| Author | Message | ||
     Gomo |
I had the pleasure of attending the HOG/BRAG Primary Officer Training (POT) this past weekend at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Conn.. While there I did get to speak with Steve Phillips (Head of Manufactoring for H-D and works along with Erik and Buell). I told him that there are plenty of Buell riders out there looking for a replacement to the S3T. Although he stated he could not comment on any future developments from Buell, he did say to Keep an Eye on Buell, you'll enjoy what we have in store. Just a little fuel for the burning imagination. Take Care & Ride Safe, GOMO Hudson Valley Riders Club - Director 2003 Ameicade King | ||
| Crusty |
I want an S4-T, Dammit! But I guess I'll have to settle for an S3-T. the most beautiful motorcycle ever made | ||
| Spiderman |
They always say that. Just a FYI 90% of the stuff those guys see never make it to the genral public. | ||
| Seanp |
I've been keeping an eye on Buell for over a year now. I'd like to finally put my butt on one! | ||
| Dyna |
Although he stated he could not comment on any future developments from Buell, he did say to Keep an Eye on Buell, you'll enjoy what we have in store. And just what else would you expect him to say? Dont bother watching us because we arent going to change anything? Like Spidey said, they say the same thing to everyone every year. | ||
| Bigj |
You're just bitter, Dyna.  | ||
| Bigdaddy |
Hey Crusty, I'm all over the S4T too so "Hey Buell" two sold right here...... Crusty, I also just added a Blast to the barn to keep things interesting  Greg | ||
| Pdxs3t |
Make that a 3rd S4T | ||
| Buellny |
I have to agree with Gomo. I think it's pretty obvious that Buell has purposely left the sport touring market (the one the ST-3 used to fill) wide open for the future. When companies come out with a totally new platform such as the XBs, they will still save some surprises for the future....they try to spread it out...for sales. | ||
| Impulse_101 |
Count me in on the S4T as well. But in a pinch the Ducati ST3 would do. JT | ||
| Dyna |
Get yourself an S4-R  Or pick up an ST3 Duc. | ||
| Buellny |
Dyna, That Ducati is an awesome bike. I was looking at that before I bought the Buell. $14,000 was more than I wanted to pay. Even worse, wait until that 1K $1400 service!!  | ||
| Dyna |
Ducati had a deal a short time ago where you buy a bike & all scheduled maint for I believe 2 yrs was covered for free. | ||
| Tripper |
Gee, only 4 trips to the shop. When do ya ride the thing? | ||
| Firemanjim |
I rode one down at Modesto,nice bike but my wrists/hands went to sleep after 20 minutes.I have to be able to ride a bit longer than that. | ||
| Mikej |
Interesting. I may have to go look at some Ducs and Yammers. Have to clean my tools up and clear out a little garage space first though, takes some time and effort to sort and dismantle stuff. Ducati.com, right? | ||
| Bigj |
FMJ: That was the ST3 your hands went to sleep on?  | ||
| Jon |
I saw a Duc just like that one at Modesto. It was beeyutifol. | ||
| Bigj |
So, Jon, when you picking up that Multistrada?  | ||
| Kevyn |
$1400 for 1K service? Why? Is that when you're installing the full Termi header/exhaust system and the PCIII? 1K is barely engine break-in. Certainly something that needs to be factored in on the sale price offer! Haven't heard any complaints from the Monster list... | ||
| Buellny |
they have to adjust the valves...this might had changed on the newer ones (2004s)...they usually DON'T tell you....big surprise when you come in for the 1K service! | ||
| Smitty |
Even for a valve lash check it is $600.00 let alone the pad sanding and adjusting.It not that bad it is a bit involved for most backyard mechanics but not the "black magic" that everyone thinks. The dealer wants you to believe it also. Here is a link for the curious. I like reading this stuff thought some of you might also. http://www.ducatisuite.com/home.html | ||
| Hootowl |
I wrote a similar article on adjusting the Buell valvetrain. Here it is in its entirety: Start the engine. They're adjusted. Hope this helps. | ||
| Crusty |
Hootowl, That's why I prefer "antiquated Paint Shaker" engines to Rube Goldberg inspired valve actuation. | ||
| M2me |
Wow! I read the valve adjustment procedure on that ducatisuite site (that's a good site BTW). "Before you start, don't assume that it is a one-day-type job" More than one day!!??!! Of course, the good news is it only needs to be done every 4-6 thousand miles!  Yep, the old Sportster lump looks like an engineering masterpiece in comparision! | ||
| Aydenxb9 |
What's a valve adjustment? I own a Buell so that term is foreign to me. | ||
| Grndskpr |
