10 Questions for
TeamBoxer
1.)
You rode the Buell 1125R. So what?
Todd:
So, this. Erik Buell has been fighting the good fight for
years. He's always made intriguing, not-for-the-masses
bikes. But with Harley's cubic dollars behind the
company, these are rapidly becoming no-compromise,
no-quirk bikes. I've been on BMWs for decades, but Buell
is becoming a clearer choice for me, and other BMW owners
like me. They just make sense.
Michael: The
1125R and the 2008 Uly are the bikes that have made up my
mind about Buell. These are intriguing bikes that are
like nothing else out there. Sign me up.
2.)
How do you guys get these gigs?
Todd:
I've written about Buells in the past. I've always liked
them, despite their occasional personality flaws. That
keeps me in touch with Buell, and Buell's hired PR guns.
Michael:
Someone has to put photos between all the grout. It's a
tough job but someone has to do it.
3.) What will you always remember about this Mid-Ohio
event?
Todd:
What a day! You just don't get many 80 degree days in
October. Also, the fact that we rode down. Many Buells,
just like many Harleys, spend too much of their lives on
trailers.
Michael:
Tucking down on the back stretch of the track at +130
mph.
4.)
What one thing would you change about the
1125R?
Todd:
I wouldn't. I would change something about me. That would
be where I live. This bike deserves to have a driveway
that leads to a long and curvy road.
Michael:
This bike is good out of the box. It's an amazing bike
with good manners that would make it a pleasure to ride
on and off the track.
5.)
What Buell do you personally lust for?
Todd:
My next bike will be a 2008 Uly. Buell has improved them,
improved the turning radius, it has a less choppy
off-idle response, the throttle position sensor can be
reset by the owner, and they reportedly get great gas
mileage. And they have a belt final drive. BMW's final
drive failures (including one on a trip with Michael,
this summer) are starting to bug me. Runner up? The TT.
That thing could get my driver's license in serious
trouble. The R, while great, just isn't cut out for the
straight, choppy roads around my house.
Michael: I
can't even consider the 1125R. My license would be gone
outside of a week. The TT is too much of a hooligan bike.
I got pulled over for doing wheelies on my hometown main
street when I was 16. The TT would get me busted again.
So that leaves the Uly. Considering my recent adventure
with the BMW GS final drive, the Uly's belt drive is
looking pretty good right now.
6.)
If someone was considering a Buell, what would you tell
them?
Todd:
Go for it. I think the Buells are all past the teething
stages now. I know guys who have had problems with them,
serious problems. And guys who love theirs. I think it's
time.
Michael: The
time is now.
7.)
What do you like most about Buell?
Todd:
They make a real effort to be an American motorcycle
company. They source from the world's best, but keep
things to our shores when they can. And you just can't
argue with Big Twin power, Harley or Rotax.
Michael:
Ditto
8.)
What do you like least?
Todd:
Dealers. Like BMW, the dealership network can be real
hit-or-miss. Sometimes, Buells are an afterthought for
the mothership, H-D. If you have a good dealer, you're
golden. For example, Bay City, MI has one, and the head
mechanic there is a Buell dude.
Michael:
Gotta polish up the switch gear. Still looks like it was
made by Legos.
9.)
Would you let your child or wife ride a
Buell?
Todd:
Are you nuts? If my 17-year-old got ahold of a TT, I'd
never see him again. Or, I wouldn't need yard lights —
his grin would light up the whole acre.
Michael: My
wife loves the curves. So far she has stuck to a thumper.
I would hate to think what would happen if she threw her
legs over an 1125R. Plus it would really suck if she got
better at it than me.
10.)
If you could have two Buells, which ones would they
be?
Todd:
Uly. TT. Done. (Unless I lived in Empire, Michigan. Then
I would have the R, and commute to a job up the coast.)
Michael:
Uly for the commuter and long trips. The R for the track.