| Author | Message | ||
     Blake |
Wow! There must be a lot of realy benevolent new Oly owners out there. Two new BadWeBrs each bumped into a stranger who allowed them to take their brand new motorcycle for a test ride. That is amazing. Does the statement that "I've been excited about the XBX for months now" cause anyone to question motives here?  Call me a skeptic. Mostly because at speed my Buell is smoother than any IL4 I've ever ridden. I guess maybe the Uly vibrates badly though.  | ||
| Blake |
Here's a quote speaking about the XB12X from someone who's opinion I trust very much. Funny how contradictory two different opinions can be. Wonder how that is. | ||
| Cajunrph |
May be Sleepy previous experience with big (over 1000cc) inline 4 cylinders raises the bar with regards to engine performance? I hope to take a test ride in the coming weeks on a XB9 and a XB12 at Mancuso crossroads in Houston. I am currently riding a Bandit 1200. My bike is quite fast but the power is all up high on the rpm scale. I feel I am in the same boat as Sleepy and the Limpster in my desire to love the Buell. It would be ashamed if all is ruined by the engine. I read on another thread that Erik was working many hours on a non XBX project. I only hope it is an engine that can propel Buell into the status of Busa beaters like BMW K1200S is claimed to be. I hope that my test ride leads to an entirely different feeling than Sleepy and Limper, I will go into this with an open mind but I will not be looking through Buell colored glasses. | ||
| Bigblock |
Unfortunately, to those not raised on our venerable old school v-twins, the motor may take some getting used to that a test ride may not allow. I have ridden many bikes, and the Buells, both tubers and X-framed bikes, are amongst the smoothest of them WHEN RIDEN PROPERLY. If you're shaking and vibrating once under way my friend, well, you are simply not in the right gear, or you have some sort of machanical problem. Unless, of course, you are stuck in VERY slow traffic. But, then again, the ol lump is not everyones cup of tea... BUT, if you can learn to get the most out of her, and ride within the operating envelope of that lump, then the rewards are great indeed!  | ||
| Cajunrph |
The learning curve needed will turn some people off. I think getting 103 horses out of an air cooled push rod 1200cc V-Twin is amazing. But that doesn't make up for the fact that the Jap inline 4's feel stronger than it, until we learn how to stroke the Buell to get the max out of it. | ||
| 45_degrees |
I do not believe for a second that a Concours could make a 12 feel wimpy. My brother's ZRX1200R makes tons of torque everywhere (way more than a Concours) and the ZRX doesn't make me wish my 9 had more grunt. The 12 is way more grunty than the 9... so no way! As for the vibration... yeah right. My 9 is smoother above 3000 rpm than my Kawi inline 4 or any other 4 I've ridden for that matter!! I was amazed the first time I got above 3000 rpm on my 9... all of the sudden it was glassy smooth! It was so cool. It was a strange experience to have V-twin sound and torque with such smoothness. The 12 probably has a little bit more vibes, but I don't believe they vibrate that that much more than a 9. You don't need a high-revving engine to tour the country on. You don't need a high-revving engine to go fast on if the engine you have makes tons O' torque everywhere. That is what these engines do, and they do it very well. I wouldn't expect them to act like completely different engines as far as power delivery. That is nonsense. Different engines produce different power characteristics. To say it is bad because it's not what you're used to is ignorant. This is the personality of these engines and I love them. They are part of the Buell character. One of the most important parts I beleive. Why don't all motorcycle companies produce the same basic engine design? Because that would be extremely boring!!! They don't vibrate that bad (and that is only at idle, and it is very cool too). They have the best V-twin sound you'll find anywhere. They are fast. I'll race your Tiger with my 9 anyday. Unless you need a day to make valve adjustments! This illusion of going fast because your engine revs up to the ceiling is nonsense. I guess if that's what you like though... Perhaps that's why I see so many rice rocket Hondas with tens of thousands of dollars invested in go-fast turbos, nitrous and graphics and such getting their doors blown off by decent grunty torque laden V8s! What is the point of telling you won't be buying one?  I think that is why not too many people have quickly added to this thread. It is just so puzzling and non-believeable. It is difficult to know how to react to. It almost feels like you put in your poison and then bail out of here, thinking you've made a valid point and won the argument. Just like a liberal would do. I think most are just shaking their heads. This just got my blood boiling because it's so untrue. I do question their motives.  