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Lawhook
Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 01:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm stressing this a little too much, and that is why I thought I would empty my questions a concerns here. I currently have a 2002 Honda 919 and have had it for around three years, using it to explore the west, drive to work in the mountains and an around town commuter. I have loved it and have had to do nothing but oil changes and new tires. Originally I had wanted a Buell m2 cyclone, but between not finding one at the time worth buying and finding the 919 which I also had love for, i decided the 919 would be more practical, hopefully needing less work, a get on and ride (which it was) type bike. Throughout the three years, i have constantly been looking at used Buells, hoping fate would deliver me one. So fate came and I still don't know what to do...I am currently in conversation with this guy who is willing to consider a trade, my 919 for his 1997 s3 thunderbolt with 12,000 miles and all the recalls done, as well as the 10,000 mile service. Now i admit I know little about bikes other then how to ride one, so my main concern is would the Buell be a good bike to me, both to learn to work on (how is the learning curve for someone who has no experience) which would save money and the need it would have to be worked on. I know 12,000 miles is nothing on a Honda but what about a Buell. I guess most importantly, I am really just looking for thoughts and opinions on what I should do. Just know, I really want a Buell but besides not owing anything on the bike, I really can not afford to lose out on the reliability and durability of the Honda. I hope I made some sense and any input will help...Thanks
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F_skinner
Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 01:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Lawhook, I am not familiar with the 919 but am sure it is a good bike. I personally like the 97 S3 and all other tubers because I can work on them but like all bikes, no matter what kind, it will give you some problems or challenges. That is a 11 year old bike so I would expect the same as with any other 11 year old bike. They are easy to work once you learn your way around them.

If you want to ride something different, not fit in anywhere except with other Buellers, don't care what other people think and want to part of an elite group of Motorcycle riders then the Buell is for you but I suspect you already know that if you have been looking at them for a while.

Lucky for you is that we have a few Buellers in Colorado Springs that are willing to help. I am no good with the XBs but have learned a little about the tube framed Buells. The mailing list for the Altitude Riders is http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Altituderiders /

Sign up, advice and help is free.

Also there is the Colorado Buell Riders on this site so help is never far away.

BTW: If he is local you might want to tell him about this site so he can advertise it if you decide not to get it. Also see if he has a service manual he can throw in. If not there are plenty that show up on ebay.

Frank
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F1johny
Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 03:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I had a 98 Thunderbolt for 10 years, it was an awesome bike. Had family emergency had to sell.
I cried.
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Lawhook
Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 03:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

F_skinner, i appreciate the input and I will mos. def. join the mailing list if I choose the bike, if not I will let him know about the web-site. F1johny, if i get this bike I will be the Kleenex to your tears, so your Thunderbolt memories will live on...I would still appreciate any other input from others, but I am really leaning towards getting the Buell, if he wants my 919. I will definitely be a Bueaholic after this 919, I was just debating if it was practical to "fall off this wagon" now, onto a 1997 S3 or wait for when I can afford something a little newer with less miles...But not knowing anything about the bikes other then how they feel and look, not their longevity, its a hard choice, that's why I appreciate all input, thanks again...
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Dark_horse
Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 06:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

lawhood,

My 98 s3t was 52,000 on it has been great small things to do but each time i would fix the issue and do the hop -up ...i use my to got to work and for long rides..its been easy to work on and easy to find parts or advice.
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Scott_in_nh
Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 10:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

As with all things mechanical, especially 11 year old ones - it could be the best or worse thing you have ever done.
You don't say whether you have ever ridden a Buell. If not, you need a test ride.
Riding it will tell you everything you need to know. If you cannot stop thinking about it after the ride - get it.
Obviously if it strikes you as a crude. kit bike you will want to keep that appliance - I mean Honda ; )
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Lawhook
Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 11:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Note-to-self
Only talk to Scott if you get the Buell.
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Lawhook
Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008 - 11:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks again for more advice and yes I have ridden a Buell and have compared it to a muscle car whereas the 919 is a 2 wheel souped-up civic. The reason I have been watching for a shooting star to make a wish for a Buell since I bought the Honda, is in fact because of that ride I had on a Cyclone. But thanks again Dark_horse and Scott, appreciate you taking the time from the Buell Dealership to convince me to stop on by <-----that's you guys cheering me on while I get one.
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F_skinner
Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 08:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Lawhook, whats the status... Trading or not? Looking forward to having another BadWeb Buller in Colorado Springs... Frank
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Lawhook
Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 09:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hopefully going to meet him at a Harley dealer tomorrow (I'm kind of scarred, pulling into the parking lot on a Honda). As long as none of those exiting the dealership convince him he should keep the Buell, I'm ok. Hey a real quick question...a coworker of mine has an old shovelhead he's owned since the 70's and he looked me dead in my eyes and said don't get anything carburated...Is it that bad, seeing as I'm going to be commuting from the Springs to Woodland Park area 5 days a week...I don't know just a question...anyways wish me luck, and if it doesn't work out, anyone want to donate a left side Buell decal so i can put it on the Honda and still ride with F_skinner as long as I don't pass anyone?
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F_skinner
Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 11:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Lawhook, you can ride with me anytime no matter what you ride. It is attitude that makes the difference. I am not sure what your shovelhead friend is talking about except for altitude out here. Some carbed bikes have a problem in the mountain passes but there are ways around that. It is a matter of being able to tune a carb and there are a couple of tricks to that. I will never buy another FI bike but...... I would have a hard time giving up my XB.

Good luck and keep us posted. I hope it works out the best for you. Frank
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Lawhook
Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 - 09:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

At the last minute, he e-mailed to let me know he found another bike he was interested in trading for...I am fiening for a Buell badly, and I feel as though *cough sigh cough* if I don't satisfy that need I just might





Hurry F_SKINNER and just sell me one of your's
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F_skinner
Posted on Friday, May 02, 2008 - 02:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Lawhook, I found a couple on Craigslist. The first one is a new listing. None of mine are for sale.


http://cosprings.craigslist.org/mcy/662804821.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/662807136.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/654538313.html
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Lawhook
Posted on Friday, May 02, 2008 - 08:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ya I've seen those (I told you I got Buell fever) and did you just post that last one as a joke that's the one I was going to trade for...I will you keep you updated on my journey entitled "The Never Ending Story" to find a Buell (I'm attempting to sell my bike first then i'll be able to do more then window shop)...
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