| Author | Message | ||
     Lostviking |
Hello all, This is my first post so please be kind. I sold all of my bikes this fall to help finance a piece of land. So I am looking into one bike to purchase next spring. I have major "Buell Lust" at the moment. But my problem is, Which one? I love the look of the XB12S & SS, but like a hard luggage option. Which I guess can be done through HB and Twisted Throttle. The Uly would fit into my riding style nicely. With heated Grips and power outlet already there. But I sat on it and it's up there height wise. I'm 5'7'' with about a 28' inseam. Then there's the CityX and the TT. I sold My 950 Adventure (Very Sweet Bike) And in reality don't need a bike quite that dirt worthy. But I like to take back roads to see where they go. And the occasional fire road, No Single track for this bike. My questions are. Will I be happy with the SS as compared to the S In the handling department? Will It handle mild dirt road riding? I am 48 and don't need to go 130MPH any more. But still find fun in fast sweepers and blasting out of corners. And just generally tooling around country roads. I live in rural up state N.Y. An honest assessment of my riding goes like this, 15% dirt and fire roads 25% Touring one up 60% Local and day trips For what ever reason the Buells just excite me. I love the look of that Cherry Bomb Translucent. I will be limited to one bike for a while so it has to be a Jack-of-all-trades. I have ridden many tall bikes in the past, like a 12GS and the 950. But for some reason this time around I am giving more weight to better foot to ground placement. (Old Age Perhaps) I have done much research here and on the Buell forum. Great sites both. Just thought it was time to start seeking real world wisdom. Any advice will be welcomed with open arms. Thanks, Walt, | ||
| Skully |
Hello Walt, Welcome to BadWeB! I've been a Buell owner for five years now and can't imagine owning anything else. Based on what you say above, the TT could be just what you are looking for. The magazine and owner reviews have been very positive. Keith | ||
| Reepicheep |
The TT would work great, and to be honest, so long as you aren't trying to set any speed records on the fire roads, the 9sx would do just fine as well (shorter travel suspension). You would probably want to swap the seat out for a "low" version. If you got the TT, you would have to add in passenger pegs (with the low seat) as well. The "firm" Buell bags (not quite soft, not quite hard) hang a little funny, but they work well and are priced reasonably. Like you say, there are no doubt aftermarket hard options that would work well. The Uly has the hard bags, handles well, and would eat up the fire roads like nobodies business. It has fantastic passenger acommodations, and lots of room for farkles. It lacks a bit of the handling and engine revviness "edge" that the 9sx has, but does a lot more. Like you say, lots of good options! I choose the 9sx (when there was no Uly or TT). Were I choosing again today, I would probably create a hybrid TT... the TT frame and suspension with the 9sx plastics, seat, and passenger pegs. | ||
| Rogue_biker |
No street bike is ever happy in the dirt. None. Zero. Those street tires never have ANY traction. If you lean it just a little, down you go. Unless it's always hard packed sand or dirt then maybe. If dirt is a requirement, just go and get the Uly. You're going to have to live with the tall seat for the ability to go offroad. Buell did fit the '07 and newer Uly's with a low seat height so you may want to try them again. Besides, your descriptions of what you want fit the Uly perfectly. Otherwise, the Lightning XB12Ss is your best bet for the rest of your riding. It has the longer wheelbase that gives it that extra stability in the highway as well as a fuel range of about 160 miles before reserve. The standard wheelbase models will do 120 miles before reserve. | ||
| Court |
Hello Walt, Welcome to BadWeB! I've been a Buell owner for about 20 years now and can't imagine owning anything else. You could not have found a better place to spend a couple winter months gathering information. There are a wide variety of riders, all with interesting experiences, here. Welcome! Court Canfield | ||
| Brumbear |
Im truly an SS believer the stability over the S is noticable even for a rider like me I am expierienced but not knee down good | ||
| Birdy |
I have a STT and the seat isn't very much lower than a Uly's is (maybe 1/2") at 31.5. I have a 30" inseam and am on the balls of my feet at lights. If you are just doing 1 up you can get just the low seat for a Xb12Ss. Thinks it's around $200.00 The SS and the STT are very close in build other than the travel and a bit of rake & trail. So most parts be swapped between them. Both are about 2" longer that the City-X or Xb12s. I don't think the bags racks at Twisted are the same ones the Xb12Ss/STT will need but I'm still looking into it. I am amazed haw well my STT goes in the dirt, it's NOT a Single tracker BUT for dirt roads and fire roads it'll scoot! It had the same tires as the Uly does and get OK bite. No knobbies of course but much better than I thought they would/could. What ever way you go hang on and have a good time! | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Sounds to me like a Uly with lowered suspension would be perfect for you. I'd try out a TT and see if that height is doable for you. I can't imagine it being higher than the Adventure you came from. The TT shock will swap right onto the Uly, and then you can adjust the front forks in the triple trees. That should get you down 1/2-1" with minimal cost. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
