2004 Buell reviews

My wife just baught an XB12SCG. It is a little small in stature for me but wow does it handle great. After riding her Buell for an hour or so I get back on my ZX6 and have to actually work to ride it. The Buell is very torqy and long in the gears. What a blast. Show less

I purchased my bike purely on looks and the rareness of seeing them in my area. Since then I have gained a whole new respect for it. I had the race kit put on it when i bought the bike so I never got to experience it without it. But as far as the power goes, the front wheel will come up with ease in 1st through 3rd gear. Was recently in Colorado and got to experience the handling aspect of my bike, and can't say I've ridden anything better. Far as I go....I'm a buell customer for life! Show less

I bought my XB12R May of 2004 and have no plans of getting rid of it. It's a great overall bike. It has great power, a comfortable seating position, and unbelievable handling. I've had several bikes including 3 different types of V-twin sport bikes and the XB12R tops them all. This bike may not be as fast in a straight line as some superbikes, but it will give them a run for their money in the twisties. The engine has great power from 3G's all the way up to redline. If you like v-twin torque, and inline-4 agility this is your bike. Show less

I am one of those long term, older, motorcycle riders, who continues to ride his motorcycle for work transportation during nice weather, and for the simple pleasure of owning, riding and working on his own machine. After 13 sorted machines with 6 H-D bikes among the listing that includes one '73 350 cc single SS H-D, three Sportster's, one '82 FXR, and one '96 Road King in those 35 years, I became tired of heavy 600+ to 700+ pound motorcycles and looked to make another change. So in July of 2003 I just happened to test drive a 2003 Buell XB9SL demo. What a difference between the extreme "light weight" 400+ lbs. and high torque performance from its air cooled 984 cc highly modified Sportster V-Twin engine in this Buell. For me it put all the fun back into owning a motorcycle that I had been missing with some of the heavier machines I had owned. It then took me till August of 2004 to actually sell my 2001 Victory cruiser and purchase a Black 2004 Buell XB12S which had 913 demo miles on it from our local H-D/Buell dealer. I also really appreciated all the effort that Buell did in their engineering design of the Lightning model, between the fixed rear axle with belt idler, to fuel in the aluminum frame, oil in the swing arm, zero resistance air intake and their outstanding fuel injection system, to its rider responsive handling just to name some features. So my suggestion would be to motorcycle riders who feel as I did, to just go and drive one, to see what I and others are talking about. It's a truly different sport "street bike" or motorcycle in general for all the right design reasons. The key word here is "Fun". Show less

I absolutely love this bike! It's got tons of power, carves turns, stops on a dime, and hums a beautiful "Made in America" tune while riding. If there is a downside to this bike it would have to be two things, 1. I literally have to dig information or articles up about it (where are all the reviewers of quality motorcycles?) I mean I also love the look and quickness of import sport bikes, but give this bike some respect!! and 2. just a little more padding on the seat so a good long ride could be a little more comfortable. Other than that... gotta love it! Show less

I grew up on Buell motorcycles and I love the 04 lightning. Comfortable and responsive, it seems to have an easier time in the corners than rice rockets. It's low center of gravity makes it extremely stable in tight turns. A couple things though...get the race kit, it needs it. Also mine seems to have a small backfiring problem after idiling. Show less

I haven't even been able to open it up yet. Still in " Break In " and I like it already. Easy handling, carves turns. Good power band. May be a little uncomfortable for taller riders. Great all around bike. Show less

So, I just got off the new Buell XB12S...and it really is the perfect streetfighter. No, its not competition for the GSXR's and the R's, BUT ITS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE. What is does so well is what it was designed to do well. Accelerate with gut wrenching force, and turn like nothing else. The fact that its comfy too is awesome. This bike will be ultra reliable too. If you look at the bore and stroke of the engine, you will notice that its very close to that of the Sporty 1200, which over the years has proven to be bulletproof. But this bike, if your looking for the ultimate streetfighter. Do not buy it if your looking for an un-usable ultra fast highway sewing machine. This XB is the ultimate streetfighter. Show less