Check out www.twistedroad.com/ref/yammie and rent a motorcycle! You can also WIN the MT09 in this video for free at yammienoob.co

Nobody asked but I’m gonna toss out some Buell knowledge. I was actually in the Buell class at MMI when Eric Buell announced Harley was shut them down. The Brake setup is to save weight, the massive single rotor weighs less and performs better than the dual rotor options available at the time. The wheels are also made of magnesium and at the time were the lightest factory wheel available on any motorcycle. The fuel tank in the frame is to keep the center of gravity low. The swing arm being so big on the one side is because the swing arm is actually also the oil tank, because Harley engines are dry sump. This adds to the unsprung weight of the rear wheel, but not by as much as you expect since it’s held close to the pivot point. The benefit however is that the rocking motion of the swing arm works the air bubbles out of the oil. The XB9 is actually not based on the 883. The XB9 and XB12 are both based on the 1200 Sportster. Where a 1200 Sportster is basically a bored out 883 with better heads, the XB9 is actually a de-stroked XB12. There’s a lot of other small differences inside the engine that makes the Buell a better motor as well, including a beefier crank that can handle more power. Eric Buell actually started as a Harley engineer before starting Buell Motorcycles and decided to use Harley engines because he preferred the torque first feel. To be more accurate the modern Sportster is actually based on the Buell XB because Harley bought a controlling share of Buell after Eric Buell designed the engine for the 2003 Buell XB. His redesign of the Sportster engine was so good Harley bought him out so they could put some of the better components like the heads on the redesigned 2004 Sportster when they released it. The biggest reason the Buell is so comfortable and handles so well is because Eric Buell designed his motorcycles around the rider. If you want to ride a motorcycle that was Amazon for it’s time, try to get your hands on a Buell 1125R which has a modern liquid cooled, DOHC engine designed by Rotax that makes somewhere around 145HP. Or if you can find one go ride an EBR (Eric Buell Racing) bike, which is the company he started after Harley boned him. Some mild redesigns and bumping the displacement up to 1200cc allowed those bikes to push out about 185hp. If you can’t tell, I like Buells and it was fantastic to see a modern ride review of one. Thank you.

Beull : very forgiving Mt-09 : haha rider goes yeet

I am on my second Buell, the first being a 99 White Lightning , now an 05 XB9SX. I am 72 years old and have been riding since I was 16! Of all the bikes I have had, the Buell is the bike that always makes me smile. Thanks for the coverage!

Buell is very underrated, we are a dying group of riders 😥

The swinger is so chunky because that's where the oil is.

Sold mine 3 years ago to try something else... Immediately wanted my Buell back. Guy refused sell it back 😅 still my favorite bike I've ever owned

Next you need to try to ride 07 XB12 R fun bike. I've been riding 1 for 10 years. Got into the motorcycle accident broke my back 8 vertebrates fix me and my bike and I still ride it hell yeah brother!

BUELL!!!! It's a great bike for an introvert. When I ride mine, no one talks to me, even a bike meetups. When I ride my other bike its a completely different experience. It still is my favorite bike.

When you get a Buell you will always own one. I have had the XB12R, 1125CR, S1 and now an EBR 1190SX. Buells is the most fun bikes you can own for the street.

I've owned a Speed triple 1050, CBR600, and an XB12r. Buell is my favorite bike by far.

Was glad to see Buell get a little love. They really are under rated bikes with a fierce fan base. You should really get a hold of an EBR 1190sx. It will blow you away.

"No one is Cross shopping a 10 year old Buell and an Mt09" ....I am, and this was perfectly timed. Edit: and it would seem like there are a fair few of us.

Toward the end of there run Buell started using Rotax engines. If Harley had put a little more effort into marketing and advertising Buell would have done better.

I have XB12R number 3. Sat in a dealership since 2003. 2500 miles on the clock (yes, in mph). A real oddity of a bike, and has way more character than many new bikes. That torque delivery is so awesome!

The swing arm holds the oil 😂 that’s y it’s “chunky”

56000+ miles[not klicks] on my '09. With the tiny wheelbase it handles like a TZ250 when ridden aggressively. Best handling machine I've ever had.

I own 3 Buells (and 2 other bikes) and feel that they are bikes that deserved to be successful. Ironically, everyone nowadays is buying naked bikes with performance and handling--which is exactly what Buell was offering well over a decade ago! I used mine for track days, commuting, night-time "shenanigans" and--with soft luggage--touring. I found them to be comfortable, well-made, extremely reliable, and--above all--really fun to ride. Unlike most performance bikes, they are fun to ride fast OR slow. I will never be without at least one Buell in the garage.

