| Author | Message | ||
     Dummkauf |
I am looking to buy my first bike this spring and I was wondering what people on this forum think about getting an XB9R? I will be looking for a 2006 or 2007 model and I am curious whether or not this would be a good bike for me since I have seen mixed views on this on other websites. While tis is my first bike I have ridden other bikes, mainly a yamaha R6 and a friends old 1985 Honda Interceptor(780cc), and I am also planning on taking a rider safety course for the lessons as well as to get my license(been riding with a permit up until now). I love the styling of the XB9R and the great reviews for the bikes handling but am not sure if I should be looking for something less powerful? Any advice and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. | ||
| Thespive |
I would guess the XB9S or XB9SX would be better because of the less aggressive ergonomics. I feel that the R might be a little aggressive for a new rider with the clip-ons, etc, whereas the 9 has a slightly advantageous seating position for slow speed maneuverability. Others my disagree, and many started on Rs, this is just my opinion after riding both. As for power, the 9 certainly has enough to bite you, but I think it has a more user friendly delivery than a Japanese 4-cyl, such as a CBR600 or R6, which require more revs, more concentration on powerband, shifting, etc. You will learn more in a one weekend rider's training course than you will in a year of trying to teach yourself. Good luck and welcome to the family if you do get a Buell. --Sean | ||
| Carparts009 |
My first bike was a 9 and I got it when I was 16. Still have the bike and also have a 2004 R6. I would say if you thought the R6 you rode was too powerful that the 9R would be a good fit for you and I think that if you were to look at anything less powerful you'll probably be looking for a new bike after a little while. I like to tell people that just because your bike has a lot of power doesn't meant that you have to use all of it all the time. Taking the safety classes is a great idea. | ||
| Midknyte |
I have a 9R and... Personally, I'd say no, but you'll have plenty of people checking in here and telling you both yes and no. The power is solid and not overwhelming, but it's not a lazy man's bike. It responds well to good riding form to the extent that it requires it. It will make a better rider out of you. It will also feel like poo til you get the suspension sorted out for your weight and learn how to shift and place your body for a turn. It will not be as forgiving as a learner bike (a Ninja250 or the like). Be careful with braking. Also with downshifting - it has too much low end torque to absorb a poorly chosen downshift. Pay attention to the pressure in your tires. It will feel heavy when your air pressure is even a few pounds low. Like a butter knife when you keep them at rated psi. And like a razor at about a pound or two over. Can't fault you for your choice tho. I think the 'Bolt is supa seksy too. | ||
| Snakedriver |
My first street bike was a 12S. I do belive that it is the maturity of the rider that truly determines this choice. If Dummkauf can respect the bike, recognize his weeknesses, and shallow out the learning curve, he will be good to go. Leo | ||
| Jlnance |
While tis is my first bike I have ridden other bikes, mainly a yamaha R6 and a friends old 1985 Honda Interceptor(780cc) I generally say no when people ask this question, but you have some experience, and assuming you did more than ride those bikes around the block once, you'll be ok on an 9r. The class is a great idea. If you can, take it before you buy the bike. What you learn will help you with your decisions about what to get. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Personally, I think the S or R question comes down to the person. Some like one, some like others. Both work well. The R bikes have less knee room if your tall, and are less comfortable for long rides. If I had it to do over again, my first bike would be a cheap small displacement dual sport. Learn in the mud, sliding everywhere, drop it on the street as often as you want and just pound the bent parts straight again. Learn to corner smoothly and plan for stops (the brakes will suck and the suspension will require planning ahead). I think one of the most dangerous things about modern sportbikes is that the "fear threshold", where you feel like you are pushing the bikes to the limit, are all in the "mistakes go really badly" area. On a KLR-250 / 650, with big knobbies, just pulling out of the driveway sometimes feels like you are pushing the bike to its limits ;). Something like a used KLR or DR-350, so long as you don't get stupid buying one, won't even really depreciate over a year. Sliding a big bike around in a muddy field teaches you a lot of lessons about body position, throttle control, and muscle memory that street bike riders never learn. You will want to add or upgrade in a year or so... the dual sports are good dual sports, but they will never be able to do things on the street like a 9S or 9R. I'd just recommend adding... its fun to have an old beater dual sport laying around the garage... All that being said, if you are reasonably mature, any middleweight modern naked standard would be a good choice for a first bike (XB9 SV650 DL650 DL1000 ZR7 M2 etc) | ||
| Ferrisbuellersdayoff |
I never rode a bike on my own except my granddads roadking and FLH's, both of which had side hacks, the 9R was my first bike on my own but coming from a family full of bikers has taght me to ride slow and learn/feel the machine out before you get cocky and do something stupid. I learned that it is basically a death weapon/machine. and that it kills people. respect the tool, dont fear it, be confident and go slow, you can burn out 1000 clutches but when you flip you can cant hit the reset button on your life. be careful. | ||
| Dummkauf |
