| Author | Message | ||
     Palladin |
Ok, how do I answer that question..asked all the time. What is that..is it european?? Ducati or something??..Currently I say it is a distant Harley Cousin, and is the bike that Harley shoulda built long ago.. What are some of the replies to this age old question of just what the hell is that you are riding. Oh!! never heard of it.. Thanks | ||
| Ratbuell |
It's a Buell. Oh...who makes it? Buell. (odd look on their face) They're in East Troy Wisconsin. It's an American bike. They usually wander away at that point. I don't mention Harley, because - frankly - it's *not* a Harley. It's like saying you *are* your parents. That, and I deal with "Harley people" every day. I'd rather not associate myself...  (Message edited by ratbuell on July 03, 2009) | ||
| Growl |
It's an American sportbike with a Harley motor... They often say: "Oh, really?" | ||
| Blk_uly |
It's the most fun you can have on two wheels. they usually say "yeh well it looks like fun" if they don't walk away at that point' then I say what Growl said. | ||
| Xbimmer |
"Nice BMW." It's not a BMW, it's a Buell. "Buell? Never heard of it." Small company in Wisconsin, Erik Buell's been making his bikes since 1983 using hot rod Sportster engines in his own chassis designs. Harley has the marketing rights and owns the company now but Buells are NOT Harleys, and the engines are Buell's own since 2003. The bikes are far more advanced in design than Harleys. "How do you like it?" I ride the snot out of it and I love it. That's pretty much my standard conversation, with minor variations. If they press on I will sometimes launch into my much less than appreciative opinion of Harley Davidson service personnel... (Message edited by XBimmer on July 04, 2009) | ||
| Cyclonedon |
Buell, it's half a Harley! that's what I tell them when they ask!  | ||
| Hooper |
"What is that, some kind of dirt bike?" "Sort of...it's built to go on all kinds of roads and off road too." "Boo-ell? Never heard of it." "'Byool', like 'fuel'. It's an American bike. [and here's where I need a new elevator speech]. It's partly owned by Harley-Davidson - they make sport-oriented bikes." "Oh, cool." At this point, if they linger, you start pointing out the fuel-in-frame, oil-in-swingarm, underslung muffler, front brake, triple-tail, luggage racks, power plugs, and all the usual Uly quirks. But, as you all know, when someone actually knows who Buell is, the second you say that your main ride is a Buell, you get MASSIVE respect. Even though all those jokers never thought of test-riding one or buying one, they think that YOU did was a totally original move, and they think that Buells are very cool, very original. At least SOME of us took the plunge. | ||
| Eryngium |
I think the response can be situational. I was parked at a gas station in small-town Iowa, when an old timer who drove a pick-up walked up to me and said in a kind of a warning tone "You know this is Harley Davidson country?" In that situation I started with the relationship of Buell to Harley and showed him my Harley dealer key ring, etc. He definitely lightened up and told me about a big rally in that area that was coming up soon and made some other small talk. Along those lines, other sportbike riders almost never fail to wave when we pass, but some big Harley riders, usually the rougher-looking ones, clearly do not acknowledge my wave. I kinda wonder if it's because they think it's a foreign (particularly Japanese) bike. Does anyone else experience that? | ||
| Palladin |
Yeah, ok, thanks guys..my line is usually it is about as much fun as you can have with all your clothes on..that works.. | ||
| Hooper |
Ha ha...I wear ATGATT in bed too! Eryngium, it reminds me of an instance when I showed up to my first Patriot Guard ride at Arlington National Cemetery here in the Washington, DC area. The few old timers that were there on that rainy, cool day were all riding Harley dressers. I pulled up on the Uly, backed it up into formation, and definitely heard them all say, "BUELL!" They said it like it was the first time they'd seen one out on the road, like they were happy to see it. If I'd pulled up on a Harley or on a Japanese bike, I'm guessing they would have waited until I was off the bike and shaking their hands before they said, "How do you like your [insert non-Buell-bike-maker name here]?" Instead, it was like a minor fanfare as I pulled up. I loved it. | ||
| Barker |
This has happen a few times while riding my Red 9R with all decals removed. "Is that one of them Ducati prototypes?" "YEP." "WOW, how much does something like that cost?" "$300,000 new, but I got this one used for about $200,000." So far I think, they believed me. (Message edited by barker on July 05, 2009) | ||
| Pso |
To add to Barker, I also tell them the sound they hear (the fan) is the turbo-charger spooling down in order to cool off so the bushing do not melt. | ||
| Ulyranger |
