| Author | Message | ||
     Ghalsey |
So I asked this question in another thread and being that it looks like I am going to be buying another bike soon I wanted to get all the info I could. Bascially, I would love to hear ANY info anyone has on the difference between the Standard Lightning 1200 and the Long version. I am aware of statistical differences such as the 2 inch length difference and the increased fuel capacity but what about real world riding? Aftermarket seats? Performance? Handling? Any thoughts? BTW, I am 6'2'' 190lbs. My previous XB12S was just about as small as I felt like going on a bike. Would the Long be a wise purchase? Thanks everyone... Oh yeah and another question: the two bikes under consideration are an XB12SS Sunset Orange Long, or an XB12S Cherry Bomb Tranlucid. Anyone out there know of anyone who would want to trade these color plastics for their Black ones? It might help in deciding which one to buy... | ||
| Bodyshot1 |
I have an 06 Long..it's great..does everything I want, though I probably will trade to something bigger down the road.. I'm 6'1" 250lbs..never really cramped, just need some passenger space. Riding to Laconia in June..we'll see how comfy it is for a long haul.. | ||
| Bodyshot1 |
btw..mine is orange  | ||
| Jaimec |
I love my XB12Ss. I can easily ride it all day long, and I have enough soft luggage that I could even do some solo weekend trips with it (which I've done). For long haul, two-up trips I have my K1200LT but the Lightning Long is perfect for all other kinds of riding (day rides, sport riding, track days, sport touring). | ||
| Jaimec |
Bodyshot1: Orange is the FASTEST color! | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Orange is the fastest color on the mud too. With your Height and wt, go with the XB12Ss , better fuel capacity too. My real recommendation is to demo ride them back to back and go with the one that feels the most comfortable for you. Really the price should be about the same damn number. | ||
| Liquiddragon |
i would trade the black plastics on my black 06 XB12Ss for the cherry bomb red ones. | ||
| Snowhownd |
I have a Ss, so I may be biased - but I love the bike and know I would not be satisfied with the plain S (I'm only 6' too). The extra room to stretch out is welcomed - I've ridden a plain S, but haven't spent a ton of time on one. The little bit extra space for a passenger and what people report as a little bit more comfortable handling was enough to sell me. I am no crazy good rider or stunter, I just wanted a cool torquey bike that was not totally impractical - I think the Ss fits that bill nicely. So that is my vote - I bet you could def find someone to swap for the orange plastics. | ||
| Brumbear |
I have the ss it is the funnest bike I ever owned as far as riding I just want the hicup in the fuel system straightened out. The dealer sending it back with the oil filter tight next time wouldn't hurt either | ||
| Ghalsey |
Okay... thanks everyone for all the info. So here I am at a large crossroads. I have narrowed it down to two bikes that I am seriously considering getting. Whew... I'm nervous. First one being the 2006 XB12SS, Sunset Orange. This is obviously a bike I am familiar with after riding my XB12S. The second option is: (cue flames) is a 2007 Harley Davidson Street Bob, Denim Black. Obviously a totally different bike, more expensive, and an extremely different riding experience. Am I going crazy? Somebody help... | ||
| Ironhead1977 |
I demoed an 07 dyna at Daytona bike week, it burned my leg on the clutch cover through my jeans. If I won a dyna I would trade it off. I truly am in love with my xb12ss. | ||
| Brumbear |
Forward mounted controls are not very fun ya can't really stand up and shake it out when your stiff and your lower spine takes a seious beating I am not sure how the street bob comes but keep it in mind | ||
| Redrocker |
Ghalsey, I had to laugh when I read your latest post. Your bike choices are practically what’s in my garage. I have an 06 XB12Ss in Sunset Orange, and an 06 Street Bob in Black Denim. I enjoy both bikes but the Buell is by far my favorite. It’s totally subjective but if I had to sell one of my bikes it would be the Bob. Areas where IHMO the Buell excels: riding to work, long rides, freeway riding, anything involving twisties, riding in traffic (we can legally lane-share here in Cal.). The Harley is fun too, just not as much when it comes to pure riding. Just my opinion and it means nothing because it’s all about what’s important to you and your style of riding. The two bikes are totally different animals. By the way, no significant problems with either of them for me. | ||
| Ghalsey |
Red... That is funny. Though, I guess its just a testament to our excellent taste! I guess it does come down to which style of riding I would like to pursue from this moment on. In your profile you mentioned that you wished there were more accessories for the SS, care to elaborate? I also found that my insurance would be $52 a month for the Harley and $82 a month for the Buell... | ||
| Snowhownd |
Have you price insurance through HD (at the dealer)? I got mine from there (underwritten by Dairyland (Sentry)) and the rate was not even close from my car insurance provider (Geico) or any of the other big names (Progressive, Allstate, State Farm, etc.). I pay something like $450 for full coverage on the Ss. I am 26 with a spotless record... although living in Maine I do get a discount for the 6-7 months a year the bike just collects dust in the garage!!! 6+ more inches of snow this morning, DAMMMNNNIIITTT!!!!!!! | ||
| Ghalsey |
Well I am 26, live in Maine/NH and had a spotless driving record up until the point I lowsided on March 30th. So I figure insurance rates on me might go up. Snow is nice eh? I should have just kept my bike in the garage till Spring ACTUALLY came as opposed to getting in some of that early spring riding. Then this thread wouldn't exist... | ||
| Snowhownd |
Haha, yeah I did the same exact thing - got it from my buddy's house (heated garage) and brought it over to my garage - went on a couple 55 degree rides... spring is here!! Wrong!!! Now I'm wondering if I should pull the battery back out of it and put it back on trickle charge!! I might have to pick your brain on some good White Mountain rides to take - I'm hoping to take a weekend trip down your way this summer and do Mt Washington. (I'm up in Bangor). Let's keep our fingers crossed for 60 degrees!!! | ||
| Redrocker |
Ghalsey, I hate to say this, okay maybe I don’t, but I was out riding and couldn’t respond to your post. One of the few good things about living in the peoples republic of California is that it is about 78 degrees and clear today, yahoo! I need to update that statement in my profile. At the time I wrote it there weren’t any bags for the Ss and there wasn’t a touring seat, all better now. And ya the insurance is higher on the Buell, maybe they charge by the size of the silly a$$ grin that it puts on my mug. | ||
| Cochise |
LIGHTNING LONG!! You may not care about legroom, you may not care about colors but you MAY care about GEL SEAT. I would go one step further and say, if you don't want a passenger, go with the STT's seat, still gel and you can sit further back without hurting your butt. |
