The Rise and Fall of Buell Motorcycles - Part 2
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- Опубліковано 5 сер 2018
- I felt that the biggest and most prominent American sportbike manufacturer headed by Erik Buell needed to be researched and laid out. It turned out to be way deeper than expected so here we are splitting it into three videos.
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You've done a fantastic job on this series.
Eric Buell, because he's so interesting has been covered a LOT by the motorcycle press (I'm in the UK) and I thought that I knew all that I needed to know.
And even though there's been no bombshells, it's still a fantastic series.
Great narration, great graphics, great animation, great video, great photography, great editing - all in all it's been.........what's the word?
I used to laugh at Buell - whacky ideas, constant buyouts & money problems, questionable styling, not very good engines* (you said the design went back to the 80s - it went back a lifetime before that if we're honest) terrible numbers (torque figures are where it's at obviously) appalling service & spares**, poor residuals on common models - yep, not a bike manufacturer that did it for me.
However, taking a second look causes a slight rethink, and I think that you've been really fair about Buells - you might even make some people look at them a bit more seriously - can't wait for part 3.
Did I say that it was great?
*Not very good good engines - I meant that the H&D engines weren't designed for what Eric Buell was using them for - not shite engines - ill suited engines......probably.
**Servicing and spares - not Buell's fault - H & D could have continued to provide servicing & sales even after they parted ways. I know that some individual H & D centres played ball, but it was pretty sporadic in my understanding.
[edit] Forgot to say - S1 (6:27) looks fantastic.
Lightning Long (16:44) likewise.
XB12SCG (16:56) looks out of this World.
Well said! It sucks because as soon as Buell started to play around with other modern engines, things simultaneously went downhill you know? As quirky and interesting as using the old air cooled motor was, I think that contributed to the inability for some to take him seriously as you mentioned.
A possible correction:
My understanding was that Buell HATED the blast, and that it was only created at the insistence of Harley as they wanted something smaller than the Sportster for their rider training courses. It was a product of obligation not passion, and it showed.
Man i don't know how to motivate you to make more of these documentaries but i want to say congratulations on a fantastic job yet again, you're a great writer and narrator. These videos are great, thank you for making them. Love from Croatia :)
Wheel base of a unicycle! 😂😂😂. So glad you left that in.
"Fuck it, I'm leaving it in."
That part got me. XD
Lmfao, It sounded better on paper, and then I SAID it XD
watched the whole thing my man.. great and can't wait for part 3.. the sad part.
This is an awesome series man. Kinda of ironic as Harley looks like they are going to go back to street / naked bikes in 2020. Can you do a video on your take on the new models they have shown
I'm gonna add those bikes to the tail section of part 3. It's an important development!
16:27 - I was slightly offended that you called my XB12X Ulysses "strange". I bought mine in late 2007, got the 2008 Anniversary Edition, with Erik's signature on top of the triple clamp. I'd never ridden motorcycles before, and I learned on the Blast in the MSF course offered via the local Harley dealership. I got the Ulysses as my first bike, against everyone's advice, because my 40 min daily commute was mostly on the NJ interstate highways, and I had ambitions to ride year-round, which I successfully did, even in snow, slush, ice, and occasional single-digit temps. The bike performed great, I still have it, and still love it. Thanks for the wonderful and precious 3 videos! I'm downloading them and burning them into DVD's and USB thumb drives, which I will then keep under the seat for good luck as I continue to happily ride my blue Buell.
RIP in Pieces Harley's only link to the American Future. God Bless Erik Buell.
Looks like they're trying to reach a different crowd on their own now
Don't worry. Harley already has a stockpile of shit they've stolen from buell. Including electric bike technology
Gotta say that I truly enjoy your videos!
Crazy informative and funny. I'll be back for part 3
I really love these videos. Don’t know how much positive feedback you get for these, but know I appreciate them.
Really loved these couple Buell videos man. I appreciate you!
Awesome job on the series. Cant wait for part 3.
I was looking forward to this. Can't wait for part 3! Keep up the great work!
Such an awesome channel… Keep the great information flowing!!! 💯👑💯
will if the numbers are right HD has done fuckn' up. Their 975cc naked is going to be $18k to start..... sooooo start working on the Death of HD 12 part video. Can't wait. also great video.
Typical of Harley. There is no way they can justify that much when you can buy a Ducati or KTM that has 200 to 300 more cc's and 160hp plus horse lol
"now that we have the style of bike you want with the HD name on it, can you please start buying our overpriced bikes now?" - CEO of HD
Oh shit, did they release the price for that streetfighter?
- The illestrator - I saw a couple people on r/Harley reddit chat posting pricing.
Annnnnnd where out of the HD mouth did they say the price for the streetfighter? They havent.
This series has been fun to watch. As for the P3 Blast, I have put kit on it, to use it as "The One-Cylinder Tour Bike." It tops out at 96MPH stock and that seems enough. The Buell DNA is all there, from the M2 Cyclone, and you can really whip it around corners, and being 360lbs, its a great city bike. You'll never burn your legs on the exhaust, parts are cheap, the foot peg brackets double as crash bars, an oil change can be done in five minutes. It's an outstanding design.
