Found the bike I want!

[gruntygiggles]

Ok, so I'll be taking my test in July and I was going to have Stretchies old (but lovely) Thundercat as my first bike. I've always been happy with this thought, but a little scared as I can only get my tip toes on the floor and it leans to quite an angle for me to get a full foot on floor for the purpose of stops at lights and roundabouts. It's a big heavy bike and I know full well that I am going to drop it at a stop or low speed because I can't move it around easily.

Now.......Stretchie and I went with Squirrel to look at the Buell 1125 that he wants and outside was a line up of Buell Lightnings. There was a rather pretty looking XB12Scg there in red. It has red wheels, translucent red tank cover (I know it's not the tank as the fuel is held in the frame, but I don't know what to call it) and a translucent red screen.

It's a stunning bike to look at. Stretchie had a sit on and fell in love, also loving the others there. I sat on it and it was like getting into your own bed after a long day of hard work. It just felt right. It fitted me, I could get both feet comfortably on the floor thanks to the 28.6 inch height and as the fuel and oil are in the frame and swingarm, the centre of gravity is low so the bike is light as a feather.

I could sit on it and keep both feet off the floor for up to 3 seconds sometimes because it is so well balanced and I could easily walk it backwards and forwards while sat comfortably, not having to work too hard.

My only reservation has been that it has a 1203cc V Twin Thunderstorm engine in it and I know a lot of people will probably say I'd be stupid to get a bike with such power as a first bike.

The dealer and many reviews have said that it is a great bike for novices as the front wheel never gets light, even when the throttle is fully opened and it is very sensible in traffic and sympathetic to novice riders.

So......Thundercat :-

Keeps having problems (sorry love) and has to be fixed regularly
Is big and heavy
I can only just get my toes on the floor
Has a 600CC engine
Cost to insure - £308 fully comp for me and Dan
Already scratches fairings so no biggie if I drop it.


and Buell:-

Brand new bike with warranty and great user reviews
Is small and light and well balanced
I can get both feet well on the floor
Has a 1203cc engine (with the same power delivery as a modern 600)
Cost to insure - £560 not including Dan (with Dan, over £5k)
New bike, so be gutted to drop it, but not the end of the world.

Your thoughts guys and gals of the org?????

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2009models/2009-Buell-Lightning-XB12Scga.jpg

[fizzwheel]

I'd be inclined not to get a new bike for a first bike, theres no guarantee that your going to drop it, but you may well do at some point, but then thats what insurance and crash bungs are for...

You dont need to get your feet flat down, Liz manages to ride all her bikes and cant get both feet flat down on any of them. But theres a lot to be said for being confident on the bike and if that means you need have your feet flat down then so be it.

In your shoes, I'd be inclined to use the Cat for a few months just to get you up and running and then get the Buell that you want. Also if you wait a few months till the clocks change back and bike dealers go quiet you may get a better deal at the end of summer / autumn to...

[454697819]

you just want the throbbing vibrations dont you...

Bikes are about something you love not something you should put up with buy what your heart wants.

[hovis]

+1, to fizz....... you will be gutted if you drop the buell, not so gutted if you drop the cat

plus buells are expensive when they go wrong,

if you not comfy on the cat sell/px it for somthing cheap, just while you get used to riding

[gruntygiggles]

I'd be inclined not to get a new bike for a first bike, theres no guarantee that your going to drop it, but you may well do at some point, but then thats what insurance and crash bungs are for...

You dont need to get your feet flat down, Liz manages to ride all her bikes and cant get both feet flat down on any of them. But theres a lot to be said for being confident on the bike and if that means you need have your feet flat down then so be it.

In your shoes, I'd be inclined to use the Cat for a few months just to get you up and running and then get the Buell that you want. Also if you wait a few months till the clocks change back and bike dealers go quiet you may get a better deal at the end of summer / autumn to...


Yeah, that's been my thought process so far, but when I sat on the Buell, I just felt at home. I'm extremely comfortable on bikes, so I'm not going to be an overly nervous new rider, but I also don't want to make life more difficult for myself. My priorities would be to learn slowly but surely and get in some track time with tuition to learn some valuable skills. I'm very good at controlling myself in terms of being able to stop myself pushing it too far. If I was out with others, I'd just go at my own pace and be more concerned with improving skills than getting the bike leant over or picking the speed up etc.

I think with the Thundercat, I would ride it and enjoy it but be constantly worrying about dropping it and I'd be nervous at every set of lights, roundabouts, junctions where I have to stop as it's not got the smoothest gears (waits for many comments aimed at Stretchie) and I can't move it on my own very well if I ever needed to back it up a bit.

The Buell just felt like an extension of me and so I feel like the benefit of starting out on a bike that does not make me worrysome or nervous would outweigh the possible need for damage repair. The power isn't a major issue in my mind as that is under my control, but the weight of the Thundercat isn't always.

Thanks Fizz.....this has really got me thinking today.

[gruntygiggles]

you just want the throbbing vibrations dont you...

Bikes are about something you love not something you should put up with buy what your heart wants.

Well, now you come to mention it....lol

[gruntygiggles]

+1, to fizz....... you will be gutted if you drop the buell, not so gutted if you drop the cat

plus buells are expensive when they go wrong,

if you not comfy on the cat sell/px it for somthing cheap, just while you get used to riding

Yep, that's the obviously sensible option. Can't sell the Cat though.....Dans first bike and it's here to stay. Maybe I could get a cheap older high mileage bike for a few months first, but I honestly would not be that gutted if I dropped the Buell. Gutted yes, but I see things like that as little stuff in life....it's fixable and the individual parts are actually not that bad on the pocket....not like some of the other models and much cheaper than it was before Harley bought them out.

Ahhhh, We'll see. I know Dan won't like that he can't be insured on it!!!

[eviltwin]

If, like me, you will be riding for fun then you shouldn't just consider practicalities - your bike should make you smile.

If you like the Buell and can afford a new bike then what the hell. If you drop it, that's why we have insurance.

Yes, Buells have a chequered reliability reputation but much of what would go wrong on a new bike will be covered by warranty so it'll just be an annoyance that the bike's in the dealership rather than on your drive.

