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B58/732
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Hot as Hell, AZ
Posts: 12,313
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Rode a '03 Buell Firebolt (XB9R)
Wow, fun bike. Surprisingly, it was reasonably comfortable.
Got pretty warm, but then it was 111 degrees out. Previous Buells sucked in the reliability dept. How's this one? So far there've been some minor fixes (speedo sender, kickstand) but no real major problems I've read about. Dealer's asking $7999! Could be a sign that they're about to get the axe, or else just trying to get more Buells out the door and on the road to boost the name/image. Dr. Zielke, any word on how these machines are doing? I've basically decided on a sporty V-twin. A Duc 748 would be great but I haven't been able to get a ride on one yet (need to see what my back and wrists think of it).
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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ I don't always talk to vegetarians--but when I do, it's with a mouthful of bacon. |
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06-29-2003, 11:05 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: AZ
Posts: 8,414
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Interesting design on the Buell. I like the low-center-of-gravity approach/innovation, specifically the trick "fuel tank", and rear swing-arm that doubles as the oil reservoir! I still think I would lean towards the 748 (yes, I'm biased). It will probably be less forgiving in the comfort department, but installing Heli-bars would help remedy that. Plus, nothing beats the sound of a Ducati twin!
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06-29-2003, 10:40 PM
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Left Coast, Canada
Posts: 4,572
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Blue,
Yes, I have ridden the Buell Firebolt. It's the first Buell I have ever liked, and I liked it a lot. Pros: -Excellent, "Hand-of-God" brakes. -Very nimble, yet not nervous. -Improved ergos over previous Buells. -Quality control seems to have addressed previous "issues'. -Decent gear change, considering it's a Harley. -Nice paint and metal finishing. -Excellent tight backroad scratcher. -*Much* lower upkeep than any eye-talian bike. Cons: -Too expensive for what you get, *unless* you can cut a deal. -A very tiny bike. If you're a large/long person, you will feel like a dog f'ing a football! -Not enough power for wide open spaces. (Although you can do much with some stuff from the S-E Sportster parts book.) -Almost hotter around your legs and crotch than a 916. -Needs a proper exhaust system. As is, it sounds like frog with asthma. -Next to no sex appeal (except in the eyes of fellow Buellers). Overall, I wouldn't trade my Ducatis for one, but I'm keeping my eye peeled for a Firebolt bargain to show up.
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'81 SC Coupe "Blue Bomber" "Keep your eyes on the road, and your hands upon the wheel."- J.D.M. |
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06-30-2003, 03:03 PM
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B58/732
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Hot as Hell, AZ
Posts: 12,313
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Thanks for the input, Herr Doktor Z!
I got a kick out of the rubber-mounted front turn signals flapping at idle. 
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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ I don't always talk to vegetarians--but when I do, it's with a mouthful of bacon. |
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06-30-2003, 03:28 PM
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Left Coast, Canada
Posts: 4,572
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Quote:
Yeah, I noticed that too. As you probably know, the motor is also rubber mounted, and decently smooth. The H-D dealership I'm associated with does not sell Buell, but I get plenty of chances to ride them at dealer events. In the past, I thought the Motor Company should have cut Buell free to starve and die. But the new Firebolt offers fans of an American sportbike a glimmer of hope.
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'81 SC Coupe "Blue Bomber" "Keep your eyes on the road, and your hands upon the wheel."- J.D.M. |
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06-30-2003, 08:37 PM
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