it on the track again this May for Level 4! I ride to my friend's house with soft saddlebags attached and spend the night there. Next day I ride to the track, do the school, then back to my friend's house, reattach the bags, and head back home. The track is roughly 150 miles from where I live (Pocono Raceway). Takes less than a tank of gas to go either direction. | ||
| Lovematt |
I have a Firebolt with the Helibar triple clamp and it is very comfortable...400-500 miles is not a problem at all and with the Ventura Rack system, it makes for a pretty good road trip bike. However I am leaning towards getting a Lighting the next time around (likely the Long). This is not because of how the Firebolt is laid out but rather a long time trend towards preferring a more upright position for the more open view it provides as well as the ability to move around more on the bike as needed. I have ridden the Lightning Long and liked it just as much as the 'Bolt even on the first ride. Both bikes are great but I would suggest trying both since it is an option at the dealerships...not many manufacturers allow that like HD/Buell does. | ||
| Metalstorm |
After trying them all out I bet you'll be surprised by which one you pick. Before I got my 12Scg I was shopping for a 9R. I've been lusting after the Firebolt since its introduction. But after trying out a 9R, a 9S and a 12S it became clear to me that as a guy who can only afford to have one bike, the 12S was the best choice as it was the most versatile , do all bike. Then I found a 12Scg & sat on it and I realized that with a stock height seat it would be a perfect fit. So one Select seat and one Ventura rack later I had a super comfty, perfect height bike that was great in traffic due to the upright position and flickable beyond belief in the twisties due to the wide bars and comfortable on long rides due to the ergos & Select seat. The Ventura system allows me to take everything I need with me including the kitchen sink. I also have the Buell tankbag. With the tankbag attached wind blast isn't an issue for me until my velocity gets into the high 90s. The only down side is a 3.7 gal tank which I bet only 3.5 is usable. My low light comes on around 125 miles leaving me a 25-30 mile range to get to the next gas pump. Ok, I've rambled enough. Stop reading this. Turn off the computer & get ye down to the nearest HD shop that have demo bikes to try out. Try them all then repeat  | ||
| Pwnzor |
I ride a 2004 XB12R with stock bars, pegs, and seat. 30,000 miles and no issues with comfort at all. I can (and do) ride 400+ miles in a day, and I'm not all beat up like I would have been on my Ducati. It is, overall, the most comfortable sportbike I've owned. I recently rode an XB12SCG and loved it. I can see where long trips would actually be more comfortable and easy on an S model. However, as I said I have no problem riding the Firebolt all day. | ||
| Dbird29 |
I would think the TT with 4.4 gallons and the most modern suspension would be great after getting some passenger pegs and a select gel seat. The latest offering would be the best sorted out. | ||
| Jaimec |
"I would think the TT with 4.4 gallons and the most modern suspension would be great after getting some passenger pegs and a select gel seat." Buell already makes a model like that from the factory. It's called the Lightning Long! | ||
| Etennuly |
I ride a Ulysses, I had a City-X for two years, and I got to ride all of the others on a demo day. If you haven't ridden the ones your thinking about, find a demo event or a willing dealer. It is so amazing how different they can be even sharing the same platform. Having done that, these bikes are so adaptable to a specific rider you'd be really amazed at how different setups can make the same bike seem completely different. I found this out when a fellow Uly rider was having a debate about his higher windshield causing wind noise in his helmet. We switched bikes for a few miles. Man, the few farkles I have, and the few different ones he has, makes the bikes as totally different as night and day. PS. The Ulysses really does handle well on the twisties. Although not quite like a race bike, it can handle melting the rubber off the chicken strips!  | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Jaimec, the suspension on the TT is much better IMHO for longer rides. Much more compliant over rough pavement. Sounds like Hickey wants exactly what I am building... Buying a Lightning Super TT, putting a firebolt fairing on it with Zero Gravity touring screen(keeping the lightning bars). Putting a Uly tail section and luggage on it. Voila', instant sport touring bike | ||
