Buell Posts $300,000 for ASRA and CCS Racers in 2007

[Super Dave]

Huge thumbs up to Buell, by the way.

[imafrogg420]

were are all the lightwight classes?

[dylanfan53]

Thunderbike and Supertwins are lightweight classes.
In the Amateur grids, you can run Thunderbike CCS and Thunderbike ASRA.

[Stinger562]

It's nice to see a thread where Buell is not getting bashed.
If you are not on a buell, consider it, the support structure and the people involved are great.  And it's patriotic for pete's sake!!

[PJ]

Wonder why they left out LW classes?

Buell has supported the Thunderbike class for a long time at the national and regional level. The class rules allow for a fairly high level of modifcation, but stock displacement (LW legal) XBs can bump up and be competitive. SuperTwins was added for XBRR racers, but XB racers can also bump up.

All in all, it's a pretty damn good program. Especially since it pays at every CCS weekend.

[proechel539]

So what is the basic set up for a competitive Buell and what would it cost to get one race ready?Which is the better bike a xb9 or xb12?

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

How many other companies pay out on four year old bikes?
Thank you, Buell! 

If you win enough money, maybe you can buy another flowery helmet!  Actually, Icon is making a pink lid now, and it's pretty reasonably priced....  

[catman]

              'nuff said

[dylanfan53]

Too late, Sizzlechest.  Rob at Lithium already took care of me.  Brand new model and still has that "new car" smell.

   

[catman]

Hey Dylanfan- noticed an old technique ( actually current)of mine ), FLOWERS go good at times of (purchases)such  as your picture shows! Been to the florist alot lately ,i can cut my trips there down- da bling is goin on this week! PEACE

[cbusa]

Thunderbike and Supertwins are lightweight classes.
In the Amateur grids, you can run Thunderbike CCS and Thunderbike ASRA.

No they aren't really LW classes, a lot of LW bikes run in them. I am curious why Buell left out LWSS, LWSB

Charlie

[PJ]

So what is the basic set up for a competitive Buell and what would it cost to get one race ready?Which is the better bike a xb9 or xb12?

The XB12 runs in all the same classes that the XB9 can run in. They both share the same bore, but the 9 is a short stroke. If you want to build the motor, a 9 can be competitive, but stock vs. stock, go with the 12.

A stock XB12R is pretty competitive in LWSS, and with minor mods can be made competitive in all the other LW classes. A good rider can also run up front in Thunderbike and SuperTwins, especially at tighter, more technical tracks.

The chassis is excellent. And the stock suspension is top shelf OE. Fully adjustable Showa forks and rear shock with remote reservoir. You may want to consider replacing the stock dual rate rear spring with a single rate, and perhaps stiffer (if you're, ahem, a plus size racer like me) spring. But I have raced on the stock set up, and it's pretty good.

The stock belt drive works fine. Guys have won races and championships with it at the Am level. It's 75% lighter than chain drive. But, it does restrict your gearing and will be shorter than you'd like for Road America, Daytona, etc. The engine is pretty tractable, so even with a chain conversion (from Halspa.com), I use my Daytona/RA gearing for Blackhawk and just use 4 gears instead of 5.

For Superbike, you can replace the stock XB12 pistons with XB9 pistons for higher compression. A lighter flywheel also helps acceleration. That's been a pretty reliable and competitive package for me.

Beyond that, if you want to make serious power, you'll need to spend some money and increase displacement. That, of course, will make your bike illegal for the LW classes, but positions you nicely for Buell bucks in Thunderbike and SuperTwins. I've had pretty good success running a LW Superbike-legal configuration in those classes, but I pretty much get killed on long straights.

What does it cost to get one race ready? I know of guys who've found mildly crashed XB12s on ebay for between $3500 and $4500. Fix the damage and add a $100 belly pan and fresh tires and you're good to go.

There's plenty of Buell racers who will be happy to share their experiences. PM me if you want to talk live.