Buell?

[Sigi]

Hi, I've read some interesting discussion on "Buells suck" thread. In fact I opened this thread, as I am going to buy a bike for my fiansee, and I thought about Buell, but now I am quite sceptical about that idea. Other bikes which seem iteresting option for me now (as I need to buy light bike, and with quite low seat height and not too much power) are Ducati Monster 800 or 1000, Moto Guzzi Breva or Yamaha F6Z.
What would you choose for your fiansee, Buell or something else?

[84FXRP]

Originally Posted by Sigi

Hi, I've read some interesting discussion on "Buells suck" thread. In fact I opened this thread, as I am going to buy a bike for my fiansee, and I thought about Buell, but now I am quite sceptical about that idea. Other bikes which seem iteresting option for me now (as I need to buy light bike, and with quite low seat height and not too much power) are Ducati Monster 800 or 1000, Moto Guzzi Breva or Yamaha F6Z.
What would you choose for your fiansee, Buell or something else?

Not too much power - like an Yamaha FZ6????? The FZ6 is rated at 98HP (86 Rear wheel HP) it runs the quarter in 11.3 seconds at 118 mph, top speed it 136 mph it weighs about 460 lbs. This makes the FZ6 just a hair quicker on the 1/4 mile than the V-rod. V-rod top speed is 137 mph. V-rod rear wheel HP is about 103 on a 620 pound bike. The Ducati would run mid 12s in the quarter.

Take a look at the new Honda 750 AERO. Low seat height, not lots of power, reasonable price.

I don't think a European bike is what she needs. Aprillia is in/out of bankrupcy and looking to sell Moto Guzzi. With MG on the block - do you really want to buy one of their bikes?

BMW is in the process of changing over engines on its bikes and the current Oil Heads and F650s still have "surging" issues with the fuel injection. They can be made to run well as long as you or your SO are motorcycle mechanics. BMW repair shops are consistently high priced, but in my experience the quality of their service work forces you to learn to do it yourself.

None of the European bikes have a large dealer network - do you plan to travel? I think she should be able to find something from one of the Japanese manufacturers that fits her OK.

[Sigi]

Thank you very much for your post
BTW, I was not precise, I meant not more than 100 hp (that is why I did not mention eg. Ducati Monster S4R), and not more than +/-200 kg (that is why I did not mention eg. Moto Guzzi Breva 1100), and it must have fuel injection, preferably with no manual choke (that is why I do not consider any of BMW).

[bico959]

I would steer away from american bikes, sadly. I've had great luck over 20 years with *** bikes. [kicks self for thinking 'maybe this time'... grumble grumble] My next bike will definitely be japanese...

-bico

[02 Sporty]

If you're looking for a beginner bike for your fiancee I wouldn't recommend anything from your list. I'd check www.beginnerbikes.net.

[Sigi]

Originally Posted by 02 Sporty

If you're looking for a beginner bike for your fiancee I wouldn't recommend anything from your list. I'd check www.beginnerbikes.net.

Thanks.
I checked the site, but do not understand their philosophy, as they mostly recommend slow and small engine range bikes. On the other hand they recommend for beginers also such bikes as Suzuki SV650, which is much the same performance as Ducati Monster 800, and a liittle less than Yamaha FZ6S, which I put on my list. Actually Suzuki SV650, especially 650S seems to be worth consideration.
Generaly I do not see a reason why I should buy her a slow bike, as she can ride slow on a fast bike if she wants to. I am absolutly positive to buy her quite fast and modern style bike (because she likes such bikes) than she may enjoy it for longer than just few months.

[02 Sporty]

Originally Posted by Sigi

Thanks.
I checked the site, but do not understand their philosophy, as they mostly recommend slow and small engine range bikes. On the other hand they recommend for beginers also such bikes as Suzuki SV650, which is much the same performance as Ducati Monster 800, and a liittle less than Yamaha FZ6S, which I put on my list. Actually Suzuki SV650, especially 650S seems to be worth consideration.
Generaly I do not see a reason why I should buy her a slow bike, as she can ride slow on a fast bike if she wants to. I am absolutly positive to buy her quite fast and modern style bike (because she likes such bikes) than she may enjoy it for longer than just few months.

The reason why smaller engine bikes are usually recommended for beginners is that when/if they make newbie mistakes likes squeezing the front brake lever too hard and fast and twisting the throttle too abruptly then the bike is generally more forgiving of these mistakes and therefore safer for beginners to learn on. Many of the larger sportbikes are especially prone to wheelies and stoppies if a beginner make abrupt actions with the brakes and/or throttle.

[Sigi]

Originally Posted by 02 Sporty

The reason why smaller engine bikes are usually recommended for beginners is that when/if they make newbie mistakes likes squeezing the front brake lever too hard and fast and twisting the throttle too abruptly then the bike is generally more forgiving of these mistakes and therefore safer for beginners to learn on. Many of the larger sportbikes are especially prone to wheelies and stoppies if a beginner make abrupt actions with the brakes and/or throttle.

Yes, you are probably right but on the other hand from my experience I wish I bought V-rod as my first bike, as my first bike ever - Sportster Hugger was much harder to ride than V- rod.

