| Author | Message | ||
     Jraice |
I think my questions and everything I have searched a read has beaten the question of the super sport vs. buell comparison. But now I have another question. Everybody on BARF (my local non-brand associated forum) is saying I am crazy for going buell. They are saying, get a Kawi Versy's, get this get that. They are all japanese, mostly in the 650 range, parellel twins and in the $7000+ range, brand new. That price does sound really nice but I am still drawn to the buell... for several reasons. Engine, I think its unique, has character and nothing comes close to the sound, except maybe a big ducati but I dont need that performance, or maintenance. Also no valve adjustments is a huge plus Handling, short wheelbase, what I would guess is much better suspension then any of the jap bikes they are saying to look into, also on the bike I want (XB12Ss) great mix between sport bike suspension and adventure touring suspension with the long TT suspension travel for the rougher twistier bits I like to ride Looks, super unique, love the blue and red wheels, clear fly screen and tank, nice short stubby bike Low Maintenance, besides the valves I already mentioned it also has the chain which is really really neat Comfort/Handling, riding position feels great, sporty yet comfortable and perfect for the type of riding I do So tell me, why should I spend $12,000 on a new buell instead of $7,000 on a jap bike (not a sport bike but a standard or smaller sport touring bike) and then having tons of money leftover to mod the thing? Thanks  | ||
| M1combat |
You'll have to ride one for a while to figure that out. | ||
| Gazoobla |
I think you answered your own question! I get mine this weekend, and I've test ridden enough of them to know this is the motorcycle I want. You already know as well... just do it. I'm getting mine for retail, out the door... $9,995 | ||
| Oddball |
Go with whatever appeals to you. Your the one spending your money on a bike to please/suit yourself. BARF can blow chunks unless they're going to buy you a bike. How generous if so.  | ||
| Boney95 |
When I bought my 08 12Ss last year I never rode one, or never heard one before, except on youtube. I just knew that Buell was for me. You just have that feeling of what you want. You know when they say, "you can tell a lot about a person according to what vehicle they drive". This is true man. The Buell fits my personality, along with my Jeep Rubicon. Its just in you, you have it or you don't. | ||
| Saratoga |
I've only ridden an SV650 as a comparison, and in my opinion it handles well but the component quality (suspension wise) is lacking compared to the Buell. It has no where near the bottom end that my 12 has, but I'd say they're fairly even on top (keep in mind the 650's redline is 2k(?) higher). It's a nice bike, but doesn't stand out like the Buell does; can definitely get lost in a crowd. BTW- my 09 Ss was 9999.99 out the door. They couldn't get the black one I wanted, so I made it seem like I didn't want the red one they had in stock. I told them I'd consider the red one for MSRP out the door and I got a set of Buell bags thrown in also. Cash money, not financed. (Message edited by saratoga on March 10, 2009) | ||
| Andymnelson |
"So tell me, why should I spend $12,000 on a new buell" You shouldn't. $10,000 out the door. Or buy one slightly used with a few thousand miles for $6000. But if you desire to ride the same bike that all the other BARFers ride, one that generally lacks the character, good looks, and cornering ability of the Buell....then by all means... | ||
| Jraice |
You guys really think I can get a 2009 XB12Ss (red) OTD for around $10,000? Only one dealer in the area has one, they are the best reputed dealer in the area... Definetly where I am buying the bike... When I casually asked while talking about it they said its around $12K OTD. I am probably going to put 6-7K down and finance the rest, or possibly finance it else where for a lower rate and pay it all in cash if that will be significantly cheaper. | ||
| Jraice |
Oh and as to the SV650, awesome bike, always wanted to ride one but it just doesnt do it for me. I had originally wanted one before the R6 though, it is a sweet machine with a few hundred dollars worth of suspension mods (or just toss GSX-R gear onto it). Doesnt call to me like the buell! | ||
| Paul_in_japan |
Ive had my Buell 2 years and its f%$#n awesome and keeps getting better. The Buell is fun to ride, its unique and its timeless. jap bikes date very quickly. People spend a lot on after market parts etc. and then 2 years later they look old and outdated. The Buell is a bike I can see keeping for a long time and it will always be a classic. Little by little i will customize it and make it into my own. Read reviews about these Versys etc bikes. yes convenient and cheap and probably a good all rounder, but nothing special in any sense. stock non adjustable crappy forks, square tubing for a swing arm etc. Considering how positive motorcycle reviewers are about any bike, when they give it a 6 out of 10(versys etc) you know it aint that great. Heres a question. In a years time, when the excitement of getting a new bike is gone, its already in your garage, its a little dirty and no way near as shinny or exciting as it looked when it was in the shop window a year ago. What do you want that bike to be? | ||
| Union_man |
There is something visceral about Buell ownership. I don't know exactly how to describe it. Everything feels right from the ergonomics, suspension, and real world power to the intangible feeling of, dare I say, PRIDE! Hell yes, I ride an AMERICAN Motorcycle! A bike that is fast, modern, and RELIABLE! A motorcycle that screams cool, attracts attention, and proves that American ingenuity is alive and well.  | ||
| Saratoga |
You guys really think I can get a 2009 XB12Ss (red) OTD for around $10,000? Yes. If they won't haggle, find a different dealer that will. Play them against each other.} Only one dealer in the area has one, they are the best reputed dealer in the area... ...and they'll get another one (or take another one out of the crate) as soon as someone buys the one on the floor. | ||
| B00stzx3 |
Love my AMERICAN crotchrocket. Full Fairing, aggressive stance/rearsets and made in the USA. Plus it really makes me standout from the other college age guys on Gixxers, Ninjas and R1s. And it sounds a hell of a lot better to! | ||
| 4cammer |
