| Author |
Message |
    
Teeps
| | Posted on Saturday, April 14, 2007 - 05:38 pm: | 
|
I bought a Ulysses because of the air-cooled lump and the following:
1. aesthetically unique
2. fuel injected
3. hydraulic lifters
4. belt drive
5. high end bits & pieces (stainless braid brake lines, etc) |
Ironhead1977
| | Posted on Saturday, April 14, 2007 - 08:13 pm: |
|
My Buell has me addicted to the feel of the engine, It has become a drug that I have to have everyday.Any other bike does not feel like a solid machine. |
Vanvideo
| | Posted on Saturday, April 14, 2007 - 09:16 pm: |
|
I test rode a 12R and was smitten with the lump's torque, vibration, sound, etc. I couldn't imagine a better sounding and feeling motor. The brakes and forward-design didn't hurt. 2 weeks later I got off my Ninja ZX7, bought my 9R, and never looked back.
Without that archaic, old lump I doubt I would have bought a Buell. For those who want a liquid-cooled v-twin motor in a sportbike, there's always Ducatis, TL1000Rs and RC-51s, all very good bikes. |
Dutchboy
| | Posted on Saturday, April 14, 2007 - 09:53 pm: |
|
Lump! (BTW, I just got home with my brand new XB9SX!)
All the power I need. Great gas mileage. Fantastic suspension and brakes. No valve adjustments. No radiator corrosion. No chain to clean or adjust.
Archaic? Maybe. But the combination of technology, sensibility and perma-grin works for me. |
Xb9srider
| | Posted on Saturday, April 14, 2007 - 10:05 pm: |
|
I love that "lump." There's no mistaking it for a finely tuned sewing machine now is there? I've had several sport bikes (VFR, RC51, 748, etc.) This is the only one I've kept over 2 years. I see other bikes out there as stable mates, not replacements.
Never Give Up! |
4cammer
| | Posted on Saturday, April 14, 2007 - 10:27 pm: |
|
Man, nice to know I was not the only one.
Thanks for all of the cool replies. |
Davo
| | Posted on Saturday, April 14, 2007 - 10:33 pm: |
|
I bought it because it was an American air cooled V twin and it fit me. I really like the valve train noise and the non symmetric firing order. I wish the fan management was different and I think two O2 sensors would be an improvement. |
Luvthemtorts
| | Posted on Saturday, April 14, 2007 - 11:46 pm: |
|
Bought mine because I had built two custom Sporties prior to buying the Bolt'. First was an early 70's Ironhead and the secons was an early generation Evolution built around a one off drop seat frame, custom cut wheels, handmade tank and fenders, etc..
I figured the XR lump platform would be easy to work on since I knew the Sportster platform pretty well. Well I was half right and half wrong. Servicing it would be easy but having to rotate the engine has me shaking in my boots!
Lord willing it will be quite a long time before I have to cross that bridge. |
Parker16
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 12:15 am: |
|
I traded a CBR1100XX for an XB12X. Power and comfort I could use all of the time was traded for the unbelievable acceleration and top end that would eventually kill me or put me in jail. I ride more, and enjoy more now than ever. Long live the lump! |
Tx05xb12s
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 12:20 am: |
|
I bought mine because I saw a Buell back in 03 and instantly fell in love with it when I heard it crank up and watched it ride away. I didn't know what it was until I finally put two and two together in 2005. Three months later I owned one. |
Tommy_2stroke
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 12:23 am: |
|
Before I bought my XB my only previous experience with The Lump was a short cruise on my buddy's mid-80's Sportster. I remember being quite unimpressed with that Sporty... like I got off it and shrugged, "Eh?". BORing.
How Erik and Co. have managed to create such a great exciting bike from that old Lump is nothing short of remarkable.
Just like the B-52 in avaition, that engine will still be flying down the road long after its designers are long gone... |
Cityxslicker
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 03:01 am: |
|
I sold two foreign bikes to get it. The absolute most fun on a bike that I have ever had. Runs from pavement, to dirt, and back, without hesitation. Nails the corners hard, carries the gear and hits the off road. If I have to explain it, you dont get it to begin with  |
Fulgur
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 09:21 am: |
|
I love the feel, sound, performance and character of the lump. A little more power and torque would be nice I suppose but not important.
