| Author | Message | ||
     Paulinoz |
Last night I parked the 99M2 in the dealers bike park and walked away without even a glance back over my shoulder. I was just to excited about getting the new bike to consider it's or my feelings. Sounds flakey but have spent this mornning at work thinking about the bike and what it has done to my life, never has a purchase changed my life or direction so much. 5 years ago I needed somthing different the HD FLSTC was'nt doing it for me any more, the XR600 was a hoot but I needed more. I purchased the M2 first 99 to arrive in this part of the world and it started. The problems and issues with the tube frame models and the dealer surport have been thrashed out more than enough over the years but in life you play the cards you are given and move on. The formentioned problems sent me in search of help first to Morgan and Whacker Qld Aust then a phone call to Hall's service department and somewhere in there I was pointed at Badweb. 5 years later I am now looking back at the effect that purchase has had on my life. In 1999 I chased Erik down a mountain in Qld Australia in the rain while he chased a bike that was in front (a BMW from memory) was I up to the chase at the time, I think not but I kept telling myself he is on the same bike as me if he can get around the corner at this speed in these condition's so can I and we did. Dinner that night I sat next to Ross and Erik and listend to stories of a home comming in the US when nearly 200 Buells turned up. I think it was Ross who poitned out that the 30 Buells Australia had mustered for this 2 day event represented about 30% of the owners in Australia at the time, so when the US got 3000 plus Buells together they could then compare it to the little down under event. 2000 & 2001 I attended the Buell homecoming's if you did'nt go you will never know what you missed out on. I remeber a young girl getting around the carpark on Black S1, if my memory is right it was the same bike that picked up a 167 MPH record this year on the salt. The people I met at those events changed my mind about human nature in general and Americans in particular. 2002 I spent 2 weeks in the Colarado Rockies with a bunch of people from all over the world, once again if you did'nt go you will never know what you missed, but just ask anybody that was there and you will here the stories that came out of an aborted attempt to go salt racing that could'nt have turned out better if it had been planed for a year. 2003 Bonneville World of speed, it went from "looks like not to many going this year" to a 200' long pit area with aprox 49 people and I never did count the number of bikes. I have said it befor in this post but it holds true "if you did'nt go you will never know" So 5 years ago I thought I purchased a new bike, what I got instead was a huge bunch of people from all over the world I now consider very close friends, hollidays to destinations I would not have ever considered and I am preparing to go Salt racing in Austarlia in 2004. I arrive at work each day and spend at least the first half hour (if not longer) cheecking out Badweb and Sacborg. So this innocent purchase has changed my circle of freinds, changed the way I spend vacation time even changed the way I spend time at work. Would any of this have happened if the M2 had not had any problems I will never know ( but I doubt it). So looking back on my ownership experience (sounding like a marketing type) would I have changed anything that has happened. At the time when the M2 was not working correctly I would have given it back in a hartbeat, but in hindsight no bloody way. This is not a new thread on the Pros and cons of Buell's , websites or anything. Just my way of saying farewell to my M2 and thanks for the memories. PS: I don't know where this XB12R will take me in the next few years but I doub't it will be as far as the M2 but you never know. | ||
| Easyflier |
Isn't it funny how the things that challenge us the most seem to give us the fondest of memories. While I've only been on a Buell for less than a year I can also say that I've met some really good people that I never would have known otherwise. | ||
| Phillyblast |
Paul, Good on ya, mate - I think our formal "howdyado" was when you checked for a "chrome stripe" on my helmet at Aaron's place after the Saturday AM run in '02 I still say I had plenty of room. I admire your life philosophy, and still (mis?)quote what you said on the deck that night when people ask me why on earth I would ride my bike to Colorado and back and detour just so I could see Crazy Horse and Rushmore - "When you're lying on your death bed, are you going to look back and count your money, or your memories?" Life, indeed, is what you make it, and if you're alive you ought to bloody live. The Buell is Dead, long live the Buell, and dangit, I guess I gotta figure out a way to get Down Under to watch some racing. I wish you many happy miles on the XB - I'm proud to call you my friend. David | ||
| Bads1 |
Paul I to had a M2 bought new and has brought new friends and memory's.I traded her in this past August for a XB12S and didn't look back.....much but I miss it some.Lots of hard work into that one.The new XB's have a whole different personality,but you'll love it the same.By the way where were you for the 20th?????And maybe we can see you this summer.There might be something brewing this June for a Homecoming of sort. | ||
| Paulinoz |
"By the way where were you for the 20th?????" I tried but was allready booked to Co in September for Bonneville, had to make do with a phone call to wish him happy 20th at 3 am my time but thats a whole nother story. "When you're lying on your death bed, are you going to look back and count your money, or your memories" amen to that and I ain't the religious type. | ||