That's why I prefer "antiquated Paint Shaker" engines to Rube Goldberg inspired valve actuation. I did to until i had to spend about 1k in parts(just part not labor) to keep the Buell running this past winter, in the mean time i am riding the Ducati(that so far has cost me nothing except gas and oil) Of course, the good news is it only needs to be done every 4-6 thousand miles! Funny, in the manual it says 8-10k, kinda like the XB bikes, that need to be taken in for there 10k check up, and the ducati and Buell actually cost the same at that millage Not knocking either bike, but if people dont like the some of the things said about Buell, like reliability issues and such, why make up stories or belive some of the lies about other bikes??? Allways found it funny that somebody would complain about people that bitch about Buell, that complain about another bike maker later Roger | ||
| Crusty |
I guess I'm fortunate. Excluding tires, I haven't spent $1,000 on repair parts yet in almost 4 years and 33,000 miles. I don't have reliability issues with my M2. I was stating my preference about valve actuation design. Ducatis are beautiful, But Desmodromic valve actuation is a design that should have died 50 years ago for anything other than racing applications. I like simplicity. Good engineering eliminates unnecessary complication. | ||
| Bykergeek |
I own both an XB and a Ducati Monster 750. Both are mostly (90%) serviceable by a properly tooled & competent home wrencher. That's why I chose them. | ||
| Kevyn |
I like my Duc 900SS and I do enjoy my S2T. The Duc is lighter, nimbler, purposeful and quite friendly maintenance wise. The maintenance procedures are straightforward, the engine is easy to get to (once the fairings are removed) and in some respects, more efficient than the 45 degree twin configuration. At this point, I have a deep emotional attachment to the S2T and Buell's in general( started with a '99M2, then a '98S1W and finally the S2T and this all started from the '68XLCH). The S2T is unique and attractive. It's a great touring bike for me(think week end getaways, short trips) and has been mostly care free; intake and exhaust gaskets, tires and lubricants. Probably isolators soon enough. Do need to re-spring the front forks for my size and weight. Truthfully, it's more challenging to ride than the SS. If 1 cam operating 2 valves is Rube Goldbergish, what is 1 cam per valve? More weight for starters. The Desmo system is mechanically simple, efficient, light weight and has proven very durable for street use. For the record, I'm a huge fan of the XL/XB motors. Erik has done a magnificent job massaging it into what it is today for the bikes it powers. Judging from the press response to the new Sportster line, the XB motor will live on a bit longer. Judging from owner response, HD has another winner on the sales floor, just waiting for JQ to post some sales figures! | ||
| Hootowl |
Oh don't get me wrong, I love Ducatis. Just a friendly poke. I had the opportunity to test ride the new 999 (thanks Ducati Austin) and it was amazing. The suspension was so smooth it felt like the tires were made of butter. On railroad tracks. I hit a bump that would have knocked out my front teeth on my Buell, and it barely registered through the bars (er..clipons) on the Duc. Amazing. | ||
| Andys |
Had an '87 Paso. Beautiful bike. Perfect ergonomics for me. Taught me trail braking with that perfect rear brake. Terrible reliability. That thing spoke to me when we rode. I have yet to ride another bike that telepathic. | ||
| Mikej |
Rumors are starting to surface, July could be very interesting. I think I'll wander over and ask about test rides on Ducs and such, wonder if they have a waiting list. So, 6-10K for a reasonably major top end valve adjustment? In other words it's not a cross country bike. I think I'll go back to looking at Beemers and Yammers. | ||
| Kevyn |
MikeJ; can't speak for the maintenance intervals on the ST2/3/4. Belts are just as important as the valve adjustments but the belts are easy self-maintenance stuff. On the 2-valvers, there is an initial 'check' at the 600 mile break-in service, another 'check' at 6K...if they need adjusting this is the first adjustment. Keep in mind, there is a nifty collet mechanism from Martin Brickwood Performance that significantly extends the valve adjustment interval--well beyond 6K. Cross country is not a problem. You'll face larger worries from tire wear. Would I cross country on a 999? Oh Yeah! But that's just me. Ideally, that coast to coast or round-about should be done with the most appropriate tool---the ST2/3/4; dare I suggest the MultiStrada? The SS will work just fine and any of the SBK's will be a memorable ride with appropriate after market luggage. I've never been realistic or practical approaching motorcycles. Ducati's and Buell's just have a passion about them that defies description or objectivity. The idea of riding just about any Ducati anywhere is thrilling to the bone! | ||
| Bigj |
Andy: Just exactly what did the Paso say?  | ||
| Grndskpr |
Keep in mind, there is a nifty collet mechanism from Martin Brickwood Performance that significantly extends the valve adjustment interval--well beyond 6K. Please tell me more Roger |
