Buell motorcycle reviews


Read Buell motorbike reviews. These have been written by owners of Buell for the benefit of fellow bikers. Read other Buell owners' personal opinions of Buell motorcycle ownership. You can also submit your own Buell review.

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All Buell Reviews
Buell XB12R 990cc Apr '04 (04)
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the 1200 Firebolt does around 140mph, 0-60mph is as fast as any big sportsbike, around 3.5 secs. the best part is the handling though, with potential for massive corner speed
Submitted by
Jojo in Worthing, West Sussex on 14/12/2009
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Buell Ulysses 1200cc Apr '09 (09)
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Traded my 2 yr Ulysses for a new one Nov 09..statement really..they might be stopping making them but if your a fan then you stay loyal..never know they may become collectors items. last one ran perfectly for 2 yrs no trouble whatsoever..
I tried loads of other comparables including BMW..and whilst yes they will all have some advantage or other over Buell..they most certainly don't have the character...
Submitted by
rpw on 13/11/2009
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Buell Lightning 1200cc Apr '08 (08)
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NEW MOTORBIKE REVIEW - BUELL LIGHTNING SUPER TT XB12STT

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

* What’s It all About?
I mean, they could have come up with something a bit snappier when thinking of a name for this thing. It starts off encouragingly enough but by the end of this awesomely long title, the Buell Lightning Super TT XB12STT starts to sound like medical shorthand for some sort of dreadful communicable virus. For the sake of my sanity, let’s just dub it the Lightning Super TT and leave all that nonsense off the end.

Buell has built a reputation for offering fast, gutsy street bikes and this is the latest in a long line, offering even more aggressive styling and an urban character. Buell claims this bike combines hardcore Streetfighter attitude with the agility and style of Supermoto bikes. It certainly will turn heads.


* What Does It Cost?
The Buell Lightning Super TT XB12STT looks expensive, there’s no doubt about that. Most would figure that this is the best part of £10k all day long but the asking price is in fact a far more accessible at around £7,500. That compares very well with something like a KTM 950 Supermoto. The Buell Lightning Super TT XB12STT is not what you’d call pretty but there is an edgy, industrial charm about it and detail freaks will love features like the clocks, switchgear and the mean front end.


* How Does It Handle?
The key figures to bear in mind here are the 1,365mm wheelbase (short) and the 110Nm peak torque (a lot). This means that if you get a little enthusiastic with the throttle, you’ll soon be looking at the sky. That said, as long as you’re prepared for the fact that the Buell will easily lift its front wheel and ride the bike sensibly, you should have a lot of fun. The 1203cc 45-degree V-twin engine features electronic fuel injection, while the rigid frame and low unsprung weight give the Lightning Super TT almost unrivalled agility for such a powerful bike.

Although 100bhp might not seem much when stacked against typical race replicas, it’s enough to give the Buell some savage acceleration. Fully adjustable Showa 43mm upside down front forks and an adjustable Showa rear shock will allow the Buell to perform even on typically scabby British roads and the relatively high bars mean that commuting isn’t a pain in the wrists. The seat is long in the style of a Supermoto but it’s not particularly broad at the rear. The brakes are worth comment, the ZTL (Zero Torsional Load) front brake featuring a huge 375mm disc with a six-pot calliper. The disc is mounted to the wheel rim rather than the hub.

* Verdict
If you’re looking for a bike you can live with everyday but which is a long way removed from the usual fare, the Buell Lightning Super TT XB12STT is well worth a second look. The engine is rugged but it also features a lot of high-tech touches and serves up a big portion of fun. That’s the bottom line.
Submitted by
UKBikerBoy on 04/06/2009
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Buell XB12R 1200cc Sept '04 (54)
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Buell XB12R Firebolt. The engines performance is not up to modern 600's but thats missing the point. It has loads of useful torque all the way round the dial and the lazy beat means you often find yourself going faster than you think. A realistic top end of 140 mph is achievable although keeping in double figures is where its best. The front end will lift with ease in first and hovers in second. It pumps out 100 bhp and 80 ft/pnds of torque so never lacks power. The brakes lack slightly in feel but you soon get used to them and they do not lack bite. The chassis is the gem, light and very quick steering inspiring confidence. The short wheelbase makes the bike very compact. The riding position is a bit head down backside up. Legs are not to cramped, though a long ride may reveal more. I am 6'1". and no problems so far. Fuel consumption is mid forties to the gallon on average. Instruments are basic but informative, no need for bells and whistles. Lighting, well! High beam and daytime lights are ok. Low beam, Upgrades are essential for any nocturnal riding. I have yet to do mine. The bodywork is a bit soft and scratches quite easily and needs careful looking after. Overall finish is pretty good if kept away from winter roads. Servicing is a doddle and surprisingly cheap if you carry it out yourself. Reliabilty issues seem to be a myth. If looked after properly and ridden with consideration it will stand up well. If you are bored of the latest offerings and want a machine that requires interaction, go ride a Buell you will not be dissapointed.
Submitted by
Rapid81 in Tadworth, Surrey on 22/02/2009
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Buell XB12S 1200cc Sept '07 (57)
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''.... I now believe Bike magazine when they voted it the best handling road going machine they had ever tested. I believe now that the accompanying picture was not airbrushed software enhanced propaganda. I believe owners I have spoken to who have claimed outlandish hours of happiness and pleasure of ownership from their Buell, I’ve looked into their eyes for signs of over embellishment, of some of the stories I have heard. There was none. I believe Erik Buell has got it right.

