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Buell Motorcycle Forum » Quick Board Archives » Archive through September 24, 2004 » So if the design features of the XB are so great.... » Archive through September 15, 2004 « Previous Next »

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Paulinoz
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 12:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"Bridgestone radial tires mounted on new cast aluminum wheels featuring redesigned, thinner spokes with optimized wall thickness to reduce unsprung weight "
Taken from new 05 gsxr 1000 Spec I guess Suzuki also subscribe to the Erik Buell "BS Design Principle..."
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Opto
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 04:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I can't understand why anyone would have even bothered to respond to any of X1glider's posts.
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Court
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 05:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

>>>Erik Buell's BS design principals and ideas.

I'll ignore the engineering concepts that have won Buell (Erik and other engineers) a raft of design awards and limit my comments to simply saying that agree, disagree, dislike, like or whatever, that's just simply an unkind thing to say.

>>>and I also don't believe he's correct on a certain number of things as well.

This is America. Carpe the ol' Diem, start your very own motorcycle company from scratch and prove him wrong. This will be your golden chance to prove Erik, and most the engineering community and US Patent and Trademoark Office wrogn for the chicanery they have pulled on the moto community. By the way, don't try to slip out of this one by saying you lack the millions needed to produce a rolling prototype, Erik did it working a host of part time jobs and raising a family...should be a breeze for you with your clarvoyent insight.

>>>Not that I'm a bike engineer either,

How refreshing to get to the end of that dribble and find an accurate statement. If you want to become a bike engineer, you'll likely be using a textbook written by one of the engineers at Buell. Although the book "Buidling Better Things With Finite Analysis" is hailed as "teh bible" within the engineering commmunity, it was easy for his, having done his Master's Thesis on the Dynamics (thats roll axis, CG and all that garbage) of two wheeled, inline vehicles (that's motorbikes)

>>>Sounds like quite a few need to go to engineering school

Boy would I love to spend 30 minutes with you digging through the HR files at Buell. From UC Berkely to Embry-Riddle and from a host of countries they come, never spouting their own talents, just quietly going where no vehicle engineers have gone from the first (go ahead, tell me I am wrong) website for any mfg of wheeled vehicles, to motorcycle designs that have consistently been award winners from engineering and design (just snagged another design award) groups the world over.

I'm sure Erik would love to respond, but he's in Germany being recognized for engineering innovation today.


>>>I probably have a distinct advantage over quite a few here when it comes to understanding the truth.

That is not only inaccurate, it's outright hilariously stupid. my PERSONAL take is that you are a mean sprited person who said a lot of stupid stuff, based on no facts, in a very unkind way that provided no value.

Course....I'm just a construction worker.

Court Canfield
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Glitch
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 05:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

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Kenb
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 10:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The hallmark of truly good engineering is to solve a problem with a minimal of complexity. Erik & Co. have done this in spades, Buells (including their HD push rod V-twin engines) are wonderfully thought out yet simple machines. Racing sanctioning bodies impose displacement limits to limit the horsepower of a given class, engineers seek to circumvent this limit by spinning the engine faster. Is this really making the engine better ? More complex definitely. I cannot agree that it "absolutely" makes the engine better. If F1 claims to be the pinnacle of motorsports why place artificial displacement limits on engine designers ? Wouldn't it be more exciting if engineers were free to come up with engine designs differing in configuration ? As it stands now F1 is dominated by V10s, is it because a v10 is a superior engine ? no but with a 3 liter displacement limit and a 10 cylinder limit it is. Same applies to superbike or moto gp, IL4s dominate because of the 1000cc limit and 4 cylinder limit not because it is the best engine configuration out there. I actually think it becomes very costly when designers are of the mindset that complexity equals innovation and as a veteran software developer I see this firsthand every day.
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X1glider
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 11:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Go ahead, get in defense mode and call me a Buell basher. Standard answer around here when someone speaks their mind aboout something or expresses an opinion. Seems that's all some of you have going for you. "OMG! Someone disagrees with Mr. Buell! Feed him to the lions!" I never came here to bash Buells. Never came here to "put down" the XB. (Where have I done that?) Only to discuss. Some are taking it too personally.

