| Author | Message | ||
     Bob Bueller |
Greetings, I'm new to your forum. I own a 95 Thunderbolt, and an 02 Cyclone. Love 'em both. My little brother has an 05 XB12S. I currently have 7 other bikes/projects; >Two 81 Yamaha XV920Rs (euro model) one of which is heavily modified into cafe racer, while the other is stock waiting for modification. >An 83 Yamaha Seca 900R. I'm almost finished its rebuild and streetfighter/cafe racer mods. I was going to sell it, but my brother likes it so much, what heck, I'm going to give it to him for his 40th birthday next month. > 67 Triumph Bonneville restoration project. > 71 BSA B50 500cc single cafe racer project. > 71 Triumph 250 vintage trials bike project. > 66/67 Triton project. (67 Triumph Bonneville engine in a 66 Norton Featherbed frame) This is by far my favorite project. I have almost all of the parts I need to put this bike together, of course some fabrication will be involved. I can't wait to ride this beast. Okay, I have few comments: 1. Winter sucks. I once lived in San Diego (or Sandy-Ego), but I got stupid and moved back east. Now I'm in PA and its snowing. Fortunately Pennsylvania does have a huge motorcycle population and incredible roads. But I do miss canyon racing and Ortega Highway out west. 2. Anyone else besides me noticing how the tube frame Buells are disappearing? They're being scarfed up, the motors are getting ripped out of them and put into chopper frames (Redneck Choppers are the main culprit). The same thing happened to 1960s Triumph twins. In the sixties the U.S. got 85% of all Triumph Bonnevilles sold in the world. Nowadays, it's tough to find a complete 60s Triumph Bonneville with matching numbers (fortunately I have one). Triumphs were chopped to death. There are lots of parts but few complete bikes. The same thing is happening with the tube framed Buells. Ever notice all of the "Buell rolling chassis" for sale on ebay? Complete 60s Bonnevilles are now worth 4-5 times their original value. Tube framed Buells are going to be rare and extremely collectible 20 years from now. Don't get me wrong, I love modifying my bikes, I can't leave anything stock, but I'm not going to have or support the chopping of Buells. SAVE THE BUELLS! > Why are most H-D/Buell dealerships unsupportive of Buells and Buell owners? There are few dealerships that show support for these great bikes. The best Buell dealership by far is "Schaeffer's H-D Buell in Orwigsburg PA, and the worst by far is H-D Buell of Maryland in Elkridge MD (I used to live near there and would have to the far side of Baltimore to get parts and friendly support). I think it would be in Buell's (Erik & CO.) best interest to establish a separate dealer network. This may be tough. Or maybe Harley should get their crap together and support this fine product and their fine Buell customers. H-D certainly supports their "Harley lifestyle" customers. Alright I've rambled enough. Later, BuellBob | ||
| Hotrats |
Bob Bueller- HI!, I'm new here too... had to comment on your 'projects' wow, you've got a lot going on. yesterday, i saw some pics of a triton on a web site. that will be a nice bike when you're finished. andyh | ||
| Midwayav8r |
Well, having read what Bob Bueller had to say I have to agree. I live near Savannah, GA and the dealership here won't even work on Buell. Fortunately we have John's V-Twin here. He is a Buell and Harley maintenance facility and rides both bikes. Actually he bought my first Buell from me and fell in love and is now addicted. He does all the work on my 12Scg. The Harley dealership here is sad anyway, but their lack of support for the Buell is appalling. However, I travel a bunch and other dealerships are jumping off the Buell bandwagen as well. I stopped by the HD/Buell dealership in Bristol, TN, after seeing the BUELL sign. No Buells and no clothing! Same in Charleston, SC. I was looking for a freaking tshirt or something. Now, I have to say that I purchased my Buell from Ocala HD, by phone, and they delivered the bike (free) to me in SAV, GA. I have never been to Ocala HD, but I think they could qualify as support group, and I might add, with awesome prices and support. Every encounter with the dealership was awesome. Did I mention that SAV HD sucks? I agree with Bob that Eric should insist that HD let him start his own dealerships and support and I recommend John's VTwin and the first Buell dealership and warranty service base. This bike will go the way of Edsel if Eric doesn't get off his •••. I might add that I bought my first Buell (XB9SL) off eBay and I have now bought Buell racing boots and an excellent Buell Razorback Leather Jacket off eBay. Thanks | ||
| Jsquared |
