| Author | Message | ||
     Towjam |
I'm looking for some info from those of you who've put some miles on the 12Scg... I was fully prepared to put a deposit down on an '08 Artic White 'Bolt today and while at the dealer, I sat on a 12Scg. The ergos were spot on for my 5'6" frame. I could flat foot it and the upright position is obviously more comfortable than the sport ergos of the Bolt. It felt much like slipping on a pair of your favorite tennis shoes after wearing Florsheims all day. So my question... When comparing the 12Scg to the 12S, what may I lose with regards to handling, etc.? I realize that there's less suspension travel, less ground clearance and thinner fork stanchions (41mm vs 43mm). How do these differences play themselves out when actually riding? Is the shortened suspension the same quality components as on the S? I did not get a chance to test ride this afternoon but even if I did, I don't think I would be able to really put the bike through its paces in a limited amount of time. (And quite frankly, my skill level is nowhere NEAR the point where I could really push the XB.) One of the salespeople at the dealer pointed out that stunters love the cg due to the way it carries its weight. Guess I'll just have to take his word for it. Any and all opinions appreciated! (Message edited by towjam on July 14, 2007) | ||
| Ericz |
I love my Scg! I bought it new in 2005 and it has done well since! One of the biggest differences between the S and Scg is the seat. Because the Scg seat is cut lower there is much less padding. Longer rides are tough if you stick with the stocker. I first upgraded to the stock S seat and that was much better. Soon after I bought the Select seat and WOW!! It is extremely comfortable and holds you right where you want to be! Remember that any other seat will raise the seat height. The Select seat is a good bit taller than the Scg seat. If I had a standard S model with the Select seat it would be just a bit higher than I like it, and I am 5-10. I have ridden several other XB models and each one of them felt just a bit different. I could not attribute any of the differences in handling or feel to the shorter suspension travel or different size front forks. The only difference I did notice was the Scg's front suspension would bottom out sooner under unusually heavy braking, but nothing that felt uncontrollable. If the Scg fits you I am sure you will enjoy it!! Also, remember that there are many awesome changes to the 2008 XB's and if you can hold out for one, they should provide a much improved XB experience!! Not that I don't love my 05!! | ||
| Wantxbr |
With the one inch lower ground clearance you won't be able to lean as far over as the FireBolt. But like you said you don't have the ability to push the XB's to their limit. If I was you i'd take the bike that best fits my needs as well as myself. If it fits you that well how can you go wrong. The front forks I don't see being a problem unless your a balls out type of guy(Always trying for full throttle) Flex might be a concern but wouldn't worry about it. Their both Showa so I would assume they are of the same quality, just one smaller than the other. Just go with what you know, buy the one that feels and looks good to you. If you have trouble touching the ground on the FireBolt then why buy it. Be comfortable on your bike otherwise you may not like it in the long run. | ||
| Metalstorm |
You will lose absolutely nothing in the handling department. The forks use a dual rate spring (rather than single rate on the standards) and are valved accordingly to compensate for the .8" less travel. You just have to be a wee bit more careful going over speed bumps. If you can sit a Bolt you could easily sit a Scg with the Select seat. I have that on my cg as well & I recommend it greatly. The low seat for me would start to feel like a board after 100 miles and I really didn't need to be that low anyway. I had a chuckle when I read your post because a similar thing happened to me. I went to a dealer in 05 to put a deposit down on a 9R when I spotted a black/amber 12Scg sitting on the floor. I made the mistake of sitting on her and it was instant love. Here's a pic of how the low seat compares to the Select. The Select looks wayyy taller but keep in mind that it squishes down a bit and ends up being about an inch taller than the low making your overall seat height some where in the 29 1/2" area.  On the subject of lean angle.. Lean angle is exactly the same between the standard S and the Scg. Soft contact for the Bolt is 47 degrees. 42 degrees for the S and the Scg. Hard contact (suspension fully loaded) is however the same for all three. 48 degrees left and 50 degrees right. (This according to the spec sheets). I bet swapping out the 1" dropped S pegs for some Bolt pegs or traction pegs would raise the soft contact to at least 45 degrees. (Message edited by metalstorm on July 14, 2007) | ||
| Towjam |
Also, remember that there are many awesome changes to the 2008 XB's and if you can hold out for one, they should provide a much improved XB experience!! Agreed. In fact, regardless of whether I go with the Bolt or the CG, I'll get an '08. The low seat for me would start to feel like a board after 100 miles ... You betcha'. I noticed that too. If I go with the CG, I will probably order the select seat at the same time. The stock low seat felt almost as hard as the Firebolt and the Nightster - and this was just from sitting on it in the showroom! YIKES!!!! | ||
| Lugnut |
Towjam: I have a 2007 XB12Scg and I love it. I am 5'-5" and I can't flatfoot the bike, but I can get the ball of my foot down at a stop. The only way I can get closer to flat foot is with a Harley or Harley knockoff, but I object to the "gynacological exam" riding position (I stole the term from someone else on this board). The riding position is great and I can't imagine you are losing that much as compared to another Buell model (although I am too short to really ride another model and have not). In the long run, you will be happier riding something that is comfortable. The Scg is no slouch and I strongly recommend it to you. | ||
| Wpadave |