| Gearhead |
There must be something about the M2. I had been away from cycling for over 10 years when I bought my new 2000 M2 from HD/Buell in Waterloo, IA. and met DaveS. I attended my first sportbike ride and found out in short order that I really knew nothing about riding a motorcycle!! Rather than laugh at me, several of the guys started helping me become a better rider. Thanks to IaMike I learned what counter steering was all about along with the help of many others. The next summer DaveS and I (the Iowa Twins) went to our first track school at the Buell sponsored Road America event which was the beginning of several more schools and track days. I’ve attended several events related to bikes since and met literally 100’s of folks that I would have never met had I purchased another brand including an hour and a half visit with Erik a summer ago!! It’s been a great time that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I also traded in my beloved Molten Orange M2 for the lady in red XB12R. The M2 is still on the dealer’s floor which haunts me every time I go in there. Did it bite me in the butt a few times? Yea, but not hard until I made the deal to trade it off and in the month’s time I waited for the new one I got to spend some cash on it because it KNEW what was about to happen. The bottom line; it was a great bike to get back into cycling and it’s a great brand to met some really great folks, real folks, not posers, who are passionate about motorcycles and life!! I can only hope the XB comes close to the amount of enjoyment the M2 gave me. For that I’m very grateful, thanks to the Great Pumpkin... | ||
| Bads1 |
Gearhead my bike is probably parked right next to yours on Daves floor.I hope she goes to someone that took care of her the way I did.She was more of a show piece then anything. | ||
| Ferris |
Paul, my head's in a spin of late, so many emotions, so little brain matter, and... ...so maybe i'm especially susceptable to musings from a kindred spirit right now. nonetheless. your softspoken words are calming and exhilarating at the same time, and speak to a small, special place in my heart and soul. isn't it amazing the things a simple motorcycle can do. ride to lean, FB | ||
| M1combat |
Hmm, so what you are saying is that I've just gotten myself into something more than a motorcycle with the purchase of an XB12R. I'll be looking forward... | ||
| Court |
>>>>"By the way where were you for the 20th?????"  Trust me, Paul made his arrangements to insure he participated in a HUGE way and it was very much appreciated. I still laugh looking back...he was on the verge of two trips to the USA that would have been separated by only days. I can say, after my 18 years, it just continues to get better! Congratulations (even though you have parted with one of the BEST MOTORCYCLES EVER MADE......and I can prove it. | ||
| Pilot |
You had better believe it. Buell changed my life forever. I have been given opportunities to meet so many people,visit places I never knew existed, all because I heard of some one putting sportster motors in his own frame,reading an article about a 1998 Cyclone,being able to front up at the factory late one Tuesday afternoon,announcing that I was from Australia and wanted to see some motorbikes.Sure was the reply Court Canfield will be out to show you the assembly line and by the way this lady is in charge of exports,this gent is the vice president,Erik is on the phone to a journalist from Australia and he wants to see you after the tour in his office.Court wheeled out a 99 X1 onyx alloy, they had been released on Saturday(I ordered one when I got home and it rained on the ride home)we got to talk to the r&d guys, met Shawn Higbee,had our photos taken with Erik and the rw750 in his office.Goes to show how welcoming these people are and how passionate they are with what they do.Fast forward to the release of the 2000 models,I received an invitation to ride with Erik in Brisbane,would I be attending (Is the Pope a Catholic?)At this event I met up with Paul (life has gone down hill ever since) no only joking.We rode in the rain(bad weather bikers),(got lost)motorcyclists always take the scenic route,had a great time at the evening get together( I won a Buell watch)Presented tome by Erik.Spoke to the journalist who was on the phone to Erik whilst I was at the factory,He said Erik told him that an Aussie had turned up and was being taken for a tour(small world),Paul and I have rang each other quite a bit since those early days.We both ordered an XB9R and cancelled them when they gelded the Stallion(Australian Noise Standards)the muffler outlet was pointing directly at the microphone.Court let me know that the next version of Buell would pass all tests and that the power problem would not happen again.He was right.I in the meantime I was Buellless(is that a word) and went to Colorado to stay at the Wilsons because the rain had made the 2002 event a washout( familiar pattern forming here),met even more nice people (Justin loaned me a bike from High Country HD & B)Rode some of the most twisted roads ever I was sure that I was going to ride up my own tailpipe.Where I live you have to ride for 4 hours to get to stuff like that but it does not snow here. In January this year I took delivery of a 2003 RoadKing that I had ordered in May 1994.Next Saturday I am taking the morning off the test ride the new XB12's,I feel that I once again will be bitten by the Buell Bug(A mild form of Wilsonitis I am told)I heard from Paul that his XB has arrived and he now has the salt bug real bad.Looks like maybe a trip to the Aussie Salt may happen(hope this familiar pattern stays at bay for a while)So in response to my first statement. I rest my case. Buell has changed my life.(try doing this after reading about another make of bike). I apologise for a long post,maybe I should write a book or maybe a chapter in another book that should be written as soon as the statute of limitations runs out(hint Court). | ||