Oh and if you do opt for one, question the list price or see what you can get thrown is, as I bet you could count on your own fingers how many Lightnings the dealer will have sold this year!

[yorkie_chris]

Has a 1203cc engine (with the same power delivery as a modern 600)

I doubt it!


It will be a total pain in the rse to work on with a mish mash of imperial and septic fittings, will vibrate itself to bits. Have they finally sorted the gearboxes out, or do they still eat themselves?
But, it will probably be a laugh to ride.

[fizzwheel]

Your other option like you say is get something cheap and nasty.. i.e

GS500 or an ER5, you'll more than likely do your training on either of these bikes so you'll have a little bit of familiarity with them to.

Failing that you shoudl be able to pick up a cheap curvey SV, great first bike IMHO ;)

I know what you mean about the Cat, if you arent confident on it you'll always have that niggling at you in the back of your mind. The other way to solve your feet down problem is to ride and never stop then you never have to put your feet down anyway. I bet if you do go down the cat route, you'll get confident on it very very quickly and you wont notice the weight etc when you've got it on the move...

[yorkie_chris]

Why are you worried about dropping the 'cat... spares for those are way easier to get hold of than a buell!

[dizzyblonde]

I wouldn't go for a Buell as a first bike. Got a friend with vast experience of them, I'd hazard a guess he'd say its not for girls(for want of a better phrase), especially those that are looking at one for a first bike. They can be for girls......but you have to be damn careful on them


The Buell just felt like an extension of me and so I feel like the benefit of starting out on a bike that does not make me worrysome or nervous would outweigh the possible need for damage repair


if you think the Buell won't worry you.....think again!

[yorkie_chris]

I haven't ridden one, it's obvious that the bhp figures won't get you into trouble particularly quickly, but they do have a reputation of very short wheelbase and aggressive geometry. Maybe a twitchy bike is not the best for a beginner, or maybe having no experience of other geometry you will love it and be able to chuck it about like nothing else...

[dizzyblonde]

I haven't ridden one, it's obvious that the bhp figures won't get you into trouble particularly quickly, but they do have a reputation of very short wheelbase and aggressive geometry. Maybe a twitchy bike is not the best for a beginner, or maybe having no experience of other geometry you will love it and be able to chuck it about like nothing else...

+1....

GG if you want any info about this Buell I'm sure our mad Buell owning friend could be poked with a small stick, hes a lot of a buell nerd(and a UKBEG moderator) :-)
A bit like some of these SV owners :-)

[Graciepants]

i didnt buy new for my first bike...but i bought it in mint condition. in fact the guy who looked at it for has a 2007 bike and it was in better condition than his. and i've dropped it. 4 times. that i can remember. now, i'm not distraught that i've dropped it, i've not broken anything on it yet, theres a few holes in the stickers on my fairings now, and some scratches on the bar ends/indicators/crash bungs because i knew as it was my first bike, i was gonna drop it. i wasnt confident, its big and heavy, and im clumsy. BUT it does make me feel a bit sad that i bought a mint condition bike and now its a bit battered. it's kind of a waste really. in 8 years it had done 11000 miles and was beautiful. now its done 3000 in 2 months and has wear and tear :( :(

HOWEVER, because its big and wide and heavy, i was terrified of it. it took me until about may to actually enjoy riding it, before i was going out on it because i knew i should do, but all the time while i was on it, i couldnt wait to get off it - not because i hated riding, but because i'd have safely got somewhere without dropping it., and i do tihnk, if i'd got a bike i was confident on - that i could get my feet down on, that i could lean over with more skill, that i didnt wibble around on because it was so heavy at slow speeds that perhaps i'd got to this point in my riding life - where i love my bike and im getting more and more confident everytime i ride, a hell of a lot sooner?

[plowsie]

I like that a lot. It's your choice to make at the end of the day, no guarantee on dropping your first bike, most people do. Not heard much on Buells so can't say whether carp or not. However, before you make a decision, look at this...

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w46/plowsie/IMG00106-20090530-1439.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w46/plowsie/IMG00107-20090530-1439.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w46/plowsie/IMG00108-20090530-1440.jpg
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w46/plowsie/IMG00109-20090530-1440.jpg

[gruntygiggles]

Regards the gearbox.....it's been overhauled and problems ironed out....as have almost all Buell problems since Harley took over.

Regarding being a twitchy bike, this one isn't and I've read quite a few reviews now that confirm this. A few of these reviews say that this is an excellent bike for a novice rider as it has become a very smooth and sympathetic bike.

I tend not to listen too much to what people say about bikes they've owned unless it's the exact same bike and there's evidence to back it up. As this bike has been modified and improved from the 2008 version, it is not the same bike, so I'd only really want to know about experience people have had with the 09 version. It's not that I don't trust what people say, but it's very easy to talk down something that you have had a bad experience with and it might not always be an impartial and fair review/

I know they have a lot of vibration, but regular services and checks will pick up on anything vibrating itself loose and the bike has had great reviews for reliability and the many new and improved components making servicing cheaper.

I've been on bikes for enough tens of thousands of miles to have a good feel for them and used to ride my Gixxer 600 up and down my drive nearly every day without a problem. I just feel more comfortable on the Buell.

Another negative is that they are so easy to handle, I could do too much too soon, but I would have to be careful to manage my riding and not allow myself to do that.

[gruntygiggles]

I wouldn't go for a Buell as a first bike. Got a friend with vast experience of them, I'd hazard a guess he'd say its not for girls(for want of a better phrase), especially those that are looking at one for a first bike. They can be for girls......but you have to be damn careful on them



if you think the Buell won't worry you.....think again!

I know what you mean.......it will worry me in a riding sense as any bike would, but my main worry with the cat is at low speed and stops because i'm so short and the cat is so heavy. I realise the Buell will be one hell of a bike to get to grips with.

[gruntygiggles]

Plowsie......that bike would scare the hell out of me....lol. The 1125 lays the power down in a very different way and I wouldn't want something like that....that really would be stupid. Really hope Squirrel gets one though!