Sure, they may not be to your liking, which is fine, but to say they are uninspiring and don't feel quick and don't make a lot of power is simply claptrap. You won't find me going to some other forum and saying "Man the Triumph Tiger is really nice and such... well thought out, handles well, but man that engine... it's terrible, vibrates like hell, all that maintenance. Revs up nice, but doesn't really feel fast. Sure would be a great bike though guys, if only they replaced that lousy engine! I guess I won't be buying one. I was really excited, but sorry guys. That bike you really love sure has a lame engine. I guess I'm just used to that fast wave of torque that my Buell provides. Smooth power, reliable, hardly any maintainence, wrapped up in a fine handling chassis. BTW, compared to the Aprilia V-twin I had, my XB9 makes way more torque down low. It was impossible to ride the Aprilia in the higher gears below 3000 rpm without it bucking and kicking making all sorts of unpleasant noises. It didn't have a cool sound either. A kind of wimpy, muted exhaust note. My XB9 can ride in fifth and accellerate from 2000 rpm just fine. So much for the lower gearing on the Aprilia! Oh and I've ridden a V-Strom 1000 too. But I didn't get to ride it long enough to form a decent opinion. Not that I would bash it had I found it unispiring... but I do remember it well enough to know that my 9 does not feel lacking in the power department at all. Now, the 12X would kill it as far as I'm concernced. But I must say, the V-Strom is a nice machine. I've ridden a GSXR 600 (2002), and it was fast. Revved up like hell. I quickly accellerated to 135 mph on a straight piece of road, with still more on tap. But it didn't feel like I was accellerating fast at all, because it has lillipution sized torque! It wasn't tugging at my arms at all! To top it off... my XB9 is quicker at all speeds below 100 mph. And my friend is shifting his GSXR all the time to accellerate when we go riding. So much for the 4 feeling zoomier. Seems to me that a liberal is very wary to buy American products and must come up with some lame excuse not to buy one. They also feel the need announce to everyone that the motorcycles we love have an uninspiring engine! This engine is the main reason I bought mine!! For all the many different types of engines I tried throughout the years... singles (2 and 4-stroke), vertical twins (2 and 4-stroke), triples (2 and 4-stroke), fours (Vs and inlines), 90 degree and 60 degree V-twins, 180 degree twins... this American 45 degree V-twin in my Buell is my favorite. No other engine available today can lead me astray.  | ||
| Phil_r |
Finally out of lurk mode... I am not one of those benevolent types that graciously offers anyone a test ride on my Ulysses. (you can manage a ride on the 02 Blast, maybe... it's the shop bike) I was anxiously awaiting the 06 Buell line-up, but like nearly everyone else, I first saw the Ulysses on Buells web site. I was interested enough to start inquiring about availability... received a phone call August 11th. letting me know an orange Ulysses arrived at HD of Ocala, (Ocala, FL) and it could be mine. Made the 100 mile trip Saturday (13th.) to see Ulysses in person... Ride, Like, Buy! No newcomer to HD, Sportsters, or Buell, I knew what to expect of a fresh from the crate machine. Mirrors were clear on the first ride, and the engine only gets better with every passing mile. I wasn't expecting (or wanting) a 500 lb. dirt bike, and I found exactly what I was looking for, an exceptional road bike that is dirt and gravel road capable. I was also hoping for a better (more relaxed) fit than the existing XB's. Good news / bad news department... (bad news first) I'm not tall enough to use my AirHawk seat pad on Ulysses. (good news) After this mornings extended ride... I don't need the seat pad. This is the most comfortable ride for me in many years, the fun is definitely back. Outstanding deal and purchase experience at HD of Ocala. Professional, courteous treatment from everyone I encountered. (Ulysses was waiting for me when I arrived home) Phil Live Oak, FL | ||
| Fl_billy |
I would just like to add my .02 about the SV1000 vs. XB12R. I had both for several months earlier in the year and just sold my SV1KS after putting on just under 7k miles. Sleeper said it best about the SV1000 with regards to the motor being a peach but the suspension being rather weak. It was a deal killer for me. My 12R handles amazingly while the SV always made me a bit nervous - I never quite came to grips with it and I fettled with the suspension quite a bit. Before the SV I had a 97 TLS which had a beast of an engine BUT also had the suspension to handle it with ease. The way I like to pigeon-hole my 12R is that it has the arm-stretching stomp of the TLS, right off idle, coupled with the handling characteristics of my old 99 SV650 (read bicycle-like). My SV1000 was a great looking bike (LOVED the metallic copper!) and the motor was great with lots of power from 3k right up to redline with a totally linear, predictable delivery, but the suspension was just not up to the task. The only fix for me would have been to drop Gixxer forks and shock onto it. In any case, my Buell really does it for me and outshines the SV1000 in all respects but top end. But in the end, if you can go 160, but don't have the confidence that the bike is going to track straight and steady, what good is having that ability? | ||
