Buell Lightning X1 reviews

Can't say enough good things about this bike. Techno superior, rides great. Stay on it all day long, cruise, carve or just stand and take questions and compliments. But you must ride one to believe it. Hurry before the masses discover it. Show less

I don't really know how to work this cumputer or I would send pictures of my 2001 x1 lightning. I had my share of problems from mine at first after adding tons of add ons and working the bugs out I would not trade it for anything. Show less

I've owned about 15 bikes over the last twenty years, including BMW's, Hondas, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha's. I've raced street and dirt, so I believe I know a little about motorcycles, and I rate my buell as the funnest bike I've owned. Its not the fastest in straight line...but who cares...when was the last time you could go 170mph with out getting a ticket or for more than 1 second before you got scared that a truck was going to turn left in front of you?? So see, straight line performance is worthless in the real world of canyons. Now my X1 eats up the canyons here in Colorado, and with flat massive amounts of torque, I smoke all comers. I also love the styling....as one mag. put it....the "I hate everybody but my rider look" Yeah Baby!!! The unfortunate thing is that Buell is not continuing to develop the Evo powered line any more. They are concentrating on the XB line, which has a very aggressive seating position that I just can't handle. So they've lost a future customer with me, I'll just keep the X1 for as long as it last. j- Show less

I've ridden Harleys since I was old enough to ride a hummer(12). This was my first sport bike, and wow. That says it all. The only disappointment is the lack of umph past 120 due to the gears and the aero, but how many times do you need that type of jail bound speed? I am currently stroking out the bike to 111 cubic inches, with slight mods to the tank. I have a 54 mm throttle body, a 575 cam with 253 duration, thunderbolt cnc hurricane heads, a k&n ramhorn, and vance&hines s2r exhaust. It's hard to find anyone on the street who can keep up, even without downshifting. the bike is scary in the corners, because it feels like the bike is laughing at the road wanting more. I love my baby, all 11,000 miles of the experience have been great, with no shop visits other than the recalls. Show less

During my bike hunting I ventured into the Harley dealership and found this beauty. The dealer, during his sales schpeal(sp?), called this bike intuitive. How can a bike be intuitve I wondered to myself. I decided to purchase this beauty and soon learned exactly what the dealer meant. While exiting the freeway on one of those 30mph ramps that keep twisting round and round, I looked down at my speedometer and realized that I was still going 65mph. This bike however knew exactly what to do. I started the lean into the turn and the bike took over. "So you want carve this baby up", the bike asked. That we did. I simply held on and smiled. This bike handled the ramp so easily that I left the exit ramp faster than I had gotten on. Some of you hotdogs out there may think nothing of my 65mph exit but if you realize that this is only my second time ever riding a bike then you may appreciate just how this bike will take care of you and keep you smiling. Show less

I have not been on a bike for a few years, but the moment I sat on the new XB9S I new I had to ride again. I bought it on the spot and have not looked back since. The look, feel, and handling are awesome. True, it is not as fast as most Jap. bikes, but come on, do you really need to go 130 mph ????? And the handling actually is better than most Jap. bikes. Simply put, the bike is awesome. Eric really out did himself this time. Show less

Nothing says speed like a racing bike, and nothing says power like a Harley-Davidson! So what better a marriage than the Buell motorcycles? We can run with the racing bike crowd but turn heads toward our ride with that gutteral, masculine to the quick *potata*potata* sound of a Harkey-Davidson. The seat's big enough for a passenger (even one with some extra bottom) to sit comfortable and the rear foot pegs are low enough for even tall passengers to fit. No more sitting on the fender or hip flexor cramps!! Definately give this bike a try!! Show less

With fully adjustable suspension f/r, this is one comfortable canyon carver. Great sound, quick acceleration, and well thought out. At first I thought the price was high, but after riding it I'm not so sure. Seating position is excellent for street riding and day trips. This motorcycle should sell like hotcakes. Show less

4500 miles later. I just had a D&D slip on muffler race ecm and K&N race filter installed. Also had all California emmisions removed. WOW!!! This thing really screams. Eats Ducati Monsters for lunch. Only drawback is, this thing is way too loud!!! I've owned three Harleys in the past, all with straight open pipes and this thing is louder than all of them. Looking for a baffle for the exhaust. If I can't find one I'LL opt for a Vance & Hines slip on. Only problem I've had so far is the battery terminal bolts vibrated out and cables came off terminals. A little lock tite fixed the problem. I love this bike!! Handling is top rate and suprisingly comfortable on long rides. Anyone who likes torque and handling WILL LOVE THIS BIKE!! Show less

WHATS UP, MY NAME IS BRIAN AND I OWN A 02' X-1.I FIRST WENT INTO THE HARLEY DEALER WANTING TO BUY A CRUISER,THE SALESMEN TALKED ME OUT OF IT,HE SAID YOU LOOK LIKE A BIG GUY, SO HOW ABOUT A BUELL. OK.SO I BOUGHT IT. I LOVE THIS BIKE,ITS REALLY FUN TO RIDE,AFTER READING MIKES ARTICLE I WOULD HAVE TO AGREE. THESE BIKES ARE UNBELEIVABLE ON THE STREET. THEY ARE REAL STREETFIGHTERS,UNMATCHED IN RAW POWER AND HANDLING... I WAS WONDERING IF ANY OF YOU RIDERS HAVE SPARE KICKSTANDS LAYING AROUND? CAUSE HELL MINE IS WORN OFF!!!!!! ON MY SECOND SET OF PEGS TOO!THIS BIKE CARVES THROGH THE TURNS. WELL JUST HAVE TO SAY I DO RESPECT JAP BIKES FOR THE SPEED,BUT IF YOU WANT TO HAVE FUN ALL DAY AND MAKE PEOPLE LOOK,RIDE ONE AND FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF!! WELL KEEP IT ON 1 WHEEL.. GOOD LUCK AND RIDE SAFE........ Show less