your thoughts

[snipper]

still not replaced the SP1 yet

after looking at all the options im thinking ................... buell firebolt


has anyone had any experience with them

[benny hedges]

is that not the one they call the fuel fire bolt? with the fuel in frame thing that boils the fuel in traffic?

[Jbrebel]

I've had a Buell Snipper.

Had the Lightning-exactly the same as the Firebolt apart from the clip on's and lack of fairing (if you can call the Firebolts nose a fairing!) and tail section.



Loved it-mine was the 9. I've road the 12 FB and Lightning-given the choice again I'd have a 12.

If you want fun on 2 wheels I've not come across a much better bike-superb handling to boot Like a 250 with a thumping engine.

Great owner’s forum at http://www.ukbeg.com with loads of interesting, informed characters-some who live and breathe Buells. Adam, a new user on here, is your man-he's a moderator on ukbeg-he knows loads of stuff.

Most Buell enthusiasts’ split the bikes into 2 categories-fuelers (XB, Firebolt with fuel in the frame) or tubers (older bikes like the S1/X1/M2 with standard frame setups) Purists go for the older bikes-most people just discovering Buells go for fuelers. I'd probably go for an X1 Lightning given the choice again They all sound the dogs with a proper pipe on and loads of accessories are available.

Bad points-dealers are now none existent. Saying that there are a few experienced people about who know their stuff-Maz at the Emporium Dunkinfield, Tubbs at Ripspeed to name a couple-these 2 alone are prob the best you'll find. Wheel bearings on the fuelers are shite, so are headstock bearings. Basic servicing needs to be done every 1500-2000 to keep the bike tip top (cheap though-mineral oil, cheap plugs and filter) major at 10,000-drive belts are prone to failure. A free spirits tensioner helps this-they are pricey at £130 delivered-I have one available should you choose to buy XB/Firebolts can be a tw@ to work on-plugs are a bit of a pain to get to-they're buried in each cylinder head between the frame/fuel tank-there are tricks you can utilize to help get to them though They are not a Jap bike at all.

I'd recommend you grab a test ride-they are ALL completely different to an SP in almost every sense. The engine feels steady compared to the SP and has know where near the BHP-but that's not at all the point. If your looking at stuff like this turn away from the Buell experience. They are quirky, entertaining, fun filled bikes to ride with great presence.

I've never had a problem with fuel "boiling" in the frame... they do get warm though-so does the SP

I'd like to think I'll have another at some point-it will have an SP parked next to it though

Try one and see what you think-it depends what you want from a bike

[tonyf]

My choice would always be the Speed Triple 1050. They're coming down in price all the time (not good as I have one) but they are an absolute blast to ride.

[Jbrebel]

I was hitting the limiter everywhere

I had the same prob on the GS I took out the other month Mike Must be an SP thing

Dare say I'd have the same issue on a Buell again now

Other thing to remember is the frame/fuel tank Snipper-drop it, damage the frame and it's usually a write off

Fuel efficiency is good for a small capacity-then again the engines like a dinosaur compared to anything modern The 12 will only make 80-85bhp at best. To compare it to engines of a similar ilk (older BMW boxer, guzzi 1100) I prefer it-it got a snappy tourqy feel. Again-none of these bikes can realistically be compared to the new stuff engine wise.

My choice would always be the Speed Triple 1050. They're coming down in price all the time (not good as I have one) but they are an absolute blast to ride.

Again, chalk and cheese-between both, I've owned and ridden the lot They might look similar but thats about the end of it.

Sports bike kicks-Speed Trip, no contest. KTM SD is even more mental but completley impractical.

Fun, chuckable, loud, steady punchy power-Buell everytime. It put a smile on my face everytime I rode it. Couldn't do more than 120 flat out that can be a good or bad thing depending on what you want.

They're very much a "marmite" bike. Try before you buy.

[sirch345]

Snipper, the only advice I can really offer on a Buell is the same as I'd say to anyone thinking of buying a different bike, definitely test ride one first

I would have thought they would be good fun (as JB says) as they are not that heavy.

Good luck with your choice and do keep us posted

Chris.

[snipper]

sorry for the slow reply (been away)

thanks for all your input

looks like a test ride first then ... its a 12r i have my eye on with race pipes,belt tensioner , re-mapped ect with 7k on the clocks FSH

i'm not fussed about top end although i do like the odd blast but lets face it nowadays it's to easy to loose your license
it will be used for commuting (25m round trip) which the mpg is impressive ,low insurance ect but the main thing ........

there not ten a penny

are showa usd forks standard on these ?

[Jbrebel]

Yep.

Mine was running 45mpg in the main too.