I ride a 03 xb9r and I'm always smiling

I'm always happy as Buell owner when Buell's get acknowledged for there performance and how they where ahead of there time.

I have a 2009 Buell XB12XT Ulysses and it is the best bike I have ever owned. At 6'2" 240lbs, the ergos are better than any bike I have ever ridden and the seat is the most comfortable I have ever encountered stock or otherwise. With 103HP and 84lb-ft of torque it has plenty of power for me and is an absolute hoot to ride but yes, below 2500rpm it is a paint shaker. It is hard not wonder where Buell could have been today with the shift of preference for Adv and naked bikes over cruisers now taking place. Really feels like a lost opportunity for Harley Davidson.

Ohhh man! Iv been waiting for ever! I knew it was going to be a good day! They forgot the oil in the swing arm. Me and all my fellow buell owns can rest easy tonught

I own that same model, and colorway. I have owned an m1, x1, and a number of xb firebolts and lightnings over the years. I sold my EBR 1190 because I prefer sporty nakeds. It's sad to see the failure of the only real American competition in the sport amd naked market segments. No matter what else I have in the garage there will always be a Buell.

Talking from experience, the Buell is one of the best handling bikes. If you have Some twistees in your area, youre gonna have a real good time.

Had tons of bikes, but won't sell my Buell

I was comparing both of them last year haha I decided to buy a Buell xb12r. I love it so much!!!

It would be great to see a review of the 1125R or an EBR bike!

Buells are cracking bikes ... quite a unique design, definitely a bit ahead of it's time ... very under rated. Oh and those underbelly down-firing exhausts make them sound freaking awesome 😁

Thanks for shining a light on the Buell. The XB12 power is more similar to the MT09. The VIN will indicate where the bike was originally built for which might explain the Speedo. Buell handling feels weird at first but with the right tires and once you get used to it, it's amazing. That inverted rim brake saves the weight of a second caliper and the wheel can be built lighter since all the braking forces go to the rim not the spokes. Buell was a genius.

Those engines are actually sort of bespoke buell, mostly the internals though.

Was invited to the XB9R (pretty similar) press launch, on track, and couldn't believe how good the chassis was. Was in the A group with the racers and good press riders and we all raved about how stable and confidence inspiring it was so quickly. Some engine work and it's a great little canyon weapon. Enjoy!

I have a 2005 XB12s black with gold wheels. Fun bike and handles corners so easily. I will never sell this thing. I'm always smiling when on it.

When you mentioned the vibrations at idle it made me laugh. My Buell ( a 2000 X1 ) will actually walk in circles around the kickstand while idling with nobody on it.

It’s a 6 piston caliper, and do some research the swingarm also doubles as the oil tank. It’s an evo motor with a lot more going on than a sportster motor. The xb12 would have been a better comparison since it’s a twin. This is the updated version as well so the motor has some changes and the efi system is updated as well.

Used to work with a guy that had an XB12 Firebolt......that thing was INSANE....in a GOOD WAY!!!

I currently own way too many bikes but my usual go to is a 2003 Beemer GS. After riding my recently aquired Buell Firebolt, I have to say that it's been love at first ride! Almost 100 horses on a bike that weighs under 400 lb.s and handles as easily as my beemer with the glassy smoothness of any all day tourer, thanks to the rubber mounted power train. For sport touring I've raised the fairing about 2 inches, replaced the upper fork crown with one that allows street bars and added an adjustable riser for a more upright ride. Givi bags give the bike lots of cargo capacity and LED signals give a brighter heads up to the motoring public. The bike is fast and easily handling wich makes for a very relaxing ride, even in the twisties. Plus it's fun to start it up in a parking lot full of Harleys and sport bikes and see thje reactions from both groups! WTF? Ride whatever makes you grin like a fool. Cheers, Tim.

I actually was deciding between a xb12s and a fz09, and I bought the buell. You should try the buell 1125, that has a rotax built 145hp engine in that frame. It handles amazing, and the power is incredible. They made a newer bike too, called the EBR 1190SX. It’s a 185hp liqued cooled v-twin and looks SEXY! You should try those out

Oh no, Mister Yam, I have certainly heard about the Buell with its Sportster motor - they're absolutely legend, glad you got one on the channel!