Dizzyblonde.......I'd be really interested to hear what your friend thinks about this bike. Apparently it is quite a bit changed from the 2008 model in terms of its rider friendly reactions to the throttle and brake and has been made to satisfy those wanting the grunt when they fancy opening it up, but being kind and easy for those that just want to pootle about. Appreciate your comments!

[dizzyblonde]

Regards the gearbox.....it's been overhauled and problems ironed out....as have almost all Buell problems since Harley took over.

Regarding being a twitchy bike, this one isn't and I've read quite a few reviews now that confirm this. A few of these reviews say that this is an excellent bike for a novice rider as it has become a very smooth and sympathetic bike.

I tend not to listen too much to what people say about bikes they've owned unless it's the exact same bike and there's evidence to back it up. As this bike has been modified and improved from the 2008 version, it is not the same bike, so I'd only really want to know about experience people have had with the 09 version. It's not that I don't trust what people say, but it's very easy to talk down something that you have had a bad experience with and it might not always be an impartial and fair review/

I know they have a lot of vibration, but regular services and checks will pick up on anything vibrating itself loose and the bike has had great reviews for reliability and the many new and improved components making servicing cheaper.

I've been on bikes for enough tens of thousands of miles to have a good feel for them and used to ride my Gixxer 600 up and down my drive nearly every day without a problem. I just feel more comfortable on the Buell.

Another negative is that they are so easy to handle, I could do too much too soon, but I would have to be careful to manage my riding and not allow myself to do that.

thing is about regular Buell services is ...they are bloody expensive. Most things are main dealership done, bunch of a*holes that do it. If anything needs doing on our mates Buells that he doesn't do himself he sends them to another mad Bueller to do them, gets them serviced or 're-engineered' so that they are done propery. Any advice off any of these guys is pretty solid, they are pretty positive about their bikes, but won't hang about hiding anything if it needs to be said.

http://www.ukbeg.com/

pop across here, and see if you can find anything relevant in your quest

I know what you mean.......it will worry me in a riding sense as any bike would, but my main worry with the cat is at low speed and stops because i'm so short and the cat is so heavy. I realise the Buell will be one hell of a bike to get to grips with.

Ever thought of a nakid Raptor...tiny, light and very very manoueverable, not twitchy like a Buell and much cheaper and easier to maintain;):lol::D

[Miss Alpinestarhero]

GG it sounds as if you have made your mind up already ;) I dont know much about bikes but when I eventually pass I know that they key factor I want in my first bike is to feel comfortable and happy riding it.

You seem quite reluctant about the possibility of having the Thundercat..so if you dont end up getting the Buell, then that doesnt mean you have to stick with the Thundercat. Just look for something different :D

[gruntygiggles]

thing is about regular Buell services is ...they are bloody expensive. Most things are main dealership done, bunch of a*holes that do it. If anything needs doing on our mates Buells that he doesn't do himself he sends them to another mad Bueller to do them, gets them serviced or 're-engineered' so that they are done propery. Any advice off any of these guys is pretty solid, they are pretty positive about their bikes, but won't hang about hiding anything if it needs to be said.

http://www.ukbeg.com/

pop across here, and see if you can find anything relevant in your quest

Popped on there and looks like a great Forum. I've registered so will introduce myself later and see what experience people have of the new model.

Ever thought of a nakid Raptor...tiny, light and very very manoueverable, not twitchy like a Buell and much cheaper and easier to maintain;):lol::D

I have sat on one and didn't really like it. I like the SV and I also like the ER6 when faired. No decisions will be made until after I pass and if I don;t go for the Buell, I'll stick with the cat and just suck it up and get used to it. I just fell in love with the Buell, so would be happy to put up with paying for damage or higher than average service costs to have a bike that makes me grin from ear to ear!

[plowsie]

ER6-N for the win ;)

[SoulKiss]

Does the Buell come with a coulour matched Plough and Muck-Spreader?

[Daimo]

Friend had a 900cc Buell.

Good luck if you wish to do over 20 miles......

No chance of doing over 100mph, due to the wind blast.

Great little bike for city/town use. Great handling bike. But the bike itself is not a B road bike. Whilst it bends great, the actual bike as a whole isn't B road riding bike. Don't go travelling either, as 90 mile tank range, and no wind protection at all won't help.

He had it a few months, and sold it.

[Stu]

-1 to Fizz (yes Minus 1 ;))

If you can afford it get what you want. Less likely to drop something you are comfortable with AND like and therefore looking after.
you seem a sensible girl I'm sure you'll do the right thing whichever that is. :)

[plowsie]

Whilst it bends great
You make that sound like a good thing :? :lol:

[gruntygiggles]

Thanks guys, been doing more research and here's what I have.

It is true that you can go through a tank of fuel in 90 miles, but you have to be really hooning it to manage that, something I will not be doing as I'll be a new biker and my emphasis is on enjoyment and safety over speed. Average range on B road use with average speed of 85mph is 130-150 miles....not that bad really.

Servicing is £250 every 5000 miles with a little more for the big services, but the technology in the new model means there is less to do, hence lower service costs.

As for B road use, not a problem unless you want to hoon it over 100mph all the time, which I don't. Just spoke to the dealer too and he said, the wind blast over about 90 mph is terrible (quite honest really) and so not good for that, but for be road fun around the twisties so long as you stay around or under the 80mph mark the buell is amazing and the wind blast is not uncomfortable (from an independant test rider).

So......the more I learn about the bike, the more I see that it is far improved from the 2008 model and was voted 4th in the top 100 handling bikes by Which magazine. The Buell R was voted first and the Buell xb12s was voted 8th, so there must be something good about the low COG.

I just love it and yes, I think my mind is made up. I will never be a hooner, I want to stay alive, have a family one day and enjoy my biking, so the windblast/low tank range won't be an issue for me.

Just talking to a woman that has one and she's also owned and SV 650S, ER6 - N, Gixxer 750 and bably blade. She said the Buell is the one she would reccommend as it's by far the easiest to control and smoothest to ride. She also said that she has had one for three years and is still not bored of it because it has the power and handling to excite anyone if you want it.

Hmmmmm, more thought will be put into this and thanks for the responses, has promted much more research, but I'm happy with what I've found out!

Cheers guys......so whose going to come play with me when I've passed???

