Topic: I bought a Buell

[MJL]

and now I don't want to ride my Honda much anymore.  What to do?

[The_Crippler]

Not sure how we're supposed to respond to that...

[gregimotis]

I bought an SV-650 and experienced the same thing for about a year... but I'm coming back around lately.  Un-insure the CB and store it for a while.  You can always sell it later.

[754]

 Cool ..have fun with it.. & if you want a change.. ride the CB again...

[vanillagorilla]

Uh... Hello, PICTURES PLEASE! Which model did you end up with? I love the XB line, and really dig the older M1 and X1s. Keep the CB, use this as an opportunity to tear into her and make it something special!

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Hope these guys don't realize what a Buell really is   Congrats and enjoy!

My 750 was having too many age related reliability issues when I moved to Colorado. I wanted to explore and tour the beautiful western US so the only option was to buy a new bike. I did and I've been touring yearly since 2001 on a Fat Boy. I haven't worried once about reliability like I would with the 750. No way would I take the 750 on any 5000 mile rides. That has given me the opportunity to restore my bike properly once and for all - on the installment plan. Spend a little here and a lot there   Starting to put it back together after 4 years collecting and spending. I have 2 rides planned this year on the Harley: Colorado Springs to Dallas next week then Colorado Springs to Key West via Biketoberfest in October. I look forward to reliably riding my 750/900 once again but it's not likely that I'll abuse it on long trips. Costing WAY too much to restore and some parts are not replaceable. I can buy Harley parts all day long but I haven't needed to do the first repair.

You will find yourself riding more now and you'll have a spare. Just keep the Honda exercised too.  

[vanillagorilla]

Hope these guys don't realize what a Buell really is  

What a Sportster always should have been? 

Simply amazing bikes that had so much innovation... Such a shame HD killed 'em off to save themselves... Buell was responsible for many improvements in the HD lineup. Wonder if they kept any of the Buell people on staff @ HD?

[MJL]

Uh... Hello, PICTURES PLEASE! Which model did you end up with? I love the XB line, and really dig the older M1 and X1s. Keep the CB, use this as an opportunity to tear into her and make it something special!

2008 XB12Scg, 6500 miles, Jardine muffler and some sort of programmer under the seat.




I just re-registered the 750 for another year.  I figure I can use it for a backup bike this year, then when it gets cold I'll tear into it and paint it up nice.  I may even build a big motor, and swap out the front forks and swingarm for modern pieces.


I've always wanted a Buell ever since I first saw them back in the mid 90's. I took one for a test ride last year and fell in love with it. 

[MJL]

Hope these guys don't realize what a Buell really is   Congrats and enjoy!

My 750 was having too many age related reliability issues when I moved to Colorado. I wanted to explore and tour the beautiful western US so the only option was to buy a new bike. I did and I've been touring yearly since 2001 on a Fat Boy. I haven't worried once about reliability like I would with the 750. No way would I take the 750 on any 5000 mile rides. That has given me the opportunity to restore my bike properly once and for all - on the installment plan. Spend a little here and a lot there   Starting to put it back together after 4 years collecting and spending. I have 2 rides planned this year on the Harley: Colorado Springs to Dallas next week then Colorado Springs to Key West via Biketoberfest in October. I look forward to reliably riding my 750/900 once again but it's not likely that I'll abuse it on long trips. Costing WAY too much to restore and some parts are not replaceable. I can buy Harley parts all day long but I haven't needed to do the first repair.

You will find yourself riding more now and you'll have a spare. Just keep the Honda exercised too.  

I've never been worried about reliability with my Honda, but I have always felt the motor could/should run stronger and the suspension be more soft.  I have been concerned about laying it down in a curve. (Happened on my 650)

[KeithTurk]

I bought an XB12XT....or a Ulysses.... it's about having decent mechanic's available while on the road... most Honda dealers won't even talk to someone with a scooter over 15yrs old... ( generally the mechanic's actually care and are willing but the dealer won't stock anything )

What I've found is that the Uly simply blends in, Just another bike on the road...... the 550 I travel on makes any trip an adventure...  not because it breaks down.... simply because Everyone has had one.. or knew someone that did and wants to play with it... Rarely does a gas stop go by without questions... 

So I have them both.... and use the 550 less then I did....  but enjoy it more when I chose to run off on it... 


Keith

[vanillagorilla]

Very nice! Congrats! Someday...

[The_Crippler]

2008 XB12Scg, 6500 miles, Jardine muffler and some sort of programmer under the seat.

Man, those things sure do look mean and fast.

[bikerbart]

last year I rode from the canadian border to laguna seca(monterey Ca)and back on my 73 cb750,original except tires and Dyna s ignition.No problem,made it there and back with my buddies riding newer modern bikes.about 2500 miles.Whats to be afraid of,its a honda.

[MJL]

2008 XB12Scg, 6500 miles, Jardine muffler and some sort of programmer under the seat.

Man, those things sure do look mean and fast.

Boat loads of torque. It feels like it wants to lift a wheel every time I let out the clutch in first and second. I'd love to take it on a track one day.

[Frankenkit]

I bought an XB12XT....or a Ulysses.... it's about having decent mechanic's available while on the road... most Honda dealers won't even talk to someone with a scooter over 15yrs old... ( generally the mechanic's actually care and are willing but the dealer won't stock anything )

That's my exact concern with the 650... and why I keep thinking about the Suzuki Gladius, or the Honda Sportster (the Shadow RS) or something along those lines someday.  The 650 kicks out more than enough power for me, but I would really like to be able to go on a long, long trip and not have to worry about something happening and not being able to have a mechanic fix it in a pinch.

550 and 750 parts are everywhere in salvage yards, but 650 parts seem hard to come by.

[tramp]

liked the idea that buell had
just a bone ugly bike
imo

[CaféElite]

Welcome to the fold!

I have a 06 xb9 city with 25k on the clock (got it with 100). From a pure riding experience I have yet to find a bike I enjoy more. Some days I wish it had more power and another gear but I only desire that power or gear once in a blue moon so no real lose there. My only real issue with the bike is the heat on your inner legs. If it's hot out and your stuck in traffic then expect sone hot pants 

[MJL]

I've noticed that the frame tends to get warm, and since the fuel is in there I wonder if that is an issue?  Otherwise I don't really mind the heat, it's much better than the old Ninja I had.  On that one the radiator vents dumped hot air right on my shins.

[wannabridin]

dude, i LOVE those old buells, especially with the bobbed rear ends like yours!  my buddies older brother had an UBER lemon of one though, it was in the shop for 4 months of the first 6 he owned it...  but he got Buell to give him a brand new one with a lifetime "bumper to bumper" warranty for his troubles and he hasn't looked back sense!  i love the sound of a big twin revving up to 6K!!  def. a unique sound and they're so much fun to throw around!!  i'm def. jealous!! 

i do like the sounds of a 90 deg. twin at 9K a little better though....