The swingarm has the engine oil in it, hence it being chunky. Buell was forced to use the Sportster engine on the XB's. The 1125 got the Rotax engine upgrade.

Buell. Own the corners. Maybe you’ll take it off your F tier ranking. :-) Try the 1203. Try the 1125. Try the 1190. P.s. the oil is in the swing arm.

Love my XB12SS. Always gets the most looks. Good, bad, and indifferent.

I've had my XB9S for almost a decade and I absolutely love riding it. You're totally right about the vibrations but if you have a good set of tires it absolutely LIVES for the twisties. Sadly no shop within 60 miles of my city will work on it anymore :(

Fun fact. The Buell xB was originally intended to be turbo charged but apparently Harley decided against it at the last minute. The first year production bikes even have the tunnel up through the left side of the gas tank/frame for the turbo plumbing.

Have had an XB12S for 15yrs (first bike), and yes, it has the power/performance you'd be looking for. Also, need to take it a little farther into hill country for the twisties, it shines brightest in corners.

Great comparison. I owned a Buell S3 Thunderbolt for a few years and it was much, much faster than me. When the newer models came out the 900 was the baby / city bike version, the 1200 was the quick one, the last of the line 1125's were something else again. Sadly missed, Buell's are ....unique.

I simply cannot wait for sprint to come. Opening the garage doors for the first time for my XB after a total makeover, maintenance job and paint job. I just love it. Love the looks, ride and the sound 😍

I am very lucky to own to opposites of the naked spectrum, I have a Buell Lightning XB12 and Factory Tuono 🤣🤣, the Buell is so unique in all it’s weird ways, the vibration is hilarious and you want check your nuts and bolts regularly, but does handle really well and it’s such a no fuss, raw riding experience, still love my Tuono or course

when normal people see the buell: motorcycle, yes when bikers see the buell: ?!

You guys should try the 1203cc - would love your thoughts!

The next old school naked bike you all need to try is the B-King - Busa Motor with comfortable ergos...

They need to try the Buell XB12, thats a great bike.

Erik Buell is a genius and never gets the support he deserves

Guys, this is the real content we need guys. Great Stuff.

Buell fan boy & owner of an XB12Ss checking in - Yammie you need to try on a Buell 1125R, you won't regret it.

I liked the video. You should do more like this with bikes we don't hear much about.

Love my 2008 XB12SCG! Fun bike indeed!

Awww... reminiscing now. Had a xb9sx and a xb12r

I asked for this comparison! My buddy is looking at an mt09 and I’ll never sell my xb9sx! So glad you made this video

ALLELUYA finally a Buell at Yammie Noob! As it is my bike and favorite for cleverness, tein powered streetfighter, really nice comparison with the yamaha. excellent job, you made me very glad!

I bought a 2003 Buell Firebolt (xb9r) as my second bike, right after I sold my sv650. WAY too much bike for me at the time. 15 years later I'm bidding on a wrecked 2008 1125cr. Fingers crossed, lol.

When I first read about Erik Buell... I knew someday I would own one. I'd always loved the sound of a Harley Vtwin...but my first motorcycle experience came on Ninja, and I loved sportbikes. Took me almost a decade to realize my dream with the purchase of a 2003 xb9 lightning with barely 3250miles on it, in 2008. I more than doubled that in my first year of owning it. Rain or Shine (Western Washington 😉😂) I was on that bike.... No regrets. Pictures say I looked big on the bike, but never got that feeling when I was on it... Always a conversation piece too. I'd buy another in a heartbeat.... maybe a XB12 this time 😂 Thanks for the great video

If you can get your hands on an 1125CR, 1125R, 1190RX, or 1190SX you'll get to feel what that chassis will do with a purpose built sport motor, it's a thing of beauty.

Did you know that buell is back making electric bikes now. The new company is called Fuell.

Have had my XB09 for 3 years and honestly it has been an amazing bike.

I love the Old and New bike weird comparisons, keep them coming! And Buell FTW:)

Very interesting! Well done boys. Keep it crazy 😂

Great video! Love the comparison! More of this please :)

Loved the buell. First bike was xb9sx. So much fun.

1) Comparing it to modern stuff is silly, just let it be 20 years old, because it is. 2) Let it be different, it was designed that way from square one. 3) I rode my Ducati Monster to the dealer to test ride the Buell, yes they sit and handle very much alike. 4) Even though the idle is a paint shaker at Home Depot, once you get above idle, it has a nice sound and strong mid range. I will never forget the day that I rode a Buell and might own one someday...