The BARF forum is a good bunch of riders, not too squidly but they do have their anti-Buell bias at times. There are some Buell riders on the forum and a few dealership types that know the product. There is nothing under 10K that can compare to the XB12R in my opinion. Ride a Buell and you will know that you are riding a machine, not an appliance. (Message edited by 4Cammer on March 10, 2009) | ||
| Jraice |
Thing is I dont want to buy from another dealer this one is unbelievable best dealer I have ever walked into... But Ill see what I can do... | ||
| Jraice |
Sounds good... Yeah the XB12R was a sweet bike, I am going for the XB12Ss though. Bit more comfortable, better handling for my riding style (bit more travel for the rougher bits and upright so it flicks all over the tighter roads, still stable and solid in the faster bits). XB12R was a sweet bike though! | ||
| Keith_mahoney |
In your first post you are comparing the price on a 650 Jap twin to a 1200 Buell. Of course the price is going to be a bit different. There is also the cityx to consider (and if I lived in the States I would have to gear down my Uly. Speeding here is cool I go everywhere at almost double the speed limit but in the States the CityX would make more sense to me and my license.} Or for a little more than the Versys you can get a liter WeeStrom, supposedly a very good bike. I have never ridden any standards other than my Uly. Up till now it has only been sport, cruiser and dirtbike for me. My Buell is the best bike I have ever ridden (after it warms up, a cold buell sucks) but just like the military "it aint for everyone. It is far different than anything else on the market, but I love it so much I will buy my wife one as her first bike after we move back to the States and I purchase a new wr250r for her to learn on an me to play with. | ||
| Sifo |
"So tell me, why should I spend $12,000 on a new buell instead of $7,000 on a jap bike (not a sport bike but a standard or smaller sport touring bike) and then having tons of money leftover to mod the thing?" I think you know the answer... "Doesnt call to me like the buell!" That's why I went Buell. The Japs build great machines, but to me they just lack the character that I seek. | ||
| Thetable |
My advice, either find a dealer that will let you demo, or find when the Buell demo fleet will be around, and ride one. If you still have to ask, then go buy the appliance. They don't speak to everyone the same way, but at this point, I don't think I could ever let mine go. | ||
| Vamp07 |
"Heres a question. In a years time, when the excitement of getting a new bike is gone, its already in your garage, its a little dirty and no way near as shinny or exciting as it looked when it was in the shop window a year ago. What do you want that bike to be?" Very well said!!! I bought a Buell recently and I totally agree that once it is no longer new that Buell will still look, feel and ride like a classic. Steven | ||
| Jraice |
I have demo'd an XB12R for a decent ride and an XB9SX for a mile or two. Both felt pretty similar really, just had to wind up the XB9 more. I decided the 12 is the way to go, torque is more important then high rev's for me. I am trying to test ride another XB12 (perhaps with a pipe) but if that doesnt happen I still think its the bike for me... And I would love to ride an XB9 a bit more aggressively after having a 12 for a while to really compare them but I am very confident the XB12Ss is the way to go for me, I think the XB9SX would satisfy me as well but I want the TT suspension and the extra grunt. | ||
| Skinstains |
If you have to ask you may indeed be better suited to the others. | ||
| Jraice |
I have zero draw towards the others :P. Just was wondering how you guys justified your choice. Only other bikes that draw to me are the Triumph Street/Speed Triples and KTM Duke, first is to fast, second is not a great highway or touring bike. | ||
| Kurbennett |
Never had heard of a Buell, friend showed me a picture of the Uly and was down to the dealer the same day. Few weeks later she was in the garage. Great bike that always puts a smile on my face. Truly a unique and timeless classic. | ||
| 2008xb12scg |
how you guys justified your choice Justify nothing, make no excuses, If you like the Buell get it, if you like the Kawi or Yamaha get that. | ||
| Jraice |
I love the buell! http://www.motorcycledaily.com/20october06_buell.h tm Its review's like this that make me love it... And the video's of how it sounds with a killer exhaust  . And your right justified wasnt the right word, I should've said just curious why you chose buell over the other bikes but I got that answer now! Have somebody coming over this weekend to buy some spare plastics and possibly my after market exhaust off my bike for $300+'s ($500 brand new, has slight rash from a rear ending incident in which I got $500 for it so I am making some good change from what was a pretty bad day). After I get the pipe and other plastics sold Ill have the stock pipe (have never used it, will be interesting to ride with it!), passenger seat and pegs all in place, give it a good wash, photo shoot and craigs list here it comes . Time to make that red XB12Ss I keep sitting on at the local dealer sleep in my garage from now on. Blue is growing on me, but I am not that patient! Maybe they can swap the wheels and other parts from the Scg next to it  . | ||
| Srwitt |
I've wanted a Buell since I saw a XB9R for the first time back in 03/04. I finally got a new 12R last summer. The Japanese bikes just don't have the appeal as any of the rarer bikes. I see a couple Buells/Ducatis/other exotics a summer bombing back roads compared to dozens of Honyasukawi's a day. | ||
| Froggy |
How could you not want blue? Kids these days... Back in my day, if you wanted blue, you had to fork over serious cash to get a set of everything in hero blue, and then watch Erik change your previously one of a kind machine into a production model..... Steal my Hero Blue SS idea will you? I fixed that, now its the only Hero Blue Uly. | ||
| Jraice |
Haha the blue is super unique which is why I think it would be awesome but the red is sexy as well (hate all black)... I think red with some red accents, maybe light in the levers (not all red but a small red part in the levers) and red racing foot pegs would be great looking... Then again I want to try the traxion pegs anyways... But yeah Ill see how hard it is to get a blue and then decide. | ||
| Big_b |
Yeah Blue is pretty much awesome. But don't copy.  |