[Graciepants]

As for B road use, not a problem unless you want to hoon it over 100mph all the time, which I don't. Just spoke to the dealer too and he said, the wind blast over about 90 mph is terrible (quite honest really) and so not good for that, but for be road fun around the twisties so long as you stay around or under the 80mph mark the buell is amazing and the wind blast is not uncomfortable (from an independant test rider).?

my only thoughts are - what about motorways? if you wanted to go to the Ar for example, im guessing from bristol it'll be a few motorways/dual carriageways and stuff, and i know most people go the long twisty way, but sometimes you just wanna get to places quick. i'm going to scotland for the GM in two weeks, and following someone else to get there so i ahve no choice but to follow their route, which is gonna be straight up the motorway, and that would be VERY uncomfortable if the bike is meant to be rather unbearable at 90, cos im my experience, people dont usually stick at 70 all the time, it usually is about 80 ish when ive followed other bikers (on a private road of course blah blah) really not trying to put a downer on you :(

[yorkie_chris]

I'm quite comfortable holding an indicated 95-100 on a naked. It's easy enough to get used to.

[BanditPat]

I'm quite comfortable holding an indicated 95-100 on a naked. It's easy enough to get used to.


Once you get used to it its not that bad, while I was still getting used to it I thought it was murder!!


On the buying a new bike, my mate passed his test and went and bought him self a brand new 600 hornet restricted to 33bhp, on a corner he came off on when he was riding a 125 he says he accidentally twisted the throttle(I have no idea how) and he did about £800 worth of damage from a drop at less than 15mph, and if i was to take a guess was probably less than 10mph. He wasn't fully comp and now the bikes been off the road for going on two months because he cant afford to fix it.

[yorkie_chris]

I doubt he's done £800 worth of damage.
Education in the ways of bodging he needs

[BanditPat]

I doubt he's done £800 worth of damage.
Education in the ways of bodging he needs

New set of bars, it slid into the kerb didn't it and he's smashed one of his discs and a caliper, new and he's managed to obliterate the switchgear with his front master cylinder on (whole things a single unit) nice pearly white paint job ruined on the tank and theres a big scuff on the tail and he broke his mirrors. He also refuses to do any of the work him self so he has his labour costs as well and he wont put anything except original parts on he has a nice dint in his exhaust as well...

[yorkie_chris]

That's not £800 of damage, it's £800 worth of stupidity.

[BanditPat]

That's not £800 of damage, it's £800 worth of stupidity.


Its £800 of he needs his bike to be gleaming because if its not people ignore the bike and focus on how he rides it and he rides it like an ****. Me him and his brother went out a couple of weeks after they had both just bought new bikes. There was a lot of waiting for him to catch up because he really is an abysmal rider.

[Jamiebridges123]

I'd be inclined not to get a new bike for a first bike, theres no guarantee that your going to drop it, but you may well do at some point, but then thats what insurance and crash bungs are for...

You dont need to get your feet flat down, Liz manages to ride all her bikes and cant get both feet flat down on any of them. But theres a lot to be said for being confident on the bike and if that means you need have your feet flat down then so be it.

In your shoes, I'd be inclined to use the Cat for a few months just to get you up and running and then get the Buell that you want. Also if you wait a few months till the clocks change back and bike dealers go quiet you may get a better deal at the end of summer / autumn to...

I'd second that.. don't want a big buell as a first bike.. just use the Cat.. if you drop it.. it doesn't matter as much.. :)

[jans1971]

if it was me i would go for the buell , i love them , iv heard bad things about them and good things , if they where that bad no one would buy them

[jans1971]

O YEAH "what about a pointy sv650" cant go wrong there

[shonadoll]

I've had two new bikes since passing my test, and haven't dropped either. That's what crash bungs are for, buy the bike you love, not the bike you feel *sensible* about.

[shonadoll]

Friend had a 900cc Buell.

Good luck if you wish to do over 20 miles......

No chance of doing over 100mph, due to the wind blast.

Great little bike for city/town use. Great handling bike. But the bike itself is not a B road bike. Whilst it bends great, the actual bike as a whole isn't B road riding bike. Don't go travelling either, as 90 mile tank range, and no wind protection at all won't help.

He had it a few months, and sold it.

Em you can't sit at 100 on most naked bikes:confused:

[shonadoll]

Once you get used to it its not that bad, while I was still getting used to it I thought it was murder!!


On the buying a new bike, my mate passed his test and went and bought him self a brand new 600 hornet restricted to 33bhp, on a corner he came off on when he was riding a 125 he says he accidentally twisted the throttle(I have no idea how) and he did about £800 worth of damage from a drop at less than 15mph, and if i was to take a guess was probably less than 10mph. He wasn't fully comp and now the bikes been off the road for going on two months because he cant afford to fix it.

Most people buying a new bike would have fully comp insurance.

[TazDaz]

That Buell as a first bike? Seems a tad mad to me! ;)

Surely get something which is lighter and easier to handle? Perhaps an SV? lol

[TazDaz]

Most people buying a new bike would have fully comp insurance.

Would be the sensible thing to do...some people have no sense though! :batman:

[jans1971]

Em you can't sit at 100 on most naked bikes:confused:
+1

[shonadoll]

That Buell as a first bike? Seems a tad mad to me! ;)

Surely get something which is lighter and easier to handle? Perhaps an SV? lol

That Buell is only 179kgs, not far off the sv;)

[sarah]

GG, I know exactly what you mean. I totally fell in love with that bike when I sat on it. It really felt like it fitted perfectly. I do love my pretty green zed though.

[anna]

GET IT :smt045:smt045:smt045

Listen I know it might not be viewed as the most sensible option, but there is no point getting a bike that you will not enjoy riding as your first bike. More likely then not it will put you off riding! since when has biking been about being sensible??????

Stretchies bike much as I know the sentiments it carries is a bit of a drain and to be honest I can empathise with the comments made about the weight of the thing. (and it isnt the prettiest thing to look at either ;) )

Here is one solution,... get your test, go do a test ride on it, perhaps get a smaller bike to start with for say three months second hand that is quite cheap. Then the end of summer when saved a bit up go and get it on a deal. The first service after 500 miles or so can be done when you are pootling around in the winter, that way you get used to the new bike under no presure to keep up with the guys in the summer (not saying that you would feel under presure) but that you get used to it during winter, and come next summer you know the bike inside and out.