| Peter |
Paul, Ditto Well almost, three salt trips, but no Homecoming..... Now when are you all coming over to Europe? | ||
| Court |
>> Now when are you all coming over to Europe? May I suggest you repeat the question in two weeks. (Sorry Court. I thought I was quoting, not editing....) edited by peter on November 09, 2003 | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Paul, Very nicely stated. I'm not sure I could have done what you did. I think my M2 will stay for a long time. They have their flaws but they DO have character. Something my previous rides lacked. My first test ride sealed the deal. I would have never guessed a machine would lead to so many adventures, so many neat people. I love my tube framers but after having ridden a XB12, I may haved to build a new garage stall for another toy. Paul, How you going to get that thing to Bonneville? | ||
| Firemanjim |
Oh,God.Now I need to save for a trip to Europe-----(I can only work so much overtime,ya know)I hope you know some good travel people.And Pete better be ready to put up a bunch of Buelligans at his digs.(P.S. it better not be close to sept.) | ||
| Buckinfubba |
good story paul buell screwed me up big time. In 99 I jumped on an m2 and my life has spiraled out of control. Got rid of the sportster. Sold my hair salon signed up for school at MMI , move to florida , get hit by a drunk driver without insurance, die in the helicopter, miss 4 months of school, getan S1 to replace the m2, purchased on serious amouts of painkillers 2 weeks after the wreck, still incasts riding agin 3 months after the wreck, graduate with honors from MMI ,get a job at tilley's 3 weeks later I am in the pits helping Don and tripp with the bike, meet erik and henry duga and glen veech in the pits,a keen eye catches a loose breather hose right before we hit the track, don looks at me and says "good eyes", learn more in 3 months watching and listening to don tilley than I could of ever learned anywhere else, and now I am selling our lil bad boys!! I have made way too many good freinds thru this time period, lost my girlfriend in the process,make half the money I used to in twice the time I used to work...... Man I wouldn't have it anyother way....except for the wreck maybe Brian Tilley hd/buell | ||
| Firemanjim |
Hair salon????Damn,if I saw you comin at me with a pair of scissors I would haul ass!!!LOL.  | ||
| Court |
FMJ: Can we fine him in arrears for shears in those years? Court | ||
| Paulinoz |
"Can we fine him in arrears for shears in those years?" Me thinks it is you Court who needs to be fined for typing a line like that. "May I suggest you repeat the question in two weeks." So give us a hint us Australians are well known for a lack of Patience (spelling ability as well). I am sitting at work bored out of my brain and there is a new XB at home that needs to be broken in only 1 1/2 hour till knock off time. I must be bored I just read the 2004 International owners manual cover to cover and to quote Page E-5 "Keep on the right side of the centreline when meeting other vehicles comming in the opposite direction" If I do this I certainly will meet some oncoming trafic HEAD ON. | ||
| Court |
>>>"Keep on the right side of the centreline when meeting other vehicles comming in the opposite direction" If I do this I certainly will meet some oncoming trafic HEAD ON. And this.....from the "legal eagles" who brought you the sidestand switch! That is hilarious !~ | ||
| Buckinfubba |
You guys are funny..... I was a dang good hairdresser and it was a lot easier to meet women doing that job..... yeah court that arrears thing is a pun intended right?  | ||
| Mikej |
It think it was a pun left intended instead. | ||
| Court |
Bubba: It's like a "Northern" joke.....Paul in Australia can get it, it crosses international boundries just fine. And, yes it was "fun" intended. Look, I have enough peolple calling me a horse's patoot. Think I'd piss you off? | ||
| Court |
By the way...the very title of this thread bothers me. My dear friend Ferris recalls the last time I "let an M-2 go". It was a less than pleasant experience. | ||
| Firemanjim |
I seem to remember being there,also.And I remember that the bike,aerostich,and you all looked only slightly mussed. | ||
| Court |
Only slightly.....my pal Ferris captured the moment!  | ||
| Ferris |
My dear friend Ferris recalls the last time I "let an M-2 go". It was a less than pleasant experience. damn, for a guy that just beveled a Buell AND slid a 'Stich, you sure LOOK like you were having a pleasant time hey, remember the sh*t you took from Mutant Brother Howie when you pulled in? ok, here's a bonus quiz for anyone interested. it's been FOREVER since i've seen that photo, but the face (and belly -- sorry, dude!) of the guy just visible on the left is unmistakable. if you can name him, i'll send you a way cool Buell parting gift (and you MUST spell his name right). need a hint? his very own Buell has been featured in Cycle World magazine. FB | ||
| Court |
There's a most interesting story about HOW I got into the 'stich that morning and why. Better yet, and Ferris may recall, was in incident where I drove the CHP guy who pulled me over crazy and he finally released me rather than listen to me. Ahhhhh...the joy of loggehrea! Remind me to tell you. . . . |