The wheels are slender sculptures of motion gripped by Pirelli Diablo tyres in standard sports format of 120 and 180 sections, allied up front with the quirky rim mounted disc the unsprung weight must play a part in the bikes quick turn ability.

I can also attest to the single six pot and rim disc braking efficiency when the other night a white junker of an excuse for a van that was no longer a credit to Ford juddered to a halt like the rudder nosed rotten vehicle that it was with no sign of light escaping from its smashed and splintered rear lens’, the forks soaked up my sudden deceleration stopping me most efficiently without the butt clenching alarm of possible imminent impact and not even the hint of a squeak from the front tyre. The engine braking obviously helps rapid deceleration and stamping down through the box helps naturally. I steered round the rancid excuse for a Transit past hurling potent and strident curses of assorted pox on the driver in his smoking and ruinous cab, (and his descendants) and thudded off up the road. ''

UKBike Video Roadtest
Submitted by
RoadHoover in Hastings, East Sussex on 21/02/2008
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Buell XB12S 1200cc Sept '05 (55)
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I have been riding a Buell XB12S Lightning now for 2 weeks - did a test ride last year and didn't stop grinning for a week, making eventual purchase an inevitability. It can be a fast machine if you push it, but that's not what Buell riding is all about - not for me anyway. Its grin factor comes from the way it sits on the road - real presence, and its solidity in bends, the way it'll happily chug along in any gear, and the looks of curiosity and appreciation from passers by. It's like a grumpy old man in traffic on a hot day and occasionally has to be booted into gear - allegedly this all smooths out after the first 1000 miles or so. But this is part of its charm and challenge. At the risk of offending Buell enthusiasts, it's like a souped up ER5 with heaps of attitude and a bit of a cob on! Fun, easy and gorgeous.

Just one piece of advice - don't test ride unless you plan to buy, or there lies to road the obsession and misery.
Submitted by
hovehornet in Hove, East Sussex on 24/04/2007
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Buell XB12R 1200cc Sept '03 (53)
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Having spent most of my riding career on big jap fours, with an occasional brit classic, the odd chop and a streetfighter, I fancied a bit of a change from the Blackbird I had been using, and this was a real change ! Pocket sized with a thunderous exhaust note, the handling is amazing,and the riding position makes you want to blast everywhere. Not especially fast, your licence is safe on a motorway, but A roads and twistys will see a big grin on your face. I wouldn't want to commute on this as it would be a waste, and with no luggage capacity, it won't hold its head up high on the practicallity ratings, but it gets 10/10 on the fun factor, and it is a real head turner too. If you want something a bit different that's real fun, get one.
Submitted by
Fagin in Seaford, East Sussex on 19/02/2007
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Buell Cyclone 1200cc 98 (S)
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Having ridden everything from a 1948 BSA C10 to a Guzzi Le Mans, its nice to know I can still scare myself. Range is limited and apparently the USA lower gearing is worthwhile in traffic. The seat is not as bad as it looks, but it is a real bike and loads of fun.
Submitted by
UKBike Archive in Hassocks, West Sussex on 14/04/2002
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Buell M2 1200cc Sept '01 (51)
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Although some engine problems this is my best bike ever to have fun. 1203 cc engine, great driving, lots of torque and corners are no problems..
Submitted by
UKBike Archive in Hassocks, West Sussex on 08/01/2003
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