| Author | Message | ||
     Pisymbol |
Here is my issue: all my friends I ride with ride cruisers. So I'm ready for an upgrade and I love the Buells but I'm not sure a naked streetfighter will be that much fun on the highway for 1-3 hours. I'm just looking for more experienced Buelligans to give me some insight about cruising with a Buell. On a side note, do dealers let you test drive Buells? I'm in NJ and I'm wondering if I can test drive a new XB12S. I was also thinking about driving to York, PA for the yearly test ride. I'm totally at a lost of what bike I'm going to wound up with but Buell is definitely on the list (as well as a K1200R, V-Rod, a Hammer, and Hayabusa). | ||
| Hardcorps |
Pisymbol, Any good dealer will let you demo ride any buell if you have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement. If you are looking for longer distance you might want to look into the SS it has larger seat, fuel tank, and is a very comfortable bike to ride for hours, even at speeds of 80mph. Hard Corps | ||
| U4euh |
Pisymbol-I have cruised,and still do, my XB9S for long periods, from 1 hour upto 14 hours straight. First thing to do for me was to get a better seat. With the limited range of the Buells, the gas stops are friendly. I see you listed the BMW, why not an R1200ST. Fellow badwebber Rubberdown has one, and it fits the bill for all around sport or sport touring capabilities. I know if I had the money, I'd get one. The Busa is a great sport tourer also. I guess it really boils down to what ride do you want, sport or cruiser. | ||
| Cochise |
Long or Uly would be the way to go, I think, if you are looking at a Buell. They have the larger, gel seat. | ||
| Buellishxx |
I just did 6500 km to Laguna on my 12s. Last couple of days @ 1000km / day, and a fairly sore butt. Next time I'm going to try biking shorts underneath my leathers. Adjustable foot pegs would be nice as well, as the knees take a beating after a couple of days. When you get into the twisties on those backroads, it made the decision to ride the buell well worth while. I put on a Metzler road tech, and it was great. Still lots of tread left, and it didn't give me any cause for concern on the corners (no chicken strips on it). As noted the long might be a better choice, as the larger fuel tank makes fuel stop planning a little easier. | ||
| Bartimus |
I do long rides on my city-X  runs fine with the bags, and I still have room for my 6'1" frame to move around.  | ||
| Metalstorm |
The longest ride I've done on my 12Scg was about four straight hours with just two quick stops for gas. I have the Select seat & I never once felt sore or tired. My shortness was probably a factor in that. I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam (though I need pants with a 32" inseam to avoid the flood pant look) so I don't get cramped on a small bike as easily. | ||
| Pisymbol |
Thanks guys! Yeah it seems like we have a bunch of iron butts on this board, lol. Yeah the Busa is suppose to be a fantastic sport tourer its just a very big upgrade in terms of power compared to the other ones (I keep telling myself that I will shift early and often and its no big deal). If Honda would come out with another VFR V-5 Blackbird substance, that would be awesome as well (the gentlemen's express). Though the R1200ST is a nice bike, its no K1200R in terms of shear power or looks. I've actually never been a fan of the BMW bikes since they appeal to the older demographic. But the K1200R is badass and next year there are rumors that BMW is going to add traction control (ASC its called I think?). I'm sort of waiting for the 2007 models to shake out before making a decision. I wish I could test drive all of these bikes but that might prove to be difficult (well perhaps not if I attend some of the dealer events). What I love about the Buell is its size. Its relatively small making it extremely nimble. I just don't want to be on the highway getting blown away by the wind! (like on my Ninja) | ||
| Xb12s_streetdemon |
you just need to tuck on the highway and look into an extended wind screen | ||
| Hammeroid |
The long ride won't be a problem. But you will be fighting with your right wrist the whole way. I have an Ss and I ride with cruisers from time to time. The only problem I have is maintaining a slower cruise speed. I'm no speed demon but I do drive fast enough to get a ticket. | ||
| Angelwild327 |