I also love my 2005 XBScg. I bought the bike new this March and have 2000mi on the bike. I'm 5'7" and this is the first bike I feel fits me like glove. My last bike was 150lbs heavier and has a 30" seat height. In Western PA most back road intersections are not level and have gravel. Being able to flat foot the bike when stopped is great. Try comparing the specs on the Buell web site. The only difference is the lower front fork travel and ground clearance. The lean angles are the same between the XBS and XBScg. The lower ground clearance means you have to careful over speed bumps etc. I think the stock seat is fine. I like the extra step behind the rider position. This helps support your butt under hard acceleration. You have to stop for fuel after about 150 mi. I typically ride 1.5 to 2 hrs without getting tired or sore. I started looking at XBR's just like you. Once I test rode the XBScg I was sold. I wish they made an XBRcg. I'm hoping for an 1125Rcg. I agree I would wait for the improved 08 models. I like the 300 extra RPM's before redline. Hope this helps. Dave | ||
| Edstevens |
Towjam When I go to try out a bike I have to ask the salesperson to 1)roll the bike out where I can test sit the bike. 2) help me balance the bike while I swing a leg over. Then I can usually just swing my feet in the air touching nothing at all. Then in 2004 I found Buell. I'm 5'3" and bought a Blast and found that both the regular and low seat worked for me. At the 1000 mile check-up there sat this 2003 XB9SL. I took is for a test sit and then a test ride and that was it! WOW talk about passion in action, this was it. I have about 13,000 miles and it runs and shifts better than ever. My only modifications have been to rotate the handle bars to the rear and use a ROHO Airhawk seat pad (only use the seat pad on longer rides). I really enjoy the upright riding position. You get a big YES from me for selecting the XB12Scg over the Bolt. | ||
| M1combat |
I've put about 47K miles on a firebolt and about 3K on a 12Scg (or actually a "low" because it was before the "Scg" came out). I love both of them... I know that doesn't help much but a few things that might... I thought that the S was a TAD bit over eager when leaned over. It has a steering damper on it now and it's perfect. I don't have a damper on the bolt and I don't plan on putting one on it. The bolt takes more strength to roll in at higher speeds, but it's just as quick. the S feels decidedly more responsive at low speeds (under 60). The Firebolt always (well, after a switch from Dunlop D207's) felt dead nuts stable at all lean angles, speeds and over bumps. I don't exactly get that feeling from the S but it is stable. Just not quite like the Firebolt. The fly screen on the S needs to be enlarged (American Sport Bike sells a great one from Zero Gravity) if you want to do more than 110 or so. The character of each bike... The Firebolt whispers in my ear and says "Lets go hit some canyon roads (there are a lot where I live) and drag a peg... Then lets see if we can get both tires to slide around mid turn... Lets just back it in for the fun of it... Then we can try to drag fingertips AND pegs  ..." The Lightning says "Screw this traffic man... Lets take the sidewalk . Damnit... There's too many people... TAKE THE GRASS!!! Lets wheelie down Whiskey Row (main drag here in Prescott)... Woot... There's chicks lookin'... SMOKE THE TIRE!!! QUICK!!! Hey there's a perfectly good parking lot for a rolling burnout... Now lets split before the cops get here." Both need a Drummer. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
-1 for the select seat! It does have a very nice driver cushion and position, but that V will duct water down your keester. The designers of that seat NEVER rode that bike in the rain with that seat. It gives you marsh pant and soggy bottom all day. That said, the Scg is a great bike, demo it yourself and see what everybody else is so passionate about | ||
| M1combat |
The stock "low" seat is no better WRT water. The Firebolt will keep you dry in a pretty good rain though. The outside of my lower pantleg will get a bit wet and the outside of my shoulders but the rest of me stays pretty dry. The ZG double bubble screen helps with that too. | ||
| Towjam |
M1, Have you had any issues yet with your Bolt's headlights? (apologies for temporarily hijacking my own thread) | ||
| Tx05xb12s |
I've enjoyed my 05 Scg thus far. You do need to take it slow over speedbumps so you don't drag your muffler and you'll probably want to look at an aftermarket seat, but other than that she's been perfect. I chose the Corbin Gunfighter and haven't looked back. Check my profile for details. As for the suspension, there is no such thing as a decreased lean angle and the performance is just as good as the standard height bikes. However, I did run into a problem with my LSL steering dampener hitting my fender. I am also 66" tall and can flat-foot the Scg. Being able to do this was important to me when I was a beginner. However, now that I've accumulated a couple of years of street riding experience, I will go for the standard height on my next bike. | ||
| M1combat |
Yes. The usual. That part of the housing is dead simple to replace though. that's why I don't bitch about it. A good dealer should be able to get just the part you need too. | ||
| Diablobrian |
I put the scg suspension on my firebolt so I have the best of both worlds. The only thing I've noticed as a real difference is that the Scg suspension is a bit harsher than the standard. The difference is not that much and I'm sure with a little fiddling I'll get the damping rates sorted to where they are plush enough without allowing it to bottom. Right now I am running more toward the firm end of the spectrum. So some of the harshness is of my own doing. | ||
| Sneth |
yeah. my cg is not comfortable on poor roads. I dont mind, but my passenger gets tossed around. I am 5'8", and i cant think of any other bike this suited for me. | ||
| Lugnut |
M1: That fly screen really help? I was looking to get/fabricate a small fairing. When I am travelling those nice back country roads at 50-60mph, no problem. When I hit the highway I get pounded pretty good. Lugnut | ||
| M1combat |
Yes it does. A good deal more than I thought it would. Make sure you have a strip of foam with adhesive on one side when you install it though (like the stock one has). If you don't replace that then some light from the headlights will get through between the dash and the fly screen. It's not blinding by any means or anything, but it's there. | ||
| Tx05xb12s |
Put a Uly flyscreen/windshield on it. I really like mine. | ||
| Danman2540 |
Wheelies???? Maybe? |
