Can I have a minute from my fellow Buell family members please?

[cuse12]

Alright guys here it is. I know some of you guys are opposed and some are for the cruiser conversion and I need some information. If you are a nay sayer on this topic then please hold back your responses. Until you read my reasoning at least.

Unfortunately, my lovely fiance (32 years young) has Parkinson's disease and it is progressing faster than most. She can no longer ride with me on the Buell perched up on the back.

However, we both love the bike because it is the first bike we bought together and she holds many memories near and dear to her because of that bike. We are wanting to convert the XB to a cruiser so we can keep our beloved baby in spirit but at the same time make a new one that we can ride together. I can't imagine anything more bad-ass than a custom cruiser being powered by the amazing v-twin that is Buell.

I need the nitty gritty on this guys. What can i re-use from the buell?

Im going to most likely buy a rolling chassis (sportster) or build a frame.

I once stumbled upon a thread of a guy who did the conversion and provided pictures and detailed descriptions the entire way through the conversion. Too bad for me I didn't save it.

I know this isn't a small process and that there are a lot of factors to be considered when doing this. I need something to get me going though. Please help me out.

 

[dflack001]

I saw a guy onece who found a company that makes axles for anything! So he put one on his X1 so he could still ride with a bum leg. It looked really good! I think he used everything but the rear brakes...

 

[Cooter]

This is going to cost you way more than just buying a Sporty.
These are cool and use a proprietary frame:

from here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Buell-Cafe-Racer-kit-/151800155877?hash=item2357fe8ee5&vxp=mtr

The seat part looks like a bolt-on unit, I imagine you could re-designone thats lower and longer to take full seat with a backrest.
Almost everything there is Buell except the tank, frame, and rear sets. I don't think you even have to do the chain conversion.

 

[Hook937]

Reuse the front end suspension, wheels, powertrain, electrical wiring, fuse box, ECM, Pulleys, Exhaust (header at least), and with so modification skills you could reuse the headlights, rear suspension, perhaps even the triple trees. The powertrain will need a different intake manifold due to the gas tank being a gas tank should be able to swipe off a EFI Sporty tho and the whole air cleaner system. You'll need a frame to accept the buell motor as there are a few small differences. Perhaps Ill dig up the link I once found when I was playing this idea myself

 

[Hook937]

http://thekneeslider.com/buell-sport-chopper/
Here is a good start, the knee slider. He reused the swing arm/oil tank also...

 

[Tbone]

Sorry to hear about your fiance.
How about a CanAm type of chassis, can a Buell motor fit in one of those or are 3 wheels out altogether?

 

[Cooter]

Not a bad idea, even 4 wheels could be cool.

With a Ferrari V-8!

You could put the Buell motor in this one…

I can't even comprehend how fast they would accelerate with all that traction. It would be a super fun one-off project for a Buell motor.

 

[wickedchop]

Sorry for ur tough times brother, I think Hook937 nailed it for you two. Just put ur own spin on it. I wish you two a speedy recovery on getting back in the saddle together. Keep us posted, we are all here for you man!

 

[July4]

That was devastating to read about your better half. I admire your enthusiasm for a build but: I think time is more important. Don't take this the wrong way, but from the perspective of a person nearly twice your age, believe me you don't want to spend her valuable time waiting for you to build something. We did an addition on our house and planned for my wifes father to live in a portion of it. he died before it was done. Time is most valuable here, so don't reinvent the, well the Harley. Buell is a better harley, but you clearly need a traditional Harley so she can sit behind you and lean back, ( I presume) This is a pretty touchy subject so try to see what I'm getting at. If you can't afford two bikes, sell the buell and buy a harley now, like this weekend. Do this so you two can do what you want right now. You could always buy a buell in the future but you will not be able to replace these days. Good luck in whatever you choose. I'm sure your Fiance is worth whatever sacrifice you need to make.

 

[Nobody]

^^^^^I fully agree with July.

 

[wickedchop]

I'm in with July4 and Nobody, never thought about it that way probably because I've never had to...my eyes got teary. Do what July4 says man, get out there and enjoy each other NOW.

 

[Chicknstripn]

Cuse12, I too agree. My heart goes out to you and your fiancé. I'm sorry for what the two of you are going to endure.
On the subject of bikes and what not... If the bike really is that important, keep the Buell for the memories and those few times you may get a chance to take a solo spin. Or keep it to just look at and reflect. For the times the two of you get to ride, buy something else that's comfy and safe for the two of you. I think that would be much cheaper and less time consuming than a one off custom build.
Whatever you do keep perspective. The bike is an inanimate object that can be replaced. You can never replace time, memories or a loved one.

 

[ToneTheMoan]

I agree with all this! the time to do it is now as in the future these will be your "good" times to look back on and cherish, mate time slips by fast so strike while the irons hot. also what ever bike you choose google all the disabled biker stuff you can you will be amazed at the adaptations out there that can help both rider and pillion, take one of her issues at a time and solve each problem then on to the next! i am a member of the National Association of Bikers with Disability (www.nabd.org.uk) in the Uk which is a good place to start to get ideas and i am more than happy to help you should you need it just ask! i wish both well and good luck!

 

[cuse12]

Thanks to all of you who have responded. I had tears from a few of those responses. My fiance and I have been through a lot. The thing is, with physical therapy and prescriptions, I can't afford to go out and hop on a brand new harley. ****, I can't even afford a used one right now. At the same time we are rebuilding our credit so financing is sort of out. Could I get a sporty chassis and re-locate the mounting brackets on our engine to fit a sporty setup?

Guys I can't thank you enough for your fine words of encouragement and sympothy. I'm so grateful to be a part of this forum. Thanks again to all you guys.

 

[ToneTheMoan]

before you do major mods try things like a solid mounted top box or sissy bar type set up for a back rest also some grab handles fitted to you or the bike then maybe different footrests with velcro anke straps that will instantly release should the need arise! even a taller screen to take the air up and over you both? a gripper seat cover may help her feel safer too?

 

[ToneTheMoan]

Or a tail swap from an ss or uly? a fair amount of work but used parts are available!

 

[TeamHennis]

I was just going to suggest what Tone said. Swapping a Uly tail with the backrest might be your easiest/least expensive option, allowing you to keep your Buell and still ride together. Or you could try fabricating a backrest for your 'bolt.

 

[RaisinCain]

FXR Harleys from the 80s and early 90s can be had on the cheap. Mr. Buell worked on designing the FXR when he was an engineer for Harley-Davidson. They are known to be one of the best handling Harleys made and are not desired by most HOG riders. I had one and it was a lot of fun to ride for a cruiser. Best of luck to you and your fiance!
http://www.hotbikeweb.com/bikes/separating-men-boys-history-fxr

 

[cuse12]

Do you guys know anybody who has made that swap? Its sad to say that I never even thought of that. I'm just wondering how much fabrication skills I will need to make a Uly tail fit on the xb. Any links would really be appreciated. I will look in the meantime. Just an update, I found an 07 HD 1200 Nightster at my local Indian dealer with 6k on it for $5,400.00 I am considering it and Im going to look at it today but a big part of me doesn't want to buy a true harley. The buell engine performs so much better to me than a true blooded harley Ugh, decisions, decisions. Ultimately its all about making the sacrifice for my girl and her being back in the wind with me. So I may have just talked myself into the right decision!

 

[halfagiraffe]

cuse12 where are you located?