Pi, it's not so bad on the highway...your helmet, a very good one, I assume, will deal with the wind....and while it's probably a bit more tiring than a full windscreen on a cruiser, the lightning's rider position is very comfortable and you do have the option of leaning on your tank for a bit of "rest" at times...the bike is just too damn fun...all around fun!!! I don't really know the difference, all I've ever had were lightning bikes...so to me, it's no big deal...I've gone on longish highway rides and felt great afterward... my longest day was about 6 hours, about 5 or so riding..pretty much 70-80 most of the time...no problems... | ||
| Pisymbol |
Yeah Hammeroid, that's my biggest fear with a hyper-tourer, losing my license. Those 1+ litre sport bikes are ridiculously fast. I think it will be hard to "cruise" with my friends. I was about to just give up and start looking for an all out cruiser (Hammer vs. V-Rod), but the the naked streetfighters really catch my idea. I really like the Buell, Beemer, and Triple though the Triple seems less practical than the other two, not sure why either... Angelwild327: Yeah my helmet does deal with the wind but it seems like the rider's position does allow long trips. Wow, 6 hours, that's a lot. What about bags? Well Bartimus pretty much answered my question...that's a lot stuff! | ||
| Jhanz |
I rode to Lake Placid on my Buell XB9SX, from Northern New Jersey, about 300 miles. The whole trip was about 800 miles in 3.5 days and it was pretty good. You need to make pretty frequent fuel stops and stretch out a bit, but the City cross has a more upright seating position than the regular S model, so it handles the long trips well. | ||
| Skully |
Alex, I've done a couple of 500 mile days on mine and will do it again. Cruising at 70+ mph with the stock bars wore me out so I put the Crossroads bars on. Much better position for fighting the wind. Keith | ||
| Elff |
Ive got a weird twist on this I used to have a CityX and now have a firebolt. My screen name describes my size, small and light. 5'5" 140lbs dripping wet. On longer trips, the CityX proved to be uncomfortable to me. I actually bought the CityX because I wanted something more comfortable than the CBR600RR I had. I think I might be a special case but I traded it in on a firebolt and the aerodynamics, foot pegs and clipons of the bolt compliment me better and I am much more comfortable. 2 Up riding is also more comfortable for me and my gf on the bolt. | ||
| Ctyxrnr |
the longest leg of a ride on my cityx around 350 miles. i'm 6 feet tall and really haven't had any problems except the stock seat kinda suxs. in Oct. i'm planning on going to Bear Mountain, NY from Kansas City, MO. then from NY to NC. then back to KC, MO. going the scenic route through Deals Gap aka "The Dragon". total will be no less than 3000 miles in a weeks time of 7-9 days. | ||
| Bigeasy |
I have a 04 xb12s and a 06 k1200r. I've taken the buell from new orleans to detroit non stop (except for gas) and made it in about 20 hours. I have a corbin seat and the buell tank bag. What I found to work best on these long hauls is to wrap your passeneger pegs with some pipe foam. Then I just laid on the tank bag and kicked my shins up on the pass pegs superman style the whole way. The tank bag takes care of the wind and a throttle rocker helps with maintaining speed. You can also hook the heal of your boots on the pass pegs to give you some different riding positions. I am 6' 190 lbs and worked for me. As for the K1200R, wow I cant say enough about that bike! WICKED!!! I think for any long distance on a naked bike a tank bag is a must. Breaks the wind and provides a nice pillow to rest your arms. Art | ||
| Pisymbol |
Hey Art (Bigeasy), not to thread crap here (and its my own thread!), but did you get a chance to ride the K1200R? Just curious...my top two choices are the XB12S and K1200R for a naked streetfighter with long haul capability (now that this thread has sorted me out) | ||
| Fullpower |
PI, Please arrange a test ride, better to take 2 test rides. I knew the XB was for me after the second test ride. I am very comfortable for long distance rides. I have twice taken the XB12 on a Thousand Mile loop, 22 hours and some minutes each. A Corbin saddle is highly reccomended for such adventures, and auxilliary lighting is also a real plus. which ever machine you choose, enjoy the ride. | ||
| Pisymbol |
Fullpower, I plan on it!!! I want to test drive the XB as well as the Beemer to be honest. But its nice to have some Buelligans give me their perspective on the subject as well. | ||