I'm surprised because I've dismissed Buell as a Harley castoff in the past.
Then, I bought a Honda Shadow Aero about 15 years ago cuz I needed transportation and my wife wanted to ride on the back of a cruiser.
Now, I've had to close my security consulting firm due to disability from my military service.
So, I am able to ride some times and I want a naked sport bike.
Re-enter Buell!
We'll see, my 2 favorite words, ok, one's a contraction!
Because, I'm leaning toward the Honda CB1000R, since I've been a Honda guy since the 70s and I TRUST HONDA.
We'll see.
Told you I liked those 2 words!
Great video series.
You can just tell this was a lot of work to do, and I appreciate it, great job of hitting the high points in a few minutes!
Looking forward to Part 3! Great Work! 👊⚡⚡
Another great job! Looking forward to pt3
Thank you!
Mid range torque, that gets you off the apex, Buell had it covered :) Thank you for doing these videos mate, Buell were and are such a good thing!
Love your series dude, and your snark. Just the right amount of reverence and disdain.
I actually started work as a test rider at the Harley test facility in Talladega Alabama in 97. Rode the whole development cycle for the Twin Cam, both alpha and beta, the Buell XB series and the V Rod. Was some good times. Got to admit though, I preferred all the time spent on Talladega Gran Prix raceway riding the competitor bikes for the Buell, CBR's, NINJA's, GIXXERS, your name it, we had a nice stable!!!
saw the pic on insta, i'm real excited for the first video, keep up the good work
At work still gonna watch tho
Work can wait!
VA Rid3r me too
Faaacts
Dope series man. Certainly worth the time and effort needed to research and create this content.
Thank you Erik Buell for your determination, you have given me a LOT of fun over the years :-) Between my three Buells ive owned and the FXR I have had a blast
Dem Xb12's are kinda fire. Good video, you're a real historian
I got one... it's not a liter bike, but it's more addicting
Dude you are so funny!!! "angry triangles that sound like hair dryers" "so much fairing it's practically like a nun" haha! got me dead!
Really like these types of videos keep up the good work
Damn. Even better than part 1. Salivating for 3 now!!!
Worth the wait! Great video!
Thanks guys for doing this. The ending (at this point in time) breaks my heart. While watching the videos I keep hoping it will end differently. I want to see Erik Buell and his motorcycles succeed. One can only hope he will rise again somewhere and continue to confound convention with his ideas. I hope he will be appreciated in his/our time and not post mortem.
Luv it, your docos are getting really good
Next level editing. Keep it coming buddy!!
I ABSOLUTELY love these series!
Great so far. One interesting thing about the xb buells is that they were originally supposed to be turbo charged. The first year or two even have the cutout in the fuel tank for the plumbing.
I watch your videos before school but haven’t seen one in a While but this time it’s fun all over again
Im back, trying to pick up the slack!
- The illestrator - that’s good man and I really like your commentary video ! Those are my favorite
Man! I love these types of videos!
I picked up my S1 from a family friend and HOLY SHIT! I am still surprised how small that thing is for how big that damn motor is! Fun bikes, lots of love and innovation went into this thing very proud to own such a cool American bike.
Great job, I really like these kind of vids
Really enjoying this series. Looking forward to part 3 even though I know it's going downhill.
Dude i cant wait for part 3, hopefully it comes out soon so i can enjoy it while my leg heals from my car accident, keep it up dude youre doing a great job
Oh no, rest up bro. Part 3 is in progress.
Really amazing video. Commenting because a friend picked up a Honda RC51 and in that video you put together you mentioned Buell. Well thought out, lots of details and very well put together.
One additional data point in the whole Buell saga is the VR1000. You kind of mentioned it in the first video with the V Rod motor but really it should've been in a Buell if they were able to keep the dimensions in check. Also, that bike was where Erik initially developed the fuel in frame idea that was later used on the XB bikes.
Keep up the good work my dude, you make awesome videos.
Bruh! You make the best videos. Full stop.
Cant wait for part 3
Great content and I know all the models are a mouthful but they each have their own ride and feel. Can’t wait for part three even though I know what’s coming. Soon to come... great business advice on what not to do combined with a bad economy.
Love this series
Man You Are One Of The Very Best !! You need to do this Professionally !
-Sarge
Hahaha. Even better video. You have talent making very entertaining videos. It was funny and got info out. Thanks again. Uh and where’s part 3?
almost a buell history expert! just one more episode and "hey mom, i graduated!"
Awesome videos and was shocked as he'll (in a good way) to see my bike on the dyno in this one!!
Nice work ! Love the content
In 2005 Eric Buell was named among the 20 most influential people in the motorcycle industry by BIKE magazine. The cover featured the 12R Firebolt (hero blue).
I absolutely love the look of the later buells with the Japanese style frame. Perfect.
Nice comprehensive doc on the Buell brother.