I believe that after many years of hard work and experience that I've earned the right to disagree with others, even EB. I probably learned the same things he and many others have in school and in the real world. But it doesn't stop me from thinking beyond convention. That's what makes me so good at what I do. Remember when there were people who thought the world was flat? Or that the universe revolved around the earth? Same idea...different scenario. Except I haven't made my living changing the laws of phyics, only how they're applied.

I do still own a Buell, and I do like it, especially when it works. (FYI, I've only been able to ride for 9 of the 26 months I've owned it. With 17 shop visits.) Same with the other bikes, past and present. I recognize each one's flaws as well as where they excel. Excuse me for being open minded. Like Tony, I am a bike enthusiast. Meaning I like them all. Get over it.

Sure Erik has patents...so do millions of others. Big deal. I've looked his up.

Court, I've admired your enthusiasm for the few years I've been here and applauded you for helping others out for that reason. But not once have I ever read of what your affiliation is with Buell, especially in the present day. You're very reluctant to tell. Perhaps there's a reason you're not needed there anymore? Sorry that was cheap, but don't be so secretive. You're involvement most likely won't compromise national security. But I have met you once and it didn't take long to learn that you had all the makings of a great salesman. In other words, capable of blowing sunshine up everyone's . And you're good at it. You do it here all the time. Stick to construction.

I won't try to get out of it. My life's ambition isn't to build the ultimate motorcycle. I have other interests that captivate me more. But if I did, it would be different. And I wouldn't sacrifice my family life in the process like EB did. Real story book romances.

Blake, I don't disagree with everything of EB's. What I do agree with is for obvious reasons. It works. Other things I don't. That's the hard part about being different and innovative. Someone will inevitibly challenge you and your ideas. I'm an innovator myself. Change scares people. Different ideas have others wanting to burn you at the stake.

It's your board, you'll never be wrong, even if you are, wether it be politcs, engineering or life. No need to doubt my worth in the community, any of them. I have plenty of other's to reassure me of my place and value.

Since no one here wants to have an open discussion without crying "Buell basher!" and jabbing at other's credentials, I'll just drop it because I don't have 8 hours a day of free time to post long winded replies.

This board has changed a lot over the years. Still the best reference for all things Buell. I've always commended and thanked Blake for his efforts in making this the ultimate Buell board. But my time is up here. Too much politics. And I'm not talking about the "War is the only answer thread." I'm not soured by the Buell brand, but I have become soured by certain members of this board. I'll still look for tech info on occasion though. I'd be foolish not to.

Adieu.
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Bomber
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 11:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

glider -- sorry you couldn't take the time to tell us where you might disagreee with another engineer, why, and why your way might be better -- I was looking forward to hearing of your insights, opinions and proofs (and I'd be surprised if I wasn't the only one) . . . I'm always interested in learning, but all I've learned from you is that you disagree, and that you're soured by certain members of the board -- fair enough, many are (including me from time to time), but, like you, I continue to come here for facts . . . .sorry you didn't post yours

aw well -- ride safe
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Darthane
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 11:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

What Bomber said. Perhaps if you would tell us WHAT you disagree with, then we can have a coversation. Apparently, even though you want a discussion, you're unwilling to discuss the turn that you yourself brought about.

So far all you've asked is "If the XB is so great why don't others follow?" You were given many answers, both technical and aesthetic. Then you busted out with "Erik's full of bullshit" and "He's wrong about some things" but decline to answer WHY you say them. Forgive us if the campaign year has made us a little jaded and wanting rhetoric backed up with examples and proof.
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Newfie_buell
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 12:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

This place reminds me more of home every day?!?!?!
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Midknyte
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 12:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Ya know what. We've come full circle on this thread.

