| Author | Message | ||
     Ft_bstrd |
I am too. I WANT A SUPER SINGLE!!!!!! | ||
| Naustin |
Yeah Glitch, i've used that one myself before... 100hp doesn't make a "Sportbike". I don't see where the XBs "fit with the Brand" | ||
| Ferris_von_bueller |
I'll be able to furnish my whole house by the time Buell is finished crushing their line of bikes as they become "obsolete". The Uly would make a nice patio table | ||
| Greenlantern |
We've gotten 24 pages of discussion from "dog bites man". Well it is a 360 lb. Dog....... | ||
| Sycho |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/158 664/337623.jpg Glitch, what's this picture of? Your project bike or? Looks Great. | ||
| Gregtonn |
It's official. The next Buell single will be the Boo Hoo   . G  | ||
| Mortarmanmike120 |
I don't see where the XBs "fit with the Brand That is the writing on the wall I see as well. I understand the point Glitch was making about the honda DOHC earlier but I don't think thats the same. "Ruthless Engineering" and an overweight-pushrod-aircooled engine do not seem compatible for long. XB's and the derivatives are likely paying the bills right now. (just my guess) Once a certain return is reached on the 1125 I bet the lump is put out to pasture. The thunderstorm will never be EB's F1 platform obviously. Which is fine. It's his name on the bikes and he can build whatever he likes. The 1125 seems to be a awesome engine but it's unlikely I'll make the jump when that day comes. For my streetriding the reliability and powerband of the thunderstorm is hard to beat. Interesting days ahead I'm sure. I personally think EB got tired of all the political threads on badweb and decided to stir the pot. | ||
| Fast1075 |
The 1125 is a GOOD START in the development of a Grand Prix powerplant. Facing the cold hard facts, the XB engine is a pretty good street bike engine within it's limitations. It's not fast by any means...but is pretty good for what it is. (Message edited by fast1075 on July 27, 2009) | ||
| Glitch |
The way I see it... The Blast wasn't selling well. I imagine the XB bikes will be cubed as soon as people quit buying them. The XB9R sure didn't last long after the XB12R came out. Just no any fanfare, it just didn't show up one year. No whining, no debate, I guess it wasn't loved by anyone not racing... Glitch, what's this picture of? Your project bike or? Looks Great. I wish. I just Googled "Blast Flat Tracker" and this thread came up: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=158664&post=789733#POST789733 | ||
| Fast1075 |
Does anybody sell a big street single anymore? I know all about the motards..I have utterly no use for one... | ||
| Jaimec |
Royal Enfield. BMW if you count the G650GS. | ||
| Glitch |
He said "big street single"   | ||
| Gregtonn |
The Blast Cube video is spreading. It made it here: http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/ G | ||
| Glitch |
Seriously though. Take a look at KTM | ||
| Fast1075 |
Nope...the Beemer is a motard...the Enfield would be a huge leap backwards..but thanks for the suggestions. | ||
| Fast1075 |
Thanks Glitch...but unless I missed something...the KTM's are motards too. The Bison is cool in a wierd sort of way...but most likely does not meet my "handling" criteria. (Message edited by fast1075 on July 27, 2009) | ||
| Glitch |
I guess it kind of looks like one. It sure is more comfortable than any SM I've ridden. It's a hoot to ride!  | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I expect the XB line to go away sometime as well. Why would it not? They'll keep the XB line as long as it's making money and is financially feasible. Buell is like any other company. They are in business to make money. | ||
| Lemonchili_x1 |
I'm happy to be corrected, but I don't think *anyone* makes a "supersport" style single cylinder at the moment, not bigger than 250cc anyway. Lots of cool motard stuff around though. Derbi make the Mulhacen 659, but it's more of a scrambler style. BMW make the G650Xcountry, but again more standard/scrambler style. Last sports single I can think of is the Yamaha SZR660, and the Gilera Saturno before that. Maybe the interest in 250cc and 450cc road racing classes might spawn some street bikes? I'm planning on making my own - naked bike, clip-ons, air-cooled 250cc (cheaper registration here) and a little something to give it some more power  | ||
| Mortarmanmike120 |
FB: Don't get me wrong. I agree, everything ends eventually. I'm not so naive to think they'll keep the thunderstorm forever. You're right, they are a business. But for some reason I get a sneaking suspicion the XB won't be around as long as I'd previously expected. As a side note. What characteristics define a motard as a motard. I've just always thought of them as street-dirtbikes. And as another side note, if that b/w KTM that glitch posted had a little different bodywork I think I'd dig it. It looks a little to 'anime' to me. | ||
| Fast1075 |
Thanks again for the visual Glitch...but with 35"+ seat height, I would have to ruin it to get it nearly low enough. All I can say is I am really not wanting to go to import land....but Kawi has a damn nice 650 twin...it's way heavy...but closer than anything else at this point. And I ain't ridin' a Slozuki... | ||
| Ezblast |
