Your opinions please. After watching "History of the Motorcycle" last night on the Learning Channel, I think I want to get a 2003 Buell Lighting (don't know the model number).

I stopped by a local HD/Buell dealer tonight. They've got a special program on the Buells. MSRP = $10K but price is $10K out the door. $0 down, 0 interest and 0 payments for 7 months. After that, it's 13% but whatever I haven't paid off, I could put to a low interest card.

I'm keeping the MV and I love it to death. However, I miss the V-twin rumble and torque and the seating position really comfortable coming from the MV. The Buell would take over most of the daily grind and the MV would become a recreation/garage queen. Thing is, I don't really need another bike but find the hooliganism appealing.

What do you think? I'm not as familiar with Buells as I am with Ducs and MV. Are they reliable? (ha. ha. ha -MV owner worried about another bike's reliability)

Lastly, black or yellow? Thanks.

http://buell.com/products/motorcycles/lightning/lightningmain.asp

-- Allan Gibbs (Phoenix, Arizona) (agibbs996@aol.com), December 05, 2002

Answers

I would suggest against any Buell. It wasn't long ago that they had to recall ALL their bikes due to a manufacturing defect.

Here is what I see as a perfect stable mate.

KTM Duke 950

Well any decision made by an MV owner is a good one, so enjoy the selection process.

-- mod (mvf4s@excite.com), December 05, 2002.

he said comfortable hooligan bike...KTM DUKE 950! A light powerful comfortable wheelie machine with balls!

-- mod (mvf4s@excite.com), December 05, 2002.

Seriously, get Steve's leftover 2000 Mille. It's going to be near that price (well, a little more), and it's a LOT more bike. He also may still have that used '96 916 that was well taken care of as well. Buells are fine, but they don't seem like something you'd like...

-- Andy Ruhl (quadreverb@yahoo.com), December 05, 2002.

Right now Triumph has awesome deals on their '02 Daytona. I recently bought a new one for about $3k off MSRP. No interest until April, then 9.9% after that. It is very comfortable, smooth, and fast. I know you want the V-twin, but try the triple, it has an appeal all its own, and sounds like nothing else. So far it has also been a great bike around town if you are thinking of commuting.

-- Steve Burns (bubbie@jobe.net), December 05, 2002.

I'm hooked on the VFR as a second bike. Reliable, fun and great for touring. It consistently gets great write ups and an '02 can be had for about $8,500.00 right now with some special financing deal as well.

Also you don't have to bother with that worrysome color choice.

Good luck

-- Scott Krane (a56healey@yahoo.com), December 05, 2002.

Hi Allan,

might I suggest Aprilia's Tuono Fighter, thats the 'S' model. It sounds pretty cool as a hooligan bike.

-- Colin Asekun (ckasekun@kingwoodcable.net), December 05, 2002.

For what it's worth I just bought a new CBR954RR and it's a hell of a bike. I may just leave it stock.

I was out doing some canyon riding on it today and really enjoy it. I'm still trying to break it in so I've been taking it easy.

Up until now I've been strictly Italian(except for a Harley stint in '94) but I am now glad that I made the transition to reliability. I now feel like I can remove mechanical problems from the equation. Knock on wood.

Reliability is important to me so I thought that I'd share that thought. Specially when you're dealing with a daily grind bike.

Scott

-- Scott Smith (Srfcity@hotmail.com), December 05, 2002.

I am buying a brand new 2002 GSXR1000, at a huge discount from the dealer to make room for the 2003 model.

I wanted more power and reliability but the looks of the MV. No bike to fit the bill so had to but a 2nd bike.

If I live through the first hour of riding it, I will let you know what I think of riding it compared to the MV. I have owned loads of GSXRs in the past, and they are all fantastic bikes. But looks and finish are pants compared to the MV.

-- David Stephens (david_stephens@storagetek.com), December 06, 2002.

Well, I'm still undecided. Truth is, I don't really need a second bike but...

The Mille would really one of my main contenders, however, it's a rather bike and wide bike for my size. The GSXR and R1 would also be on the list, however, I'm afraid the insurance would be the price of another bike! Ironically, the MV insurance is lower than most other bikes. As for the 999, it just doesn't have the MV apeal but has a near MV price tag. The new CBR600RR is looking pretty nice.

So, I'm still undecided about the Buell. Hopefully, I'll talk myself out of it and will just save myself for when Ms. Benelli Tornado arrives.

-- Allan Gibbs (Phoenix, Arizona) (Agibbs996@aol.com), December 06, 2002.

Allan,

I've ridden the '03 Buell Lightning and Thunderbolt. Of the two, I like the Lightning. It was a FUN bike. The ultra short wheelbase (52in), upright riding position, no slop in the drivetrain belt drive and gobs of midrange combine to make it a pretty good wheelie/stoppie machine. Handles pretty darn good too. My only complaint was the transmission. It just doesn't shift as good as the current Japanese/European bikes. Although, it's tons better than a standard Harley.