| Metalstorm |
Buying a Lightning Super TT, putting a firebolt fairing on it with Zero Gravity touring screen(keeping the lightning bars). Putting a Uly tail section and luggage on it. Good Goddess Mother of Dragons! That sounds absolutely, positively awesome beyond words. Please, please, please, please post pics when you're done. I can picture it in my mind & it Rocks!  | ||
| Hickey |
Went to the closest dealer today. No Buells in stock at all. They'll have a Ulysses and a Lightning Long in a week or two. Neither will be available for test rides and the salesman had no Buell demo days planned anytime soon. It is Winter afterall. Are there any dealers in Illinois (or southern Wisconsin or eastern Iowa) that are supportive of the Buell brand? | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Hickey, call Bud at Hals HD in New Berlin, WI. They're a sponsor of this board... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/171 43/243964.html?1166619671 www.halshd.com Metalstorm, I'll certainly post pics during the entire Super TT transformation. See, I'm one of those hopeful that Buell would have come out with a S3T replacement, but alas... I have to build my own. I was going to start with a Lightning long, but the super TT has better suspension IMHO. | ||
| Jaimec |
I'm not sure why you think the TT has "better" suspension. It's just taller. But I live in New York and the Lightning Long's suspension handles the potholes and craters on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn just fine. All you have to do is make sure you've set it up to spec (and the instructions in the owner's manual are very good in this regard). | ||
| Steve_mackay |
I'm not sure why you think the TT has "better" suspension. Umm, because it does It's not "just taller". That extra inch provides a better ride. Even talking with Danny Bilansky(the winner of this year's Thunderbike championship), when I mentioned I'm getting one, he said "That's a PERFECT bike for a guy your size". And went on about how the suspension is improved over the other bikes. I think I trust *HIS* word, he tends to know a thing or two about Buells I also own a CityX, along with an S3T. The Super TT can take bumpy roads at speed I'd never try with the CityX, or an SS. Taking a rail road cross at 50 or so MPH. That I wouldn't try with an SS. Have you ridden a Super TTs yet? | ||
| Bads1 |
Steve I think what Dan means is ride quality is better. I don't believe that it is better in handling the twisties any better. I'm not knocking it what so ever but for a taller rider that is riding imperfect conditions or rough roads and extended times you'd find the TT would most definately excel. | ||
| Xbrad9r |
i am 6'6" and 250lbs and i ride a 12R, and i love it. my wife even likes riding it after i got the passenger touring seat for her. I have always felt that it fits me great, but i just put on a set of lightning foot pegs (christmas present)so that the longer rides would be even better (reduced knee bend). i sat on a "long" a couple of different times before buying the 'bolt because I ride "the snake" (US 421 between Bristol and Mountain City,TN through Shady Valley) which is very comparable with the dragon. so i wanted the racier riding position and style. Any Buell will put an ear to ear smile on your face...i actually would grin so much the first couple of times i rode my bike that my jaws ached when i finished riding. congrats on whichever Buell you chose, thanks for joining the madness... | ||
| Ozymandismotard |
'Any Buell will put an ear to ear smile on your face...i actually would grin so much the first couple of times i rode my bike that my jaws ached when i finished riding.,' And that, my friend, is the only truth! Buell, or Buell, or Buell? Hell of a choice!!! Ozy from France | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Blasting down dirt roads at 45-50 mph on a weekly basis. most damn fun since I was a kid. I am sure the engineers would cringe at the roads I tackle with my City X. BTW I but the front Uly set on it back in March, too damn short for the ULy. 5-6 with 29 inch inseam. Damn vertically challenged, I blame the parents and coffee ~o) Still waiting on a TT demo.  | ||
| Moonrunrs |
I ride a Firebolt with a Corbin seat, Lightining pegs and Heli bars riser. The riser is a godsend for long rides. I can do 400 plus mile days on my bike with no problem. As for the fuel tank, yeah, the Lightning has a longer range but I do get sore after 120 miles or so of riding so I don't mind stopping for gas to stretch. I really love the Lightning long, but my Firebolt is great too. |
