| Author | Message | ||
     Svttodd |
I am looking to buy a new bike after selling my 2003 Yamaha R1. The R1 was very fast and it handled awesome, but it was uncomfortable, and it wasn't 'different' enough for my taste (everyone has sport bikes, and they all look the same!). I am looking at the XB12s, the '06 Triumph Speed Triple (1050cc triple), and maybe even a MV Agusta Brutale (910cc four). I have it pretty much narrowed down to the XB and the Triple. I test rode an XB12s for two short rides and it seemed very fun, but I was wondering if it could 'hang' with my sportbike buddies for a spirited Sunday ride (not a drag race)? We ride out in the country where there are many turns,and some nice straights. We average about 60-85 miles per hour, with an occasional sprint up to around 120 (I know...I shouldn't do it on public roads). I was wondering how the wind is on the Buell, and how the bike is in general at those speeds (obviously it is nice in the corners). Also, has anyone compared the new Speed Triple to the XB12? Let me know. Thanks. -Todd PS: The Buell/Harley dealers area actually what is keeping me from buying a Buell. They treat the entire Buell line-up like the red-headed step child of their dealerships. They act like 'why would anyone want to buy those, they are beginner bikes, buy a real Harley (yuck)'. I found ONE nice salesman, but the rest of his dealership, and other local giant Harley dealers seem to really HATE the Buells, and they actually treat you like crap when you ask about them (but ask about a Harley and the attitude totally changes, I tried it). What Gives?? | ||
| Mike748 |
We ride out in the country where there are many turns,and some nice straights. We average about 60-85 miles per hour. I was wondering if it could 'hang' with my sportbike buddies I would say yes for sure. It's all about corner speed when you hit the curves. For a comparison, my KTM is way underpowered compared to a GSXR 1K. It makes under 60 HP. Not only will it keep up, but I have handed a few liter bikes their a$$. Of course on the straights I get smoked. It's the same situation when I'm on the Buell. (Message edited by mike748 on October 31, 2005) | ||
| Jkhawaii |
Wind protection is very minimal on the 12S riding tward the wind going 80 is quite a adventure you get knocked around quite a bit. I feel that the S is good below 75 and the R taking over from there. I usually never go faster than 65 on the freeway once and a while I might blast it up to 90 or 100 than slow down all the sales man needs to do is write up the papers. if they start giving you problems just tell them that this is the bike I want heres the money and I don't care what you think about it. speaking of buells the 12Ss is interesting as well its more softly sprung has a soft seat and is a little bigger I think it would be better for longer rides the 12S stock seat dose get to be a pain in the ••• for longer than a hours ride | ||
| Spatten1 |
In the turns you will be VERY competitive. The Buell will not skip a beat. In the straights you'll get your ••• kicked, but who cares. Anyone can screw the throttle on in the straights. As for wind protection, get the Crossroads lower and more forward bars (zero degree bars) and it will be much better. It is also much better for aggressive riding. When you are going at an easy pace on the street the engine feels great, really relaxing. I've owned about 15 Japanese street bikes, and I'm loving my XBS. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
You'll do fine up to 80 on the XB12S. However, hanging on to a naked bike, any naked bike, at 120 mph is another matter entirely: not much fun really. Another bike you might want to look at is the Aprilia Tuono. It is a lot faster than the XB12S in a straight line, has a bit of wind protection, but doesn't handle the tight stuff as easily. Is a bigger, heavier, more comfortable bike. Maintenance wise, you have probably correctly figured out your Harley dealer. There are some wonderful Buell supportive dealers out there, but there are not a whole lot of them. The good news is that the bike is very reliable, and easy to work on, and the parts are available on very short order from our sponsors, especially Daves at Appleton HD. Lots of the Buell owners do what little work is required themselves. Parts for Triumph seem to be a bit more difficult to find, and of course parts for low volumn Italian bikes tend to be very difficult to obtain promptly. (Message edited by gentleman_jon on October 31, 2005) | ||
| Spatten1 |
Yeah, if you want to cruise at 100mph, you'll get beaten up. However, if you are riding hard, and tucked in the straights, lower bars are enough for those short bursts of speed. | ||
| Tommy_k |
Todd, The lightning is awesome! I also just came off an inline 4 bike, and it def. takes some getting used to. I got an 06 XB12Ss for my birthday and love it. It's gel seat is super comfy for any kind of riding, especially when they go 2hr+. I can hang easily with my sport bike buddies in the corners with only my riding ability keeping me from going faster than I do. I just changed my bars to Renthal Ultra-Lows and they're perfect! Just a touch more aggressive. Yesterday, on a closed course race track of course, I took it up to an indicated 135mph. With a full tuck and laying on the tank/airbox cover it was no problem. Let's just say I didn't feel like I was hanging on any tighter than when I do 135 on a full faired bike. As far as dealers, I highly recommend Tampa Harley /Buell. They're not too far from you, have XB's in stock, and sponsor/race a couple Buells here in FL. Call and ask for Danny Abate in sales and they'll take great care of you. I've purchased over 30 cars and 3 bikes in the past few years, and my experience there has been #1! Service has been great too. If you buy a bike, I'm pretty sure they'll deliver it to you if you don't want to ride it home, however, it may be a great way to get those boring break-in miles done with. If you do make it to Tampa, call me and you can check out mine for comparison. Good luck! TK | ||
