Why Buell?

So I bought a Buell Lightening XB12Ss. Buell makes several versions, and mine has a lengthened wheel base, extra large gas tank, and a 1200cc V-twin. The other versions include a 900cc Lightening called the CityX, and the Firebolt line (which complements the Lightening line) of sportier looking bikes. I spent a great deal of time test driving BMW's, Ducati's, and Japanese bikes (everything from the CBR F4i to the legendary Hyabusa), but found the overall package and value of the Buell unmatched. Here's why:

Power: I intend to ride primarily in NYC... downtown Manhattan. I need all my usable power optimized under 60 mph. An insane HP curve that maxes out at 12,000 rpms doesn't do me any good, since most of my riding will be in 2nd and 3rd gear at most. In fact, a quick look at the torque and HP curves confirms that the Buell XB12Ss is the most powerful naked bike under 7,000 RPMs. What's more, the Buell's flat torque at all RPMs beats most Japanese bikes' maximum torque at full power.

Street ridability: Practical street riding on any bike tends to hover in the 3,000-6,000 RPM range, and I want instant maximum power to respond to surprises. I don't want to have to rev the engine to 10,000 before I have the full capability of the engine under me - by that time, the truck in back of me will have already barreled into me. What's more, this develops habits of revving the engine to get to optimal peak power, which begets a tendancy to over-accelerate, followed by a need to aggressively deccelerate. The takeaway? Low RPM power on a motorcycle means more command over street riding.

Handling: I needed the most nimble and reactive bike possible, for dodging potholes, black tar patches, and oil pools... not to mention cabs, courier/messenger bikers, pedestrians, and Jersey drivers. This ruled out most large bikes with awesome straight-line abilities like the BMW K series or most Japanese liters. Sure, riding in a straight line will get you a great mark on the back cover fact-sheet tables in Bike or Rider magazine, but in all but your wildest racer boi fantasies, the real world is far more demanding.

Presence and visibility: No stealth riding for me, thanks. I need to be seen and heard from blocks away. The Buell XB12's gold rims do a great job of highlighting the profile view, and though not an official feature, the head lights can be toggled to keep the ultra-bright high beam on as well as the normal light. Best of all, the stock muffler and V-twin sound like the illegitimate child of a mack truck and big bore Harley Davidson. When I sense trouble, a flick of the throttle sends window-pane shattering vibrations that echo between townhouses and skyscrapers, turn cabbie heads, and make pedestrians skitter away like roaches.

Low theft appeal: Let's face it, the average NYC motorcyclist will have his bike or something on it stolen. It's that simple. But there are things one can do to decrease the odds, like not buying a bike that has a huge demand for after-market parts/mods, squid-appeal, stunt ability, or other kind of street appeal. In otherwords, an "odd-ball" brand, like a BMW, Buell, Triumph, or a non-sportbike like a (non Harley Davidson) cruiser, or cafe racer. Put yourself in the shoes of the guys in Jersey who need fast money and own a van... you're not stealing a bike to ride or resell, you're stealing it to part out and sell on Ebay. Ask any insurance agent - they'll tell you the majority of motorcycles that are stolen are down to parts within hours.

Side-effects: The Buell has incredible styling; parked by the side of the road or stopped at a light, I can't tell you how many people stop to look - at least a hundred per hour. You don't see that kind of recognition for other bikes. Low insurance; as with most odd-ball bikes/brands, you're not paying for other squid life support. To quanitify this for you, I'm paying $1,500 less per year for full comprehensive and collision support than I would have with a Monster, Speed Triple, or any Japanese bike.


For the record, my final round decision-making came down to deciding between:

-Buell XB12Ss
-Triumph Speed Triple
-Ducati Monster S4Rs
-BMW K1200R
-Moto Guzzi Griso