| Author | Message | ||
     Pa_xb9sx |
I apologize in advance if this is a stupid question. I am fairly new to motorcycles. I was riding my XB9SX this evening. At 40 mph I moved my hands front to back and the handlebars in an alternating motion only about 1/2" front and back. The front fork/tire felt very "responsive" almost wobbly. Is this just how responsive the XBs are, or do I have to check torque values on the steering head, which is something that I have heard on this board. Any suggestions are appreciated. Go easy on the flaming. | ||
| Drift |
They are just that responsive. It takes a while to get used to that. A steering stabilizer can help if it is an issue for you. Otherwise I would say to go lighter on the bars and use your body motion at speed. | ||
| Tank_bueller |
Very responsive!, especially at speed!!! Very light on the bars, and let the wind hold your body up, but don't let the wind hitting the body steer the bike. | ||
| Diablobrian |
to repeat the old cliche "the only stupid question is the one you did not ask" this forum is here to answer questions. Don't be afraid to ask, although you may have to be afraid of some of the nuts that answer  | ||
| Court |
The dynamics of the XB geometry make it very responsive. I concur with the previous comment, be easy on the bars. I, frankly, had concerns when I first rode the XB9SX. Just looking at the numbers and the geometry I had this "my gosh, this thing could get away from me at any minute" thinking. I had to go out and spend some quality time, far from civilization with the bike. I did different things at different speeds to see how the bike reacted. In summary, I was impressed. I am not quite certain how the folks at Buell did this, but it works. Wasn't long ago that we were told a 52" wheelbase was not possible. But those folks were calculating the volume of the smallest possible oil tank in the packaging. They never dreamt, like the American Dreamer, that the equation could be solved with NO oil tank. Cool beans. My advice, worth roughly what the paper you are reading this on, is to get to know your bike. Be gentle but, safely out of harm's way, apply various inputs and study the reaction. Know what it does. I used to write an annual article about tuning your riding skills for the coming summer. I, personally, head out to a very large parking lot. I want to know exactly the distance I can stop that bike if I have to. Bear in mind I am not talking showy stoppies or stunts, I am talking DATA. I want to know how the bike turns, how it transitions in deep figure eights. This requires no super riding skills from the rider. Rather work WAY inside your limits and the way you would be riding on the street. With regard to the twitchiness you felt, be aware that naked bikes tend to transmit "chest wind" to the bars if you are tense. Try steering the bike with the lightest touch. Know your bike, know your bike, know you bike. Just personal opinion, Court | ||
| Pa_xb9sx |
Thanks everyone. I have over 1,800 miles on it, but I never noticed the twitchy feeling before. I figured it was just that responsive, but thanks for confirming. Diablobrian - That is the reason that I love BWB. I always get quick responses to questions, and never get flamed. Thanks again. | ||
| Kdan |
I took the MSF advanced rider course on my XB9S the day after I got it and let me tell you, it was invaluable! The paces I was able to put the bike through in a controlled environment really gave me insight to how it handled/behaved, compared to anything else I'd ridden. And the MSF class is good to take anyway, no matter how experienced a rider you are. (Message edited by kdan on April 27, 2005) |
