| Author | Message | ||
     Mudcatslim |
Hey folks, Yeah I am another newbie interested in riding with zero experience and not a lot of riding buddies. The ones that I do have like to point out all the faults and recalls over the years. I have done some reading and it seems that they are a few. It also seems that the engine design is and old but tried and true type that has been in production longer than most imports have been a company. I am not wanting to insult anyone but, I do have conflicting thoughts on Buell. I do like the idea of buying " American" if there really is such a thing anymore in today's markets. I am six foot 230 pounds and am a thirty eight year old male with a family so no stunting for me. I like the look of the XB's though. My brother has a new VROD and I am itching to go riding to. Any suggestions from riders verses magazine writers would be a plus. Though in all fairness lately the writers have had pretty good things to say. Thanks | ||
| Court |
You sound like a good candidate for a good used Ulysses. Most of what you have heard is inaccurate. Buell had a number of recalls during a fairly brief period. Several of them were things that would never have even been on the radar in other places that Buell voluntarily did recalls on. I prefer that over a company that has frames snapping and fights the government to keep from declaring a recall. Buell has a history, at least in the 20 years or so I've been owning and riding them, of doing the right thing . . not the easy thing. The Ulysses engine is BARELY related to the old Sportster motor you describe. If you need more info. . . drop me a note and I'll give you a call or have someone from the factory call to answer any questions you have. You came to the right places to get answers. Take your time . . read much . . . ask questions . . start an argument or two but most importantly . . . enjoy yourself. Court | ||
| Bad_karma |
John Welcome to the board. You are going to have to ask yourself a few questions. What kind of riding will you do? Do you want real world torque or need the top end rush of the Asian fours? How long are the rides to be? Do you like the looks? Do you like being different? Is function more important than form? Now for recalls read some of the main line magazines and surf the web, I don't think Buell is any worse than the rest. Hope you get a Buell but more importantly that you get the bike that you will enjoy and have a positive experience.If Buell is a primary choice check out the different areas on the Board ie. 1125r, XB, Uly, old school and others. Click on the writers name to see there profile, most will have pictures. Check out Storm front look for Hampton Roads Hooligans,get a feel for the Buells in your area. Joe | ||
| Reepicheep |
John, I had a 2000 M2. It had all the problems your friends are referring to, and a few they don't know about. I rode the bike for close to 30k miles anyway, and would not have traded the experience for anything. It did have a lot of issues, but it was a fantastic bike anyway. Bought it for $5000, rode it for close to 30k miles, traded it in for $3000. Every bike should be so bad  So now I have an 05 XB9SX. It probably has something like 23k miles on it at this point. Normal maintenance (oil changes, primary fluid changes, primary adjustments, tire changes). Normal but less frequent maintenance... a new clutch cable and new throttle cables (that I probably messed up by running too tight). I broke a shifter linkage part by being stupid trying to adjust it. I pop off the exhaust can once every year or two and hit it with a wire brush and a can of black BBQ paint. I have been through two sets of front brake pads, and one set of rears. The only real "it really broke, it probably wasn't my fault, and I had to fix it" problem I have had so far was a broken exhaust stud. The front hanger bolt came out and I didn't notice in time, and as a result I broke a stud. I fixed it myself over the Christmas holiday (good timing on the failure). I cracked my airbox cover putting it back on wrong, but was able to glue it back up and it is not visible. The XB bikes are remarkably reliable. But also consider all the things I *didn't* have to do in 20k miles... I have had the rear wheel off three times now (new Scorpion Syncs installed). I have never had to futz around crawling right and left and trying to adjust axle adjusters trying to get the front wheel aligned with the back wheel, but with the "chain" not too tight or too loose. I have never adjusted any valves. I have never replaced $200 worth of chains and sprockets. Twice. Which is what a chain drive bike should have had done at this point. I have never changed my antifreeze, nor worried about my thermostat or water pump. I have never lubed my chain. I got a KLR-250 as a second bike for fun, and I love it. But all the stuff I used to have to do before I got a Buell (used to ride a Yamaha 600cc inline four), I have to do again. And after a 50,000 mile break from having to futz with all that stuff, having to do it again reminds me what a PITA it really is... and I am surprised at how much time and money it takes up. The Tubers are completely different frames, running completely different motors (though they share a common footprint and a common ancestry). It is not reasonable to apply the reputation (be it wrong or right) of the tuber bikes to the XB bikes. | ||
| Mikej |
Mudcat/John, If I had $2,800 then this is what I'd buy if it is/was still available: http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/642059913.html If I sold my 2000 M2 for $4,500 I'd take $2,800 of that money and buy another S2. It is/was listed on the classifieds on the site here. But if you like the XB lineup then start doing some test rides as it will really help you to decide far better than any words here can say. Plus you might get a free Buell hydration pack which would be a nice perk to start off with. | ||
| Mp2b704 |
mike r u in milwaukee? email me if you are plz. mp2b704@yahoo.com | ||
| Mikej |
Thomas, I just sent you a PM, but won't be able to check any email replies until the evening. | ||
| Bg05xb12r |
Hey mudcatslim, all I have to say is read these post and tell me if American is the way to go. Buell owners are a proud bunch that stand behind for their rides. I love my Buell, and even more I love that I have never had the same exact bike as mine pull up next to me at a light. And to answer your question about "if there is such a thing" (american company) Buell is it! | ||
| Captain_lou |
I AM CONSIDERING BUYING A NEW BUELL OR BWW GS FOR A TRIP TO ALASKA NEXT YEAR. I HAD NEARLY DECIDED ON THE BUELL WHEN I READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF MOTORCYCLE CONSUMER NEWS COMPARING THE BMWGS, BUEL AND KTM. BUELL CAME IN THIRD OUT OF THREE IN ALL TEST. WHAT GIVES? | ||
| Reepicheep |
Dunno, didn't read the article. Uly's have been pretty darn bulletproof around here though. Having spent about 30 hours chasing down cooling problems on my KLR-250, I'd be looking hard at air cooled motors for an Alaska trip... All three are outstanding bikes though, and very different in accomplishing their intended mission. Test ride them and see what pushes your buttons. | ||
| Djkaplan |
If you have zero riding experience, I'd get a cheap Japanese dual-sport to learn on and get a dedicated streetbike (or whatever) later. Believe me, it could save you money and heartache in the long run. | ||
| Packrat |
I would not ever let a magazine article be the deciding factor in whether or not I bought anything...period..EVER--Don't know any of them. or even know anyone that knows any of them..What I DO KNOW is that they GET PAID to write that stuff, then it is reviewed by someone else, then probably someone else, blah,blan,blah !! I have NO WAY of knowing who's taking money from who !!. The TRUTH about any make, model, etc, I believe, is more likely to be found by asking people (personally or cyberspace) what their experience has revealed after OWNING a brand, model, whatever, for a period of time, NOT just riding one for 2-3 days or weeks, etc. The primary intent and purpose of any magazine were fulfilled the instant they got your $$$...yep, just my $.02 worth...YMMV  |