"Along those lines, other sportbike riders almost never fail to wave when we pass, but some big Harley riders, usually the rougher-looking ones, clearly do not acknowledge my wave. I kinda wonder if it's because they think it's a foreign (particularly Japanese) bike. Does anyone else experience that?" This has been my experience as well, both in the waves on the road and conversations in the parking lot(s). Very few of the current "Harley crowd" around here have a clue about Buell. I've had more than one of these "riders" tell me I should buy American...........???? I usually just laugh at this statement....what else is there to say? The older, long term H-D folks know and appreciate Buells, I usually get thumbs up from these guys. Again, just my experience so far. I personally don't care what brand someone has, a "rider" is a rider. A MC owner does not a rider make. As to the "What is that?" question. I usually tell 'em it's a Buell made in East Troy Wisconsin, is the best bike I've ever ridden and the most fun you can have on two wheels. I've never been questioned about the fan yet....but am going to borrow Pso's line on the turbo.  | ||
| Etennuly |
I ran across an old long time Harley guy in a parking lot one day. Tattooed and leathered over, he asked about my Uly, where it was made, if it was European. Then asked where I got my riding gear(with Buell badges all over it). He did not comprehend that my Buell was American made and sold through Harley dealerships. He then told me he had been riding Harleys for forty years, and had never set foot in a dealership. He had only bought used bikes from individuals, and only buys used parts from a bike junk yard that he lives near. He said he has only had three bikes over the years and never owned a car. This guy may have been the most "real" Harley rider I have ever met. He wasn't able to pronounce Buell other than Bool, but that may have been due to his lack of teeth on one side. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Sometimes, when I'm in a mood, I'll answer: "It's a motorcycle" | ||
| Thetable |
Point at your ears, and yell "HUH?" This only works well with earplugs in. Then again, I use the same technique for "You've got a headlight out." Usually it is interesting people that are asking and assuming I have time, I will get into the whole thing. In a hurry, I answer, Buell, "THE American sportbike!" And for the people who call it a Harley, I gently try to explain it, and the first time they can't shut there freakin' traps, "whatever, got to go." | ||
| Chas1969 |
Well Yes it is a BMW. Buell Motor Works  | ||
| Mojoman |
I recently had a older gentleman in a car with his wife inquire about the Uly while at a stop light. He asked who made it and commented favorably upon its looks which is interesting considering his age and how 'weird' the Uly is vs. more classic designs. I told him it was basically a Harley which was received with a grunt of approval. Works for me. | ||
| Vwsinner |
I had a guy on a Road King look at me with that "What are you looking at, ricer" look until I twisted the throttle a little. There is no mistaking the growl of an HD twin. His next look was one curiosity and awe...he he he. I love my Uly. As far as what I say to that ever persistent question? "It's a Buell." Then I ride off. I have no time for questions, I'm too busy enjoying myself. | ||
| Pauley2000 |
I say it's the way Hardley would build bikes if they were interested in results vs. nostalgia and image. "Real bikes for real bikers" Besides, on rainy days I only share the parking lot at work with the KLR's. (also awesome rides IMHO) | ||
| Chadhargis |
If someone asks me what it is, I tell them it's a Buell. The when they say, "Never heard of them", I tell them, "It's a Harley sportbike". I embrace the Harley heritage. Makes it more fun to give people grief when bench racing at the end of the day. "Hey, what about my Harley running up your tail pipe on that twisty section? Aren't those gixxers supposed to be fast?" LOL! | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Its a dirt bike on steroids  | ||
| Wipsmack |
I have a 2006 Uly. This is my first Adventure bike or road bike either or. I looked online only at the BMW GS 1100, KTM Supermoto 950, Suzuki V-Strom. I had seen a TV show that featured the Uly when it first hit the market and thought to myself, I GOTTA GET ME ONE OF THOSE. The first Uly I looked at I bought. The guy started it up with the aftermarket pipe he had on it and I was hooked. I only did not even have my permit at the time and did not even get to ride it but knew I had to get it. I have been taking every chance to get out on the Uly and have loved the fact that if I want the front end to come up it comes up, NOW. All I know is I will be looking at many more days to come to get to know My new friend. Thank You Buell | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
"What is that?" "It's a Buell. It's what a Harley would have grown up to be had it not been hit in the head with a hammer." | ||
| Jlnance |
lol - You sell Harleys too Fatty? |