To answer an earlier group of points: Is Buell the ONLY manufacturer that didn't introduce a new model for 2010? Who cares - we are talking about Buell. 2008 was the last year that the Blast was part of the Buell line-up. They just made the termination from the line official for 2010. So? Had the announcement of the termination of the Blast been quiet would it have been better? Yes - because everyone expected it, and an honorable retirement beats being cubed - lol Would Blastards have been less offended? Yes Would Blast owners be ready to storm East Troy? After that add you would be hard pressed to find a Blast owner that would give EB the time of day, let alone go to East Troy. I'm disappointed that nothing has been ANNOUNCED for this year as a super single. Me too. I will be really sad if there is no super single in the future. I strongly believe there is a market. I also. If I only purchased the Goldwing and would never buy any other Honda model, am I a fan of Honda or the Goldwing?Both - the Goldwing is one of their flag ships. If I only purchased the GSXR and would never buy any other Suzuki model, am I am fan of Suzuki or the GSXR? GSXR, but that is not what the topic is about - have they cubed any of their bikes? If I only purchased the Blast and would never buy any other Buell model, am I a fan of Buell or the Blast? You would be Ralph the 3rd - I on the other hand have recommended all the different bikes to different riders, as I have said before, I like Buell motorcycles, however, this ad campaign bites. I believe there were similar grumblings when Buell went away from the Sportster plant to the XB line. I KNOW there were grumblings (and still are) when Buell introduced the 1125 Rotax power plant. Was Buell intentionally pissing off THOSE buyers and loyal customers too? Did he cube any of those bikes? This line of questioning is worthless. We've picked up a significantly larger "squid" contingent with the 1125 platform. No shit, and you know you love em - its all I hear in the boardroom - lol Was it worth it if the price was pissing off the last generation of Buell owner? With business this tight - it was a fool move. I don't know. I do. EZ | ||
| Glitch |
The Ninja 650R is a really nice bike. | ||
| Glitch |
After that add you would be hard pressed to find a Blast owner that would give EB the time of day, let alone go to East Troy. No kidding? That's some pretty hurt feelings. Piss poor ad campaign I agree, but damn. | ||
| Fast1075 |
There used to be plenty of good bikes to tweak into cool stuff...The Brits were (and are) the kings of Cafe'.Start out with a whole bike, replace most of it and pile the remains in the corner. The old stuff is so rare now, you dare not build one and ride it hard...you might break a piece that can't be replaced. What would be cool would be to find that mythical old barn with a pair of complete RZ350's and cases of spare race kit parts. | ||
| Fast1075 |
Looked at those over the weekend Glitch...the 650r, Er-6, and Versys? are the same basic bike....but get this...only the Versys? has adjustable damping...The ER has the lower seat height...a BIG deal for me...I REFUSE to tippy toe on one foot at a stop. | ||
| Ezblast |
Its just a bike, and all that goes with it, I personally like Buell's line of bikes - besides being American, they have come a long way in improving the brand, and though I know I wouldn't want something that could get me in serious trouble like the 1125R, I still admire the bike and what Erik had to do to achieve its build. By that same token - not knowing his full role - humans still made a bad decision on how to retire the Blast. Of course a good number of owners took it personally, who could blame them. If it had been an 1125 with the words - We don't need this foreign stuff, etc. Anyway, they finally have an all Black 9, and that's the twin I've been waiting on, probably won't change a thing on it, just maintenance, and riding - hope it can take it - coming from the rider of Buell's most reliable model. A super-single would have been nice, especially those Rotax units (even the 450 unit is impressive)- sigh - ahhh well - guess I'll be splitting my time between a single and a twin for now - at least its one I would buy. EZ | ||
| Geforce |
We've picked up a significantly larger "squid" contingent with the 1125 platform. Says what facts? If that WERE true, don't you think that would be a good thing? Isn't the ENTIRE point of owning/operating a business in the first place? To grow your customer base and expand? Bad Buell! How dare you grow your customer base and go racing! How dare you expand and be profitable! Capitalists! Sheesh... EZ, I think you are traveling down a very destructive opinionated path. One that is very sticky and laden with personal affliction and to focused on the past. If you truly feel disgusted to this point, write a letter. I for one do not run nor pretend to understand the inner workings of BMC. Erik and his family of diligent and resourceful employees have kept it alive now for many a moon. I am sure they are planning great things for the future; the BEST thing we could all do is wait patiently and see history unfold. 