what's the story with Buells

[CentralOzzy]

Arrrrr....That's interesting!

Not sure about that Trailbike front fender thingie!

[rnr262]

I like the look of the new Buell! I hope it catches on. I wanted to look at the Blast's when starting out but never found one at an HD dealer around here.

[mysta2]

I wouldn't say I've completely written them off I would still really like to ride a 9. I called another dealer yesterday and he basicly told me that I can't ride one until I sign up to buy one since they have to truck it up from thier warehouse. Then again he also said it was blue which puts my guard up since they only come in yellow (I realise it's feasable that they could have painted it, but I also expect eveything out of a closers mouth to be a lie)

I should really get them to ship it up.

[TechTMW]

He might be thinking of a Blast. I really don't think most Harley dealers care that much about Buells... then again if you had to memorize all of Harley's Model lettering system (FLXDHQR Hardbody, for example) there probably wouldn't be much room in your brain for anything else

[V4underme]

I test rode the XB12 recently during the big test ride promotion.

First, the good:

sound... the exhaust design produces a really nice snarl

power... really good jump off idle and at speed, no problems passing cars

brakes... darn thing stops on a dime



now for what I didn't like:

clutch handle made my hand cramp, it's like trying to bend an iron rod

vibration, the mirrors were completely useless and I felt the vibration from my butt up to my shoulders (salesman was telling me that part of it's Harley background and you get to like it after a while... wtf?)

seating... way to high for me considering the very short wheelbase. I'm 200 lb. and 73" tall, more in my boots, and I felt like a circus bear riding a little bike. Wife said I made the bike look really small.

Gotta get a backpack if you want to carry anything with you.


Some other comments... I hit the brakes kinda hard to test them, and as I said they work great. So well that I almost went over the front of the bike. I think that's a function of really short wheelbase and high seat with a tall-ish rider. Scared the crap out of me. The handling... umm, I guess when you get used to it, or if you are a better rider than I am, it's good. However I can't see it being better than the sportbikes and most of the standards out there.

I also think it's about 2-3k too expensive, just my opinion.


I think Buell has a bike that's great for an urban environment (hence the name CityX) if you don't mind or even enjoy the vibration. It's a unique machine and I can see why many like it. I wouldn't say it's technologically superior to other bikes, a few old builder's tricks don't qualify that, imo. I doubt I'd ever consider one since I'm used to the smooth, silky ride and crisp power of 4 cylinders, both V and inline. But hey, if you like it, go for it! It has it's place and I'm glad they are around!

[cb360]

That's a well-written, informative review. Not my cup of tea as far as bikes go, but I like reading reviews and that was a good one.

[keysman]

First off, I love the xb12r. I rode one for a weekend, and it's a great bike. It perfectly defines what a usable street bike should be with plenty of grunt and cornering capabilities. That being said, it's not a super-high-speed machine, but who wants that anyway

My biggest beefs with the Buell was the gas-tank/frame. It only holds 14 liters, which is ok for a streetbike I guess, but not enough for me! The second problem was lack of passenger space which is semi-important for me.

Now Buell just introduced a new line of adventure tourer type bikes - the Ulysses xb12x. Looks awesome and if I were a betting man I would say it's set to be an awesome all-arounder - especially because harley derived v-twins are great engines for dirt applications. (Dirt track racing for example) Unfortunately, they only increased tank size to 16 liters - what the heck kind of adventure can you get in on only 16 liters???

Hopefully these bikes will catch on and the aftermarket will find some kind of fuel solution. Also it looks like it has a usable rear seat ... yay Buell !

I don't think the Ulysses looks half bad and there are some nice inovations in the Buell line and some decent improvements in this model. It's nothing earth shattering but I think it's a step in the right direction.

I was visiting some Buell forums today to see what people think about the new bike and for the most part they don't seem to like it. I don't understand that. Why would Buell owners not like the new bike.

What do you guys think?

http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes_gear/ulysses/

[CentralOzzy]

LOOKS OK to me!

[keysman]

I talked to a local dealer and they are suppoed to have a new Ulysses to look at tomorrow. I may just have to go up to the dealer and take a look. I was checking out some other boards and this bike seems to be generating a lot of buzz. There is an article in the September Cycle World that has nothing but praise for the new bike. If I do get to see one I will do my best to get some photos and post them here.

[scan]

I talked to a local dealer and they are suppoed to have a new Ulysses to look at tomorrow. I may just have to go up to the dealer and take a look. I was checking out some other boards and this bike seems to be generating a lot of buzz. There is an article in the September Cycle World that has nothing but praise for the new bike. If I do get to see one I will do my best to get some photos and post them here.

I saw the review too. Have to admit they have me looking their way. I sort of took a shine to the CityX and the Ulysses looks even cooler. I think maybe Eric's company is evolving - and may give the rest of the bike world a run for the money. Sounds like Buell is a modern inovative company not affraid to try new ideas, and not affraid to make mistakes. Not a big fan of the early work, but the Ulysses has passenger space, a place for bags, small wind protection, and a pretty radical face. I'll have to take one for a spin and let you all know.