Every single cycle out there for retail sale is a marvel of engineering well beyond the majority of us here reading this (I think that is a safe and friendly assumption - meant either way as only such).

Look beyond that and you have a vehicle, that all things considered, is or is not able to move you on an emotional level to love or hate it. There's very little ground in between.

For the record, again, I'm impressed. I love it. And I feel no need to quantify or nit-pik. At this point in time, the XB's are just the ticket that moves me and I think they'll hold my interest for a long time coming.
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Blake
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 01:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Bryan (Darthane),
I think you confused Steve (Budo) who started this topic with Bob (X1glider), who thinks Buell's design principles and innovations are hyped bullshit but cannot tell us what those bullshit design principles and hyped bullshit innovations actually are.

I gotta give Steve (Budo) some credit. He may not like Buell motorcycles, but he shows a modicum of respect.

Bob's unfortunate hateful post takes me by complete surprise. I've met Bob on two occassions once at the CMRA races last year, then again in Colorado. Since then we've spoken via telephone a number of times though not lately. Bob has always been an easy going affable man. The guy wears bunny slippers! He's offered to give me his various Buell racing parts. I declined hoping that he would someday heal up, return home from a protracted stint in Korea and be able to give it another go in the CMRA.


Bob,
You opened this can of poo. You really ought to back up your hateful assertions or reconsider them.
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Grndskpr
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 01:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

bullshit
bullshit

WHy can you post this profanity while the rest of us are bleeped out
R
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Rick_a
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 02:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Without fact to back an opinion you only have wasted words falling on deaf ears.
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Fdl3
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 02:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Kenb: That is a great answer to people who believe the Buell XB motor to be a "technological dinosaur"!
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Jeremyh
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 02:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

god i love it when people talk as if they are too good to explain one little thing to someone that just may have not caught on yet. GIVE THE GUY A BREAK! Nobody here is perfect so lets not all act like it at once.

I'm not sure I'm clear on your assertion. Please explain. What specifically is the "only one opinion on this board" to which you refer?
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Spiderman
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 02:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm sorry is that directed at me?

And if so...

How long you been a member of this board.

It was an attemt at Humor you know that most people on this board only think there opinions matter and if anyone steps up they are flamed upon.

(Message edited by spiderman on September 14, 2004)
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Buckinfubba
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 02:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

once again my pee pee is bigger than everyone's and my dad can beat your dad up. and its my sand box my rules.

how do these arguements go on so friggin long .......must be the distribution of mass being centralized not in our brains but in our collective arse's
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Crip2nite
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 03:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

X1...Why the hell is your bike in the shop so much?? I have had 4 bikes so far and they've only been in for service or small cosmetic stuff! What the ^*% am I doing wrong. Had my Buell since spring and ride it almost every day without a hitch! (Just some minor adjustments that I prefer to make) Maybe you don't know how to ride a bike or something!
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Henrik
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 03:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

A good part of the posts on Badweb lately sure still sounds like we had several feet of snow on the ground.

Everyone take a deep breath and do something nice - for yourself or someone else. Make you feel good.

Then let me make this suggestion: before hitting that "Post" button re-read what you wrote. Then copy and paste it into a text document and print it out.

Now, here comes the important part: DO NOT POST JUST YET!

Go to bed and re-re-read what you wrote after a good nights sleep. Odds are you'll want to at least modify what you wrote before actually posting. Sometimes you may even find that you'd just as well forget about the whole thing.

There are a world of much more important things to get involved in/upset about other than motorcycles. Make your own list and relax.