Thanks for all the input, and to answer some of the questions. My time on my friends R6 has been relatively limited to a few short rides, however that '85 Interceptor I took at least a dozen rides around town(town being Minneapolis) with all last summer, which is one of the reasons I want my own bike this summer :-). As far as being cocky and tearing down the road with my shiny new bike, I am 27 years old and have out grown the desire to speed down the freeway at 120mph, even in a car, and if I ever feel the need to do this I work with a couple of guys who race bikes and they'd be more than willing to take me down to the track with them. From the riding I did last summer I only picked the front tire up twice, by accident, and can tell you I did not like the feeling of that at all. As far as being cautious I am always extremely cautious when driving any new vehicle until I have gotten a solid feel for it and how it handles turning, accelerating, breaking, shifting, etc.... As far as the riding class is concerned I will be taking that as soon as they start offering them, I live in Minnesota so there are no classes in winter, and I am probably not buying my bike til late May or early June(I'm planning on paying cash and am waiting on my work bonus before I buy) so that should give me plenty of time to get the classes in and shop around for bikes, plus I can probably get a few more rides in on the Interceptor  | ||
| Dummkauf |
The other question I have is the main concern with this bike for newer riders seems to be related to cornering at slower speeds. Is this simple due to the fact that the foot pegs are higher up than other bikes which may cause some nervousness if you aren't used to that when turning at slow speeds resulting in trying to put your foot down to catch yourself?? If the answer to this is yes, how difficult of a task is learning to deal with this? | ||
| Mr2shim |
My XB was my first bike. 1200 miles later I'm not dead yet. No close calls. I started off riding like an old lady though. Kept that up for a week or so. You'd survive if you have common sense IMO. A lot of people wouldn't advise a 984+cc bike as your first. A lot of people encourage me I should buy a dirt bike or something small first. Ride that for a while, that way I won't kill myself. yada yada. I think it has more to do with self control and knowing that the bike can and won't have a problem killing you if you do something you shouldn't be doing. Especially since you don't have the experience required to counter than mistake. My advice would be to take it as slow as you can first. Memorize all the controls before you even start it. Have someone that knows how to ride bring it home or trailer it back. It call comes down to rider mentality/maturity IMO Seeing as how you have previous riding experience, I think you'd be ok with it. (Message edited by mr2shim on February 17, 2008) | ||
| Ferocity02 |
My 05 XB12Scg is my first bike. Although it is 1203cc, it isn't that fast compared to the inline four bikes out there. I think they are good beginner bikes. | ||
| Msparks |
I think a xb9 would be a great starter bike. I think if you take the class and use the skills from the class, you could learn to be an excellent rider. I believe you have one of the best handling bikes on the market, this will allow you to ride with better skill than some of the other bikes mentioned. I can remember my Kaw Vulan wallowing in the turns and scaring the crap out of me (and I wasn't going fast) I can also remember almost losing it on my triumph because of the crap suspension (I came off a BMW with a great suspension) I would say go for it! | ||
| Evil_twin |
9 for a first? Sure, why not? I had years of experience before purchasing my XB. Knowing your limits is your greatest enemy. That bike will definitely do things that I am still not willing to do. Even small changes to the bike will change it's characteristics, though, so be careful. I went through two two sets of Dunflops, riding them from edge to edge. Switched over to the new Metzler M3's and still have a 1" chicken strip on each side of the rear tire. Don't know what it is, but it seems like the bike just begs to keep leaning. But, alas, I start to pucker. Take the class. Take the class. Take the class. I still believe it was one of the best things I have ever done. I had been on dirt for 17 years and street for about 9 before I took the class. I think it make me a better rider two fold. Take the class. You should be fine with the 9R, IMHO. Just learn your limits. Oh and one more thing, if you do decide to buy the Buell, make that summabitch your own. Most of us ride Buell because we enjoy being different.  Rich  | ||
| Vanvideo |
In my opinion, no, I wouldn't recommend an XB to a beginner rider. The bike has too much torque. It takes a careful touch of the throttle to control the sudden and abrupt -and exhilarating! -rush of power. A more seasoned rider would have better control of the bike. Also, the short wheelbase can make for awkward handling. I own an '03 9R and an '04 GSX-R750, and I find the Gixxer to be more user-friendly, even though it has far more horsepower. I wouldn't recommend a Gixxer 750 for a beginner, either. I've been riding for 30+ years. This is just my personal opinion and many on this forum will disagree with me, but that's cool. Never the less, I would not recommend an XB to any beginner rider friends of mine, although I'll be the first to admit XBs are a blast to ride and nothing else sounds or feels like a Buell. | ||
| Retrittion |
Seems like some might be offering advice without reading the original post fully. My take -- I own a XB12R -- is: You have ridden motorcycles before (giving more detailed on miles ridden or the like would help people give you more detailed advice, but we can make due  ). You have ridden bikes with decent cc's. Your taking the course. Based on this info I would say a 9R would be fine for your first bike. Be aware the 9R is a different animal than an import -- high torque, high horsepower. If you get a 250cc, 500cc, 600cc, etc you will have a marginally easier learning curve. You will also want to dump the bike and get a 9R in a few weeks/months. In my estimation it is best to get the bike you want (unless it is a 'busa), take the class, ride with some knowledgeable and safe people, and take it easy for your first 5000-6000 miles. Bottom line -- it's your choice but I always vote for choosing what you want by choosing the thing that you want and then being responsible and careful. I say get the 9R and enjoy people asking you what kind of bike that is (people cross the street to ask me that question all the time). For even more fun, take your decals and markings off! Cheers, and ride safe -- on a Buell!} |