Hi all! Well, here I am... we just dealt my V-Rod in on a 2006 XB9SX - sight unseen until at least the end of January. I hope I love it as much as my hubby (Rumbles) thinks I will! | ||
| Hotshoe36 |
30 + years of riding experience and now I have a Buell. It's an '01 M2 and, though the weather's been a bit nippy I've had to go for a ride every day since I brought 'er home. LOVE THE BIKE! Mark | ||
| hotshoe36 |
I live near Vancouver, BC, by the way. Anyone close? | ||
| Rashika |
hi all new to this forum, had some nice bloke from Sports-touring.net put me on to it and I'm so pleased that he did! Very cool to find a site with so much info about Buells  anyway a little about me I suppose. I'm a kiwi (yep another one) and I still actually live here, on what we call the mainland or south island. Been riding for about 12 years on a couple of different bikes, but now I ride an XB12R bought a couple of months ago and am absolutely loving it! My best mate in the other island up north has an X1 lightning and that was what mostly motivated me to getting one. Took a Firebolt out for a test ride in March and after that the hunt was one to find one for me. Managed to get a damn fine one from a guy who imports them into NZ from the states. He's done it up well to race for himself and then had to sell it...sad for him, great for me! So its now unique with a custom paintwork in the H-D racing colours, and gets very well noticed especially when i jump on it. hmm what else? Well i'm separated, have 2 nutty burmese cats and even nuttier Staffordshire terrier, and a BF who rides Guzzis....some would say he's the nuttiest of the lot  and thats about it folks, catch ya later | ||
| Bushwick_bill |
I have just acquired a 1998 S1 with 3300 miles for practically nothing (2000$). I have wanted a Buell for some time; now that I have one, I am exited, to say the least. I also have an 05 1200R, so at this point the S1 will be a play bike, for now anyway. I believe that this site will be a big help in getting me acquainted with my Buell. Boyd | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Concur with Bob Bueller! Sadly when one is able to purchase a 1998 S1 for $2000 and no Sportster is going to go for under $3000 (in running condition, no matter how old) and the Buell is a hotter motor, they are gonna get chopped up. I've seen new bikes go for $5500.Its a cheap way to build a chopper and a waste of a good race bike. Very sad. | ||
| Bushwick_bill |
My Buell isn't going to be chopped. I think they will be collectable in the future, kind of like the XR's. I plan to keep this one. Boyd | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Glad to hear it. Oh,by the way, welcome and congrats on a good deal! | ||
| footie |
Yo Josh! Do you ride in NC often? What about rt.28 through the corner of georgia to clemson? | ||
| Cali_rider |
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays fellow Buellers. Ride safe and FAST in '06 | ||
| chad clinton kennedy |
hello,i am 46 years old and just now caught up with the 20th century. never had a computer till now! i bought a 99 x1 in sept. 98 and with 3 kids still have been able to get over 21k on it. it's a keeper but getting very tired. i hope to freshen up the top end and upgrade that dang front roter soon. iv'e heard the 2000 roter would retro fit. not sure though. i can't wait to check out the rest of this site. started riding at 8,racing motocross at 12. have a 883 i turned into a street tracker as well. now a 1200 with the x1 heads! great to have a site like this. will check out tech forums as soon as possable for suggetions on my rebuild. thanks, tex | ||
| Loubob |
Just found this site today. I don't know why I haven't located it before. Glad to see so many committed Buell owners. I wasn't even thinking about the way Buells could be picked up and stripped for their engine. I have A '98 S3T Defender. Don't know who has seen one of these but I guess they made 12 of them with special paint, lights, and sirens as police escorts for the 95th anniversary 4 corners riders. I got mine with the lights and siren still working so it has a certain look. A comment on the dealers: I take my bike to Lake Erie Harley Buell in Avon, Ohio where they have been nothing but responsive to me. They also own Elyria Harley Davidson Buell in Elyria and are similarly responsive. If there is someone in the dealership that can champion the brand, then the attitude and service reflect that. Otherwise, Buells become poor cousins. There is dealership a half mile from my house that is that way. A couple of years ago Harley pressured some dealers to take on Buells in order to get more bikes and the service at these dealerships reflected this and consequently a number then dropped carrying Buells. Hopefully, we can use this as a source for responsive dealers, etc. Hope everyone has safe riding for the new year | ||
