How 'bout a Buell? (Was New for 2008: 450 four strokes)

[BadBoyRR]

After all the input I got about the new generation 450 four strokes (even filtering out the obvious bias )and talking with my trusted mechanic, I have personally concluded that there is considerable validity to the maintenance and cost issues brought up here. Therefore I continue my search for a bike to return to racing on which most closely meets my criteria;
-Different from the overall masses (a bit of originality is nice!)
-Torque!
-Lower cost (in some perspective at least)
-Lower maintenance & overall upkeep
-Competitive in existing CCS class structure (Gawd forbid anything change...)
Bonus: Contingencies!     

So now I'm thinking Buell. I recently had an XB9R for a while and was impressed after not having ridden a Buell for several years. My mechanic tells me that the word behind the shop is that the newer bikes are far less needy than their forefathers.

What can y'all tell me about these agricultural machines? (Besides the fact that they are a four stroke POS! ) What classes are they COMPETITIVE in  and in what model format?

Thanks again for showing me the error of my ways on the dirt bikes. I really did like the concept though.   



   

[Super Dave]

Paul James is gonna have better feedback.  And he's at Daytona right now.

Reliability does sound fair at this point.  I don't think it's the same as a standard SV, but it could be reasonable with some support.

I think the handling is good.  I think with enough work in set up, it should be outstanding. 

[backMARKr]

Paul James is gonna have better feedback.  And he's at Daytona right now.

Reliability does sound fair at this point.  I don't think it's the same as a standard SV, but it could be reasonable with some support.

I think the handling is good.  I think with enough work in set up, it should be outstanding. 

Not that my input means much ( translation=nada )....sure seems like they can be a freight train with the right rider or experienced rider and also it sounds like they have very good dealer/factory support.

[resurection]

Now that a real mechanic (in your eyes)Agrees with me Maybe you would concider XR650R they're available for much less than 450's and make that kind of power without even breathing hard .
And they fit most of you criteria

[Jack_Brock]

The Aprilia SVX550 would be the sh!* if you have deep pockets and patience.  I have a feeling the Buell would probably require the same traits to a point.  SVs may be UJM(I still haven't figured that out), but they are affordable($3,500-$5,000), reliable, and capable of some pretty impressive lap times.  If being different is that important, paint it with bass boat paint or something stupid.  If you like to tinker, build a SB with one(or buy Bens-I think he only wanted around eight and its an awesome bike).  If you like the idea of a spec glass, SVs are probably as close as you can get right now.  Just my two cents, not taking a shot at anyone or anything.

[resurection]

Sv's are the shit and alot of people can help with parts and advice

[BadBoyRR]

Now that a real mechanic (in your eyes)Agrees with me Maybe you would concider XR650R they're available for much less than 450's and make that kind of power without even breathing hard .
And they fit most of you criteria

I already have a KTM 640 motard thats what got me all jazzed up to jump back into racing. I did a track day a few weeks back and had a blast! I forgot how much fun it really was. Or maybe I forgot how much it hurt when I stopped bouncing and started splatting...

I took an '05 FZ6 and the KTM for the track day, and while the FZ was most likely faster and smoother, the KTM was a constant giggle fest!

I've always gravitated towards the quirky race bikes in the past: SRX640, MuZ720, Killer Cagiva, Norton, while I did start out on a rather bland VF500, though it did have some cool stuff on it.

It's just fun to be different, though I see it does come with conflict...  If you know Shane Wright, you will know him soon if you don't now, he's an awesome rider who I had riding one of my cheap Chinese Skyteam's in mini-moto. He kicked some serious ass, which he should not have been able to do on my POS. (The called him the (Shanghi Express) My point being, ability can overcome a mechanical disadvantage as well as possibly making one a better rider overall.

In the words of Peter Egan, "It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow"  I believe it! 

[ecumike]

Sv's are shit and alot of people can help with parts and advice

+1   LOL

[PJ]

BadBoyRR,

If you're serious about a Buell, PM me and we can talk live.

Buell has a great contingency and parts support program, very racer friendly. The XBs have excellent stock suspension, sharp handling and lots of torque. Good stuff. Lots of guys in the Midwest region run them.