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Buell Motorcycles: Pearly Whites
Back when I was much younger, I missed out on riding dirt bikes due to the idea of putting an eye out. But since I can now make my own decisions, I’ve spent much time on sport tourers and cruisers, yet sportbikes are my rides of choice. So, the opportunity to test Buell’s latest fleet -- including their XBRR race bike -- through the twisties of northern California and on the track at Buttonwillow Raceway Park was welcomed. Especially since I’ve always thought of Buells as, well, interesting to say the least. Although Buell motorcycles have been selected as the “chosen one” by top stunt crews and individual stunters, this wasn’t enough to convenience me to hit my nearest dealer to cop one. That is, until I had the opportunity to experience the pearly white “Buell Grin” for myself.
 Buell’s history and innovations are deeply rooted in race experience and inspired from ex-racer now Chairman and Chief Technical Officer Eric Buell. One of Eric’s goals is to provide an opportunity for privateers to win the Daytona 200 by offering an extremely competitive track-ready motorcycle (the XBRR) and on-site support. Lessons learned on the track were applied directly to Buell’s entire line up by incorporating cutting-edge techniques such as a belt drive system capable of reaching 100,000 miles before change is required; half the parts of equivalent Japanese bikes; an oil-in-swingarm system; and a lighter, underslung exhaust for better mass centralization and better handling. Buell’s lighter exhaust also produces a nice, throaty note. Another race inspired technique is their fuel-in-frame system. This again provides better mass centralization and minimizes weight distribution with changes in fuel level. And the innovations don’t stop there. Buell’s molded-in-color paint creates a deep finish and significantly improves durability and longevity. Oh yeah, and let’s not forget their available translucent colors for those that really want to make a statement.
 To continue Buell’s mission of creating motorcycles in the spirit of adventure and excitement, Buell teamed up with Pirelli Tires. Pirelli brings to the table more than 10 years of proven results with “Zero Degree” steel belt technology and extensive testing -- including 6,000 hours of road testing per tire model. Basically, you have a tire capable of smooth street riding and grants the necessary performance and handling for track days. Speaking of which, it’s time to jump on the bikes!
Again, missing out on those dirt bike moments of yester-year, my first choice for the day’s adventure was the Buell Ulysses XB12X. With a reduced seat height of 31.8 inches, I was still on the balls of my feet sitting tall in the saddle and ready to hit the road. Through the curvy (and I do mean curvy) hills of northern California, the 103-horsepower V-Twin Ulysses performed very well, though I wanted to leave the paved roads and tear up the trails. At least I had a chance to shortly live what I missed in my youth, which was worth the wait considering I couldn’t stop smiling throughout my ride. Could this have been the beginning of the Buell Grin syndrome?
 Throughout the day I had the opportunity to jump aboard the canyon carving 103- horsepower V-Twin Firebolt XB12R (MSRP $10,495) with its exotic, aggressive, naked sport bike styling; the Buell Lighting XB12S (MSRP $10,495) and its bobcat short wheelbase of 52 inches; and the Buell Lighting Long (MSRP $10,495) which is stretched by 2 inches to provide greater comfort for taller riders and more passenger comfort. Rounding out this list of fun was the Buell Lighting CityX SB9SX (MSRP $8,895). Powered by the Thunderstorm 984 V-Twin, this downtown middleweight city cruiser is the perfect combination for riders who want to navigate quickly, comfortably, and safely through congested city traffic with style and speed. My day in the hills was great and I was still smiling, but I was eagerly looking forward to putting these Buells to the test on more familiar ground by taking a lap or 20 on the deceptively flat track they call Buttonwillow.
 Once again, I was not disappointed. Without any tire changes or significant modifications other than minor adjustments for each rider’s suspension preference, all models were available for track testing. My personal favorite was the Firebolt XB12 -- and bolt it did! It was on the track that I could truly appreciate the aforementioned innovation of better mass placement. This equates to quicker leans into the curves and better acceleration out of the corners. Then there was the top dog of them all the Buell XBRR race bike -- solely built to win races. The XBRR again incorporates the same innovative techniques found in Buell’s streets bikes and kicks out 150-horsepower by means of an air-cooled V-Twin motor. Other features include six-spoke magnesium wheels, wind tunnel developed carbon-fiber fairing and a modified MotoGP feel. This was indeed an experience not for the faint of heart and quickly put my track skills back in check.
Will Buell take over as the bike of choice in the sportbike world? Not likely, considering their unique styling when compared to the easily customized fairing-covered bikes. But, if you’re looking for a truly comfortable, innovative and versatile machine, step outside the norm and experience the “Buell Grin” for yourself.
For more information log onto www.buell.com.
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