New Buell Firebolt

[m1marty]

So here lately I've been swapping bikes out a lot- looking for something to put "knees in the breeze". Started with a 68 Shovelhead- got tired of donating parts to the "Highway Gods" due to only having a 4spd and a rigid mounted motor. Great scoot, loved the looks of it but wanted something I could leg out on the highway with on runs down to Portland and NorCal. That led to a swap with a partner for a Road Glide. 5spd, rubber mount, belt drive- oh so comfortable with storage room galore. Everything I was looking for except the 781lbs and tank like steering that damn near killed me in town one night. That and the guy at the gas station asking me "What year is your Goldwing?"

So enter The Hooligan-
2004 Buell Firebolt. Race ECM, exhaust and intake/filter. New skins, belt and just done yesterday 10k service. A nod above 110hp and 386lbs makes for roll on wheelies too easy. Tail section has been tucked, LED tailights and flushmount signals round it out.

Before it's brought up, I'm well aware that quite a few metrics produce more peak hp and that's great for bench racers and those that can truly use it. Most of the lawn darts around here can't so that's a moot point.
Tq is the name of the game with this thing- pulls like a tractor.
Light to light this thing would be very hard to beat. Throw in a twisty road and I'd stack this up against anything out there. The handeling is truly something else- such a huge change from the Glide. Nothing like lifting the front coming out of a near knee dragging turn just by twisting the wick. That and the fact that the places I hang out at- I don't have to worry about this being messed with.

*EDIT* Yeah- it's dirty. I ride rain or shine and everything in between.

 

[65535]

Nice one Marty. Now you can get some dragging and speed runs in. Nice bike. I have always liked Ducati, so just where does that fit in in the moto world?

 

[markksr]

Now you're talking... :thumbup:

 

[Horned Toad]

I had a 9R. It was fun but the bike could have been way better. Tire selection was pretty important due to the stiff chassis and for where I lived the range sucked. I had a SV650 track bike when I got the Buell, between the two I raced the SV. After tucking the front tire twice on the Buell and having to catch it on my knee I didn’t have any faith in the bike. It was luck I was able to keep it up, I am not that good of a rider.

 

[GigOne]

Looking at made me smile. I can imagine the grin when the throttle is twisted back.


Nice. :thumbup:

 

[Mack]

Very nice. My favorite of yours so far.:thumbup:
I'm a Brit bike nut myself so everything that isn't a Norton or Triumph is just another bike but that is nice!:thumbup:

 

[lohengrin]

lots of fun indeed

I had a XB12S for a year...

ended up having to put half my paycheck aside for speeding fines each month

 

[338375]

Man you have really run the spectrum...
The only bike of that style that I have riden is an 1100 Ninja. Not sure how it would be for long runs. bad knees , bad back, bad shoulder..
oh well, I guess thats what they make percocet for

 

[wutitiz]

I have a Buell super tt and like it. It's the most stable bike for riding in the rain that I've had--very important in Seattle-land. I wish that Buell did not print wildly inaccurate numbers for weight, fuel economy, etc. Don't they have an accurate scale with which to weigh things at Buell?

Still it's pretty economical, fun, and low maintenance. It is nice to ride a made-in-USA bike even tho I know a lot of the bits & pieces come from around the world.

 

[MVF]

Very cool- always wanted to try one of those. Be careful! I know the handling, power, torque and braking are worlds better than what you're used to, but they're not foolproof (no offense meant!). Many Buells have had quirks that will put you on the pavement rather quickly.

You seem to be trying valiantly to stay with American made, but just in case you're ready to hear it- when you want the best of all worlds go look at a Yamaha FJR (just my opinion after 35 years of riding). Meanwhile, enjoy!

 

[m1marty]

Looking at made me smile. I can imagine the grin when the throttle is twisted back.


Nice. :thumbup:

Absolute riot. I've ridden enough scoots in my relativley short years (compared to some of you old timers, haha) to last the average person several lifetimes. Everything from dirtbikes from a youngster to the recent big twins- this has to be one of my favorite bikes by far.

....everything that isn't a Norton or Triumph is just another bike....

One word for you- AMAL.

I have a Buell super tt and like it. It's the most stable bike for riding in the rain that I've had--very important in Seattle-land.

I use this to commute from Gig Harbor to TaCompton and it does great. Gotta love this weather.

Very cool- always wanted to try one of those. Be careful! I know the handling, power, torque and braking are worlds better than what you're used to, but they're not foolproof (no offense meant!). Many Buells have had quirks that will put you on the pavement rather quickly.

You seem to be trying valiantly to stay with American made, but just in case you're ready to hear it- when you want the best of all worlds go look at a Yamaha FJR (just my opinion after 35 years of riding). Meanwhile, enjoy!

As far as what I'm used to...... I've thrown a leg over a few metrics. Raced a few too. A '94 VFR started it , a '97 GSXR 750 track whore nearly ended it. The stand out of the bunch- a '02 ZRX 1200. Other than being shunned by my family for riding them- I've had fun with them. I'm not a huge fan of the peaky, high winding mills. If I want that- I can fire up the KX250. The Buell does what I need it to do- and does it well.
As far as the Buell putting me on the pavement- yup, It sure can.
I'd argue that it handles better than most sport bikes out there. Very stable and cuts quick. Did a quick skip on my left knee yesterday(dip in the turn) Need to remember not to knee drag on the yellow line- esp. when I'm wearing jeans.

 

[jonnymac44]

Excellent choice for this most recent new ride, Marty!:thumbup: I've ridden the firebolts and the Lightning. Love 'em! You'll have tons of fun on that thing for sure. You are absolutely right about the torque, too. Twist that throttle hard enough and the Firebolt will try and buck you off the seat like a bull with his balls tied. That's my favorite part of the Buells. You can really feel the motor pushing the rubber into the road when you get on it.

Enjoy!