ride the hell out of it, 50mph on dirty bendy mt roads is my max, the bike will handle it. Doing it over I would have gone TT, for extra gas, clearance, suspension, travel but my CityX gets it done. Pic with the Caribou hard bags. email if you have questions about running her off road.   | ||
| Lostviking |
Gentlemen, Thank you for all the responses. Lot of good info. Lots to think about as well. I hadn't really given much thought to the TT, or the City-X. I kind of like the idea of using the left over cash to tweak the City to be something special. I need to get some seat time on the 9 & 12 to see the difference. Have been to two dealers. One has an '07 Uly, the other has an '06 Uly, for demos. Sat on a SS. Have not even seen a TT or City. But I have time. Thanks again. Keep it coming. | ||
| Akbuell |
I'm thinking TT, but I'm biased, and waiting for mine to arrive. The Ss seat will lower things a bit, passenger pegs and bags are available, and there is a lot of knowledge in this group. Welcome to the board, and enjoy whatever choice (and brand) you make. ;) | ||
| Xb9er |
Sounds to me like the TT was built just for you lostviking. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Here is a thread on the quick board about the SS vs TT http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/406 2/319883.html?1195653976 | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Also keep in mind, the number plates on the TT make GREAT saddle bag supports if you're willing to go with soft bags. | ||
| Mikexlr650 |
unadilla, you're actually pretty close to an active group of "buellers" in the hudson valley. if you want to check out the bikes on more than a "dealer" level just say so. mike | ||
| Hammer71 |
Is that what we're called.. Active.. What he said. | ||
| Lostviking |
Mike and Hammer thanks for the very generous offer. I will take you up on it in nicer weather. It would be nice to look them over with out someone breathing down your neck. I want one of these bikes so bad I can taste it. But need to remain calm. Think it through and do it right. Like that's going to happen. | ||
| Hammer71 |
Do it right is the way to go. Last thing ya want is to buy a bike off the spec sheet and find that it doesn't live up to what you wanted or expected. Anytime ya want we can all get together toss a few back and go over the bike and any related questions ya might have, that way you're an informed buyer. And if ya get one by the end of march there is this neat little trip we're goin on | ||
| Lostviking |
I like the idea of tossing a few back, Where exactly are you guys? And where are you going in the spring. Keep in mind I'm sort of an old fart although I rarely act my age. | ||
| Etennuly |
And if ya get one by the end of march there is this neat little trip we're goin on Yep! Neat little trip, you bet! Stay tuned! I had a City-X and loved it......up to 250 - 300 miles a day. I have a Uly and love it more and have done many 700+ mile days. You didn't say much about long trips, but the Uly is that and everything else you want. The thing I see is that the choices you have given, the City-X, STT, and the Uly are all going to cover your needs. It will really be just a matter of your personal preference. You seem to have time, test ride them all, I have. | ||
| Hammer71 |
Orange County. Newburgh/Middletown area. March Badness is the trip. Suches Georgia and the Blue ridge parkway as well as the Dragon. Old.. LOL no such animal here, your actually in the right age demographic. | ||
| Mikexlr650 |
rich, you still on for a closing on friday? get me the address, i'll stop by and check on the exterior, make sure your good for the winter. let me know if you need the trailer dropped off or help schlepping crap next weekend. | ||
| Bake |
The Uly and your ex 990 would be close in seat height. | ||
| Rokoneer |
Walt here? Now you tell me that you want a Buell! I'd have offered a Buell as trade for that X-Challenge instead of my BMW-GS! -From Ithaca | ||
| Lostviking |
Rokoneer, I might have taken you up on that one. Not really ready yet just gathering info. Looks like it will be only one bike for the foreseeable future. So I want to get it right. I would like your feedback on the 9 engine good and bad. Nice looking bike by the way. I am kind of liking the City X Walt, (Message edited by lostviking on November 25, 2007) | ||
| Hammer71 |
9 engine good. I beat mine like a redheaded stepchild and it took it all without any problems whatsoever. Hell it even survived my crash at 70 MPH and the resultant tumble down the road (started right up and ran beautifully). I wouldnt hesitate to get a 9 at all. |
