Buell Mini Bike reviews

I've been riding for 41 years and have ridden everything from a 1965 55cc Yamaha to an alcohol burning Norton dragster. For most of those years I've owned vintage Harleys and Nortons, with a rice burner or five thrown in. Last year I was looking for a street bike that would keep me in the Harley family but would give me the handling and feel of the old Brit bikes I owned (without the leaks and electrics), with modern day comforts and reliablity. that's how I ended up with the Buell. I chose the Cyclone primarily because the seating position was more forgiving for both pilot and passenger and I like to ride... As a bonus, the price was just too good and the bike was kept in mint condition by the original owner. All that being said, I could not have made a better choice. I've owned it for 18 months and have put 18,000 miles on it (in Vermont!). The only problem being a rear rocker cover leak. My bike was made just before HD changed these gaskets to steel so I just called the HD dealer and bought a steel gasket kit ($35). It only took me a few hours to make the change. My wife wasn't terribly thrilled that I did it all in the living room so I could watch MotoGP and Superbike but she got over it... I have ridden 400 mile days on this bike and regularly do 250 mile rides- I'm talking 30 to 40 in a riding season. I've done 200 with my son on the back carrying a backpack... This bike handles like a 250 and accelerates with the best of them (Ducati, RC51, etc.). I've lifted the front wheel by hitting the gas during a lane change in 3d gear. It is super comfortable, and starts every time. I do run synthetic oil, don't beat the bike (are wheelies 'beating'?) and keep it under 130- usually. Seriously, this thing has so much torque that I rarely shift over 3500 RPM. Check the specs and compare the torque to any other bike on the road... OK, 'nuf said. If you want the absolute best value in a motorcycle, get a Cyclone. I would recommend getting a 2001 or '02 however, as Buell made a number of significant improvements in 2001. There is the standard M2 and a M2L which has a 1 inch shorter suspension and the seat is cut down as well. Mine is the M2L. Show less

Good bike but it needs about 40 more hp and the pegs need to be bout 3/4 in higher. Mine are all chewed up by the corners but after you get through the rubber, the sparks are kinda cool. At least it gets on one wheel! Show less

I'm too old to fold myself into a sport bike so got this instead. It's very versatile and is stable on loose surfaces. I ride it to work often and it makes a great commuter. Got over 48 mpg on the first tank. It handles very well for such a tall motorcycle and with all that torque available, it is easy to ride through the twisties. It is very tall though and not for short legged people. Some heat on right side from exhaust and I plan to ceramic coat it to hopefully resolve that issue. The engine is a lot smoother than I expected for a big v-twin but it still feels like a big v-twin (not a problem for me). Took my wife on a 100 mile ride and she was comfortable. The folding backrest is a great idea. Show less

My 2002 Blast has lived up to all the Eric Buell hype. I have run 60-70 MPH all day and still got 70 MPG. Great in the country, in the twisties and on the open road. The Harley Boys could not outrun me through the corners! I don't know what everybody else complains about. I also have a Honda Helix and a 2005 Harley Dyna Glide Custom. They're all fun in their own right. There is no way to compare them. I'm 67 years old and tour, group ride and cruise. You will not outrun most bikes (and some maxi-scooters) or pop wheelies but speed and acrobatics are not what the Blast is all about. I've ridden bikes for 4 years and the Blast is a lot of fun. Test ride one before you buy it. This is a reliable bike with great brakes, quick steering and very easy to ride. In this area we are blessed with having great dealerships with excellent techs. Find one near you and have a Blast. Show less

I have owned and ridden alot of bikes over the years, too many to count, years that is. I have owned 8 harleys,5 triumphs,2 hondas, 9 suzukis, 2kawasakis, 1 bridgestone, 11 bmws, plus a few others. This buell is one of the most fun bikes I have owned, it always feels planted on the pavement, my wife loves the seat and I do too. The bike is tall but not too much for normal riding. If you are height impaired the lowered seat is a big improvement. I just got back from a trip to the Blueridge Mts. and had a great time. The only time you need to really pay attention is off road, having been used to 19 or 21 inch front wheels' the 17 incher takes some getting used to, but using a little common sense helps. The bags and box are of superior quality. I added a Lee Bailey intermediate windshield and that was a good improvement. The bike is faster than any harley that I have ridden esp. considering how well the bike handles. Service is pretty simple. The only complaint that I can tell you about is that there is some heat on the right side of the bike, and fan is noisy. But I'll trade that any day for a bike as capable and versitil as Uly. There is even quite a bit of storage under the seat. Every time I ride or even look at the bike I'm amazed at the high degree of great engineering that has gone into the design of this machine. Show less

Returning rider at age 40+. This has been a great ride. From around town to the back two lanes, through the passes and along the coast to the highways this bike is taking care of me and is more than a "blast" to ride. The short fall for this one cylinder is on the highway here, especially on our gusty Santa Anna days. I can keep 60-65 no problem but general traffic is flying by me. I'm like a 16 year old with a new license with this bike. I want to run all the errands or think of excuses to go on them. It's a natural around town. At 65 miles to the gallon, it's an easy one to rationalize too. This bike is all about fun but it does draw curious looks too. Show less

Would find it very difficult to know what more someone could want from a multi-purpose bike than the Ulysses is willing to deliver. Great on the highway (comfort, agility, speed, etc.) and secure off road (not an enduro). After 1650 miles it has been spectacular on the winding mountain roads of Vermont as well as New York's Long Island Expressway, not to mention Broadway or 2nd Ave. traffic. I highly recommend the bike and salute the folks at Buell for a truly TERRIFIC product.
Note: Most curious comments on the road come from owners of Harleys. Two Thumbs Up!! Show less

The Buell XB12X is a fun ride. It has quick handling on asphalt and dirt roads. The rider comfort is great. It is also great on fuel economy at 52 MPG average so far. It could use a little more get up and boogie. It surges a little at low speed. There's a hot spot near the inside of the right thigh. It needs a taller windshield for touring and a lower seat height for most riders. 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 purchased the bike yesterday and let me tell you it's an awesome bike....it's very comfortable and provides great performance in the handling category. haven't been able to open it up because it's far from being broken in but I'll write back once I have more miles on it for an update....its a real eye catcher too. Show less