Just curious b/c I was considering another bike.
Mid 80's in TQ and 395 lbs. dont seem that bad w/ a bit over 100 HP.
Different purpose built, but would seem like a fun ride.
Just wondering If I would end up board and letting it collect dust.
The Buells aren't too bad, and they have a tremendous range of implements available including a rear spreader, front-end loader and mid-mount mower attachment.
On the other hand, if you like reliability and a transmission that isn't shared with John Deere then stay away for your own sanity.
I rode this little gem during biketoberfest in daytona just this past fall. before i got on it i was shooting the breeze with a few of the harley reps there, i mentioned that i was looking forward to it, already being familiar with sport twins and whatnot. before i took it out i made sure to ask them if they derate these things for all the people that will be on them. they told me "nope, this is exactly the bike you get at the dealership." excited, i got on it and took it for a few laps around the airport (the streets that make a lap around the outside of the airport, if you've never been to daytona during bike week or biketoberfest) and after i got back they approached me and asked me what i thought of it, this is basically what i got accross to them:
this is supposed to be their newest, biggest and baddest sport bike? i've never felt so bored on a motorcycle. i would twist the throttle all the way open (something i've never done on my RC on the street, ever) and WAIT for something to happen. and when it did happen, it didn't happen very quickly. i found the seating position uncomfortable and unfamiliar to me, but i've never owned a buell. it didn't handle especially great and it ESPECIALLY didn't feel like i had 1200cc's between my legs. it definately was the most "cruiser-like" sport bike i've ever been on. i'm not really a huge fan of that giant brake rotor they put on one side of the front wheel, or the belt drive. basically, i thought it was as slow as and handled as sloppily as a cruiser, yet it looked like and was as uncomfortable as a sport bike. nevermind all the magazine reviews that i've read since that say the thing handles like crap on the track, my buddy has one that he takes to jennings and even he complains about it. maintenance record to boot, you'll never catch one of these things in my garage. i was pulling for them to. i like the idea of an american made v-twin sport bike. total disapointment if you ask me. but hey, just my
My friend just bought an '05 1200 model I think. He's got 1700 miles on it and had to replace the clutch because it was slipping so badly it made it almost impossible to ride. Harley refused to cover it under the warranty because they said it was wear and tear. In 1700 miles He said the power is kind of there, but the speed is not. He said it's a pig compared to his TL 1000S. He finds it pretty fun but I know he's missing his RC already and I think he's missing his TL S now too.
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Tom Hilsdorf
'02 RC51-race
'99 GSXR 600-street
CCS AM #911
Yep, what all the other posters said. I rode a mates Buel that he had for a work project (he was contracted to develop some engine bits)..just want to make it clear that I do not have mates who ride buel's .
Anyway, the best way to descibe it was that it felt like it should have gone hard, but it just didn't. You litterally ring the throttle and it makes all the right noises and vibes, and you convince yourself that it must be moving fast(er)...but it's just not. Very confusing.
Basically a big fat slow pig...oh yeah, that's right it's a Harley!
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Ausie with an '05 RC51, flapper mod. (oooh that was a hard one ), Pilot Power 2CT's, Moriwaki low mounts, PCIIIusb w. custom map, speedo healer, 15/41 520, Kyle clipon's, soft grips, sargent seat, Scott's damper, Gold valves springs and shimed shocks, raised rear 3.5mm, braided lines, Turn One Airbox, HID, alarm, Magic Racing hugger, Turn One Carbon tank protector...and still smiling like a crazy person!
I've ridden a couple of Buel’s and while they feel powerful when you let out the clutch the first time and sounds like its going to make power all over, but you quickly learn you have to keep the thing between 4k and 6k to have any fun. That and at the start of a demo ride I had a few parts fall off and the cooling fan noise was over powering the nice engine noise.
The Buells aren't too bad, and they have a tremendous range of implements available including a rear spreader, front-end loader and mid-mount mower attachment.
On the other hand, if you like reliability and a transmission that isn't shared with John Deere then stay away for your own sanity.
I almost hate to admit this.......but my brother owns a xb9r. Now before i get boo'd off this site, he also owns an 02' RC51 (which means the xb9r is up for sale thank god). I have ridden his buell a few times and found it to be totally lackluster. What everyone has posted here is true. It sounds cool, feels cool, hell i even like the look, but it's a turd
.... it definately was the most "cruiser-like" sport bike i've ever been on.
It was a good idea on paper, but using ANYTHING manufactured by HD and WWII technology, is a setback.
The Buell's engine started as an Andrews modified sportster engine (transmission gears and cam) and has barely modernized since. It old, antiquated and outdated technology that can't be made competitive with a few pieces of chrome, or a Black, Bar-B-Q grill finish. I won't even start on poor oiling qualities, or the limitations of a pushrod engine at high RPMs, with their rocker arm/valve design. OH......it'll do high RPMs.....but longevity isn't a word recognized in any Harley manual.........
Buell or Harley trying to step into the ring with any Japanese motorcycle MFG'er is such a waste of time, as they're GA-ZILLIONS of dollars behind in R&D, experience and technology. Harley's been basically the same HUGE, swinging flywheel design with changes primarily to the heads over the years, since the 30's.... Sure, they went to distributor ignition in the 60's and the Evo engine in the 80's, but that just saved them from the oil leaking, constant valve adjusting history they had in the past.
Ironically, if you go to York, PA to the Harley plant, the most secret part of the plant that NOBODY gets to see, it their multi-million dollar paint area, that they're so proud of.
20-fukin-K for a Harley, and they're biggest, proudest accomplishment is the paint/appearence......