BTW yesterday I did a test ride on Buell Lighting. I am absolutely positive now that I will not buy it.
I am very sorry to say that riding on the bike feels like on a cheap korean or chinese scoot with overpowered engine. Except for good acceleration at any revs, easy handling, nice and modern look can't find any pros. Especially the quality of parts (e.g. mirrors, grips, footpegs, dashboard) is very low. I can not imagine buying such a bike if I can have two Yamahas FZ6 or Suzukis SV650S for the same price.

[Cryptoboy]

Go over to http://www.esportbike.com and check out their forum for beginners on bikes to choose. Most are unanimous on not getting too powerful a bike for a beginning bike (sport bikers and Harley riders having something in common? Say it isn't so! lol) Keep in mind that the SV650 is a very forgiving bike, and one that is actually pretty hard to grow out of listening to everyone talk about it (almost considered buying one myself as a second bike, something to play with on the track). The Ducati isn't very forgiving, not to mention costly to maintain (like every other Italian vehicle out there).

My first bike was a Buell Blast, and I was extremely happy I bought that! Liked it so much we bought a second one for my wife to learn on as well. Only issue I had with either one of them was the goofy CA emissions canister, which I removed myself. Other than that, I didn't have one problem with either bike!

My recommendation would be the Buell Blast for your fiancee, or possibly a used SV650. Check that forum, they listed quite a few good starter bikes. She's not going to need something with alot of HP, it will most likely get her into trouble. And if you buy used, you won't lose much (if any) selling it to upgrade her to the bike she really wants.

[bico959]

not to butt in here, but what is the best way to get rid of that damn CA canister? Changes required, where tubes go now, etc. I have had problems with my 2000 M2 with the gas tank not venting properly (like when really getting on it going up hill on the freeway, it will gas starve requiring me to open the filler cap and let some air in). I have some feeling it has to do with that damn [ugly] canister.

thanks -bico

[Cryptoboy]

It's almost guaranteed it's the canister causing your problems. As far as the actual removal, you might want to check out http://www.badweatherbikers.com for more info on stuff like that. I removed the canister from my Blast, but it might be a little different for an M2. At the very least they'll be able to point you in a better direction. Good luck!

[bico959]

thanks, will do. meanwhile, has anyone seen my 4th gear flying by on the road? It seems that I no longer have it *sigh*.

-third to fifth boy

[Sigi]

I made decision to buy Yamaha FZ6 for my fiancee.
I did test ride on it today for 2 hours, and I am realy impressed with it's overall performance, handling, design, quality versus the price. I have read many opinions of the bike, and some seem to bash the bike without justified reason. Especially for brakes I did not noticed to work somehow worse than on my V rod. Acceleration 0-60 is great, most probably better than V rod or Buell Lighting/Firebolt (though you have to rev it up much more). The maximum speed, had not reach, but they claim it is the same as v rod (no reason to question that). Sound is not as nice as v twin but it also does not sound as a typical rice burner. Torque between 5000 - 8000 is too low but it does not spoil the overall impression of performance (don't believe testers that blame it for not enough power and torque, just ride it and than make your own judgement). I know that some also bash it for shifting, I do not know why, as it is better than on my v rod. Absolutely no complaints on design, handling and riding position. The bike is a real bargain.
No match for v rod, but this is a different purpose bike and it also costs 1/3 price of v rod.
BTW sory to say that but Buell is just no match for FZ6

[CHUD]

Originally Posted by Sigi

Yes, you are probably right but on the other hand from my experience I wish I bought V-rod as my first bike, as my first bike ever - Sportster Hugger was much harder to ride than V- rod.

BTW yesterday I did a test ride on Buell Lighting. I am absolutely positive now that I will not buy it.
I am very sorry to say that riding on the bike feels like on a cheap korean or chinese scoot with overpowered engine. Except for good acceleration at any revs, easy handling, nice and modern look can't find any pros. Especially the quality of parts (e.g. mirrors, grips, footpegs, dashboard) is very low. I can not imagine buying such a bike if I can have two Yamahas FZ6 or Suzukis SV650S for the same price.

WHAT THE F***? How long have you been riding? [i]A Korean or Chinese scoot What the F*** is a Chinese or Korean bike that isn't being peddled around with a basket full of yams? Any seasoned rider would know immediately that the handling of the Lightening far surpasses most out-the-door metrics, The shortest wheel base in production and the handling is superb! What have you been riding, mopeds? I think you've taken too many mortar rounds - you're clueless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! What,...................... did you ride it around the parking lot? Sportster Hugger was much harder to ride than a V-Rod??????????????????????????????????????????????? ?? First of all, what the hell is hard to ride about either of them? Secondly, if you had a clue and took the V-Rod anywhere you would know that it's HP can get away from a beginner and it's unforgiving in the corners if it does. You assert that you have a V-Rod...well then I predict you'll wrap it around a pine tree in Poland tomorrow because if you think it's an easier ride than a Sportster...BLAHAHAHHA! The Sportster hard to ride? Give me a FUC**** break - that has to be the easiest ride of any bike on the market. Please, enlighten me, how is this bike hard to ride?

[Sigi]

Chud, I think your comment is not that fair, that I wondered if should I answer it all?
I assume that you question the fact I own v rod or any riding experience. Than come to Warsaw, and I will prove you that I do own and ride on V rod (already have made 2000 miles without wrapping pine trees)

I also think that you have never had a chance to ride a v- rod, otherwise you would know how easy to handle is that bike for anybody.