This was my 1st motorcycle in 2005. Loved it. Wish I never got rid of it, an amazing motorcycle.

Swingarm is so big because it doubles as oil tank.

It’s the Buell that really sparked an interest in naked bikes for me when I was in high school.

I had one of those for several years and loved it. I put over 50,000 miles on it with no issues at all except for a broken drive belt. I passed it on to my daughter...

"iddy bitty muscely thingamajig" - Spite 2020

Awesome comparison, fun to watch. That said, an XB12 is a much closer match power wise to the MT-09.

Awesome video guys. Definitely didn't ask for the comparison but we needed it. Either way a informational video on buells, wish there were more out there. In my state there are only 2 that I know of and I've ridden one. Everything you guys said sparked my nostalgia BTW did you guys upgrade cameras or something? Riding footage looked great

Erik Buell is a genius! Erik designed the best handling Harley as well! The old tube frame models are great! The Cyclone is perhaps the most reliable of all the Buell's!

I love the Harley shake on this sport style bike. It feels so aggressive. Review a xb12s I think you'll like it better. It's got the power and the same handling

I am glad you have made this video. That Buell has been my favorite bike since it came out. I grew up with parents riding hawgs so when Buell came out with this, I fell in love.

A couple points to know about the engine: the Buell XB bikes were originally intended to have a turbo, from the factory, but Harley pulled that plug last minute. The engine was based off the sportster engine design, but Buell made it very clear that this engine was it's own separate performance built engine. Kinda like comparing a LSA to an early LS truck engine.

They sold quite a few of these to Europe. We loved them here in my country of Sweden. They are qurky, cool, sound amazing and very unique! 👌🏽

I am glad you finally threw a leg over a Buell. They really are an underrated bike. I've owned at least one Buell the last 20 years. If you want to set your hair on fire, closer to the MT9, try a Buell 1125CR if you can find one on twistedroad. Even the newest Buells though are at least 10 years old. The fact that it is going to be more representative of a bike from a decade ago is because it is a bike from a decade ago....

My buddy has the xb12 and its awesome. The xb12 would be a closer competetor to the MT09 power and torque wise.

Keep it up guys that was cool!

I embraced the Buell advanced engineering and new ideas. His bikes were unique;modding a Sportster engine for great balanced performance. I hope people really look into these bikes

The best bike I ever owned. dirt bike like ride. You can laugh at pot holes and bumps. great weight and power. I would look and try to find a like new one and buy another one.

His 1125 won the AMA 2009 - using a very similar chassis.

You even love em or hate em. I absolutely love em!!

The XB12 (some of them) have cutouts from the factory to install a turbo

Getting rid of Buell motorcycles was one of Harley-Davidson biggest down falls . I own a Buell Ulysses whitch I’ve used for everything the only problem I have is getting parts . This why I won’t buy anything from Harley again they really screwed us Buell owners on parts and service

Yammy, I love your vids, but your lack of Buell knowledge is concerning for a bloke who claims to love nakeds as much as you do. Also, please don't compare later model Buells with sportsters, they have nothing in common. Keep up the good work my Shammy Pube

You would think they would have done a little research before the review, totally bombed the introduction.. Love my Buell 🇺🇸

It doesn't surprise me that it feels a little underpowered. I heard the XB9s were a little anemic when they first came out and that aftermarket exhaust is probably hurting the power unless it was re-mapped. The stock 12s had a valve in the muffler that would cut in and give them a bit more life above 4k, not sure if the 9s had that. I have an 07 XB12R with the race exhaust and ecm and the beauty of that motor is the gobs of torque coming out of a corner. Forgot to downshift? No worries, it pulls like a tractor in top gear.

Honda had a similar brake set up on the 1984 cbx 550. The discs were bolted into the wheel with brackets on the outer side of the disc and the caliper was on the inside.

The way the engine is mounted in the frame is why it smooths out at speed.

Just got myself a Indian scout sixty in the UK. Been a naked bike user for 5 years but always wanted a cruiser. The bike I got was my late father’s favourite colour & brand. It will be stamped in his memory.

I. AM. LOVIN' IT. 🖤 i have a thing for aggresive but classy streetfighters with low rev sound engines. This also might be the only bike that rocks side by side round lamps and does it so well

Yeah, not a Sportster engine - you need to ride an earlier ‘Tuber’ Buell for that.

“I like how you said that basically assuming it was going to be a flaming piece of garbage.” -Spite LOL!

I have been waiting for this, bought a buell xb12 as my first bike!