So I went to go ride today and went buy the HD shop because it was next to where I got breakfast. I discovered a Buell Demo. I got to ride these two bikes for a while... They tried to tell me that the 1125 R would be close to my bike, the buell has 145 hp according to them but felt very paltry.. The only thing good I can say about it is that it has a gear indicator.. The thunderbolt is light and pretty agile, but is way too low revving. They are alright looking though... here are some pictures of what i rode,

 

Buells are cool bikes, its nice that there is an alternative to the Jap bikes that isn't a lame standard or cruiser. I like the XB12 or what ever short street fighter is. (they make a few, which ever one has the shortest wheelbase). looks it would be a lot of fun to ride, but i think i would miss my 15,000 rpm redline, the trade off for the low end torque in place of the joy of winding a bike all the way out there is not one i am willing to make.

 

In addition to what George said, from what I'm told (one of my buddies owns a Lightning) Buell charges through the nose for service, etc., mainly because it is a HD owned brand. He really, really wishes he had gone with a Japanese bike, because in his experience they are more reliable and perform better.

You will never find anyone who will more gladly buy American than me, but I simply can't afford a Buell what with the service costs and relatively reduced reliability. I lovelovelove American cars, but with bikes, I'm gonna have to stick with the Japanese.

EDIT: I would love to ride a Triumph, Aprilia, or Ducati as well, they are all excellent machines. But if I can't afford a Buell, I sure as hell cant afford a Ducati lol.

 

looks good. The first thing that caught my eye are those front rotors