It doesn't give me the same smiles as my Ducati 748, but once again, it really is a FUN bike. It would make a GREAT daily driver. Ducati owners read this, "No valve adjustment intervals". What else can I say? Oh yeah, "Yellow the better color". Of course, my 748's yellow so I'm partial.

Good luck, Sean

-- sean (sean_getts@hotmail.com), December 06, 2002.

Just got an'03 XB9S Lightning, and I very happy with it. Bear in mind it is my first real road bike, but it has exceeded my expectations. Very easy riding position, would get the race kit if you buy one (Pipe, Aircleaner, ECM) for about 557.00 onlne. Also bear in mind the fuel capcity if you want togo on long trips. Would buy the bike again knowingwhat I know, eager to ride the other bike though.

-- Kevin Powell (kevin_mcse@hotmail.com), April 07, 2003.

I bought a 2003 Buell FireBolt and have no problems or regrets. It is the only 1000cc bike that is easy to flog. You can really go fast without creating an unstable, scary situation. The best built, best value out there is the Honda 919. It is just as fast as the 954rr, way less money, and very high quality. The Buell, will hold its value much better than the honda if you plan on selling it someday. I like the ride and feel of Buell better, even though it is considerably slower. If 130mph is just as good as 170mph, then get the Buell FireBolt.

-- Buck Wyatt (BuckWyatt@yahoo.com), April 17, 2003.

I have a 2001 Buell M2 Cyclone, which started out great, lot's of fun, but now, it's blowing oil, leaking oil, leaving oil all over me and the bike from the transmission vent tube which runs from the area near the starter motor and runs up under the seat. I checked with the dealer as nothing is on the end of the vent tube, no screen, no valve, nothing. They said this is normal and sure enough the brand new 2003 Buell Lightening they had on the show room floor has the same open vent tube from the transmission. I also have oil coming from the air intake box which they also say is normal at high RPM. They asked why do you want to go so fast, and I asked I them is 80 to 85 mph (3700 to 4000rpm)fast? Anyway be aware, until they change from the old basic engine / transmission design carry lots of rags!

-- Grant Brummett (grant.brummett@novellus.com), April 28, 2003.

Oh Geesh. Sorry, everyone. I forgot to mention I picked up a 2002 blue R1 on December 21, 2002. I took a look at the Buells but then realized for $10K, I was in R1/GSXR1000 territory.

It's really a great bike....but can someone tell me why it sits in the garage and I'm still using the MV (i'm exaggerating)? :)

Lastly, Japanese bikes don't really depreciate that badly do they? :D

-- Allan Gibbs (Phoenix, Arizona) (Agibbs996@aol.com), April 29, 2003.

Buell never recalled all of thier bikes. Recalles plagued the 1999 bikes, but that was 4 years ago and a diffrent bike all together.

-- Chris B (zilla280@yahoo.com), May 27, 2003.

I have a 2003 XB9R with problems. Transmission bearing failure and steering head shake. The support from the Harley Davidson dealers is very poo

-- Erlin Anderson (erlin3@aol.com), September 22, 2003.

I've had a '95 BUELL S2 Thunderbolt for 8 years now. bought it brand new, and have just turned 146,000 miles on it. In those miles I have gone through two belts, NO bottom ends, three top ends, a seat, and god knows how many pairs of tires. This model had the stock Harley Davidson Sportster motor in it. NO thunderstorm heads, no hot cams, no Fuel Injection. It has been a real hoot to ride, and I've yet to ride a bike that handles or stops as well as a Buell. My bike had 5 items recalled on it, which were all replaced, free of charge, by Chandler Harley Davidson/Buell in Phoenix. Of all the bikes I own, the Buell gets ridden the most often. While I understand that there have been recalls, (the whole bike has not EVER been recalled) and that Harley-Davidson Mechanics and service managers are real pricks, owning a Buell is still worthwhile. I'm not sure about the little ones, the Blast? Who buys those things? The motors are basically the same as the ones they are putting in the XB line, only the XB's have two cylinders. Anyway, I would definitly buy another Buell, maybe not one of the newer ones, but for sure a pre-2001 model.

-- Art Bartlett (buelligan2000@yahoo.com), October 06, 2003.

I AM GETTING AN '03 LIGHTNING DELIVERED TOMORROW AND CANNOT WAIT. VERY EXCITED, AS I HAVE NOT HAD A MOTORCYCLE IN SEVERAL YEARS. KZ550 A1, CB1100F, FJ1100 AND A TRANSALP AND NOW A LIGHTNING. AFTER ALL THE RESEARCH I HAVE DONE, I AM PROUD TO BE ABLE TO BUY AN "AMERICAN" MACHINE.

-- DON BYRD (DBYRD3130@YAHOO.COM), December 26, 2003.

H-D Dealers SUCK! Most all treat Buell as a POS.

