| Author | Message | ||
     Reverendlex |
Greetings, Buellers! I've been riding a 1st gen Suzuki SV for four years now as my primary vehicle, and I'm considering replacing it with a CityX. I took a test ride and was pretty impressed by the whole experience. The dealership (Brian's HD in Langhorne, PA) was friendly, and the sales guy (R.Y.) was really helpful and enthusiastic about the brand. Really good experience so far. I was impressed by the City X, but I'm wondering how well it will deal with commuting. I ride a mix of nasty urban streets and highway, and do about 50 miles each way to work. I can see that city riding will be a breeze, but how about highway riding? Will I regret swapping the SV for the XB? Also, I take a passenger fairly frequently, so the stock seat will have to be replaced with something more comfortable for the wife. I'm thinking the Ulysees seat would be freakin' ideal, if that is possible. How well do the XBs deal with neglect and abuse? I maintained my SV, but it's parked outside , knocked over and not always covered, so it's looking pretty nasty. Is the finish on a Buell hardier than on a Suzuki, or will it look nasty pretty soon, too? Finally, are there significant improvements from 2003-2005? I'm thinking a used 03 or 04 XB9 could be a better deal than a new City. Thanks for any suggestions or advice! | ||
| Jeremyh |
did it for a year on a firebolt and didn't have any major complaints | ||
| Dago |
Wind blast is an issue with the S version. You may want to consider the R, and put a bar riser tree on it. It's a great compromise. Mine's always parked inside. So I can't offer any insight on how durable the plastics are to the elements. But I can say they're cheap to replace. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
My brother has a SV 650, I think I would prefer the XB9S for commuting. I leave mine outside all year, but under my porch, and covered in the winter. The early '03 nines are just about the best buy in motorcycling, and are just as good as the later models. Only thing you have to worry about it making sure you have the latest version of the drive belt. Part number is:G0500.02ABR and it is written on the back of the belt. The passenger seat problem is a real one: the bike is just so short. The ideal solution would be the new XB12Ss. It is two inches longer, and all the length is in the back: the seat is much bigger. | ||
| Chasespeed |
Well, I commute on my X1, older tuber....ride it back and forth everyday..... No issues, no comfort probs...its got rearsets...and crossraods bars....D&D, etc...... I have ridden a few XBs, and can say, they are alot smoother, and more comfortable than my X1, but.....I am keeping my X1..... Chase | ||
| Buellj79 |
I commute every day 30 miles each way sometimes more. Its a great commuting bike, quick through town and smooth on the freeway J | ||
| Danxb9r |
I ride 422 miles on my XB9R ever other weekend to go back home from school. The factory seat was my only complaint will definitely want to upgrade to the touring seat if you plan to travel quite abit. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
My daily commute was 126 miles and will be again once I heal up. The XB ate it up and begged for more. 1/3rd was stop and go freeway traffic (lane splitting is not allowed and enforced here) 1/3rd was open freeway and the final 1/3rd was general city riding. | ||
| Ginzero |
I commute daily on my XB9SX. My route is only 15 mi one way and on surface streets so its a really easy commute. The bike is perfect for cutting through traffic and light to light sprints. | ||
| Milar |
I love my daily commute on the XB9S. It's a great cut and thrust bike. The 2 up thing might be tough. Better try one first. M | ||
| Buellenator |
I currently commute alternating between a BMW 1200 GS and XB12R. The XB is much more fun! (The Beemer is good too - just in a different way) My XB makes me smile on the way to work, and afternoons on the way back it makes me laugh out loud. With the XB I always take the long way. I used it exclusively until I got the Beemer, and commuted year round, doing approx 60 miles a day. It now has 13K on it and runs better than ever. Hook up an electric outlet and it is comfy in winter too when you use electric gloves and vest. Add a good backpack and rainsuit and commute to your hearts content. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Get frame sliders (now stock on the 9SX?) and axle sliders if people are going to be frequently knocking it over. Compared to the SV, I think the XB will do everything better (though the SV is cheaper). I commute on mine 9+ months out of the year, and could not be happier. No complaints from the wife on the 9sx seat, though we just take liesurely rides out for dinner, we don't cross the state... You will need a backpack or similar setup, not much cargo space on the 9sx. | ||
| Barkandbite |
100 miles, round trip on my XB9R, every day. 'course I have the S/T windscreen, the Heli bars, the nicer seat, Sato rearsets, etc... She's all good. | ||
| Lovematt |
I have an SV1000S myself (which I am selling as the Buell has stolen my heart) but find the R to be a nice replacement. Not a problem at all for the freeway or city driving. I am running the HELI top triple clamp and it made a huge difference in the riding position...it is part ways between an R and an S which is nice. Oh yeah...18,000 miles on the bike with very few problems...see profile. Of course I don't ride in the rain much and she is garaged when not being used. | ||
| Pinball |
I started riding my XB9s 90 kms (60m) round trip and have only taken the cage 4 times, rain or shine. I`ve logged on 9000 km (6000 m)in just 4 months. I bought taller bars, and had my seat modified for me and my wife,and I love every second I`m on the road!!! | ||