[Bluefish]

we all know you made up your mind to get the Buell befor you wrote this post, so just do it. :smt045

[BanditPat]

Most people buying a new bike would have fully comp insurance.


Most people arent as thick as this lad, You have to meet him to realize you can't explain how thick he is using words

[zsv650]

a buell would be a more sensible beginner bike than some of the clown's bike's i have heard new rider's getting including brand new duke 848(dumped haha) blade's etc.

[BanditPat]

a buell would be a more sensible beginner bike than some of the clown's bike's i have heard new rider's getting including brand new duke 848(dumped haha) blade's etc.


I know a guy that's dead set on the 33bhp thing being good because he knows a lad that bought a blade after he did his test and died on it the day he got it, gotta have some common sense huh

[zsv650]

I know a guy that's dead set on the 33bhp thing being good because he knows a lad that bought a blade after he did his test and died on it the day he got it, gotta have some common sense huh
tragic but bound to happen i would'nt have a blade now after 3 bike's and almost 5 year's experience.

[Girth]

Em you can't sit at 100 on most naked bikes:confused:

Pah, i cant sit steady doing at least a ton on the striple. :tiesto:

[BanditPat]

tragic but bound to happen i would'nt have a blade now after 3 bike's and almost 5 year's experience.


Aye, you wouldn't want a h*nda would you ;] If I could have afforded it I would have had a 748 as my first bike :P as luck would have it i cant afford to buy or insure one :]

[Jamiebridges123]

tragic but bound to happen i would'nt have a blade now after 3 bike's and almost 5 year's experience.

The bike is no faster than your SV. It's HOW you ride it... the throttle isn't an on/off switch/button, it's analouge.. small inputs = small outputs. ;)

[zsv650]

Aye, you wouldn't want a h*nda would you ;] If I could have afforded it I would have had a 748 as my first bike :P as luck would have it i cant afford to buy or insure one :]
no i probably wouldnt have a honda anyway too busy perving ktm's up.:smt016

[GeneticBubble]

that buell is so beautiful i want one.

[zsv650]

The bike is no faster than your SV. It's HOW you ride it... the throttle isn't an on/off switch/button, it's analouge.. small inputs = small outputs. ;)
don't trust myself i'd be a complete loon on a superbike :D

[Jamiebridges123]

Ahh see, you're admitting the problem is the rider. :p

Buy a CBR600rr anyway.. :)

[BanditPat]

Ahh see, you're admitting the problem is the rider. :p

Buy a CBR600rr anyway.. :)


Ahh but if you get a CBR600rr then there's still the problem of it being a honda isnt there

[zsv650]

i'm sure he actually meant gixxer.

[Jamiebridges123]

Ahh but if you get a CBR600rr then there's still the problem of it being a honda isnt there

:rolleyes: Debadge :@:

[yorkie_chris]

Its £800 of he needs his bike to be gleaming because if its not people ignore the bike
But a standard hairnet is like the ford ka of the biking world, it will always be ignored.
Em you can't sit at 100 on most naked bikes:confused:

Really?

[gruntygiggles]

:rolleyes: Debadge :@:

Derail guys......back on topicif you will.

The whole first bike being a new bike thing is not a major issue for me. Yes, I could go out and get a cheapo light bike for a few months and then get the Buell, but I don't want to get one at the end of the summer when I can't get that much riding in. I won't be a fair weather rider in the future, but I don't want to start off in the damp season. I'd rather start off with the bike while I still have a few months to get used to it so that if I go out on a dry day in the winter and suddenly the weather changes, I'll not be out on wet roads on an unfamiliar bike.

Some are saying it's too powerful and yes, it does have a 1203cc V Twin, but it puts the power down in a totally different way than a sports bike or something like the Buell 1125R. It's very forgiving and yes, it can go like stink off the line, but you have to make it, not like the twitchy bike many think it is.

The dealer said today that his wife has one and if I want to see it again, he can arrange to have her there to tell me more about what it's like to ride day to day, but also said that when I pass my test, I can go there with my license and take it out with a friend (Squirrel as he knows him or Dan) for an hour or two so that I can get a good feel for it without parting with any cash and decide if it's the bike for me or not.

I think that's encouraged me a lot, as have the many rave reviews I've read. Don't confuse it with older models as it has been vastly improved and I guess as I'll have it insured fully comp and will be happy to pay out if I drop it. Tis true that my mind was pretty much made up before writing the post, but I wanted to hear peoples views. You have all been helpful and some points have been made that I had not considered, like the range, service costs etc, but have been put at ease about those now as I won't be riding like a hoon and eating fuel.

Thanks again guys x

[yorkie_chris]

A few comments on that;
Yes it puts power down totally different to a highly tuned engine, but it does have low end torque in spades, this may require a light hand on the throttle when cranked over.
Also, riding something with a backwards power curve will teach you nothing about riding normal bikes. Of course learning is all part of the fun, but it will be totally alien going from that to anything else, like me getting on any 2 stroke or IL4 from the SV, just more pronounced! Not at all trying to put you off with that, but bear it in mind.

How are you going to find insurance to ride your friends bike for a few hours?

[yorkie_chris]

won't be riding like a hoon and eating fuel.

Why the hell not!? :smt016

[gruntygiggles]

A few comments on that;
Yes it puts power down totally different to a highly tuned engine, but it does have low end torque in spades, this may require a light hand on the throttle when cranked over.
Also, riding something with a backwards power curve will teach you nothing about riding normal bikes. Of course learning is all part of the fun, but it will be totally alien going from that to anything else, like me getting on any 2 stroke or IL4 from the SV, just more pronounced! Not at all trying to put you off with that, but bear it in mind.

How are you going to find insurance to ride your friends bike for a few hours?

I won't be riding my friends bike. I'll be on the dealers Buell and can have Squirrel and/or Dan come out with me.