| 45_degrees |
And I guess they couldn't handle the huge thumper-like torque laden power pulses these engines produce down in the lower revs and were kind of embarrassed... so they conjured up a problem about the power delivery in their head to hide their inability to cope... and came to believe it... just like a liberal. | ||
| Cajunrph |
I want anyone to tell me they do not want Buell to have an engine like the Ducati 999R. I believe that Erik can build such an engine if HD lets him do so. Then we could not only compete with the Japs on certain parts of the rev range but beat them on the race track also. Note that Ducati and only Ducati has wins in the AMA superbike series other than Suzuki this year. Honda has only a 2nd after 2 Suzuki crashed out while in 2nd and 3rd place. Please try to see that the present engine is not the best engine for a sportbike which is what Buell builds. | ||
| Limper |
Blake, are you calling me a liar? And 45 degrees, your comment, It almost feels like you put in your poison and then bail out of here, thinking you've made a valid point and won the argument. Just like a liberal would do. speaks for itself. Is it so difficult to understand that riders coming from other bikes may be enthused about the design and opportunity to ride an American made bike, but might be put off by the power characteristics and vibes associated with the big vtwin? Does it help to bash those who have offered their honest opinion or evaluation? Denying the possibility that Buell owners may be excited enough and gracious enough to let others ride their bikes just seems silly and couterproductive. I stand by my evaluation and qualify it by admitting it was a new bike (it may get stronger and smoother). But I make a decision based on my experience not someone elses, nor their need to justify their own loyalty to brand. And I know how to ride and what gear I'm in for Chrissakes!} I've read many comments from XB9 owners who prefer their powerplant to the big 12 because of the very issues I found on the XBX. I have yet to take a demo ride on a CityX but have always liked the design. I may go this weekend and try one. I am not out in any way to bash Buell or dissuade anyone from trying or buying. (Message edited by limper on August 14, 2005) | ||
| Old_bird |
This is interesting. I rode 260 miles yesterday from the other direction to test ride that same Uly in St. Louis. Likewise, I was the first rider of the day. I'm 5'11" with a 32" inseam. While I couldn't flat foot it, I easily got the balls of both feet down, or both heels, if i pulled my toes back. The Uly is very comfortable. For me, the ergos are excellent. I could actually feel my arms relaxing as I rode. I could swerve easily and comfortably. I wouldn't call the clutch grabby. I believe it was just adjusted so that it engaged/released when the lever is barely depressed. IMO, it is just a different feel. I wouldn't even try adjusting it until it had a 1,000 or so miles on it. Low rpm performance was very good, IMO. I tend to be light on the throttle with low rpm takeoffs. I didn't watch the tach. I have to keep my head up and look far ahead to got very slow. I could crawl slowly in first gear and accelerate smoothly with just a little throttle. If one is prone to whack the throttle, I can see where they may not like the feel. Those XB heads have larger valves and thus responsivenss is subdued at lower rpms. I believe I speak knowledgably here as my Sportster has small valve heads that were worked over by CycleRama. It is so responsive, it is almost twitchy and I can bounced off the 7,000 rev limit easily. IMO, the Uly's responsiveness is preferrable for a bike that is intended to be off pavement part of the time, at least for me. To be able to control wheel spin more with the throttle than the clutch just seems preferable to me. IMO, the Uly is deceptively quick. It has a wide power band and got to speed very quickly on the brief bit of interstate. While it didn't feel as fast as my Sportster, I believe it is faster, probably considerably so. I can see where one would call it uninspiring, especially if one is used to a bike that seems to accelerate at a furious pace. My initial impression was similar to Speedysheep's, but as I was also surprised at how fast I was going with so little effort on the little bit of interstate. I can easily do a 500 mile day on my Sportster. I bet I could easily do a 1,000 mile day on the Uly. I didn't notice any vibration. In my 50,000 miles of XL engine experience, vibration is an indication that something needs a little adjusting. It might be bolt tightening, a primary chain adjustment, a timing adjustment, a tire pressure adjustment. a suspension adjustment. And it has always been a minor adjustment. Once adjusted, the engine doesn't need continual tweaks. It will hold it. Maybe they adjusted something overnight. Same bike, different opinion. To put my feelings in a nutshell, as I drove the 260 miles home, I wondered how I was going to finance it and how I was going to talk my wife into an all black one when she said she preferred the black and orange. betIamaBuellerwithinsixmonths division | ||
