The time has come to own a Buell

[graveshaker]

Hello all, I've grown to the point of wanting something different than the same ol' cafe style bike. I'm 37 years old and currently own a 2004 Kawasaki zx10r. While the zx sure has many attributes, I find myself not needing all the zip just to do a little street riding. I'm not ready for a cruiser however riding in a more upright position would really benefit my back. My question to you guys is I'm 6 2" and weigh 235lbs. Will I look ridicules riding a Buell Firebolt? The closest Buell dealer is more than 125 miles from my home so siting on one will be difficult. My goal is to sell or trade for a 2004-2006 Buell Firebolt. My ZX10r is in perfect condition with 11 thousand miles. The Firebolt would be a perfect replacement for the zx10 because I generally buzz around town and occasionally hit some twisties. The brute power and horses of the zx10 is not needed for my style of riding.

 

[Thaloc]

Firebolt are generally smaller looking bikes. Short GP style wheele base, they are a bit tall compared to others. I think U will feel like its small for u, until u actually get on one and ride it. The sheer torque it puts out changes everything. I love my 12R, then again im an average sized guy(5'11 160lbs). But I came off an inline-4 also and the Buell with its riding postion and sound, and the feel it gives u when u power it through a corner is amazing, ill never not own a Buell from now on. I say test ride if you can, maybe check out graigslist for a used or take the [ninja] over to ur Buell dealer see if the let u test ride. U wont regret it.

 

[squiers007]

I agree with Thaloc, I think it would definately be worth your time to go test ride one because you will never know if you are comfortable on it until you do. Once you take these bad boys for a test ride you will want one for sure. Welcome to the forum and good luck.

 

[graveshaker]

The thing with test riding, I'm not in the market for a brand new machine so I'd have to test ride a used bike from a private seller. If the seller is up to test rides, I'm all for it. If I test a new machine, will it be a lot different than a 2004-2006?
Is there any one in Mid Michigan willing to offer a test ride?

 

[squiers007]

If you go to a dealer that has used bikes you should be able to test ride one if you show some interest in buying it. The feel of the 04-06 shouldnt be too much different than the 08-09's as the geometry of the frame has not changed much, but I personally have not tried this.

 

[ophawk]

I would agree with the above. You won't know what is comfortable for you until you swing a leg, and go for a ride. I'm about average 6'1" 180, with back issues also. I find the Firebolt, is actually hard on my wrists, so I found that I like the Lightning riding position much better, and more inline with the Position of my S3.

 

[graveshaker]

Just got off the phone with Connie from my local dealer. She just returned from Vegas from a "Back to the Track" competitor's track event. We set up appointment for the two of us to ride both the 1125r and the Firebolt. She will start out on the 1125r and then we'll switch. The only Firebolt in stock was a white one, eww. But for a good comparison color is not a problem. She seems to steer me in the direction of the 1125r because of my Jap bike experience. She also said that most of the riders from the event favored the Buells over the competion (aprilla, ducati, ktm and such).
As soon as the weather breaks, it's a date! Funny my Jap dealers would never offer this type of service.

 

[Thaloc]

The only Firebolt in stock was a white one, eww.

I hope you know Sir, this means WAR!

 

[jsg]

first welcome to the board. Like mentioned before you might want to look at the lightnings since you are looking for a more straight up position. When I first sat on a firebolt I didn't find the position to be much more upright then my 97 gxxer so it might be worth looking there also the Ss has a bit more room too.

 

[dave_xb12r]

She's steering you toward the 1125R because it costs more. I love Buells, but finding a honest harley salesman hard to do. You're not going to find a 2004-2006 1125R, they are 08 and 09 only. For you're style of riding, the Firebolt is the perfect bike. An 1125R is too much bike for the city. I love my XB12R, and if I could find a reason to have 5 of them, I would get 6.

 

[graveshaker]

^^^^exactly what I was thinking. Also the hole point of the test ride is to determine if the Buell will fit. I hope the later year Buells are not terribly different from the early years as far as size and positioning.
If the Firebolt fits my frame, than that's my choice. It clearly seems like the wiser choice for spirited street riding.
Any one here want a slightly used zx10 with tons of brute force?

 

[dave_xb12r]

I know someone... here is cali.

As far as position goes, its exactly the same. They updated the fuel pump placement in 08, and added two more pistons in the front calipers in 09. Other than those two things, they're all pretty much the same.

I forgot before... Welcome to the buellxb forums! And hopefully soon, welcome to the Buell family!

 

[graveshaker]

Thaloc no offense to your white Buell. When the sales lady described a white Buell I couldn't visualize the color on a Buell. Now that I see yours it's as breath taking as them all. Is there a bad color for a Buell? I think not. When I look at these machines I see art work. Many of the clips and zip tied hoses you would normally see on a cafe are non existing on the Buell. The color combination on the wheels, the belt drive, I could go on and on. Bottom line the best looking street fighter/naked cafe out period!

 

[Thaloc]

LOL I know man I just like to give people shit, welcome to the forum bro

 

[squiers007]

Graveshaker im excited to hear how your test ride goes and if you like the firebolt of not. I have had mine for a little over a year and love it even more than I did the day I bought it.

 

[shilohsk8]

Welcome to family Graveshaker. I am 6'1" 185 and own a Lightning its XB12scg witch is the model with the lower seat and ride height. I feel like the bike fits me just fine very comfortable. One thing I didn't like were the stock handle bars they just felt to close to me so I put the Firebolt clip-ons on my bike and I like the riding position a lot better.

 

[dave_xb12r]

Whoa shilohsk8, you have firebolt bars, or firebolt style bars? I know the firebolt bars can be put on the lightning, but special brackets and cutting needs to be done. Can you post pics?

 

[shilohsk8]

Yeah I put the firebolt top triple on my bike, it took a little modification but wasn't too hard. Here's a write-up I did on it. XBR clip-on conversion for XBS

 

[Crash_Burn05]

i have been a bolt for a little over a year now and test rode a 1125r a coulple of weekends ago. its a nice bike ill say that much but it didnt feel the same as an xb. i think i could get used to it and enjoy it but will stick to the xb line up for now. i also got a huge push to buy the 1125r with lots of rebates and extended warrenty, i think they maybe having trouble moving them or just want to make room for the new models.

 

[shilohsk8]

I wouldn't be surprised if they couldn't sell 1125R it's ugly as sh*t. Well I mean the bike itself look great they just ruined it with the obnoxious scoops.