I only wish the dam* thing would be more reliable. |
Ustorque
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 09:33 am: |
|
many buell riders talk about the grin factor.....for me it starts as soon as i open the garage. that "air cooled lump" is an incredible focal point of a simple yet outragous machine. Ask yourself a question what r the japs hiding under all that plastic? why don't they want me to see those highly evolved IL4's? Because under all that plastic is a load of zip ties and other plastic crap that looks like someone just slapped together in their shed. sure some of the japs make naked bikes too...did you ever get excited when you saw it? did you think to yourself man that motor looks awesome. the buell may not be technological marvel but take a step back and look at it. you can easily see where every idea was used to make a quality machine and you don't have to take half the bike apart to get to it. |
2k3lightning
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 04:45 pm: |
|
I purchased my 03 XB9S "RIP" brand new on President's Day in 03. Tomorrow would have been it's 4th Anniversary. It was my 1st bike had never ridden prior to ownership. It was just a awesome looking bike nothing like the cookie cutter bikes out there. Just new this was the bike for me despite all the "HATERS" that told me it was too much bike for me and, was too ugly and it was american made. That I should see if I like it first before buying. Well for the guy I worked with that told me it was a mistake guess what you were wrong so wrong. Good thing I didn't listen to anyone but myself. Funny cause a while later after all the remarks made he showed up with a XB9S twin to mine but it was still in factory clothes. 
(Message edited by 2k3lightning on April 15, 2007) |
Mesa_cityx
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 06:35 pm: |
|
Technological Superiority. Thats how I see it. Erik & co got this much power, fuel economy, clean emissions from that 'old' engine...Good enough for me. Oh, and the rest of the bike ain't too bad , either. |
Gentleman_jon
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 06:55 pm: |
|
I might not have bought my first XB if I had actually known how "Old Fashioned" the motor was.
Now that I am closing in on 20,000 miles, I am beginning to realize just what an excellent motorcycle engine it really is for real world riding.
Live and learn.
 |
Teddagreek
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 08:13 pm: |
|
I like the way a twin feels and pulls....
The motor wasn't a factor when buying the bike...I'm very happy with the bike...
Though I think a Fire bolt would have suited me better..
I'd really like to see a water cooled twin buell... |
Cycleaddict
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 08:28 pm: |
|
it's a large twin , it's a "V" , and when it's running "IT'S ALIVE" !!!!!!!! (three cheers for the "lump" ) |
Naesnosbig
| | Posted on Sunday, April 15, 2007 - 09:05 pm: |
|
One day pushing carts back into the store I saw a guy get on his XB ans set off 3 car alarms as he road out of the parking lot. Right then I new I had to have one. 2 years later Im still lovin evey moment of it. |
Cgocifer
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 12:15 am: |
|
"I prolly should of got an older super-hawk or something Nah, I'm just not crazy of running out of revs all the time."
Dude, my brother had one. Nice bike, sounded great, but it was heavy and slow compared to my more agile XB12. The XB is actually faster in the quarter mile and in top gear roll on.
Coming from in line four cylinders (my last was an '02 R6) I purchased my XB12S without ever riding one. I based my choice on the fact that I wanted a naked bike, a v-twin, great handling, and character. Out of my limited choices, I chose the Buell. Second place for me was the Ducati Monster S2R1000, but I didn't want to mess with all those valve adjustments. I'm very happy with my choice. |
Bumblebee
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 11:57 am: |
|
I tried one and came back grinning from ear to ear. I said the the salesman "I have just one word for that!" (XB9SX) The salesman looked at me seriously like maybe I didn't like it..."SOLD!" is what the word was. I've had it ever since-going on three years now. |
Kootenay
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 01:47 pm: |
|
I bought my Buell despite the "lump." I was primarily interested in the innovative chassis and brakes...I'm not that interested in huge horsepower, I wanted a newer bike because I was looking for modern suspension, tires, and brakes.
Within a short time, though, I came to realize that the "lump" was just as important to the entire riding experience as the rest of the bike, and to love it! |
Teach
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 02:20 pm: |
|
I went from a 9 lightning to a Repsol 1000RR to a 12 lightning. The Buell's are just more fun to ride. |
Tpoppa
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 02:50 pm: |
|
I bought my XB9S because of the riding position, handling, and low maintenance.
