| Author | Message | ||
     Rasta_dog |
Hi, everybody. I hope this isn't a subject that has been beat to death, but I am thinking about buying a new bike and want some answers before I spend that much cash again. I'm 37 and currently ride a 1998 H-D XL1200 Sport(it was the first bike I ever bought and I love it). But I want something more comfortable that I can ride longer distances and take to the track for track days. I like naked bikes and have always liked Buells. The bikes I'm considering are the XB12Ss, Ducati S2R 1000, Triumph Speed Triple, all 2006's. I rode the Monster and smiled when the front wheel started to lift off the ground while I rolled on the power in 2nd gear(I think). We didn't get to go on the highway on the escorted ride I went on, but the riding position was uncomfortable. My Buell dealer gave me a XB12S(they don't have the Lightening Long model that I want)and sent me off by myself. Of course the first thing I tried once I was out of sight of the dealership was the wheelie...no luck. Now, it is not the most important thing for me to be able to do wheelies and beat other sportbikes, but it was still a little disappointing considering I would be paying the same amount for less performance, and I would think that the Long model would be more difficult to wheelie. The biggest problem that may keep me from buying the XB12Ss however, is the fan. It was loud. It came on after about 5 minutes while I was on the highway and never shut off. It was annoying. Those are the two things I didn't like. I love the looks. I love the sound. I love the ride, but I'm worried that if I throw a set of bars like the ones on my Sportster onto the Monster, I'll like it more. It's a toss up at this point. Like I said, I love Buells, which is why I came to this Forum, so any objective feedback would be appreciate. Oh, yeah...the stator failure I've read about hear is also tipping the scales some. | ||
| Jaimec |
I have over 8,000 miles on my 2006 Lightning Long and LOVE it. Just did a 500 mile weekend camping and riding in the mountains here too. No problems. Your post is the first I've heard of stator failures; I've never heard of them before... at least not on a Buell (seems to be a feature of owning a Honda, though). Fan? Who cares. You get used to it, and it does a good job of keeping your rear jug from cooking its oil. Wheelies? Everybody here will tell you that is NOT a problem, even with the Long model. Plus, with the better than 50mpg and decent fuel capacity you can probably do 200 miles on the highway before starting to sweat finding a gas station. By 8,000 miles my 2000 M2 Cyclone left me stranded once, and had three MAJOR oil leaks. I've had absolutely NO issues with my Lightning Long and I've already flogged it on the racetrack once, too. | ||
| Irideabuell |
I have a 2004 Lightning xB12s and love it. I've had no problems with mine and truly love the sound of the fan - especially when you stop and people hear it running and want to investigate further. It's always good for a 10 minute conversation regarding how they've never seen a Buell before and how awesome it looks. The front wheel comes of the ground with no problem what so ever. You may have been a bit inhibited since you weren't riding your own bike. | ||
| Ted |
Stator problems have occurred ,but seem quite rare. Usually around 20,000miles. The fan will activate less, as the motor gets some miles on it. Also synthetic oil will help. | ||
| Mainstreamer |
Get the one that puts the biggest smile on your face, ride it and enjoy! | ||
| Hammer71 |
That bike will lift the front end all day long. Fan comes on less and less after break in and more miles. I wouldnt worry about stator as it seems to be a small group. No issues here at all and I beat the crap out of mine | ||
| Frankfast |
I considered the same three bikes before I bought my Long. The triumph had alot of appeal. Looks and a hot rod motor. But I felt like I was sitting on top of it instead of in it. Didn't think it would be comfortable at longer distances. The Monster was more comfortable with a well developed motor. But I have three other Ducatis and am up to my ears in valve shims. If you take it to a dealer it costs you a small fortune so I do them myself. The Buell doesn't demand the maintenance of the others and more time is spent riding and less fixing. Besides it looks and feels right. So far it's been great. | ||
| Ronlv |
my xb9rscg custom, wheelies and spins the tire at will, even with a 240 | ||
| Rasta_dog |