| Nadz |
Get a Muller Power Clutch- makes stop-and-go easier on the fist. | ||
| Tunes |
I currently commute alternating between an S3T and XB12S. The S3T and XB12S are both great commuters. I ride 28mi. each way, mostly highway and some 2 lane roads. Both bikes are great... I'd say I like the XB a little better cause of major improvements in design, form, fit, and function of parts. Much better quality and a tighter bike. I like them both, but for different reasons. S3T - w/Zero Gravity +3in. Shield -/- Stock Seat -/- Race Kit Handling Hard Bags Bigger/Roomier Engine Sound Comfort Fuel Capacity Scarce XB12S w/Buell Streetfighter Seat -/- Race Kit Handling Engine Better/Easier Shifting Sound Quality Fun Factor Still Scarce (for now?) | ||
| Tatsu |
It's the one thing I look forward to every day. Getting to work on my XB12r. Some days I take the long way home. | ||
| Roc |
I took the long way home tonight.  My commute by bike takes longer, but I ditch the traffic and to all curves and side roads. I don't know much about the SV but I love my XB. | ||
| Bb13 |
Been riding mine everyday to and from work for almost a year now, and I have to make 100 mile highway trips at least once a month and unless it’s storming I always ride the Buell. My garage has been claimed by my girlfriends hobbies so I have to keep my baby outside but always covered when not in use. I’ve taken very good care of it so it still looks as good today as when I first bought it. The aforementioned girlfriend is too scared of motorcycles to ride with me so I’ve gone with a semi-solo Gunfighter seat from Corbin so I can’t really help you there. | ||
| Emscityx |
I also alternate my commute between my Beemer (R1100RT) and my CityX (and the car or truck on lazy or snow days). No question- the Buell is more fun to ride. I took the Beemer today only because of possible thunderstorms, and if it happens, having the fairing will be nice. Anyway, I have a 25 mile ride each way, 22 of which is on the freeway. The Buell handles highway speeds (from stop and go to 80+ constant) just fine, and it is very comfortable for the rider. Buell has just introduced a "Select Seat", which might help with passenger comfort. Hey, since the 2006 models were just introduced, the 2005 CityX prices will likely drop a bit. You will definitely want the frame pucks and axle protectors, just in case.... Also, I use my bike cover even in the garage.... I'm only at 3,000 miles this year on the Buell, but I have had no problems with the bike. | ||
| Paulson |
I look forward to the daily commute to and from work on my XB9SL. Never a problem. Too much fun. Two up? Go with the Uly. | ||
| Waterworks |
I commute with my XB9SX everyday rain or shine. The hand protectors are very handy on those cold canadian mornings. | ||
| Drift |
I do it almost every day. It is awesome. Do it. | ||
| Rarebird |
I commute on a XB9S, 45 miles a day, nearly every day- rain or shine. I work 2nd,so a bit more weather protection would be nice on cold nights (Zero Gravity is working on a Sport Touring fairing for the S/SX that may help), and someplace to carry stuff besides my very full backpack would be more comfortable, but I spend the whole trip grinning anyway. Makes me look forward to going to work! Go for it! -Mike | ||
| Glitch |
The only problem I have when I ride to work is getting the bike to make that last right hander into the parking garage. For some odd reason, it just wants to keep riding, could be rider error though. Case in point, it took me an hour to get to work this morning when it's only thirty minutes away. | ||
| Phantom5oh |
I commute with my XB12Scg, no complaints at all! | ||
| Madbandito |
56 miles one way door to door- Thats why I chose the 12R- I liked the looks of the "S" better but having ridden a "naked " bandit 1200 for two years I was getting tired and cold and wet too many times. Yes that fairing helps that much...And I can't beat 50+ mpg versus 11 mpg on my truck.... | ||
| Gearhead998 |
My '03 9S is my commuter, mostly highway, and I love it. no problems, other than the speedo going dead. replaced speed sensor, and good to go. Definatly a good decision. | ||
| Ted |
Glitch, i'm sure the boss understands ! | ||
| Dsergison |
"I was impressed by the City X, but I'm wondering how well it will deal with commuting." WTF? it is THE COMMUTING WEAPON OF CHOICE! It's seat is MUCH more padded than an xb9-12. It COMES WITH frame protectors and hand guards in case it gets knocked down. -Dan | ||
| Jessicasdad |
a little over 100 miles a day on my 2004 xb12r .. nothing too major .. my butt gets a little hot if I sit in traffic too long .. but other then that .. gas and GO ! | ||
| Mike_bolts |
I use my City X for occassional commuting. My ride is all freeway about 35 miles one way, the City X is very comfortable upto about 85 MPH, thereafter the wind resistance beats you up. I use a hard shell back pack for my lap top and gear and always pack rain gear. Right now in Houston it's very hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms and severe down pours so I am not riding actively during the week. However once things cool down, I will be back at it. I wish this bike had a larger fuel capacity, I make it to work 1.5 times before I have to fill up. Hard bags or some kind of a faring would be nice to make it more effective commuter but the bike does extremely well in traffic. 50 mpg is a real plus too! | ||
| Bikertrash05 |
I live 50+ miles from work, mostly 55-65mph, and I commute if it isn't raining. 4000 miles in 2 months, mostly commuting miles. I gas up everyday on the way home. Bb13, your girlfriend must be hot. She took your garage and makes you leave your bike outside?! |