| Poplifedc |
I just sold my '03 Yamaha FZ1 (which has a version of the R1 engine). If you want power and comfort, the FZ1 is the way to go. The '06 is redesigned and lighter. But if you got with Buell, which is what I did, it is more of change. I went with the XB12R. Test ride the others before you make a choice. Also, check insurance rates. I was very surprised at how cheap the Buell was compared to the FZ1. | ||
| Buellgator |
I promise you there are dealers near you that support Buell quite well. | ||
| Buelltroll |
Ya dealers suck. I'm thinking about the new daytona 675 for next year mabye. (Message edited by buelltroll on November 01, 2005) | ||
| Dagwood |
Don't get me wrong...I love my Buell, but I still fantasize about the Triple. All I might suggest is test ride them both. | ||
| Tpoppa |
Svttodd, The XB9S and the Speed Triple were on my short list when I was looking to buy a new bike. My riding is primarily twisty backroads (very rural) at speeds 'somewhat' above the legal limit. I wanted something that was comfortable enough for 400-500 miles days and could hang with sportbikes on twisty backroads. The XB9S and the Speed3 are both up to the task. I went with the XB9S out of personal preference. I ride with a group of semi-controlled lunatics, many are club racers, a few are race instructers--all are very experienced riders. I've ridden with R1's, GSXR1's, Ducati's, ZX10's, Z1000's, various 600, etc. I have NEVER felt that my XB9S was not able to keep up. In fact, my Buell has earned the respect of riders who never thought Buell's were 'serious sportbikes.' XB's may not light up the stat sheets, but they have tons of usable power. It's kind of fun to ask a club racer why his 150+ hp literbike can't put any distance on my 'underpowered' Buell. The dealer network can be hit or miss. There are some dealers with very good Buell support, some not so good. The good news is that the scheduled maintenance is SIMPLE, buy the shop manual and do it your self. | ||
| Djkaplan |
I ride with a guy who has a GSXR1000. I have no problem keeping up (and going faster) when we stay on tight, twisty roads. But when we get anywhere where he can twist the throttle with impunity, well, it's like that joke about dropping your keys in lava; don't try and reach for them, because man..., they're gone. | ||
| Xb12rene |
The dealer attitude was the reason that I bought the Buell and not the Triple. My local Triumph dealer was not interested on my money and the next one is 5h away. I was thinking that the service would be even worst. Now I'm more as happy with my XB12R. Maybe later a Triple will join the XB. Rene | ||
| Fullpower |
try to get a much LONGER test romp on that XB12S. they are a great all around bike, in my opinion. i would LIKE to have a triple also, but if i could only have a single road bike, the Lightning is it. good luck, enjoy the choices. dean | ||
| Fullpower |
I should add: for me the Lightning is very comfortable at any speed under a hundred, yes you can cruise 85 mph all day long, stopping every 150 miles for fuel. I have twice ridden the XB a thousand miles in 22 hours. (on a Corbin saddle) dean. | ||
| Rocketman |
I've got a genuine 100 rwhp on my S1W - never ridden an XB of any type - and I hang often with guys on rice rockets. I also have a semi trick 916. You know, Termi's and chip plus a quickshifter (awesome), So I understand a little of where you're coming from Todd. In the twisties my S1W will play well with any sportsbike - period. Yes it will buck and weave and it will over steer too, but it loves been chucked around. You really have to take it by its horns and it will reward. For me though I'm a realist and I'm under no illusion \ delusion that my S1W handles anywhere near as good as todays rides; generally speaking. My 916 taught me loads about modern superbike handling, setting a bench mark if you like for my own judgment. Todays R1's, Blades, ZX10, GSXR1000 or similar will hand it to my S1W in any corner if the rider tries as hard as I do. It's that simple. There's one over riding factor that always sits in my mind though. Whilst I'm ringing my hairy Buells neck my rice riding buddies are not doing likewise. I'm lucky for now though. I took out insurance to enable me to ride my mean Buell this way. I built my own motor! To digress. My mate Steve has a few bikes. This years choice rides for him have been his recent new GSXR1000K5 and his KTM 640 Duke. So some would have you believe the KTM will hang in the corners with superbikes. Well it will - to a point. Steve's KTM will do 117mph-ish flat out. To watch it around corners leaning is kinda unreal at first and it does itself real justice in the handling department, but...... if I hang back on my 916 in any series of corners it's not long before I'm snapping at the KTM's rear. Getting