Harley Riders (roll the eyes)

In reply to benzbaronDaryn:

I think you have that backwards. OG Buells had Sportster engines in a sport-bike frame.

RealMiniDriver wrote: In reply to benzbaronDaryn: I think you have that backwards. OG Buells had Sportster engines in a sport-bike frame.

Not exactly. The tube frame Buells had Sportster engines or modified Sportster engines. Take the M2 Cyclone; it was a stock 1200 Sportster engine, all the increase in power came by way of improvements in exhaust and intake systems. Thunderstorm cylinder heads came along on the Lightning. Then, when the XBs debuted, the engine in them was designed specifically for the bike loosely based on Sportster architecture. The XB engine / transmission assembly is shorter than a Sportster, has cast-in swing arm mounts, and no trap door for the transmission to increase ridgity. The 9 series engine has unique bore and stroke, and all XB engines had updated Thunderstorm heads and all were fuel injected. The 1200 XB engine did share the same bore and stroke as the Sportster. Sportsters from '05 on got the Thunderstorm heads.

We used to laugh at all the chopper and Sportster guys who coveted wanting a "Buell" engine in their bikes because they were "more powerful". Normally they would buy and destroy a Cyclone for it's engine. The very 2 items that allowed the engine to make more power they would toss in favor of a set of drag pipes and a Forcewinder intake or ham can, so they wound up with nothing but a 1200 Sportster engine.

foxtrapper wrote: Huh, must not have done it right. Out riding in the snow flurries yesterday. Up from the onramp comes a dresser Harley and his Goldwing friend. I was surprised to see anyone else riding. They looked at me, I looked at them, gave a quick wave. And that was all she wrote. Came to a light and they pulled up beside me, but made darn sure to turn their backs to me (literally). Stereos blaring away, one behind the other, sitting staring off to the shoulder until the light changed, and they wouldn't move until I rode off. Dunno, maybe it was because my helmet didn't color coordinate with my bike like theirs did. Or because I wasn't wearing proper club colors. Or because my leathers are worn while their nylon was sparkly. Or because I dared to wave, instead of the down by the knees finger flick.

You're so cool. Keep up the good work. Your "style" of motorcycling is obviously better than what other people enjoy doing.

Mtownneon thanks for explaining the differenced between the stock 1200 and buell engines. I just like the idea of a sportster with a high output engine, brakes that brake, and adjustable suspension. I'm just thinking about the bike I'd like to ride, which is a bike that looks like a sportster but rides like a buell. 1200 sporters is a fun bike to ride I just think having an engine willing to rev past 5500rpm would be nice. Sure a better way to go is to just build a 1200 motor up. For now I ride the blast.

I've always thought it would be fun to build an xr1200 cup replica for the street, I guess an xr1200r with a few little mods would do the trick. I do love v twins, just usually built at a higher angle.

benzbaronDaryn wrote: Mtownneon thanks for explaining the differenced between the stock 1200 and buell engines. I just like the idea of a sportster with a high output engine, brakes that brake, and adjustable suspension. I'm just thinking about the bike I'd like to ride, which is a bike that looks like a sportster but rides like a buell. 1200 sporters is a fun bike to ride I just think having an engine willing to rev past 5500rpm would be nice. Sure a better way to go is to just build a 1200 motor up. For now I ride the blast.

Buell already built that bike, it was called the M2 Cyclone. Harley has attempted to offer Sportster models several times with upgraded suspension and brakes and every time they were a huge flop. The Sportster chassis is a real wet noodle. The latest attempt, the XR1200 was the best attempt yet but again failed. I know several people who have ridden them and they say they are about 75% capable as a Cyclone and still light years behind an XB. For my money with Buell gone, I'd say go buy a Triumph Thruxton or Bonneville.

Buell alternative with awesome support why not go something like sv1000? I see no parallel between an xb12 and a Bonnie or thruxton

As a 'Winger, I'll say the cappucino maker probably had him distracted....and every 'Winger knows it isn't safe to wave while filling your drink with the other hand. Would you rather have him possibly spill his latte, just to acknowledge you? That's just not proper road etiquette, man. I once got a stain on my overpants because I carelessly waved at a dual sport rider just to puff the poor guys ego a bit, and let him think he was riding a proper motorcycle. These two guys probably did you a favor by not acknowledging you. If they had boosted your ego by waving to you, just imagine how poorly you would have felt when you came crashing back to earth.

Thanks for the info about harleys and punky buellsters, I almost traded my blast in on a cheap M2 I could have almost done a straight trade, the next week I crashed the blast so it was no longer trade in able. Put the bike back together in a weekend so I could ride to school. I love my blast think I finally got it sorted, only thing that hasnt been rebuilt is the brake calipers and the fronts will need it sooner than later.