And...............they are!

-- Corey B. James (cbjames@inextinc.com), February 16, 2004.

dONT WRITE THE BUELL OFF,MY 2000 X1 HAS NO LEAKS AND ONLY A FEW MINOR SELF FIXED PROBLEMS.I WAS TERRIFIED AFTER READING OWNERS COMMENTS ON THE INTERNET THAT MY DECISION TO GET A BUELL WOULD BE ONE I WOULD REGRET.IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO DIE AT ANY MINUTE AFTER RIDING SMOOTH QUITE JAP BIKES FOR YEARS BUT HAS PROVEN TO BE SUPRISINGLY RELIABLE AFTER 26000K OF VERY HARSH TREATMENT.AS FAR AS REAL WORLD SPEED GOES IT IS THE BEST HANDLING BIKE i have owned after 39 bikes.

-- richard thompson (rmt13@optusnet.com.au), March 16, 2004.

Allan, I am in a similar boat as you, here several mo. later.. I am planning to buy a used Lightning 03' ONLY 3K miles... I am in the unsure state of mind.. Let me know what you did cause I am interested in all aspects of this machine.. You cannot listen to everyone, or you will never make a decision, however this is something that I would like to here some follow up on.. Buell's are great looking Bikes, def. Black with silver!!

-Dylan (ddmyrick80@msn.com)Hoover Al

-- Dylan Myrick (ddmyrick80@msn.com), April 03, 2004.

Just traded in my 1998 sportster 1200 for a 2003 honda 919. Very flickable. It loves low end and mid range. Not a high end screamer. It amazes me how I now own a bike that handles fantastic, brakes well, and has this thing called a radiator. Wow a water cooled bike ! Its like a major breakthrough. I am gonna miss the hog but the Honda 919 is the ride I have been looking for. Test drove the buells. My sporty 1200 had more low end torque with twice the weight. Test drove the duck 900 monster. Power band kicked in after 70 mph. This left my choices slim for a naked street bike. I just have to get used to the seat and handlebar position and I will be ok. Otherwise I get more looks on this inline 4 than I did on my hog that had 8000 bucks worth of chrome. I highly recommend the Honda 919. Its a hooligan bike from the crypt begging to be ridden hard and heavy.

-- andy (joe@shmo.net), May 04, 2004.

Am i the only person who contributes to this forum that also frequents the other Greenspun Bike site.

SOHC.NET - old hondas never die, they just dribble (petrol,Oil and sometimes brake fluid) and rust.

What they dont do is cost much to buy, cost much to fix (cos bike shops wont touch them - you do it yourself) and they definitly don't deprciate (what is half of next to nothing?) once you get the bug you can fill not only your own garage but all your neighbours/friends with slowly crumbling old heaps. If you get it real bad you could even start concours rebuilds and start dribbling yourself at the very mention of those imortal words 'sand cast' (just means its even older than all the others and is now rare due to the fact the cam chain likes to self destruct.) which have been known to go for MV type money.

Just a thaught.

-- Mark M (m.magenis@btinternet.com), May 05, 2004.

I just picked up my 05 XB12R on 9/30.Have owned SuperHawk 996 and TLR1000 in past.The Buell is definately its own animal and has a unique personality.A Sportbike with attitude. It is the only bike in my stable now,and will probably be alone for qute some time.It is the perfect bike for me at this time in my 37 year old life.I dont need to go 150mph all day,I dont need to do the 1/4mi in under 10 seconds.I wish I would have bought one sooner but I think the older models were a little tempermental.Have also owned Haybusa,CBR954 and GSXR1000 in past.XB12 has put more smiles on my face than any of those machines. Nice to be supporting an American company too. DC Sidbeck Everett Washington

-- DC Sidbeck (Busa0069@CS.com), October 03, 2004.

I have a Buell Blast, it was my first bike, and despite being a thumper (single Cylinder), I love it. It has been ultra reliable, no problems at all, now I want something with a more power. I've test driven everything I could find that I liked, but I have to say, the 900 Buell Lightening was just the better bike for me all around. I'm buying the 900 and my Harley Dealer is giving me what I paid for my Blast when it was new for trade in. I haven't a single complaint, and can hardly wait for the new 900, the 900 I test drove (dealership let me have it over night, drove it for hours) handled like a dream and had all the power I can use. Allan get the Yellow!!! My blast is Orange and stands out in the crowd. Hope you have some great riding. --Jan Dale Vancouver, BC Canada

-- Jan Dale (derep@aol.com), October 08, 2004.

some interesting comments.i bought a second hand xb9r firebolt 6 months ago and have to say it is one of the better bikes i have ridden or owned,good power thanks to the chip and performance exaust great sound good seat position and great handling at any speed,top speed about 220 km/p/h .not sory i bought it our price in sa 80000 rand compared to 111000 rand for a r1

-- chris shears (chrisshears@telkomsa.net), January 18, 2005.