Buell is done, finished, gone - Page 17

Kerry_129 · 10-19-2009, 12:01 PM

I try to stay away from the Harley (and Buell) 'bashing', because it's bad form & at the end of the day it's all about what the individual rider enjoys swinging a leg over.

However, having spent a little time on an '02 Thunderbolt, I have to honestly say it was the worst bike I have ridden, from a 'sporting' perspective. Lousy wooden-feeling brakes, very clunky transmission, harsh suspension (mushy front & very 'bouncy' rear - not a good combo!), and ran out of power about the time it felt like it should be getting into the mid-range - and don't even get me started on the vibration. Now, I know they came a long way since then and I think the 1125s are far better bikes than the prior generations. I recently got a chance to ride a 1125CR recently and while I didn't find it anything to gush over, it seemed a good, capable bike with nice handling & power-delivery (the vac-assisted/delayed clutch felt good & was a nice unique feature, I thought). I believe part of the improvement was fit/finish/refinement, but the biggest factor was simply the far superior Rotax motor (again, speaking from 'sportbike' perspective). I think it was just too little, too late & it would have taken a few years to overcome the (well-deserved, IMO) negative image that most people in the 'sportbike' market hold of the earlier bikes.

It's sad that the only production sport-bike America had to offer is now dead, right after it took a huge step forward (can't help but wonder how much the adoption of the Rotax motor might have influenced the decision). I hope he gets another shot, with a mfg. that gives him much more free-reign!

Trip · 10-19-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kerry_129

It's sad that the only production sport-bike America had to offer is now dead, right after it took a huge step forward. I hope he gets another shot, with a mfg. that gives him much more free-reign!

Or hell, at least one that gives him a supportive dealer network.

HokieDNA01 · 10-19-2009, 12:12 PM

Just saw this....

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-...-bid/8513.html

CasterTroy · 10-19-2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HokieDNA01

Just saw this....

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-...-bid/8513.html

NO NO NO damnit!!! not until I get a new 1125 for $4000 and a new XB12 for $3000

Amber Lamps · 10-19-2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HokieDNA01

Just saw this....

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-...-bid/8513.html

God, in a way I'm glad but in another I hope they don't do it. Who hasn't seen a company propped up for years that should have been let go?

Amber Lamps · 10-19-2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CasterTroy

NO NO NO damnit!!! not until I get a new 1125 for $4000 and a new XB12 for $3000

I'm saying! I'm seriously considering it! Hell, I can get a Credit Union loan with about a $80/month payment!

tached1000rr · 10-19-2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HokieDNA01

Just saw this....

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-...-bid/8513.html

Hmmn, they should offer stock options to the public. I would hate to see Buell go out of business so I hope something works out.

FT BSTRD · 10-19-2009, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rider

With prices like that I might have to go get a XB12Ss

I've got one in Cherry Bomb with you name on it. $6995.

FT BSTRD · 10-19-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TIGGER

God, in a way I'm glad but in another I hope they don't do it. Who hasn't seen a company propped up for years that should have been let go?

Buell was profitable right up until the 15th when HD slit their throats.

Rider · 10-19-2009, 12:34 PM

I can pick one up locally for that price. I think 3k off MSRP is the going rate at all dealerships.

10-19-2009, 12:01 PM	#161
Kerry_129 Semi-reformed Squid Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 531	I try to stay away from the Harley (and Buell) 'bashing', because it's bad form & at the end of the day it's all about what the individual rider enjoys swinging a leg over. However, having spent a little time on an '02 Thunderbolt, I have to honestly say it was the worst bike I have ridden, from a 'sporting' perspective. Lousy wooden-feeling brakes, very clunky transmission, harsh suspension (mushy front & very 'bouncy' rear - not a good combo!), and ran out of power about the time it felt like it should be getting into the mid-range - and don't even get me started on the vibration. Now, I know they came a long way since then and I think the 1125s are far better bikes than the prior generations. I recently got a chance to ride a 1125CR recently and while I didn't find it anything to gush over, it seemed a good, capable bike with nice handling & power-delivery (the vac-assisted/delayed clutch felt good & was a nice unique feature, I thought). I believe part of the improvement was fit/finish/refinement, but the biggest factor was simply the far superior Rotax motor (again, speaking from 'sportbike' perspective). I think it was just too little, too late & it would have taken a few years to overcome the (well-deserved, IMO) negative image that most people in the 'sportbike' market hold of the earlier bikes. It's sad that the only production sport-bike America had to offer is now dead, right after it took a huge step forward (can't help but wonder how much the adoption of the Rotax motor might have influenced the decision). I hope he gets another shot, with a mfg. that gives him much more free-reign! Last edited by Kerry_129; 10-19-2009 at 12:03 PM..

10-19-2009, 12:12 PM	#163
HokieDNA01 WERA White Plate Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nashville, TN Moto: 2007 Suzuki GSX-r 750 Posts: 1,404	Just saw this.... http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-...-bid/8513.html __________________ XX>XY 2014 Honda NC700X 2007 Suzuki GSX-r 750 2000 Yamaha XT225 2004 Kawasaki EX250 (sold)

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10-19-2009, 12:34 PM	#170
Rider Moto GP Star Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 12,156	I can pick one up locally for that price. I think 3k off MSRP is the going rate at all dealerships.