I'm listening. Thanks for the feedback. I take any negative post with a grain of salt. My 1200 Sportster has been spot on reliable. And just so ya'll know, wheelies and stoppies are not a top priority for me. It was just cool to be able to do it the very first time I ever tried it on a street bike when I rode the Monster. And I swear, I tried several times in 1st & 2nd gear on the XB12. It actually did pull the wheel up in 1st when I took off from a stop sign, but I wasn't even trying then. It felt like the belt slipped & then re-engaged and I chalked it up to the operator not being very smooth with the clutch. This is a big decision for me. I can't afford to have two bikes so I would have to get rid of the Sportster, which will be akin to putting my dog to sleep. (Message edited by rasta_dog on September 18, 2006) | ||
| Hammer71 |
I feel ya on the Sporty issue. Traded mine for my 05 9r. After some getting used to the new riding position I cant say I miss it one bit. Go with what you are comfortable riding and not what the masses advise you on riding and you'll be happy in the end. | ||
| Lost_in_ohio |
I did not like the duc's riding position either. The truimph wasn't too bad but I worried about visibility in heavy traffic. I set higher in the buell so I can see a couple cars a head. Like everyone has said.......buy what puts that big happy stupid grin on your face....I did and will never regret it. | ||
| Americanmadexb |
i have an 06 long and i ride with a good friend with an 03 900 Monster. He has about 4 years of riding experiance against my 1(my first year), and he is always behind me. We have swapped bikes and he is always in front of me. Yes neither of us have tons of riding time but it seems odd it ends up that way! I also wouldnt wanna pay for valve adjustments every 5,000 miles or so like you do on the Ducs! ohh, and as for a wheelie, after break in its a different beast. Im 6'3 240 and i have zero problems with my front wheel coming up in first or second gear while not even trying, and it is bone stock!!! hope it helps !! BTW, the blacked out 07 looks SWEET for not much more money!! | ||
| Pounder |
ive allmost wheelied over on my xb12 it will weelie and im a big guy | ||
| Brad_buell |
And the fan will come on less after you get the original fluids out of that 12S. After I changed my oil/trans at 500 miles the fan came on considerably less. | ||
| Tunes |
I've checked out, ridden, and considered the same bikes... and did so for several years. Buell won me over on the maintenance costs, looks, sound, handling, etc... I now own an '04 XB12S w/Race Kit. I never try to wheelie, but the front wheel will come up with just a bit more throttle, with little effort, on my bike. Fan? The bike has a fan? Other riders are facinated by the sound of the fan... especially when it steps down, then shuts off. Half the time, I don't even notice it, on or off. As stated, the fan will run less with miles and running synthetic fluids. My wife owns a Sportster (not stock)... I ride it occasionally... In my opinion, my Buell is much more comfortable, faster, handles better, sounds better (in my opinion), looks better, and keeps a permanent grin on my mug. I buy accessories like; Race Kit, better seat, better tires, hand grips, bar-end mirrors... When I owned HD's, I spent most of my money on chrome... No more! Increased/Enhanced performance is what I go for now. Much more satisfying. My local dealer is selling all '06 XB12 models for $8995.00... (Message edited by Tunes on September 18, 2006) | ||
| Cochise |
OH, IT IS POSSIBLE TO WHEELIE IT!! I 12 O'Clocked mine, actually, I am pretty sure I 16 O'Clocked it. This isn't the greatest video of a Wheelie, but a wheelie video nonetheless. http://www.fototime.com/74884D5A-1320-4C7E-A5AF-5CC7EC98ED12/picture.MOV | ||
| Wildduke |
Ok, If you really want a ducati, then you will just buy it. I had a Ducati Monster 900s for over 2 years. Everything was wrong about it, but I LOVED IT!! You cant compare a Ducati with any other bike, because it always falls short, you buy one bacuase you love it. The only way i would recommend you purchase one is if you are willing to do your own maintenance. Now obviously some work will have to be done at the dealer particularly the F.I. models, but you will have to do most of it yourself. Thats because it constantly needs attention. If you took it it to the garage everytime something needs to be done, then thats the only time you will ever get to ride it. I will DEFINETLY purchase another Monster, but not as my only mode of transport and when I eventally move to a house with a garage (i live in an apartment). I am torn between an XBss(long) or a ulyses, because I want to be able to start the bike, flogg it around for the day and then be sure that it's going to start next morning. Thats my advice from a Ducati owner. Good luck! | ||
| Brineusaf |
