Best Buells for upgrading?

ponti1 · #1 19th April 2007

I am really infatuated with the XB12X, but keep pondering other options because I don't want to get rid of my Sporty, and can't affort another $200+ monthly payment right now.

So, being new to Buell, I thought I would see if I could get some input from any experienced "Buellers" out there with regard to some of the best Buell models for upgrading...I'm thinking I could save a lot of money and get a used bike in good condition, and could then use a little more money to build the bike up a bit.

So, give me your top few choices for Buell models to upgrade. Also, I'd appreciate any additional pros/cons for each.

Anyone wanna make this into a poll? Not sure how to go about that...

Thanks!

NRHS Sales · #2 19th April 2007

The best Buells are the carburated models. The fuel injected models are very difficult to do upgrades to. The best of the carb models are the 98-02 models that came with thundertorm heads but we can always get you different heads if you want the best Buell ever made. That would be the 95-96 S2 Thunderbolts.

Swankster · #3 19th April 2007

Not sure if you're alluding to the engine or accessories in general?
You may want to check the site for American Sport Bike @
http://www.americansportbike.com/
You'll not only find cool aftermarket parts but also very cool pics of trick customers bikes throughout the country.
Swankster

ponti1 · #4 23rd April 2007

I guess I'm referring to both power and handling upgades. Maybe if I ask a couple more questions it will bring to light where I'm coming from...

What are the performance differences between tube-frame Buells and the XBs? Pros/cons?

I know from word of mouth that the XBs handle tremendously. If I were to start with a tuber, could I modify it (without spending enough to just go buy an XB) to achieve XB-like handling?

Is there such a thing as a carbeurated XB?

Dan said above that the carbeurated models are better to work with as far as increasing performance, which makes sense. However, I would be riding on the street rather than the track, so the handling would be roughly as importat to me as performance.

NRHS Sales · #5 23rd April 2007

The XBs are much smaller and lighter bikes which is why they handle so well. It would be hard to get the same handling out of a tuber mostly because they are bigger. test drive a new XB12. If the power is kay with you then get the XB. But if you think you will want more power then get an older tuber as the XB12 is not able to be modified very much.