| 45_degrees |
Why... just go buy a Ducati then. I'll use some automotive analogies here... The original Sportster engine is like the '55 Chev 265 (or 283 in '57, like the '57 Sportster). What we've got in our Buell now is like the 90's LT1 version of the smallblock. Great power and fast. Chev then made the LS1 (and now LS2) smallblock. If they made an all new engine... it should evolve into the LS1 version of the Sportster engine... or the LS7  . Basically the same design (pushrod, air-cooled, two valve per cylinder), but extremely light weight with titinium connecting rods, pushrods, etc. to enable a higher redline. I refuse to believe we need an engine like Ducati to beat them. This engine is capable of a lot more power... It's just that Buell's philosophy of smooth power delivery on the street is why we get the power we have. It's not because they're pushed to the absolute limit. If you are unaware of what the Corvette is capable of doing to it's competion with it's pushrod, two valve per cylinder engine, then you should do some research (especially on the 505 HP smallblock 427 LS7). BTW- OHC engines are just as "old-fashioned" as pushrod engines! They've both been around since the beginning. Erik Buell loves these engines, and doesn't think they need to be like everyone elses. I wouldn't buy it if they decided to do that. And limper... why do you need to tell us if you are not going to buy one??? No one is forcing you to. You're talking a double standard... basically sheepy took his time to come in here and put down the engine for no reason. Nobody here wants to hear that. Just as nobody else on a different bike forum wants to hear someone bash their bike. I think you missed my point entirely. I understand if you don't like it... you don't need to go out of your way to come tell me. Any one can find faults with any engine... but what is the point complaining if you don't have to live with it? I'll back anything I say with ferocity... did you not notice... this is a Buell ENTHUSIAST web forum! I am loyal to this brand. I do like other brand of motorcycles as well. Why try to transform them into something they aren't? Seems to me that you want to be Buell loyal... but can't because you can't accept them the way they are! | ||
| 45_degrees |
And the zero slop belt drive is WAY different than a chain drive. That might explain why the clutch feels grabby to newcomers. | ||
| 45_degrees |
And now I'm going out to ride, cause I can't spend all night here. I'm not bailing, cause I think I made my point clear. | ||
| Limper |
45, I did not post in this thread to say I was not buying one. I posted becuz my impression of the XBX was very similar to the person who started the thread. The XBX is a bike. Buell is a bike manufacturer. It ain't religion or politics. No bike is perfect. They all have quirks. It is natural for those who have long experience with Buell or HD powerplants to accept and or appreciate the qualities of the XL engines, but it is also just as natural for those who are new to the experience to notice the differences between the engines they are familiar with and the XL. Jeez! I'll just voluntarily remove myself from this forum for "bashing" the XBX. | ||
| Whodom |
I'll use some automotive analogies here... The original Sportster engine is like the '55 Chev 265 (or 283 in '57, like the '57 Sportster). What we've got in our Buell now is like the 90's LT1 version of the smallblock. Great power and fast. Chev then made the LS1 (and now LS2) smallblock. If they made an all new engine... it should evolve into the LS1 version of the Sportster engine... or the LS7 . Basically the same design (pushrod, air-cooled, two valve per cylinder), but extremely light weight with titinium connecting rods, pushrods, etc. to enable a higher redline. I refuse to believe we need an engine like Ducati to beat them. This engine is capable of a lot more power... It's just that Buell's philosophy of smooth power delivery on the street is why we get the power we have. It's not because they're pushed to the absolute limit. If you are unaware of what the Corvette is capable of doing to it's competion with it's pushrod, two valve per cylinder engine, then you should do some research (especially on the 505 HP smallblock 427 LS7). BTW- OHC engines are just as "old-fashioned" as pushrod engines! They've both been around since the beginning. Erik Buell loves these engines, and doesn't think they need to be like everyone elses. I wouldn't buy it if they decided to do that. 45_degees: That is an EXCELLENT analogy and I 'll bet this is the direction Buell goes in the future. It will be very interesting to see what kind of engine turns up within the basic 45 degree angle/2 valve per cylinder/ pushrod configuration. Like you say, I think they can go a LOT farther with this than we've seen yet. | ||