| Bigeasy |
I did get a chance to ride it and now I own it! Dont get me wrong I love my buell but for the distance riding I would take the K1200R. Have you looked at the uly? That bike has long legs, nice bags and comfortable for days. The beemer has very nice luggage and the esa is a dream, switching suspenion settings with a touch of a button. It handles very well in the twistys also. There also is not much out there that can hang with this thing in a straight line if you get the urge. She is a very long bike and you can really get on the gas without having to worry about the front end coming up. Like a dam missle!!! I also like that she is shaft drive, no worries when far from home. Art (Message edited by bigeasy on July 31, 2006) | ||
| Lorazepam |
Hey Art, I bet I can get a belt faster than a rear drive for that k bike. I am guessing the reliability of the belt is the same as the drive of that particular bike. ESA is great until a component has a problem, then bend over and back into the dealer, if it doesnt lead to a crash. I would buy a Uly and a track bike, and have money for gas leftover. | ||
| Bigeasy |
OK whatever. A uly and a track bike huh? I paid 14000 for mine. Your right the beemer is a piece of poo. Would take a week for the rear drive I'll bet. As far as the belt lasting as long as the drive only time will tell with the new belt. The old ones I think not. Esa leading to a crash, hows that? Psymbol- You know what? Dosen't matter what what you get as long as you are happy and it has 2 wheels. They all seem to be well built these days and if your like me they are all fun. As far as things breaking- Buell 04 17000 miles, oil pressure switch and one belt. Pretty dam good if you ask me cause when I made that trip to Detroit it was for Christmas. Snow salt and all. BMW 8900 miles, a small switch in the clutch. I am not all that gentle with either bike and always keep up with the maintance schedule. The ulys a nice bike just not my style. (Message edited by bigeasy on July 31, 2006) | ||
| Percyco |
If your buds all ride cruisers than they will suffer just as much as a XB rider will on a long ride. I prefer my XB over my H-D for longer rides, less monkey butt(gel select seat), better suspension and for me with my feet under me instead of ahead of me seems to feel better too. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Nah, the weight shouldnt be a problem.  | ||
| Pisymbol |
Bigeasy: Thanks, much appreciated. I got to ride these bikes. I'm so torn right now its ridiculous. The Beemer has my eye just for its shear power and apparently friendly ergos despite being a naked cruiser. I still love the look and sound of the Buells and I owe it to myself to test drive one as soon as I get a chance (though I doubt many dealers have lightenings to test though I believe there is some kind of HD/Buell demo going on in Wildwood next month, might have to check that out). York is like 3 hours away! (anybody do a HD/Buell demo before since I'm on this subject) | ||
| Wademan |
Not to be the Devils advocate here but my test ride on the 'S' I did not like due to the extreme wind blast at sane highway speeds. A tank bag would have made a slight difference but I had to go full tuck to get out of it..... anyways what I am saying is just go test ride one and make sure you hit the highway. Only then can you know if you will find it comfortable enough for long distance or not. Good luck. | ||
| Kurosawa |
Just took my 2004 XB12R for my first Saddle Sore 1000 in a loop out of coastal VA down thru the Carolinas and back up thru TN and VA. Dead-nuts reliable and stable as hell through 9 rain storms with some pretty good gusts. Also worked great in 30 miles of stop-and-go traffic in some fairly intense afternoon heat. Of course the stock seat doesn't cut it, but you probably knew that. I'm short, so after adding a Corbin to kill the butt burn, I had to add a Heli top triple to make up for the way the Corbin pushed me back some. | ||
| Irideabuell |
I have travelled from Orlando, FL to Hilton Head Island, SC on my xB12s loaded with Buell tank bag, saddle bags and trunk bag. I probably averaged 90 mph the whole way and stopped for gas three times. I do have the upgraded Buell seat with "gel packs" and it was very comfortable. It was an awesome ride and I really wanted to keep going, but my brother and family were expecting me. |