| Dave |
Chad-you'll use the newer rotor. I doubt the old p/n is available. Loubob-Very cool...there was quite a bit posted about those special edition Buells just a month or 2 back. DAve | ||
| Grimace308 |
hello. xb12x on 12/28/06 and its my first buell minneapolis minnesota old fat man chris very very boring person :P | ||
| 1313 |
Loubob, Some S1W Enforcer stuff was posted around a month ago. I also snuck in some S3-T Defender stuff in my posts. Page 1 Page 2 Last Page The key word in what I typed above is 'some' as these are really unique and rare Buell's and information does not turn up on them regularly. I, for one, would love to see some pics of your S3-T Defender- 1313 | ||
| Gibson |
whats up fellow buell riders. stoppin in to say "SUP" i got my firebolt over the last summer and i cant get enough of it. such an awsome ride | ||
| G234146 |
Just became a proud Buell owner! 2006 XB12R. What and experience! Very responsive, light, and powerful. I'm glad I found a site for Buell enthusiasts since it is such a niche group. I'd been looking around for something sporty but not the usual fare. Buell has the style, innovation, and tude' that I'm looking for. Hello Buell Folks!!! | ||
| Retired_cop |
Greetings All, New to this site as a user but a dedicated Buell owner since 98. Currently in the garage in order of age are a 1983 Honda Ascot FT500 with 9500 miles, a 1987 Husqvarna 510TE motocross 4 stroke, a 1994 Kawasaki KLR250 with 7800 miles,a 1998 S3T Amazon Green with factory race kit and big bags with no fairing lowers ( they scraped in the corners )with 28000 miles, a 2000 Harley FLHTCI ElectraGlide Classic suede green and black with 38000 miles, and my favorite of all a 2006 stealth black XB12X Ulysses with hard luggage. As you can see from my profile, I am 53 and after 40 years of riding on and off road have finally found what I think is the perfect all around bike. My wife likes it better than the dresser, which is for sale by the way, and we cannot wait to get it down south in the Smokies and run the Dragon a few times this spring or summer. I will have to wait for our son since he will be on the Honda unless he talks the old man into the S3. Good luck kid! Anyway, just wanted to say hey and thank all who post for there ideas, input, opinions and love of a fantastic brand BUELL!!!!!!! Tim Young | ||
| Tim Seberger |
Hey, I came accross this site in a google search. I am a Marine in Iraq and returning homein two months. I was thinking of buying a buell here tax free and was wondering which to get. I am into sportbikes but the sporty buells are small. I'm 6'0" 230, so I have to have a little room, but I'm not sure I want to go for the bigger lightening long. I read a good review of them in a moto mag but isn't the lightening a Sport touring bike? How much performance will I lose there? Call me crazy but I want a bike that can wheelie, not that I will all the time, but I'd feel better knowing I could. especially if I'm spending for new. I would appreciate any feedback, because I obviously won't get a test ride here in the sand. Thanks for your thoughts. fixit335@excite.com | ||
| Jlnance |
Tim - Welcome to Badweb, Thanks for your time in Iraq, I'm sure you're ready to get home. The lightening is not a sport touring bike. Thats probably the Ulysses you are refering to. It and the lightning long came out this year. Both of them will wheelie just fine. And you can ride the Ulysses in the sand if you want to, its sort of a dual sport. I can't tell you too much about the long. It's release has been overshadowed by the Ulysses, so it hasn't gotten nearly as much press or excitement. It may however, be exactly the bike for you. Give them both a try if you can. BTW, I'm 6'2, 230 lb. I don't find the smaller Buells cramped, though I know that some people do. So don't rule them out before you try them. | ||
| Pinky 2Race |
Hey. Pinky here. Hope all is well with all my bikin buddies around the world as well as all of yours! It's gonna be a new year in just a few hours. I have a new years resz. Mine is to ride the hella out of my beauty 99 X1. I've been around bikes all my life but the Buell gave me thrills like no other. Sport bikes is where its at. I've had sportsters & a big twin. They were cool. I've had the old classics triumph bonnie & BSA. They were fun too. But the Buell... Now that was life changing. My brothers (blood) were clubers... I thought they were cool. I was 8 years old then. My first husband was too. Some of my thoughts have change on clubs. Outlaw bikers & such. Rather a novaltiy any more. the world is not the same as it use to be. It's getting bigger in many ways and smaller in others. I've met so many people on the internet through ebay. I deal parts on ebay for the Buells