Love this dudes videos !!
I own a 2000 M2.. a absolute blast to ride. Handles great and makes good power. I definitely recommend buying a buell. Love Erik Buells work
Is it true HD stop selling Buell parts? I wanna buy a Buell, but I'm concerned about parts availability.
Thanks for the video cred, but that wasn't my video:) I do have a bad ass S1, but yeah, that wasn't me, or mine. Well done series! You just need to give in now, and buy one, you won't regret it.
Bruh the part where you talked about him coming up with all the different versions killed meXD
I dont watch videos like this, ever. I hate them all. But, i watched this. Thank you for making an 18 minute video interesting and concise! Keep it up.
Did i read a buell book while I was listening to classical music or did I just watch your amazing videos?
Thanks for all this amazing informations!
Waiting for part 3 mate✌🏼
I feel like I am in school with a cool teacher! awesome vid bro!
Yes i waited for this!
was waiting for this!!! #salute
another great episode.
Thank you for the videos
GREAT JOB WITH THE VIDEO MAN👍👍👍👍👍
This video deserves more views!
Absolutely outstanding!
It was well informative and funny as well.... I curiously listened you while laughing 😊😂🖖👏
Haha these are my favourite videos of yours, where you talk about various aspects of biking history. "Looks like a big angry bar of slightly used soap propelling itself through time" is a near perfect description. I wonder how you'd describe the Hayabusa, a bike of similar aesthetic beauty.
bro what a deep dive thank you
Love the video!
Excellent video
I absolutely LOVE my 2005 Buell Lightning XB12SCG! I wouldn't trade it for ANY bike out there. Oh, and I also loved my first Buell; 2000 Blast!
Great work, as usual my friend. We can hear the amount of work that goes into it with the remarks like "fuck it I'm leaving that in" as the editing hours become apparent. Man I wish buell could build a sportbike with a real engine (Harley guys triggered) like an inline four or a V4.
Lmao
Yay, it's here!
15:36 "I like half fairings, but the R version looks like it was just *jizzes* slapped on there" 😂
Smooth as hell,you got some skills,a bard.
Great job. 👍👍
Thanks man appreciate you doing this, makes me appreciate my xb9s even more after I got my 1125r which I may or may not has neglected my xb9s. lol
I loved! And still very much like the look of the X1
Awesome vid!!
Love the background music....
Great video and topic. I remember the fisher motorcycles. Hardly anybody new about them.
I only heard of them through HeroRR's video
- The illestrator - I heard about the Fisher motorbikes specifically through HERORR but my dad was on about little motorbike companies struggling for a place in 1970's all the way to the 1990's in England.
Not a single dislike at this time. Proud of you my boy❤️❤️
Spoke too soon lol
- The illestrator - damn. I may have jinxsed you😢
ready for the 3rd! just snapped the belt on my xb9sx pretty bummed.
Great, love the comedic value too. Entertaining 👍🏽👍🏽
The balance of humor and Info is crucial!
Hey ill can you check out my latest video and provide some feedback. I'd appreciate it!
Great writing!
Legit entertaining 😎 keep it up!!
Make more motorcycle documentaries, you're really good at it bro.
Love the video nice job
Damn man kept me waiting
Love this so much
See YOU in part three. The Rotax bikes, right?
You guessed it!
+- The illestrator - ...Yep, once he finally changed to the Rotax I demo'd one that I thought I would buy. I think it was the Cafe model. But nope, too dang small. I'm not that big, six feet, but I was cramped and felt like I would fly over the handle bars whenever I hit the brakes. Promising bikes but Erik needs to understand that most people buying his bikes are NOT racers.
If you want that shit, then just go buy a Harley. The vast majority of Buell owners much prefer a race type bike, as evidenced by EBR.
blipco5 I’m 5’11 and feel like I’m at the ragged edge of what fits on the 1125r, but god that motor, so fucking good.
I think the X1 was ahead of it's time. If HD came out with a bike like that today with a tft screen and led lights, they would sell like hot cakes.
I really like this video! I currently own 12 bikes, all registered and tagged, most are Buells. They aren’t the best, but like you said, they’re oddballs, so I guess I’m an oddball also. Besides that, they are archaic bikes but still fun to ride and modify (just a bit). Slow, kinda. Fun? Yes. But totally different. I look forward to the next part three. My lineup so far is the: S2 thunderbolt, M2 cyclone, X1 Lighning, Xb9sx Lighning, xb9s Lighning, xb9r firebolt, Xb12r firebolt, blast, 1125r, ebr 1190rx, 883 iron Harley and my wife’s 250 rebel. Oh also, they’re priced low and that’s prolly why i got em. Lol. Keep me coming my man!!!!!
I'm jealous!
Tommy Escobia you need a xb12s or cgs, straight stunt bike
Darth Soros
Honestly, I would like to get a 12s, or an SCG. Though I don’t stunt. I’m not that talented nor brave enough. Just a rider.
Ayyyyyye he's back
waiting for part III... :)