| Cajunrph |
Being overly sensitive 45, me thinks. Yes the Corvette beats its competition because its engine is bigger allowing a greater intake valve area thus more fuel and air intake leading to greater hp and acceleration. But the Viper whips the Vette for the same reasons. Take it a step up the technological ladder and we have the Ford GT. Dual OHC 4 vales per cylinder Italian(or any other country) a** whooper. Technology will beat size any day. In case you haven't noticed cars and motorcycles are different. In cars you can always increase the size of the engine to gain an hp advantage on the competition. One look at the 8 liter V-10 Viper should tell you that. In a bike the engine can only get so big without the reciprocating mass of the engine itself upsetting the bikes handling. Sportbikes are more sensitive to this than cursers. I don't see being able to bump the displacement of the Sportser engine to the size needed to compete with the other sportbikes out there. As far as the next engine being a 45 deg derivative that is your speculation so here is mine, one only needs to look at the VROD engine. A 60 degree water cooled V-twin dual ohc 4 valve per cylinder. It was mentioned that this engine was born on a Buell drafting table. It was said he was working on this engine when its design started to be dictated by the styling department. Why would he be working on such an engine if the 45 degree ohv was the future????? I read post after post about a newbie wanting information on Buells and everyone his helpful. All say "Go on a test ride and let us know what you think" That is what sleepy and Limper did and there cases were jumped. May be there should be a disclaimer that no negative comments are welcome. I understand that this is a Buell enthusite site but if you are going to be so thin skinned that is someone says they will not buy an XBX (Limper is still considering and XB12R/S) you go off the handle and flame them then someone should not be posting. I hope you realize that with this attacking that you will only turn off people to the brand. If someone says something bad about your football team do you clobber them? I hope not. I still want to get a Buell, as said before I will test ride one soon, but to stick ones head in the sand and ignore facts is foolish. If Erik is doing as some here do then Buell is in trouble. I think Erik is a great visionary and he will be able to bring respect to an American made sportbike. Just look at how BMW did it, they built a 167hp engine and have gone out and smashed the Japs. Like it or not Buell will have to do the same thing to gain respect in the sportbike comminuty. I'm trying to be civil here and not pi*s anyone off but please try to toughen up that skin a bit. | ||
| 45_degrees |
Hi, I'm back from riding... Saying your opinions about the other guy's football team in your own territory is fine. I don't care... Saying it in the guy's street corner or living room while he’s watching is another... people are bound to be upset... just as you are about me being upset... it's all human reaction. I think it's the way sheepy came across the whole thing. It wasn't... well I just didn't like the engine much... it was (not quoting)... this engine sure is uninspiring, it sure doesn't make any power, this sure could be a truly special bike if it had a different engine... and... you guys owe it to yourself to go try some different bikes, there's some great engines out there. It all just comes across as so ignorant. It sounds offensive to me because it's like he's saying we're all just retarded because we like this engine. Almost like he was pleased to announce up on the podium how he finally knows for sure that these engines are inferior and he can now go with confidence and purchase his Triumph Tiger. So it's plain to see that I'm defensive because of the way he came across... I guess you can't see it. I think it’s fine that he prefers the Tiger. Doesn’t make the Tiger superior. He feels that way though. But I feel the Ulysses is superior. I’ve tried other bikes with different engines! I can state my opinion too dang it. I don’t want this to go unchallenged. Wouldn’t care if it was said on a different bike forum. Because that is what my point was about. I might have some notions about such and such Japanese bikes or British or German, but I don’t make an effort to go to their forums to upset their wasp nest and then say I’m leaving. I’m sick of reading all the bunkum talk about these bikes. How come they have sold so many with this lousy engine... huh? In Europe, where they sell more Buells than here in America.... a lot of people regard this engine as exotic and highly revered. BTW, the Corvette Z06 whips the Ford GT and the Viper... along with many half