| Author | Message | ||
     Oldroadtoad |
Hello the house! Having just test ridden a new XB9S, the Toad is curious as to whether or not any of you have used your bikes in a touring capacity (i.e., 300 to 500 mile days). I am also wondering if there is any hard luggage available for these motorbikes along the lines of Hepko-Beckers "Junior" series of detachable luggage. It may sound "wrong" to put bags on such a nice looking bike, but there are times when it is nice to be able to carry a few items (especially on a trip). Other bikes I am considering are the Triumph Tiger, ZRX1200, and the FZ1. So as with those bikes, I am coming to the best source of information, owners such as yourselves. Oh yes. I really enjoyed my short test ride on the XB9S, enough so that I am here asking questions. Thank you, and may the Lord be with you all. The Toad | ||
| Freyke |
IMHO, I doubt that touring is the S's forte... The range is rather short (120Mi tops) before it requires an octane 93 feeding.... the OEM tires would prob not last too long if just riding in the vertical plain... plus the darn thing begs to find the curvy roads... this is by know means an interstate cruiser... but then again, that's not its mission either..... Luggage...HAH! | ||
| Oldroadtoad |
Hmmmm... What about back road touring? I have done 370 miles in a day on my DR650, so it is possible. I generally eschew the interstate unless it is necessary (e.g., I need to make time). If kept at a reasonable speed of 65 or 70 mph, is the fuel economy of the XB series as good as Buell rates it (i.e., 65 or so mph)? Thanks! The Toad | ||
| Darthane |
That 65mpg is for the 2004s, not the 2003s, although no one has been able to answer what changed it so drastically at this point. Expect 50mpg - that's what I get with my kitted XB9R no matter how I baby or flog it. I'll believe 65mpg when I see it - and if I do I'll be buying whatever I need to to update my 2003. As far as touring on it, I recently went on the NE Tour sponsored by the Buell Riders Adventure Group. Went from OH to ME in 7 days (100-300 miles per day) and then back to MI in two (~550 the first day and ~450 the second). The XB9R does fine for long rides, and I routinely pulled 150 miles out of a tank without pushing things, and 175 once (but I was on fumes there, not recommended!). I have the Buell 'tank' bag, as well as the Buell tail bag for my 9R. The tail bag rarely comes off and I use the tank bag for city riding when I need to carry something larger. For the trip I bought a set of Eclipse soft saddlebags for sportbikes and crammed all my stuff in there. Looks kind of funny, but the bike proved itself to be an able sport-tourer, and handled great even with forty pounds of extra crap on the tail. No matter what you get, enjoy it and ride safe. Bryan | ||
| Johnnyprocket |
KneeDraggers.com sells a huge assortment of sport bike soft sided tour bags. Joe rocket has a nice set that also has some stiffies on the sides and bottom. Expect to pay around hundred bucks. I have a set on my XB9S and the samsonite tail bag on top.( 3.99 at Marcs) No tank bag yet but I have done several 300 mile days. Two were simply cause I got lost! GPS is coming soon! I routinely get 50 mpg's and have no kit yet and I love my throttle. so that tells my ridding style! Do wish I had some wind protection so if anyone has suggestions..... Paul | ||
| Chainsaw |
Oldroadtoad: I can get 60+ mpg doing 60-65 mph. Best ever was 63 mpg. 175 mile trip today and I'm getting 52 mpg riding in the Rockies at a very "spirited" pace. Stock engine and exhaust. 8500 miles. | ||
| Xb9 |
I routinely do 400-600 mile day trips from Cleveland, O down to SE Ohio and back on my "03 XB9R. Most of that is back roads. Touring seat, gel grips, Zero gravity ST windscreen and S model footpegs make it more comfortable. I've got the Eclipse tank bag and Saddle pack for trips, can pack about 4 days worth in there. I did 772 Miles from Portland ME to Cleveland in 15.5 hours, felt like I could have gone a couple hundred more, but that was all slab. I'm 5' 9" and about 180, the bike is very comfortable for me. I've got 20,500 miles on it now.  | ||
| Gonen60 |
Funny how so many people use the same bike for different purposes. I would never consider using the S or the R for touring. Not that I have a problem with it. Just making an observation.  | ||
| Dblhaulxb9s |
Road toad, I agree with the touring people here. I put Dunlap D220 tires on my 9S and have been getting "good" milage out of them (about 3000 to 3500 miles). I ride both styles, really agressive twisties up here in Colorado and pretty long road trips with both interstate and back roads. My longest day so far was 500 miles all on really great twisty mountain passes and I could have done it twice. I think the 9S is great for everything, that is why I bought it. 6700 miles since Feb. PS, it is much, much better looking than the other two bikes you are considering in my humble opinion. | ||
| Freyke |
I only get 38-45MPG on my 03 9S..... Then again I weigh 220..... You guys are getting some outragous milage..... 65MPG...geez! | ||
| Darthane |
Freyke, is your bike kitted in any way? Generally speaking, increasing the bikes power will give you a little bit better gas mileage. I personally noted about 3mpg when I kitted mine. XB9, SLOW DOWN, DAMN IT! Some of us would like to catch up with you in mileage, you know! (I'm just shy of 13,000 as we speak - not even the slightest hint of engine or tranny trouble - I LOVE THIS BIKE!) Bryan | ||
| Freyke |
Yup, its got the race kit installed and I run mobil 1 in the engine and redine in the primary.... kk//kef | ||
| Buckinfubba |
I did 13 hrs straight of backroads from north carolina to indiana on my 9R....If your old enuff to remember when a 500cc bike was a touring bike then.....you can tour on an S | ||
| Hootowl |
I have the Buell 'tank' bag... In another motorcycling first, Buell introduces the "air" bag as an optional feature on all it's XB series motorcycles. | ||
| Mikej |
" Buell introduces the "air" bag as an optional feature " Harley was advertising locally for engineers with airbag knowledge several years ago. Could it be they found something for them to do? | ||
| Skully |
Hey Toad, Blake and I took a trip from East Texas to NW Arkansas back in May. We covered 1400 miles in four days. It can definitely be done. I have the Buell tank bag and the Ventura Rack and Pack on my XB9S. Take a look http://www.ventura-bike.com/english/fitments/display_picture.asp?fitment_id=728 The set up that XB9 has looks pretty good too. I get in the low 40s at 80 mph and mid 50s at 60 mph. God Bless, Keith | ||
| Oldroadtoad |
Greetings all 'round! Thank you lads for your response. I made a call to the H.D. insurance advisor, and found that the bike will cost me $710.00 per year for full coverage. I expect I can do better. The bike is nice to look at, and it was nicer than the BMW R1150R Rockster I rode a week or so before. The build quality is excellent too. I grew up looking watching Eddie Lawson ride for Kawasaki, and I really like the looks of the ZRX1200. A good friend of mine took his on tour, and had a great time. The Tiger is just a style of bike that really appeals to me (Adventure Tourers). It is also a great all 'rounder, as would be the FZ1. But then, so is the Buell. Thank you again! The Toad  |
