Went for a blast yesterday - lovely weather - stunning roads (north Bedford/Cambs) and the M2 was simply perfect.

Dont know if anyone has the same experience but everywhere I went people talked about Erik - and it was ALL POSITIVE

Guys came over and said good things about the motorcycle man and his machines he created and built - twice at junctions people in cars put thumbs up to me (mind you could have been a finger!).

One guy I met said Buell is getting the best most positive publicity they have ever had and Erik's personal reputation has shot up dramatically with people who have only vaguely heard of him so .................he could finally be getting the respect he deserves.

If this is true and personally I hope it is - long may it continue........... as bikers worldwide acknowledge the man and his team and his bikes.

Now there a warm thought for the winter..........

Shame that virtually nobody actually bought the bikes then eh

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Try doing this to yer fueller...........

The folks i spoke to down the bike cafe about Buell's demise sounded shocked but although sad they wouldn't be made anymore ,they wouldn't buy one

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Should Have Stuck To making Tubers

Well I respect the engineering from the guys who designed the 1200GS - (and a lot of other bikes ) .............but it doesn't mean I would buy one.........

...........also the HD decision was certainly not based on a lack of Buell sales or they would have closed the factory yonks ago .............the point is just simply that more people are talking positively about Erik his team and bikes and that - as well as being unusual when a company closes, this must also give them a lot of hope for the future.

Just thought a positive supportive thread would lift a few hearts..........

cheers

There is a huge amount of positive outpouring of support for the folks in East Troy, Wisconsin, but most of it is coming from Buell owners. Good to hear it has bled out beyond the Buell world.

EB is very likely to keep his bike-designing creativity flowing in one form or another - hard to imagine otherwise. From what I hear, the kind words and thoughts that have been flowing have helped their spirits a lot.

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2006 XB12Ss..... 1998 S1W..... 1996 S2T
We do not need the help of our friends so much as confidence that they will help us when we need it. –Epicurus

That'll teach you ...

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Chris & Jane Jessop
Founders of UKBEG April 1998

www.ukbuellgroup.co.uk

Thanks Chris ......................I'll get my coat

That's because bikers are generally conservative and shallow. We may appreciate bikes that are different but when it comes to buying most of us choose for what everyone else has. The most fantastic bikes will collect dust in showrooms if they don't gel in with a certain known type or style, the exhaust doesn't have the right shape, the indicators are too big, or if they were a little down on track-time in last week's MCN comparison test.

I am sufficiently conservative and shallow myself but couldn't resist buying a Buell after an unplanned test-ride. Trying is buying And then you're hooked. For the first time in 8 years I declared my M2 sorn at the end of last month to give it some rest this winter. It was taxed and back in action again less than two weeks later. I better invest in more bits or even complete bikes to ensure my future "mobuellity" or risk medical problems. I hope the NHS covers Buell-expenses?

Most wouldn't because they haven't! Would you believe it? Many are even put off a test ride because of the way air-cooled bikes shake while on the sidestand on tickover (until run in).

Tis one reason I bought mine.

Mine's obviously not run in yet then (only 20,000 miles and still shaking like a good 'un)

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'98 M2 Razorback, it's a keeper.

They maybe do shake at tickover but in 45000 miles i've never thought my X1 vibrates....yes they shake but there is no finger or arse numbing vibrations whatsoever like you get on a lot of inline fours.......that is something I've always told anybody that shows an interest in them......one of my friends said to me when i bought the X1 "why the hell did you buy one of those with such an outdated engine"
In 2007 when working as one of Buells test riders he said to me he couldn't believe how wrong his impression had been....and admitted they were some of the most enjoyable bikes he'd ever ridden.......this guy is an ex racer and still a track day instructer.

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2001 X1 2009 1125CR 2006 Uly X3 2010 Uly a fully Maz'd S1 and a 1991 RS1200 Westwind.

The modern Triple engine that I have from Triumph has a nasty habit of turning one of both of my hands numb.

When I ride the X1 I am constantly amazed at just how smooth the archaic engine is. People laugh and point when it's ticking over as all sorts of bits are wobbling all over the place. Unfortunately it is hard to overcome the prejudices that people have. I spent several minutes trying to tell one bloke who'd had a five minute test ride that Buells don't vibrate when you ride them well. I would have said it was his loss but now it is everyone's loss.

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Be seeing you

I

You think Buells are smooth, try the XR1200. I was dissapointed by it's non 45 deg twin type excessive smoothness (a benefit of very soft Buell type engine mountings?). I was also dissapointed with that bikes, gearing, exhausts, seat, shocks, footrests, switch gear, ergo......HD's 'sub prime' cost cutting bits? , but hey that's another thread!