million dollar and million dollar supercars... all for the very low price of $65,000. Heck... for the 45,000 for a regular Corvette, you have to shell out 100,000+ to get a Porsche 911 to compete with it. Did you stop to think that even though the new LS7 is pushing big cubes, it's actually physically smaller, lighter, mechanically quieter and more reliable than the smaller displacement, more complex OHC engines? The LS7 has more high technology in it than the Ford GT engine. It looks like you didn't do your homework on it. It even has a dry sump engine. How many production street cars use dry sump engines? You have a completely wrong idea of what technology is. It’s not all “the more cams the better” and so on. The XB Buells are some of the most technologically advanced motorcycles available today. And I might add... making a motorcycle that is so refined takes all the fun out of it. Where's the machine feel to it. I don't want to ride down the road feeling like I'm playing a video game. That's exactly how I felt with the latest "high tech" Jap bikes I've ridden recently. The V-Rod engine is too large and heavy to be in a Buell chassis. All those cams up high in the chassis go against keeping the center of gravity down low. There is no way you could squeeze one of those into the current XB chassis. I wouldn't want it anyway. Maybe the VRod is your bike? You ought to go ride one. I'm sure you'd like it! And no, I don't want to discourage anyone from buying Buell motorcycles. It just that the majority of people that ride them disagree with sheepy and you completely. Why is it he can say it's wrong, but at the same time, I can't say that the way he came across is wrong. If you didn't notice, I already said more than once I think, that it is fine that he (or you) don't like it... but coming here to bear your soul about how it is just plain wrong and wimpy, when most feel otherwise, is what riles me... THANK YOU FOR SHINING THE LIGHT UPON ME... I NOW KNOW THAT MY ENGINE SUCKS, AND I SHOULD BE OUT RIDING THE BIKES I USED TO RIDE. I hope that limper enjoys the City X... I think he should. But, if he goes into it with preconceived notions... I don't know how to help! I'm not a veteran to this engine. This bike is the first time I've had any experience with this engine. I loved it before I even rode it. Rode it... was exactly what I expected. It is way fun. If you go in thinking... "I really hope I like it" or "I really do want to like this bike"... but the only reason you think that way is because you know or want to confirm that you’re preconceived notions on the engine are right. You are bound to find fault and be disappointed if you think that way. Doesn’t matter what it is. By the way... I can't help it if I have a short fuse... your skin seems just as thin as mine, but you know, your temper is just so uninspiring.  And I personally disagree about BMW smashing the Japs... That'll never happen! Why don't you go say that on a Japanese bike forum...  | ||
| Jackbequick |
Phil - "I'm not tall enough to use my AirHawk seat pad..." About how much height in inches does the Airhawk take away from your available leg length. I was sort of curious about that when I was looking at the info on their web page. Also, that is fully covered as you get and use it right? They show it as sort of half covered on their page but I think that is just for advertising. Jack | ||
| Henrik |
Sheepy took his time to come in here and put down the engine for no reason. Nobody here wants to hear that. I respectfully disagree with that. I like the look and philosopy of the Uly. I've always liked the old Sporty (derived) engine, and have spent a good amount of seat time on Buells and Harleys in general - I'd guess about 60 - 70K miles. The Uly seems like it might fit my need (or should that be desire ) for a sport touring bike to take over for my S2. I have however yet to ride or even see one in person, and am curious to read as much feed-back from people who have, as possible. Positive or negative doesn't matter to me, as long as it is sensibly and seemingly rationally written. I think both Sheepy and Limper descriped their demo rides well, and expressed their concerns in a rational fashion. Whether you or I agree with their interpretations and resulting decisions shouldn't matter one bit. I know the old motor well enough to for instance discount the motor concerns. Hell, my S2 puts out maybe 55 HP and has a flywheel much, much heavier than the XB. So any power and rev-ability concerns do not apply to me. As for the vibration; well, looking again to my S2, the ultimate "mile eating" RPM is 3800 = smooth as glass! However, because of the gearing, I end up at 3500 RPM with a 29 tooth tranny sprocket and at about 4000 RPM with a 27 tooth sprocket. I realize that this will vary greatly between bike models, but would guess that even the Uly has a "sweet spot." I also know that whacking the throttle open instead of a smooth roll-on will make most Buells shake like a paint mixer in the lower RPM ranges. So the vibration concerns expressed make me curious to do a test ride myself, but is in no way a deal breaker for me at this point. My point (sigh ... Finally!! from few in the audience stil awake  ): I fail to see the point of flaming Sheepy and Limper for their opinions. It's theirs, and like everyone here they're entitled to one - and given that they stick to Badweb policy of expressing their opinion politely, I think they should be free to do just that. To get your knickers all twisted because you disagree makes little to no sense. I'm sure we're all capable of reading between the lines and drawing our own conclusions as in my examples above. Henrik (quite possibly also quite uninspiring temper??) | ||