The reality of it is: Buell got into the market to sell bikes to people that really wanted Sportbikes, but were afraid to buy a Jap bike. This way, it's still recognized as a "Harley" and you can keep the chain wallet and 47 Harley T-shirts you have from every state you've been to, and nobody kicks you out of the trailer park.....
Harley has become a marketing ploy to sell accessories that add weight and enhance nothing. The market for aftermarket chrome accessories is a money making machine, like no other. If you slap the words "Harley Davidsun" on toilet paper, it sells. It's an icon for sure.........
I've got one (xb9s), I don't think its quite the devil everyone is making it out to be.. if you rode one expecting the same power/feel as an RC51, of course you're going to be disappointed! I'd put the power output on par with an SV650. Yes the engine revs slower, but once its above 4,000 rpm (on the xb9 anyways) it picks up quite a bit. The only thing I don't like is it seems to need new spark plugs every 1000 miles or so, but the good thing is they only cost a buck each at autozone and don't even take 10 minutes to change. Transmission isn't as smooth as a japanese bike, but if you're not trying to clutchless shift all the time you really don't notice it much.
I think for a streetbike its just as good as anything else out there. Not so much for a racebike, but the majority of riders aren't going to ever set foot on a track.
It was a good idea on paper, but using ANYTHING manufactured by HD and WWII technology, is a setback.
The Buell's engine started as an Andrews modified sportster engine (transmission gears and cam) and has barely modernized since. It old, antiquated and outdated technology that can't be made competitive with a few pieces of chrome, or a Black, Bar-B-Q grill finish. I won't even start on poor oiling qualities, or the limitations of a pushrod engine at high RPMs, with their rocker arm/valve design. OH......it'll do high RPMs.....but longevity isn't a word recognized in any Harley manual.........
Buell or Harley trying to step into the ring with any Japanese motorcycle MFG'er is such a waste of time, as they're TRILLIONS of dollars behind in R&D, experience and technology. Harley's been basically the same HUGE, swinging flywheel design with changes primarily to the heads over the years, since the 30's.... Sure, they went to distributor ignition in the 60's and the Evo engine in the 80's, but that just saved them from the oil leaking, constant valve adjusting history they had in the past.
Ironically, if you go to York, PA to the Harley plant, the most secret part of the plant that NOBODY gets to see, it their multi-million dollar paint area, that they're so proud of.
20-fukin-K for a Harley, and they're biggest, proudest accomplishment is the paint/appearence......
The reality of it is: Buell got into the market to sell bikes to people that really wanted Sportbikes, but were afraid to buy a Jap bike. This way, it's still recognized as a "Harley" and you can keep the chain wallet and 47 Harley T-shirts you have from every state you've been to, and nobody kicks you out of the trailer park.....
Harley has become a marketing ploy to sell accessories that add weight and enhance nothing. The market for aftermarket chrome accessories is a money making machin, like no other. If you slap the words "Harley Davidsun" on toilet paper, it sells. It's an icon for sure.........
So what you are saying is that you REALLY like the Buell's right?
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From Squid to Responsible Idiot in less than 10 years......
My friends fiance rode a Blast! to start. The thing vibrated itself off the kickstand on more than one occasion.
Hell, even their factory race bikes suck...
Ha ha ha. Now that gives a new meaning to "a picture is worth a thousand words". Or in this case....1000's of dollars. I have friends that have/had Buelll's. They are oil leaking, transmission breaking pigs. Sure they rode them hard, but aren't you suppose to be able to do that every now and again. The RC has no problem with it.
One of the guys that still has his Buell(with the blown tranny), had an oil leak. big surprise. He had it into the dealership 2 times and the piece of shit still leaked oil. Terrible. Buells are ugly, and get away with murder in racing because they are "Air cooled". And with all that advantage...1351cc to 600 cc in the formula extreme class at Daytona...how did they do. Oh that's right, no HIGHER than 51st.
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2001 RC51
Swingarm mod
Flapper mod
PAIR mod
The Buells aren't too bad, and they have a tremendous range of implements available including a rear spreader, front-end loader and mid-mount mower attachment.
On the other hand, if you like reliability and a transmission that isn't shared with John Deere then stay away for your own sanity.
OMG>>>HAHAHA! Sorry I have to laugh at that
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"money is the root of all problems"
I don't see why anyone is suprised. HD just plain will not make any improvments to their product other than to what they look like. Last year's blue and chrome monster is this year's blacked out specialty bike. Nothing more.
They are all about hype and quality has always been for shit.
I have a soft spot for them though, my dad owned three Harley's when I was growing up and if they weren't so shitty, I would never have learned enough to become a mechanic.
There's potential with the V-Rod motor, but they will not release one to Buell other than for drag racing. HD usually just shoots themselves in the foot before the race gets started.
Ken
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Quotes From Turd Burglar 51
Quote:
Originally Posted by Area 51
I'm fifty and ride a sport bike. I guess I'm a tool too - just like you, bros. Got a few hunting guns too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Turd Ferguson
Can't say for sure but I suspect Rand Paul is an ass.
Pot and Kettle..together forever. Hypocrisy knows no boundaries..
Quote:
Originally Posted by nero
IQ51 still fits, i see...
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The problems we face today exist because the people who work for a living are outnumbered by those who vote for a living.
Any of you riden a Buell?
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), Pilot Power 2CT's, Moriwaki low mounts, PCIIIusb w. custom map, speedo healer, 15/41 520, Kyle clipon's, soft grips, sargent seat, Scott's damper, Gold valves springs and shimed shocks, raised rear 3.5mm, braided lines, Turn One Airbox, HID, alarm, Magic Racing hugger, Turn One Carbon tank protector...and still smiling like a crazy person!
"03 RC"
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