Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Another Motorcycle Post: Buell MC's?

What's the latest on the Buell line of bikes as far as problems are concerned?

XB12S. I've always like the Lightning from the day they first came out a couple years ago and the current one is drawing me in (http://www.buell.com/en_us/products/motorcycles/lightning/12s/12s_gallery.asp ).

My choices are now the 600RR, R6 and the Buell. The Buell is of course pricier. I like the Buell as a naked bike, but do not like the FZ6 or FZ1 or any other current naked or half-naked bikes, except maybe the Monster.

Sooo. Anything I should be worried about besides being called a Hooligan?

Buell's are lacking in the straight-line Performance dept, due to the engine, HD lump of junk, but make up for it in handling. So if you want to pay more for something that goes slower than other comparable bikes, and don't mind tightening every bolt every 100 miles cos they vibrate loose, go for it.

The 600cc group has many better option IMHO, but then again you like naked bikes, which to me seem old-fshioned and ugly AFAIC.

I would steer you towards, a ZX-6R (636) or a FZ6 for a good all round 600cc street bike, but then that's me and I like value for many as well as all round performance. Hence why I dislike Harleys (poser bikes, AFAIC!).

As Stazi said, great bike in need of a great engine... I guess you can get some more performance out of the bike with the standard Harley modifications... Transmission also seems to be an issue, not nearly as good as foreign units.

Anyway, what is your intention with the bike? Is this going to be your first?

Check out the Honda SuperHawk when you get a chance. 1000cc V-Twin, 1/2 fairing. Doesn't have a great following because it is not the typical 600 or 1000 poser bike. The S'Hawk runs 10.90s in the quarter, has good handling for a street bike, Torquey V-twin is FUN!, not a me-too bike, I can go on and on about how nice they are.

You can usually pick up a used one for around 3500-5000 in good condition....most owned by non-poser crowd so not abused.

I picked mine up new in 2001 for 7800 out the door, far below MSRP of $8999. These bikes don't move quick, so the dealer will be flexible on price.


Good luck

I think the best naked bike out there is the Triumph Speed Triple... what are your thoughts on that bike, 1314?

DOH! I was tied up with work so I never got back to this post.

Thanks for the responses. Here are mine. This would not be my first bike, though it would be the first time back on a bike in about 4 years. In other words, I'm not new to the sport.

I do like the SuperHawk. I used to really like Suzuki's TL1000. Not the full fairing TL, but the one that competed directly with the SuperHawk. Only problem with some of those is that they feel a little big for me. I'm not too tall, and although while riding I feel I can safely handle a bike, I need to be comfortable backing it up, moving it around, etc. That's why I will probably stick with a 600. I haven't seen the Buell, but I briefly sat on a White Lightning a few years ago and it seemed like a pretty good fit. I guess I need to dedicate a day to go to dealerships and there are a few big name used MC dealers, also.

The Triumph. Hmmm. I'll have to give that another look as well. I used to like the Daytona's (JVT) and I believe the Speed Triple is basically the same only naked???

The SuperHawk's going price, as mamisano mentioned, is something I will definitely have to look into.

What's not too tall? I am 5' 7 1/2" tall and fit the bike well. Bike is very skinny due to V-Twin