Over the years, the engine has grown on me. I have no need for more power on the street. |
Blake
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 06:13 pm: |
|
The character, appearance, and simplicity of the "lump" was a huge factor in my choice to go with a Buell. |
Ebuella_virus
| | Posted on Monday, April 16, 2007 - 06:36 pm: |
|
My 12R is my first twin and was a huge change from my IL4's. I was used to being able to tell the difference between a semi and a Honda Civic in my mirrors, higher revs, and a the ability to go 180mph. (notice how I said "the ability to" and not that I have ever gone that. 135mph is my top speed on two wheels)
I bought the Buell for it's carving ability but since have learned how much more useful the "lump" is in town, in the twisties, and love the sound with the Special Ops pipe.
As a bonus, the Buell and its motor have become the center of attention on rides when I ride with my buddies on their rockets. As a matter of fact, I got pulled over by a cop for not dropping my foot down at a 4 way stop. After letting me know what he pulled me over for, he confessed that he had seen my bike around town and just wanted to take a closer look at it as he is a bike enthusiast and had never seen one close up.
Character, uniqueness, practicality, and ability to up the corners. 'nuf said |
Strato9r
| | Posted on Friday, April 20, 2007 - 02:28 am: |
|
I decided that the 9 engine, with it's big bore and short stroke, was as close as H-D/Buell was ever going to get to building a streetable XR-750. The instant I accelerated on the 9r that I took for a test ride, I was sold. There were some other bikes that I was seriously considering at the time; the 919 Honda, TL1000 Suzuki, and the Triumph Speed Triple topped the list, but once I rode that 9, that was it. I rode the 12, and it was also very cool; the comparison of the 9 and 12 to small block and big block Chevrolet engines is appropriate. There was just something visceral about the 9 that got me, though. That motor kicks ass in every area that is important to me. |
Swordsman
| | Posted on Friday, April 20, 2007 - 10:28 am: |
|
Chose Buell because (not in any particular order):
1.) Yes, air cooled. One less thing to worry about.
2.) Low maintenance.
3.) Cool techiness (ZTL, swingarm oil, frame fuel, etc.)
4.) American engineered, mostly American made
5.) Very original looks.
The actual ride and power delivery was the icing on the cake, and a very pleasant surprise (didn't do a test ride 1st, no license). 
~SM |
07xb12scg
| | Posted on Friday, April 20, 2007 - 12:25 pm: |
|
I bought my Buell inspite of the air-cooled lump.
I liked that looks of the bike and the low seat height fit me. A little more performance and wind protection and it would be perfect IMO. |
Brumbear
| | Posted on Friday, April 20, 2007 - 01:17 pm: |
|
}because I wanted it most} |
Macbuell
| | Posted on Friday, April 20, 2007 - 03:26 pm: |
|
I always thought Buells were cool. To me they were something different from all the rest. I owned a couple of inline 4's prior to my first XB and I hated the way they sounded and the short power band. I knew that my next bike was either going to be a v-twin or a triple. When the XB's came out, I read about them and decided to go take a look, and that was it. I thought they looked like sex on wheels. Still today, whenever I look at my bike I get a chubby. I have a shit eating grin whenever I ride it and I couldn't care less what some other idiot thinks about that sweet sounding lump of an engine. |
Redponcho
| | Posted on Friday, April 20, 2007 - 03:32 pm: |
|
I too have owned many inline 4's. My 9s was my divorce present to myself. I bought it mainly because of the looks. There were very few opportunities to look at/ride here in Kansas. Now that I have it this is by far the most fun I have ever had on two wheels. Hooray for divorce! |
Freezerburn
| | Posted on Friday, April 20, 2007 - 03:50 pm: |
|
I had to get my wife and XB to stay married! |
Cringblast
| | Posted on Friday, April 20, 2007 - 10:29 pm: |
|
Took the Blast in for 1k service.
XB out front of dealer when in pulled in, saw it, got to have it I think.
Got it, love it.
C. |
Strato9r
| | Posted on Friday, April 20, 2007 - 10:40 pm: |
|
Cool! My 9 was my divorce gift to myself too! And, my girlfriend loves it! |
Skymonkeyone
| | Posted on Saturday, April 21, 2007 - 10:31 am: |
|
I got mine because I was tired of dragging metal on my lowered FXR. I wanted a sport bike again, but couldn't get away with anything other than a Buell by the charter of my club. It's a great way to blow off steam when I am not riding my hot-rod bagger. Plus, my wife loves the Buell too and rides the shit out of it.
Chuck |
|