| Reepicheep |
Thanks Henrik... well stated! I have thought seriously about fooling with the gearing of my 9sx. I (literally) could care less what the bike will do over 100 MPH. Heck, I rarely do more then 85. I live for twisties. And when I am leaned way over accelerating out of a turn (on a much narrower diameter of the tire) I love the feel of grunt of my 9sx given by the lower gearing. Given the happy revvy nature of the 9 to begin with, it makes me wonder how well the thing would work geared down a little. What are the downsides of this, besides top speed? I suppose less fuel economy at cruise... but probably not a lot. | ||
| Road_thing |
Reep: If you gear down, you'll notice an increase in the engine braking effect when you roll off the throttle. That may or may not be a bad thing, but it's real. er | ||
| Chadhargis |
I currently ride an FJR1300 and a Ducati Monster 900. Both excellent motorcycles. However, I've recently decided that due to my size (6'5", 220lbs) and my riding style (fairly aggressive) that I want a lighter, better handling bike to replace my FJR. My FJR is a beast! 125hp and 90lb/ft of torque to the ground. Wilbers Racing custom made shock and fork springs. It's a great machine, with a stump puller of a motor, but it weighs about 625lbs and lacks ground clearance. It's also a bit cramped for me, but if I stand and strech I can do 12 hour days on it easily. I've been thinking hard about a Multistrada since I love my Ducati so much. The engine just sings, and I love how it makes power, but the darn 6000 mile valve adjustments and 12,000 mile cam belt changes make me cringe. The Multistrada also has a crumby seat, and stock Ducati exhausts sound like crap. It's almost a requirement to buy an aftermarket exhaust (to the tune of about $1000). Then there is the chain to fool with. I love the shaft drive on my FJR, I hate fooling with chains. So, that leaves me to consider a Strom, Tiger, or GS. I like the GS, but it's too expensive. I like the Tiger, but dealer support is worse than BMW and there is the chain thing again. I like the Strom (especially for the money), but I find the bike uninspiring to ride. It's just boring and souless. I'm hoping the XB12X is the ride I'm looking for. I've ridden an XB12S, and I liked it except for the fact that it idled so rough it blurred my vision and the muffler roasted my left foot at a stop. Hopefully this has been sorted out on the XB12X, as it sounds like the perfect machine for me. | ||
| Limper |
For the record. I've now read more than one magazine sponsored review that mentioned the heavy flywheel/slow rev effect while riding the XBX. And: http://motorcycleusa.com/Article_Page.Aspx?ArticleID=2368&Page=1 This review mentions the peg vibration as well. I didn't come here to bash Buell or the XBX, but I don't like being called a liar, or an incompetent. | ||
| 45_degrees |
Nobody called you a liar or incompetent... I focus my attention on sheepy for the way he came across. I apologize to you limper. I hope you love the City X! No problems man.  I still disagree with sheepy's assessment. Yes, he has his own right not to like the power delivery, but his description seems so blown out of reality. It's not really that difficult to get used to these engines. You really need to adjust to any engine, whatever kind it is. I bet if there is any peg vibe, it could be solved easily with some rubber pegs.  | ||
| Bubabuell |
In matters of opinion debate is pointless | ||
| Buelluk |
....This review mentions the peg vibration as well.... yup ...half a line in a three page review, a good review at that ! If you don't like Buell's ..you don't have to buy one !! | ||
| Krassh |
People get all freaked out by the vibration. I can ride my XB9S for hours and no problems in my hands or feet due to the vibration. My Yamaha GTS1000 (FZR1000 motor) on the other hand puts my hand to sleep in less than a half hour. The vibrations on a IL4 compared to a V-Twin is all frequency. Until someone that says "I don't think I can put up with the vibes of the V-Twin" rides one for a long distance I don't want to hear about their aversion to the vibration of the Buell. | ||
| 45_degrees |
I agree about the vibration. It's not bad at all. Practically non-existent above 3k on a 9. And the shaking at idle is way cool. Reminds me of the power my bike is making. |
