Do I really want a Buell?

[Spldrong]

I drive my BMW GS most days. The Buell is just gonna be my fun little bike for nice weather and short rides.

 

[lancruza]

Am I considered a hooligan for owning an XB9SX? It seems pretty "tame" to me. There are bikes that have way more power and even handle better but that's not why I own one.

I guess I love the idea of an American sports bike and that a guy like Erik Buell had the guts to do it - and did.

There's no reason to feel like you "have" to like a Buell. I'd never own a CBX, that thing is just massive - but I get the following; it's different and that's cool.

Buell's aren't for everyone, that's for sure. My brothers are all about Yamaha's, dad's into Brit bikes (all of us are), I like just about all the sports bikes (and classics) out there, but Buell's just speak to me.

^^^^^^THIS...ALL of it!^^^^^^

 

[Mesozoic]

I like Hondas too and have owned a '78 CB400 and considered getting a new CB1000 as well. That being said, there's several different models of Buell machines and they're all characteristically very different. If the seating was too cramped for you, you might try to find an XB12Ss, which is a longer, stretched out version of the standard model XB12. It does sacrifice some of the twitch handling capabilities that the shorter wheelbase model boasts, but it's considerably more comfortable for longer distance touring and/or for taller/long-legged folks. I'm also very fond of my '09 1125CR - the engine in that bike coupled with the same frame architecture as the XB series is a really great evolution of the Buell design IMHO. However, there's something to be said for the old school 90* V-twin engine as opposed to the Rotax liquid-cooled monster. I would seek out some more Buells before throwing in the towel.

 

[ksquare]

Thanks Mesozoic and all. I haven't quite given up yet. I think I'll try to find an XB12SS & see if it's more my style. I'm not looking for a bike to race. My CBX does all I want as far as acceleration and its handling is ok with me. Something about Buell keeps coming back to bug me. Hmm how about the CBX engine in a Buell chassis? There is a guy who built a V12 out of two CBX engines. Naw...

 

[lancruza]

I have a 99VFR800FI Honda Interceptor that I luv. There's nothing like that V4 with it's gear-driven cam. I have a 2018 Versys 300X. It's also fuel injected, great mpg, light, and nimble. I have a 72 BMW 75/5 that is a work in progress. Plus I have my 09 CityX. The Buell has it's own characteristics that make it awesome. My admiration for Erik Buell and what he accomplished with his motorcycles is off the charts. They all scratch their own itch. The Buell line are such unique bikes. Hope you find what scratches your itch.

 

[34nineteen]

I have a 99VFR800FI Honda Interceptor that I luv. There's nothing like that V4 with it's gear-driven cam.

That is an amazing bike! Pics please!!!!

 

[Cooter]

The correct number of motorcycles to own is: X+1. Where X is the number of motorcycles you own.

 

[Mesozoic]

The correct number of motorcycles to own is: X+1. Where X is the number of motorcycles you own.

Agreed.

 

[lancruza]

 

[34nineteen]

That is really nice. I've always like them since I was a teenager back in the mid 80's.

My favorite version is the 2007? models in the red white blue/ 25th Anniversary livery.

 

[RidetheLightning]

That is really nice. I've always like them since I was a teenager back in the mid 80's.

My favorite version is the 2007? models in the red white blue/ 25th Anniversary livery.

I've been searching these the past few months for sport touring and can't get them out of my head. Found one awhile back for $3,500 with low miles, bags, and staintune exhaust that almost did it for me. Problem is with no garage I can only keep one bike at a time, and I can't get rid of my Buell...

 

[34nineteen]

There is someone rolling around out here on one with bags. I see him on the 101 at times. Swoon-worthy bike fo sure.

 

[Silverrider]

You might want to test ride a Newer Uly. Buells are not for everyone only the good guys . LOL

 

[34nineteen]

The legend returns....

Ladies and gentlemen... Mr. Silver Rider!!!!!

 

[Silverrider]

The legend returns....

Ladies and gentlemen... Mr. Silver Rider!!!!!

You are killing me !

 

[KIKH400]

I had a Ducati Monster 750 for 7 years or so. Great bike, great handling and braking, and fast enough to get in trouble. The riding position got to be a bit much (I’m 61), so I got a Sportster Roadster. Nice bike, but I just didn’t feel like riding it much. Always wanted a Buell, but I was concerned about getting a bike that’s from a company that’s gone. Prices are stupid cheap for used Buell’s, so I bought an XB9SX last August. I put 1” bar risers to go with the 1” lower pegs, and replaced the loud jardine with stock exhaust. I absolutely love the bike. Comfortable through the twisty stuff and can cruise down the highway. Just awesome. Get one. Really.

 

[34nineteen]

I had a 2016 Sportster Roadster myself. Went into Harley to buy a $5 plastic part for my 1125, and left with a Sportster.

 

[ksquare]

I don't ever see me getting a Harley but I still can't get the Buell out of my mind. Ian, how do you choose between the Honda VFR800 and the CityX? You just try to give them equal time? And if we are sharing pics, here's my CBX. Who knows, it might just get a friend. I totally understand the X+1 rule. It has plenty of power and its handling is good enough for my level of riding regardless of what some reviews have indicated.

 

[lancruza]

Right now it's easy to choose between the VFR and the CityX coz my fuel pump is out on the Buell. I've been a Honda guy for a longgg time. The VFR is such a great machine. Options are a good thing. The Buell is just so different from everything else that I'll probably always keep one around. I bought this current one with 4k miles on it and don't anticipate selling it. I think a Buell is a bike that you either really like a lot, or you don't much care for it all. Referring back to your original post...I've had loud exhausts in the past and I'm currently running a stock pipe. I'm really enjoying the less loud sound. PLUS the bike runs better and feels smoother without the loud pipes. Buells are all around at bargain prices. I say try and find one with a stock pipe, go test ride it and compare to the one you just rode. Heck, at current prices, just pick one up for a while. You can always flip it later and get your money back. AND... you'll be able to look back and smile and remember owning a piece of American motorcycle history that is now fading into the past. Sorry, I didn't mean to go and get all nostalgic on ya. Here's a pic from a few years back when I went and picked mine up from a soldier at Ft. Bragg. Oh yeah, that CBX looks CLEAN. Nice one!

 

[kz6fittycent]

I had a Ducati Monster 750 for 7 years or so. Great bike, great handling and braking, and fast enough to get in trouble. The riding position got to be a bit much (I’m 61), so I got a Sportster Roadster. Nice bike, but I just didn’t feel like riding it much. Always wanted a Buell, but I was concerned about getting a bike that’s from a company that’s gone. Prices are stupid cheap for used Buell’s, so I bought an XB9SX last August. I put 1” bar risers to go with the 1” lower pegs, and replaced the loud jardine with stock exhaust. I absolutely love the bike. Comfortable through the twisty stuff and can cruise down the highway. Just awesome. Get one. Really.

I love those Ducati Monsters. The other bike I'm seriously looking at for a daily rider is a Kawasaki z900rs: https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/motorcycle/z/retro-sport/z900rs?cm_re=GLOBALNAV-_-PRODUCTGROUPLIST-_-VEHICLE