2009 has been a wonderful year for Buell. I am very... overjoyed with pride and respect for all the hours of work each member of that team has dedicated on the 1125r project and the company itself. When I was at homecoming one of the factory members said... "Homecoming is like Christmas for us, we get to meet the people who ride and live what we build and work so hard to create. That in itself is better than any paycheck." The Blast is unfortunately gone, I can think of no better way to honor such a tough warrior than to crush it. It is going out with a "bang" and I think that is fitting for such a "cute" little motorcycle. It would be the equivalent of slamming an 1125r into a race wall barrier at 150+ MPH. Meanwhile BMC has more important issues at hand I speculate. 1. How can we further our racing program? *I know, let's build a Superbike that is affordable, balanced, and attractive to privateer racers!* 2. How can we reach out to new customers and really get their attention? *Hey let's capitalize on our recent success and see what we can do to improve the future!* 3. How can we improve our current products and keep our loyal customers happy? *Oh snacky cakes! The BOB is offensive to current owners! - Surely even those who are most turned off by it find some humor in it. I could be wrong though.* 4. What about the Blast? What do we do with it? How do we tell the owners it's going away? *There isn't an easy way to do this. Video tape it riding off into the sunset? No it's tougher than that. Bury it behind the factory and say some words? Nope, the Blast is cute, but it's tougher than that. Hmmm, how about send it out in a blaze of glory! That's the ticket and about the only that could stop one anyways!* A lot of the bickering and unsteady feelings toward the "BOB" and Blast "desecration" I truly feel are the result of us all not knowing what is next. And for some that leaves the mind to wander and then fear sets in. Almost like you feel your best friend has left you stranded in the middle of the desert without even a cup of water. I empathize with you however; you should know BMC is going to be there, but you have to have patience. The phrase... "If you build it, they will come..." comes to mind. Let Erik build it the way he wants to build it. I understand people are upset and distraught and feel like BMC is making fun of the Blast, but I truly don't see it that way. I urge you to sit back and enjoy the ride. I have no formal/informal knowledge of BMC's intentions. Something is in the air; they obviously have everyone's attention. It's only a matter of time before we glean the future. Odd it seems... something similar happened in the car world back in 1987 concerning the end of the "Grand National Project" by Buick. Apparently GM didn't like the fact that Buick had a V6 sedan out that would blow the doors off of the flagship Corvette. Similar to Star Wars *hopefully you relate to this EZ* Executive Order 66 was initiated and the GN was no more... Buick had their last Hoorah however... The last 547 were sent off to ASC/McLaren for upgrades and badged "Grand National Experimental". THAT is a sad story. There was no flashy decommissioning ceremony, no flags flown, no confetti or speeches made. Buick knew they had been caught and it was time to pay up. They snuck the last ones off the line and hurriedly got them to their final destination. At least Erik took the time to send the Blast out in a blaze of glory, and I am pretty sure *speculation...apologies* that they have parts on hand to support current customers for some time. Understand that I do not share the love for that motorcycle. I do however respect it because it WAS a BUELL. There was a time I would like to have one just to play with, but I can assure you it would not get the miles like my 1125 or XB would. Apologies for the long winded post. I am not accustomed to seeing so much hoopla being spouted over a few changes and advances. I know the riders here all feel like BMC is a part of our family. It is, and I know that will always prevail. It's American, it's resilient and full of passion. Even passionate people must make sacrifices for the sake of the future. After all... A species that is weak is a species that is doomed to extinction.  | ||
| Ezblast |
Dude - my opinion is mine, destructive - htfu - I've never read so much hot air, then wave a flag - please - and a cube is not a blaze of glory - step away from the pipe! EZ | ||
| Geforce |
Of course your opinion is yours; I never ONCE said you aren't entitled to it. I did however infer that perhaps a bit of patience would be a good thing. Obviously I do care that some of you are very upset about what is going on but my intent isn't to cover up a wound with "feel good". Maybe some logic, which usually reaps the best results. Your idea of "blaze of glory" and mine I am sure are different. I spent two years in Afghanistan and I got a few blazes myself that resulted in the loss of blood and the addition of metal that gives me a very distinguished freedom to "wave a flag". And I will wave the flag for this American company. Try re-reading what I said and think about the point I am trying to convey. None of us have any idea what is going on. Rather than sit around and complain about the unknown, why not wait and see what really happens? But, that would make for a very boring forum I guess. So right on Brother. Keep it up! Oh here ya go, and no pipe smoking for me, still active duty. |