[gruntygiggles]

Why the hell not!? :smt016

Because I don't want to die or push it too hard too soon!!! :crutches:

[Samurai Penguin]

Buell looks fantastic, and you will probably have lots of time to admire it stood in your garage because it has broken down (yet again) and you are waiting weeks for parts because they are on back order.

Yes, I have a mate with a Buell and whilst i'm out riding in the sunshire his bike is up on a paddock stand :)

[muffles]

Thanks guys, been doing more research and here's what I have.

It is true that you can go through a tank of fuel in 90 miles, but you have to be really hooning it to manage that, something I will not be doing as I'll be a new biker and my emphasis is on enjoyment and safety over speed. Average range on B road use with average speed of 85mph is 130-150 miles....not that bad really.

Servicing is £250 every 5000 miles with a little more for the big services, but the technology in the new model means there is less to do, hence lower service costs.

As for B road use, not a problem unless you want to hoon it over 100mph all the time, which I don't. Just spoke to the dealer too and he said, the wind blast over about 90 mph is terrible (quite honest really) and so not good for that, but for be road fun around the twisties so long as you stay around or under the 80mph mark the buell is amazing and the wind blast is not uncomfortable (from an independant test rider).

So......the more I learn about the bike, the more I see that it is far improved from the 2008 model and was voted 4th in the top 100 handling bikes by Which magazine. The Buell R was voted first and the Buell xb12s was voted 8th, so there must be something good about the low COG.

I just love it and yes, I think my mind is made up. I will never be a hooner, I want to stay alive, have a family one day and enjoy my biking, so the windblast/low tank range won't be an issue for me.

Just talking to a woman that has one and she's also owned and SV 650S, ER6 - N, Gixxer 750 and bably blade. She said the Buell is the one she would reccommend as it's by far the easiest to control and smoothest to ride. She also said that she has had one for three years and is still not bored of it because it has the power and handling to excite anyone if you want it.

Hmmmmm, more thought will be put into this and thanks for the responses, has promted much more research, but I'm happy with what I've found out!

Cheers guys......so whose going to come play with me when I've passed???

Derail guys......back on topicif you will.

The whole first bike being a new bike thing is not a major issue for me. Yes, I could go out and get a cheapo light bike for a few months and then get the Buell, but I don't want to get one at the end of the summer when I can't get that much riding in. I won't be a fair weather rider in the future, but I don't want to start off in the damp season. I'd rather start off with the bike while I still have a few months to get used to it so that if I go out on a dry day in the winter and suddenly the weather changes, I'll not be out on wet roads on an unfamiliar bike.

Some are saying it's too powerful and yes, it does have a 1203cc V Twin, but it puts the power down in a totally different way than a sports bike or something like the Buell 1125R. It's very forgiving and yes, it can go like stink off the line, but you have to make it, not like the twitchy bike many think it is.

The dealer said today that his wife has one and if I want to see it again, he can arrange to have her there to tell me more about what it's like to ride day to day, but also said that when I pass my test, I can go there with my license and take it out with a friend (Squirrel as he knows him or Dan) for an hour or two so that I can get a good feel for it without parting with any cash and decide if it's the bike for me or not.

I think that's encouraged me a lot, as have the many rave reviews I've read. Don't confuse it with older models as it has been vastly improved and I guess as I'll have it insured fully comp and will be happy to pay out if I drop it. Tis true that my mind was pretty much made up before writing the post, but I wanted to hear peoples views. You have all been helpful and some points have been made that I had not considered, like the range, service costs etc, but have been put at ease about those now as I won't be riding like a hoon and eating fuel.

Thanks again guys x

As I think you have admitted there was no convincing you either way, you had already made up your mind lol, and it shows :D I know what it's like, sometimes you just have to have it even if it might be a better idea not to. I don't think there are any points that could be raised and put you off, though, as you've just said "no doesn't affect me" to any negative points that were raised ;)

Congrats to bluefishman for picking up on this already :p

we all know you made up your mind to get the Buell befor you wrote this post, so just do it. :smt045

[gruntygiggles]

Yeah....Bluefishman was 99% right. But.......those who know me well, also know that I can and will go against what I really really want sometimes if there is reason enough to do it. Like I said, all the negative comments have been good because they have made me go out and research that thing whatever it may be. So far, everything I have found, through talking to many independant mechanics and a few test riders yesterday and reading the independant reviews, my mind has been put at rest.

Samurai Penguin.......I feel so sorry for your friend. A bit like Stretchie and the Thundercat....lol (sorry love;-)). TBH, I can't listen to comments like that too much because to start with not all two bikes are the same, secondly, does he have the 09 model of his buell or indeed the Buell XB12Scg......if he doesn't, then it doesn't really apply. Harley have been doing so much to turn around the negative points of Buell and changes made to the 09 XB12Scg have been vast and ironed out all problems bar the vibration.....that'll never be corrected because of the engine it has in it. I will find out if can cope with that when I test ride it and it has been improved. I like to keep bikes VERY clean too (unlike Stretchie) so anything vibrating loose will be picked up on straight away.

Sometimes, problems are the nature of the beast....a bit like buying a Maseratti.....but always being improved and so we can't always listen to the bad experience of the few when the majority have nothing but praise.

I am seriously considering getting an old ER6-N or something though. Go and get it with my bonus in the next few weeks and get Stretchie to take it a car park for me to do some clutch control and stuff. I used to ride my old Gixxer 600 up and down my drive for hours....lol. Would be good to spend some time riding a walking pace with Stretchie there so I get used to slow control.

[yorkie_chris]

Unless the buell has stupidly close ratio gearbox then I would expect it to be great for slow control, with the torque curve it has you probably won't have to touch the throttle.

[Dave20046]

Not read the whole thread but I'd go for what you want. If it was me I'd buy second hand to get the most for my money but as we all know it's up to you. If you can get insured at a reasonable cost then what the hell.
In regard to wind at speed - I'd say you'll get used to it. I used to moan onm here about my naked at 70mph(ish :razz:) but I can tell you (after my recent track day ;) ) I don't think too much of going well in excess of that now.
Enjoy your learning curve :)

[gruntygiggles]

Thanks guys!