Failure seem irregular on the newer models - I am the one who recently had a stator failure (3700 miles, 2006 xb12s). This is the only problem I have had (besides a wiring problem I caused). The Triple is a very nice bike IMO. The Buell won me over for a few reasons: American Made Looks Sound Maintenance American Made... Customer Service Improving reputation | ||
| Rpmchris |
Wheelies? Unintentionally, shifting from 1-2 fast will pull the front up 6-8 inches, and I'm really leaning forward on my Crossroads bars.  Fan? Who hears it over my D&D exhaust?  It's actually a comforting sound when I dismount after riding it hard. The fan rarely comes on while riding now (12,500 miles) and since I added the right side air scoop.  Buy the Buell. | ||
| Davy_boy |
There isn't an XB12 the won't wheelie in first gear . I have had mine for a year now and I'm very happy with it . Few minor problems that I fixed but after 8,100 miles I have to say it seems to run better and better . Just buy what fits you best . Good luck ! | ||
| Spike |
If you don't like the fan and you don't like reading about failures on the internet, you probably shouldn't get the Buell. The fan will run, it will be loud, and if you read badweb you'll read about other people who have problems with their Buells. If you can get past that, the Buell XB12 is an absolute riot on wheels. I've been hammering on mine for the past 3 years doing everything from daily commuting, two-up touring, weekend trips to Florida, to track days. Not to mention the bike absolutely oozes with character and will remain cool for many years to come when people will be complimenting the paint stripe on your '94 M900. Also, since the S2R and the XB12 both put nearly identical horsepower to the rear wheel and turn in very similar 1/4 mile times, I find it a little shocking that the S2R will wheelie from a roll-on in 2nd. At the very least I would say the ability to wheelie is not indicative of performance. For what it's worth, the XB12 is most certainly capable of wheelies. The heavy flywheel makes accidental wheelies unlikely, but abrupt use of the throttle alone in 1st gear or use of the clutch in 2nd will have the front end pointing at the sky in no time. | ||
| Shea |
I have the XB12Ss and it will wheelie easily from hard acceleration, but not higher than a few inches. I recently learned that with abrupt throttle use in a lower torque range will stand her straight up. I have only been able to do it twice though. I am still pin pointing the exact RPM. It will nail a 3-6 inch wheelie all day long though. I have tried clutching it really hard too and all I get is that 3-6 inch wheelie. Perhaps if clutched in the low RPM band it will stand up straight, but I am not going to attempt it. | ||
| Rasta_dog |
Thanks, again. I really appreciate all the useful feedback. Yesterday I checked out an all black 06 XB12Ss with a race kit & magnesum paint so we shall see. Dealer seemed not to be living in reality saying it was on "sale" for $10k plus the paint & race kit. As soon as I have a new bike, I'll post a picture. P.S. Again, wheelies are in no way the reason I am going to buy a bike(I've got a wife & 5 kids and a mortgage, so I'm way too mature for that  ). I must confess that it just makes me grin every time I think about it though. | ||
| Daves |
Could I interest you in a trip to Wisconsin? I have 06 XB12Ss bikes on hand. 1-866-757-1651 ask for Dave in sales | ||
| Daves |
PS, If you want, I can also verify that the bike you get will do wheelies. You can video it  | ||
| Blake |
...but not higher than a few inches.  That's hilarious. LOL! I feel obliged to state that the opinions offered here are not representative of BadWeB its owners or assigns. Thanks for the laugh Shea, but please be more careful with your statements. You don't want us to get sued do you?  | ||
| Bodyshot1 |
Rasta...Do it!...you won't regret it...I have an 06 Ss..it's a ball!  Good Luck. | ||
| Shea |
That's hilarious. LOL! Why? I was being serious. I go from closed throttle to crackin it as hard as possible and it only pulls up a couple inches. It's not until I am sitting straight up and hit it from low RPMs that it will stand straight up and that is a scarse thing too. I just spent an hour yesterday trying to get it to wheelie more than a couple inches and only got it to really stand up once. Man I was getting frustrated. | ||
| Josh_cox |
The XB12SS is a really fun bike. Dave said he has one in stock too...  I'm sure you wouldn't be dissapointed in a trip to go see him. Many people have and are glad they did! | ||
| Daves |
Shea, bring your bike to Appleton and I'll go do some wheelies on it for you. On a 12, I run it up to about 5000-5500 RPM, shift quickly into 2nd and give it some gas. The front will stand right up. 1st gear wheelies are too abrupt for me, I don't do them very often. I am not that good at riding wheelies. I wish I was. |