Henrik
(getting off the now}
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Glitch
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 04:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Everyone take a deep breath and do something nice
Inhale....exhale.....
Think I'll go ride....
When I get home maybe I'll start a nice little thread about Atlanta traffic; )
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Tucsonxb9s
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 04:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Henrik, did you write that yesterday and sleep on it?? Oh dang, I didn't. Never mind, I'll try again tomorrow.
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Darthane
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 04:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

LOL...Blake, you're right. My bad. See what happens when you archive the original post? ; )

...just got off the Blast. What a hoot that little thing is. In a few minutes it's into the garage to put the Firebolt back together again.

(Message edited by darthane on September 14, 2004)
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Jeremyh
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 04:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Here we EGO!
Its close to winter people will be bitchy i cant imagine why.
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Mikej
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 04:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Internet persona:

http://duke.usask.ca/~lowey/alter-ego.gif

In real life:

http://www.abe.it/ego.jpg

Just something I found with a google image search for "ego".
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Jeremyh
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 05:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Love the pics. I'm sure there are a few here that those fit all too well.

EGOMANIACS!!

HA HAHAHAHHAH this is a good day!!!
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Johncr250
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 05:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well said X1!

Some people here take it soo personally is you make comments about the "untouchable Buell".

Well i presently own one, and have owned two others in the past and i think there are alot of bikes out there that perform better and are much more reliable for a hell of a lot less money.

You know over the years how many Buell service techs have told me to stay away from them and that they are pieces of ? Those are thier exact words! Everyone of them that i`ve met, atleast 10.

Besides, there are many areas where Buells need serious attention:

shifting is terrible

6th gear please

more hp

terrible dealer network

service dept. that doesn`t fix anything

waranty dept. that doesn`t want to warranty covered parts that break under warranty

belts constantly breaking
tps issues
FI problems
numerous other mechanical issues

So after owning 20 plus bikes and riding many different manufactures i know Buell is not the holy grail of motorcyling. Overall On a scale of 1-10 i would rate them a 3.
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Crip2nite
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 05:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Gee John, In your profile you wrote why I ride a Buell"I love the sound and style. Nothing rides like a Buell. " What gives??? you're not flip-flopping on us are you?? Being from New York also, I'm not used to bumping into hypocrites. Pardon me but You gotta be doin' something wrong cause I give it a 10! and yes I've owned a couple harleys and sportbikes and none has ever given me as much pleasure as my XB!
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Crusty
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 11:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

sounds like we had several feet of snow on the ground.

WINTER SUCKS!!!
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Blake
Posted on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 - 02:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

My Buell and every other one I've ever ridden have shifted just fine.

I would like a 6th gear overdrive. Would be cool to cruise at 80 mph at a loping 3,400 rpm.

More HP might be nice. Already enhanced my Cyclone to 100 rwhp. Plenty for me.

My dealers are great.

Belt is great. Yes the '03s have problems. Fixed in '04. A roadside repair kit would be nice.

TPS issues? What issues? Having to have the shop do the reset on a new ECM? Big deal.

FI problems? There are none.

Numerous other mechanical issues? Uh, what might those be?

You are talking the new Buells right? I mean that is what this thread addresses, right?

Not sure calling everyone here a fool and the design principles of Buell bullshit and hype could ever be considered mere "comments about... Buell."

You rate Buell motorcycles a "3" out of ten then you are not a Buell enthusiast and probably shouldn't be here. Try Sacborg, they happily welcome disgruntled Buell bashers over there.
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Darthane
Posted on Wednesday, September 15, 2004 - 07:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Damn, I must be doing something wrong. My fuel injection works fine. My only complaint with the TPS is that I can't reset it myself. My 16,000 mile old belt looks (aside from being dirty) EXACTLY the same as the brand spanking new one I just put on (that would be an '03 belt, too, by the way). The bike shifts great - better than my buddy's Katana by FAR. Would I like more power? Sure. Do I need it, no, and in fact I'm satisfied with what I've got (perhaps 80 on a good day). 6th gear? Why bother, unless they can make it weight the same or less than the current 5-speed.

Dealers, that's another issue, but completely unrelated to the bikes themselves.
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