mostly. Great bikes! If I have my way they will be some of the best in their class! The S1s slick bitches! The M2s comin up in the world! The X1s Beauty bitches! PHAT Bike! Love mine! Like the fuel injection, It keeps me in check. Plus, the carbed babies have something to reach for. Usually my rear! LOL! But I think I have something to watch out for! Friend of mine races texas world sw. is running a set of the dual carbs that I sell and came in on a new motor at the sw. .04 of a sec under the track record which was left by a Suzuki 1000 2 years ago. Seems to me if ya'll are wanting to reach for something for this NEW YEAR & speed is the need... Come see me Pinky  ) or write might be easier.. I'm into bikes.. I might be able to meet the need for speed. High performance so you got to know what your doing or I can't be responsible for what you do to your bike! I really hope you all have the best of the new year to come. Thanks to all my friends I've made on the net this year & last! Hope all were happy with what you recieved from me in the past! If any of you have any problems with your parts I hope you would write me because I take good care of my Buell riding buddies! Hope to get you some cool stuff this next year too! Thinking like... how about a push shock for those Buells in stead of a pull? workin on it! Come see me at ebay! Pinksbillet. Trying to set up shop again as somethings were pulled out from under me, so my lstings are limited but they will be the same as the Billet 2Race shop was. Peg relocaters for the m2s B!thch!n foot pegs! Racers love them nothing to think about!} | ||
| Smoothrod |
Hello everyone, im new to this forum! Im in the process of buying a XB9S from a local dealer. Need everyones thoughts on the deal that they made me. 03 XB9S with 2200 miles on it. I have them down to $5200.00 | ||
| Florida_thunder |
Hey everyone, I'm an experienced rider who was tired of rice rockets and "me too" bikes. After a few years without a bike, it was time to be back on two wheels. I'm new to the site and I'm sure I'll find interesting stuff here. Just wish I had more time. A friend of mine who races with Buell at Willow Springs in California gave me the pep talk when I was shopping for a sport touring bike in 2004. Now, I ride a 1999 S3 that is fairly stock but has the V&H exhaust and slightly lower handlebars than stock with the Carbon Fiber Air filter instead of that funny airbox thing that comes from Buell. I do not use the lower fairings and have added some reflective graphics to the rest of the bike and saddlebags. Hopefully, I'll be seen by those cell phone talking - coffee sipping - radio adjusting - or just distracted car drivers before it's too late. I worry more about bad drivers than I do about breaking down so I wear a protective riding suit and helmet (not so common in Florida). I've owned my Buell for less than a year (and racked up 4,000 city miles) but have repaired a few things while having less than 12,000 miles on the bike. I did not expect that originally but I accept it now and I still love the bike regardless. I bought the 99 Buell Thunderbolt S3 because I wanted a sport touring bike and the S3(T) was the only American bike of those specks. In 1999 the "T" went away but the saddlebags remained and I have both sets but only use the smaller ones. I don't think that the Ulysses has the same appeal as the S3(T)'s had, for me it's too tall to feel sporty and I don't plan on getting off the road or even curb hopping. I hope that Buell offers a better "sport" -touring solution but I have given some thought to a Firebolt with those little saddlebags in the future and it doesn't get much sportier than that. On the other hand, although I often borrow or rent sport bikes and sport-touring bikes in Europe and California, I live in Florida and I cannot find any really good roads here after I spend a few days chasing the wind in the mountains and canyons. This is part of what pushed me away from the pure sport bikes to begin with. Plus I ride my bike, I mean ride it a lot and in any weather (Florida style weather is usually either wet or beautiful anyway) Saddlebags hold the rain suit and tools (need those sometimes) plus those little extras and gear that makes the bike a usable form of transportation rather than a toy. I like that my bike is kind of rare and unique but I too have found a lot of Harley Dealers who tell me that they used to sell t-shirts and such years ago but no longer do. I've been to no less than 30 Harley shops throughout America this year and found only two so far that were really backing the gear and bikes and less and less are even carrying or repairing the bikes anymore. On the other hand I have found a couple of good values on t-shirts from the clearance racks. Some of the