[SoulKiss]

Em you can't sit at 100 on most naked bikes:confused:

Does that mean that I have to stop doing that on my Z750 now?

[Quedos]

if you love it and feel comfortable and can afford it - then go for it - i ditch the suzuki becuase it wasn't right and in worked out that i didn't go out because i didn't look forward to it. so go for it girl follow your heart you won't regret it - promise you.

besides if you buy new you have all the running in to do and that will help you settle with the bike - if you drop it you drop it - my new kwak fell off its stand with less than 400 miles on the clock - you get precious about it but you'll treat with more respect then!

WIN WIN situ.

Go GG go for it you know you want to!!!

[gruntygiggles]

if you love it and feel comfortable and can afford it - then go for it - i ditch the suzuki becuase it wasn't right and in worked out that i didn't go out because i didn't look forward to it. so go for it girl follow your heart you won't regret it - promise you.

besides if you buy new you have all the running in to do and that will help you settle with the bike - if you drop it you drop it - my new kwak fell off its stand with less than 400 miles on the clock - you get precious about it but you'll treat with more respect then!

WIN WIN situ.

Go GG go for it you know you want to!!!

Yes, yes I do!!!!

I honestly think I'll only drop it if I get on the throttle too hard while I'm cranked over as Yorkie Chris has mentioned. The bike is SOOOOO light and easily manouvreable that at low speeds and stops, I'm pretty confident I'll not have a problem. Wobble when I stop, leg out, keep the bike up, job done. Practised it on Saturday and the bike is like a toy it is so light. Also, having such a low COG, even if I do drop it, I'll easily be able to pick it up myself....unlike the Thundercat...lol

[Graciepants]

The bike is SOOOOO light and easily manouvreable that at low speeds and stops, I'm pretty confident I'll not have a problem. Wobble when I stop, leg out, keep the bike up, job done.

i wish my bike was like that :(:(:( its not heavy with fuel in it is it? cos of the random place its in? *forgive my vague terms i just know its not the tank lol*

[yorkie_chris]

What is the .org coming to, people buying half a h*rl*y, people with h*ndas. Tut tut. Try that on oldskoolsuzuki and they'd probably come round and beat you to death with a GS1000 swingarm spindle...

[gruntygiggles]

i wish my bike was like that :(:(:( its not heavy with fuel in it is it? cos of the random place its in? *forgive my vague terms i just know its not the tank lol*

Well, the one I sat on was full of fuel. The fuel is in the frame and the oil is in the swingarm so it basically gives the bike a very low COG which is why Buells are so very good for handling. In the Which top 100 handling bikes list (may have sid this already) the Buell came 1st, 4th(the lightning I want) and 8th. Three in the top ten and two in the top five. I think the SV650 was 33, not bad and a gixxer 750 was 44.

Find a dealer and go sit on one Graciepants.....you'll be amazed!

[gruntygiggles]

What is the .org coming to, people buying half a h*rl*y, people with h*ndas. Tut tut. Try that on oldskoolsuzuki and they'd probably come round and beat you to death with a GS1000 swingarm spindle...

Better a GS1000 swngarm than a Buell swingarm....that could get messy!!!

[Paws]

Grunty-if your comfortable and happy then go for it,id rather feel comfy and like i handle the bike than be on something older/heavier etc just because its my first bike and i MAY drop it.
As for dropping it-well ive had various bikes before my 675 and im still worried about dropping her so i dont think it matters if its your first,second ,third bike-if its gonna go down its gonna go down-just make sure you fit crash bungs so they will take the brunt of any damage :cool:

[gruntygiggles]

Grunty-if your comfortable and happy then go for it,id rather feel comfy and like i handle the bike than be on something older/heavier etc just because its my first bike and i MAY drop it.
As for dropping it-well ive had various bikes before my 675 and im still worried about dropping her so i dont think it matters if its your first,second ,third bike-if its gonna go down its gonna go down-just make sure you fit crash bungs so they will take the brunt of any damage :cool:

It already comes with it's own kind of crash bung. It has a black fairing part (meant for the purpose and not sure what it's called) but it's basically a crash bung that just looks like part of the fairing, easy and inexpensive to replace (I checked) and also is pre-wired for heated grips which will help come winter.

I think the only thing that will stop me is if there is something more important for me and Dan to get or spend the money on.

[shonadoll]

Most people arent as thick as this lad, You have to meet him to realize you can't explain how thick he is using words

Hahaha! He sounds like a muppet:D

[shonadoll]

But a standard hairnet is like the ford ka of the biking world, it will always be ignored.


Really?

Well, you can, but personally I don't find it enjoyable on my neck muscles, but that could be because I'm old...

[shonadoll]

Does that mean that I have to stop doing that on my Z750 now?

Yes, it's against the law.;)

[Amanda M]

Go for it Gruntygiggles :D It's a lovely feeling when you find the right bike. I've made some mistakes with bikes in the past, but now have my 'ford ka of the biking world' (standard hornet that got loads of attention when I was out on sunday :rolleyes:). I couldn't be happier with it because it suits me 100% and that's the main thing. Good luck and enjoy it! :cool:

[carty]

I've just had a look at these on Autotrader - never taken much notice of them before but they do look very cool :cool:

Putting in my postcode and searching within 40 miles gives 9 of these bikes available. One is brand new at £7500 (brand new 2008 R1 or 09 GSX-R750 territory but it's different so we'll gloss over that!) Of the other 8 available, the mileage on them tells me a lot. These are second hand bikes up to 2 years old;

700 miles
816 miles
180 miles
519 miles
1500 miles
2000 miles

This would worry me a lot as people are obviously not really enjoying them. I would say get that extended test ride before committing. It looks stunning, it's different and it could be a hoot to ride, but it could be a very expensive mistake if you don't like it after a while.

Cheers,
Matt

[gruntygiggles]

I've just had a look at these on Autotrader - never taken much notice of them before but they do look very cool :cool:

Putting in my postcode and searching within 40 miles gives 9 of these bikes available. One is brand new at £7500 (brand new 2008 R1 or 09 GSX-R750 territory but it's different so we'll gloss over that!) Of the other 8 available, the mileage on them tells me a lot. These are second hand bikes up to 2 years old;

700 miles
816 miles
180 miles
519 miles
1500 miles
2000 miles

This would worry me a lot as people are obviously not really enjoying them. I would say get that extended test ride before committing. It looks stunning, it's different and it could be a hoot to ride, but it could be a very expensive mistake if you don't like it after a while.

