deathpulse
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posted January 23, 2006 02:44 PM
Buell Lightning as a Track Bike AND Beginner BIke?
Ok - I know this is a crazy question, but I'm wondering what you all think of theBuell Lightning as a potential track bike? I'm by NO means an excellent racer, but I do enjoy going out to the track every so often (Keith Code etc) and my GF is interested in learning to bike. Now - hear my logic out. She's 5' 10" and the Buell feels "comfortable" and manageable for her. She feels confident with it - which is one of the most important things for a new bike to give to its owner. I'm a bit concerned with the engine size (1200) but its only got about 100 hp or so - so it isn't too crazy powerful. So - perhaps a decent bike for her to learn on. I also noticed that it was a very narrow bike - and has a SUPER short wheel base (like 52 inches or so)!!! I figure, its got to turn decently? So... perhaps it would be a cool "first" dedicated track bike for me and a nice learner for her? What do you guys/gals think?
  
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Drowland
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posted January 23, 2006 03:08 PM
there are better choices. Good track bike for a lady and comfortable would be a Honda 600F3 or f4 The ones with the banana seat.
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k bryant
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posted January 23, 2006 03:36 PM
Not a crazy question at all. Should work reallly well. I ride with some guys with Lightnings and they really go good in the corners. I've spent alot of time on them and can tell you first hand that they can be ridden really fast. They have alot of torque, which will make it much easier for her to ride and not worry about shifting all the time. Power comes on at 2000 rpm so she can really bog it down. Depending on which one you would be getting (ie: S1, X1, SB9, etc.) and if it has the Thunderbolt heads, the power will be way below 100 at the rear wheel. Buell's are great fun to ride and would make a great track bike. Older models can be had for $5k or so. If it's comfortable to her, then that's the right bike to start with.
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Ozzy
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posted January 24, 2006 07:10 PM
quote:
Not a crazy question at all. Should work reallly well. I ride with some guys with Lightnings and they really go good in the corners. I've spent alot of time on them and can tell you first hand that they can be ridden really fast. They have alot of torque, which will make it much easier for her to ride and not worry about shifting all the time. Power comes on at 2000 rpm so she can really bog it down. Depending on which one you would be getting (ie: S1, X1, SB9, etc.) and if it has the Thunderbolt heads, the power will be way below 100 at the rear wheel. Buell's are great fun to ride and would make a great track bike. Older models can be had for $5k or so. If it's comfortable to her, then that's the right bike to start with.
Glad to see at least one person here has an open mind to motorcycles and is not blinded by the UJM!
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zxhoya
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posted January 24, 2006 10:01 PM
''She's 5' 10" and the Buell feels "comfortable" and manageable for her. She feels confident with it''
How tall are you deathpulse?
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deathpulse
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posted January 24, 2006 10:45 PM
I'm 6' 2". The bike actually feels better to me than a 600 does, although with the Keith Code classes, I've been renting zx-6's. I just wish my '12 was a bit better on the track  .
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deathpulse
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posted January 24, 2006 10:47 PM
Oh before you sickos ask, yes, she's tall, thin, red haired and hot . I'm a lucky guy with her!
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worm~hole
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posted January 24, 2006 11:06 PM
...I like the bike, but you guys who are contemplating the Buell might want to check out this site for 'other' info...scarey...
mybuell.com
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worm~hole
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posted January 24, 2006 11:09 PM
...what about the Suzuki motard as a track bike?
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“We sleep safe in our beds because rough men
stand ready in the night to visit violence on those
who would do us harm.”
-George Orwell
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VPN
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posted January 24, 2006 11:16 PM
Let her test the Buell - go shopping!
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VPN
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posted January 24, 2006 11:17 PM
 Edited By: VPN on 24 Jan 2006 23:18
I forgot to add that NIna being somewhat taller
started directly from Bandit 1200/S
never riding even a moped before
She started slowly and took some lessons
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speedgene
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posted January 25, 2006 03:07 AM
May I suggest you (buy it-holds value better than metric) put her on the H-D. Good low rpm torque monster, (prev stated KB) and you don't have to ring it's little neck out if you went Metric. Plus, the bike is less expensive than a Metric.
I don't know if she knows how to ride at all? Size means nothing to me. I'd teach her on a 14 and that can be her first bike as far as I'm concerned. A Buell will work just as well.
As far as getting spooked off of a H-D, that is the single cylinder model Harley they are concerned with. Notice the dates. Sportster V power-plants are a different animal. Very dependable engines. Visit a few service dept's for downed Buells if dependability concerns you. Talk to Buell owners. Research before purchase.
http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=8691
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aliveagain
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posted January 25, 2006 07:32 AM
my experience with Buells are they have strong brakes and on a short wheelbase is a recipe for trouble when just beginning.I like the bike,just hate to see someone get all banged up while learning.
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Ozzy
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posted January 25, 2006 06:22 PM
quote:
...I like the bike, but you guys who are contemplating the Buell might want to check out this site for 'other' info...scarey...
mybuell.com
I visited that site a while back. The only negative info I read was about the Buell Blast. What did I miss?
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deathpulse
Pro
Posts: 1688
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posted January 25, 2006 08:12 PM
YEah, the message I got from mybuell.com was don't buy a Buell Blast - but I'm contemplating the Lighting...
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