dealers have at least one Buell enthusiast but more and more are backing away from them. I've found postings by not-so-local BRAG groups that have confirmed that this is true around many areas. I agree that this is a shame and makes it difficult to convince other interested riders that it's time to think different, think Buell. When my local Harley shop closed out the Buell line they told me that the young kids want cheep and fast rice rockets and the older guys want cruisers so there was no demographic for the bikes in my area. Originally I bought the bike thinking that there are Harley dealers everywhere and that gave me good Buell coverage. Now I accept that the Buells are a specialty bike. I too wish that the loss of support from the Harley Dealers would convince Buell to franchise out the bikes and merchandise to someone who cares. I feel that the brand is largely ignored but most people who get Buells love them and promote them even more than many other bikes they may have now or in the past. I know I'll be keeping mine for better or worse. I'll take the rumble of a well tuned and muffled 1200cc two banger over the whine of a powerhouse rice rocket any day, especially for street riding. I'm interested to know the good the bad and the ugly about these bikes because I'm stuck on them now. Feel free to keep me informed as to what to expect from my Buell as it gets older. Preventative stuff whenever possible, I'm sure you know what I mean. I've included a picture of me riding on the curviest road I know of that is close to me in West Florida. My other rides in the mountains and such were on other brands of bikes. I'll bring a camera when I get the chance to take my bike up to the Tail Of The Dragon. I also gave some thought to riding the Thunderbolt at a track day at Jennings in North Florida. Any thoughts? Seems like the best way to really learn the limits of the bike. I'm just scared that I might find the limits of the bike and bang it up. Any ideas? I hope the other Buellers out there have a great New Year. Watch for cars...  | ||
| Jlnance |
Welcome to the board Flordia | ||
| Bob Bueller |
Hello again fellow Buellers, It was really great to see that there are others out there who truly understand what's going on with these great bikes, both good and bad. It is especially wonderful to see such passion. I thank you all. January 1st: In the a.m. I dug my motorcycle trailer out of the snow (stupid snow), loaded up the Cyclone and headed from Reading PA to my brother's place in York. Unloaded my precious M2, and then my brother (XB12R), and nephew(YamR6) got on our bikes and headed south into Maryland to meet up with a couple of friends on their bikes (X1 & Duc900). It was a little brisk, low 40s, but an enjoyable ride. Twisty country roads, some peg scraping and watching out for the wet spots, and those really fun roll-on 5000rpm wheelies while cresting hills (and I know you know what I'm talking about). We eventually stopped for a late lunch at a little redneck bar out in the boonies, told some jokes, some lies, and some stories, and eventually got warm. We then headed out to do it all again. Sadly, the sun got low and so we split up, and went our separate ways. What a wonderful day and a great break from cabin fever. Man, I needed that. To all all of you Buellers: Have a great New Year. Be safe, take care of your bikes, and enjoy life. Over-n-out, Bob Bueller | ||
| Alatriste |
Hi everyone, new at this forum and new as a Buell owner as well. What to say??  , I have followed this forum since I took the decision of buying my buell, ;(according to my friends I was crazy, nobody had heard about it). Ok let go to my profile, I am Spanish, living currently in Madrid , Lived abroad for 9 years, (Europe, South America and Far East). My job?? buff quite boring ...Business consultant (yep a s...). I hope IŽll be able to contribute to this forum in the same way you did for me. Un saludo | ||
| Jayvee |
Hey everybody, finally got me a Buell, after wanting one ever since... Got a used one, though, 2000 M2. (what I can afford...) Hardly ridden it, been raining here ever since I bought it. Fellow had it before me, fixed it up a bit, has the Race Kit air cleaner, V&H exhaust, a BrakeTech front rotor, Penske shock, Banke rear-sets/shifter/brake pedal, Storz steering damper and pegs. Plus a few other little things. I did find a few things to spend money on already though Hey Bob Beuller, I got the Yamaha XV920R also, pretty stock. When I park the M2 beside it, they have a lot in common. Except for the shakes... I live in the San Francisco Bay area by the way, lots of good roads around, but they're getting mudslides on Highway 1 right now. Waiting for a break in the rain... (Message edited by JayVee on January 03, 2006) |