past is the tricky bit but the 916 soon makes easy work of it. Just so much more usable power. The S1W does likewise if one hangs back. In those same corners it will catch the KTM no problem, and it will get past it (usually) but not as easy as the 916, and sometimes not at all. Make of that what you will. It's of course irrelevant if you don't desire to 'race' on the roads now and again. We all take risks and there's a huge fun factor involved so please ride safe no matter how you ride. Conclusion.......test ride the XB long and hard. The Triple has had rave reviews especially in the motor department for its strength and power. The 750 Brutale is a fantastic ride and thrives on having the revs ripped out of it, especially in the twisties. I've not ridden a 910 yet but I'm told it is easier to ride fast and rewards for doing so without breaking into a sweat apparently. Big rumour is MV are launching a balls to the wall power house 910 at the Milan show in a week or three. That is what I want - a very very very fast Brutale. Test 'em all and if one's not enough start collecting.  Rocket | ||
| Scitz |
I have an 03 XB9R and I have test rode the Triple speed. Triple Speed is a great bike but you can't beat the V-twin grunt of the Buell for riding fun. | ||
| Budo |
No question v-twins are special, they way they feel and the way they make power. I agree with Rocket. I had a 1998 S1W that would keep up with most of the folks in the corners however I holed a piston (failed intake seal) trying to keep a CBR600 just insight on a straight away. You might post your questiong on www.sacborg.com and for Triumph info http://t595.net/index.asp The main problem with owning a Buell is as you may have guessed, dealer support. I can pretty much guarantee you that the attitude you have experienced on the showroom floor extends to the shop area. Do a quick check and phone the Buell dealer up and ask to schedule a oil change on the XB that you intend to buy. My dealer it is a 30day wait, for a oil change. That may be something that you will do for yourself but it will give you a idea of the type of service you may look forward to. Good luck | ||
| Mike748 |
I don't worry much about dealers. I work close to cycle-rama.  | ||
| Kootenay |
I've seen two Speed3s in the flesh, and I like 'em--but if I was gonna get a Triumph, I'd be waiting for the new 675 (and ya never know--there may yet be a "baby" Speed3). However, I gotcha regarding the Buell dealer experience. I bought my XB9R despite the dealer--I know what ya mean, they don't really seem like they wanna sell 'em, except to get them outta the showroom so they can stock more Fatboys! Some of the guys understand, though--I was talking to a salesman recently at a dealership, and he's telling me that he thinks Buells are sold in the wrong dealerships (duh). This guy's been selling Japanese bikes for the past fifteen years...he feels Buells would sell if they were presented to sportbike riders in sportbike dealerships, rather than making us have to swim against the current in a H-D boutique... | ||
| Buelltroll |
That 675 with its 3 cylinders is perdy damn seksy. | ||
| Rocketman |
I work close to cycle-rama. How lucky you are even just for the company of two lovely people. They fix Buells too??  675 Triple - just seen it at the NEC Show and I was impressed. Impressed because over the years I don't see Triumph in the same league quite as the Japanese yet the claim to play them at their own game. I've never bought that because Triumph are simply not the neat and tidy in their finish. Yes they have it seems mastered the engine development but that started as a Kawasaki rip off - and Triumph have never built a smooth Japanese like transmission. But hey things have changed it seems. They've won a national championship and a TT and this new 675 does look like it is closer to the Japanese than they've ever been. I've no doubt this bike will win races now the FIM have given the triple the green light to race. Rocket | ||
| Johnb |
675cc, 123bhp,12500rpm(crank) $8999..  | ||
| Peanut_man |
For a second there I thought that was an R1. | ||
| Cataract2 |
SV, I can see you live in Orlando from your profile. I was wondering which dealer your going through. | ||
| Ryker77 |
try and ride an XB with the race kit. That little bit of extra power and sound might be the final factor. To me just the sound of a v-twin is worth it. | ||
| Dagwood |
Dealers... Funny story: When I bought the SX back in May the salesman (after going through all of the paperwork BS) hands me the keys and walks me to my new ride. It was sitting under this big copper bell. Apparently, when a bike is sold the new owner is supposed to ring the bell and everyone claps and shouts... I rang the bell loud and proud and everyone in the dealership started to clap...until they turned around and saw that it wasn't another hog. I knew of the poor support well before I bought my Buell and did so anyway. | ||
| Kootenay |
I knew of the poor support well before I bought my Buell and did so anyway. Yeah...I wonder if this is why Buell owners are so fanatical? You really have to want one, to bother with the hassle of buying one (unless Daves is your salesman!). | ||
| Kowpow225 |
I'm in love with the 675. For a second there I thought that was an R1. It borrows alot of the good styling cues from other bikes. CBR tail section with underseat exhaust. R1 swingarm only flipped upside down with 5 spoke rims. |