Cheers,
Matt

I may be wrong, but having now joined the UKBEG forum that Dizzyblonde directed me to, theres one main reason people get rid of these so quickly........Men buy them thinking they are getting a 1200cc streetfighter and can hoon around and make the most of the handling, then to realise that this doesn't have a tuned race engine and the power is delivered through torque......it can beat anything off the line, but will be taken over afterwards, it can fly through the twistes, but is not a bike that you can come out of a corner and then just f*** off on as the windblast makes that cumbersome after a couple of hours. There are very few problems with the 09 model in terms of reliability and one of the main things I have heard is, if you keep the stock exhaust, you will have to worry about things vibrating loose, BUT, if you get an aftermarket can on it, the vibrations are cut significantly, the sound is vastly improved and the mirrors are useful under 40mph.

I think it's pretty much the same with any bike......you'll always see a load sold not long after purchase because the owners just don't gel or didn't take enough time over the decision. I'll buy new.....if anything goes wrong, I'll deal with it then on warranty and maybe even swap it in after that is up so I never have to worry too much.

There are quite a few ex demos out there for sale too.

[fizzwheel]

Go on admit it you'd made up your mind before you started the thread hadnt you.

You've done your research, you know what your getting into. Go for it :cool:

[gruntygiggles]

Yeah I have Fizz......lol.

Carty........I just had a look on autotrader and it was only when I did a national search that it returned 9 bikes. Only three were 09 models of which two were new and one was an ex demo, so no private 09's being advertised. I'm going to have a look on MCN too.

TBH, I'm not suprised there are low mileage 08's and earlier as they did have problems and I would not buy one.

Thanks for looking though.....very good of you :-)

[carty]

Yeah I have Fizz......lol.

Carty........I just had a look on autotrader and it was only when I did a national search that it returned 9 bikes. Only three were 09 models of which two were new and one was an ex demo, so no private 09's being advertised. I'm going to have a look on MCN too.

TBH, I'm not suprised there are low mileage 08's and earlier as they did have problems and I would not buy one.

Thanks for looking though.....very good of you :-)

It must have been a national search then - I thought it defaulted to 'within 40 miles' and I didn't change the option so assumed it was a local search :)

That's cool, if they've updated the model to get rid of some running / reliability gremlins that's obviously good. As I said I think they look stunning and if you want it go for it - just make sure it is what you want so you're not one of them selling a 150 mile old bike that's depreciated! :cool:

If I could afford several bikes I'd definitely look at them. Windblast on a naked doesn't bother me, nor does the ability to go fast in a straight line particularly bother me. I do it occasionally now cos my bike can do it but I wouldn't be worried at all about the 'windblast' limit - in fact it's probably a good thing! I'm not sure it ticks enough boxes for me at the moment (I want fairings and Japanese reliability) but I'd certainly look at one in the future.

Let us know how the test ride goes!

[gruntygiggles]

It must have been a national search then - I thought it defaulted to 'within 40 miles' and I didn't change the option so assumed it was a local search :)

That's cool, if they've updated the model to get rid of some running / reliability gremlins that's obviously good. As I said I think they look stunning and if you want it go for it - just make sure it is what you want so you're not one of them selling a 150 mile old bike that's depreciated! :cool:

If I could afford several bikes I'd definitely look at them. Windblast on a naked doesn't bother me, nor does the ability to go fast in a straight line particularly bother me. I do it occasionally now cos my bike can do it but I wouldn't be worried at all about the 'windblast' limit - in fact it's probably a good thing! I'm not sure it ticks enough boxes for me at the moment (I want fairings and Japanese reliability) but I'd certainly look at one in the future.

Let us know how the test ride goes!


Oh I will Carty.....I definately will!!!!

[ophic]

Are the 09 model buells down on power from the 08s? I kinda fancy a Ulysses XB12XT, and the website says 94bhp for 09 and 103bhp for 08 :confused:

[gruntygiggles]

Are the 09 model buells down on power from the 08s? I kinda fancy a Ulysses XB12XT, and the website says 94bhp for 09 and 103bhp for 08 :confused:

Check out the full stats.....it is the same with the XB12Scg, but the torque ratio is higher.

Take one out for a test ride, it's the only way you'll get to feel how much difference it makes!

[ophic]

yeah i'd certainly test ride to form a proper opinion.

website says:
09 XB12Scg: power 94hp @ 6800rpm, torque 104Nm @ 5500rpm
08 XB12Scg: power 103hp @ 6800rpm, torque 113Nm @ 6000rpm

so the 09 is down on power and torque. Could this be emissions related?

[gruntygiggles]

yeah i'd certainly test ride to form a proper opinion.

website says:
09 XB12Scg: power 94hp @ 6800rpm, torque 104Nm @ 5500rpm
08 XB12Scg: power 103hp @ 6800rpm, torque 113Nm @ 6000rpm

so the 09 is down on power and torque. Could this be emissions related?

Possibly......give this guy a call, tell him you spoke to Cheryl, the girl was there Saturday looking at the Lightning and that I said you'd answer is questions. He's been helping Squirrel Hunter and I have to say, he's been brutally honest with me about the Lighting. He's told me all the bits I need to be aware of and not denied any of the problems that they've had, so he'll give you honest answers.

His name is Darren and he runs the Buell side of the Oxford Harley dealership. His number is 01865 321311. Top bloke and really knows his Buells, so he'll be able to tell you what you need to know.

Good luck!

[zsv650]

have a go on a sv before you buy a yank monkey metal hog powered plop cycle.

[gruntygiggles]

have a go on a sv before you buy a yank monkey metal hog powered plop cycle.

Ah...you've restored my faith in cynicism! You seem very anti buell considering you obviously like V Twins???

Anyway......yes, I have tried a few SVs and don't like them as much....not to look at....but not as comfortable on them.

[zsv650]

go for it then :D