| Author | Message | ||
     Mp2b704 |
So I am going to buy a Buell that much I know. I need some input on what kind to get. I want an 08'. I am fairly new to motorcycling, only have ridden dirtbikes and smaller old bikes. I thought the City X would be good, but does anyone know how they are on long trips? I plan to do alot of long trips, like 8 hours. I am 5'10'' and 160lbs. Thanks for your input! | ||
| Citified |
new seat was all I needed on my cityX. I would get up early sunday morning and get back after dark, Only stopping for gas and soda( and pretty girls).  | ||
| Luxor |
I may be able to help a little. I am 5'10" and 170. I own an 03 XB9S and an 04 XB12S. My 9 isn't quite as good as the 12 on the highway because of the gearing Buell used on the 9 in 03, but in town I prefer the 9. Now, if I am not mistaken the 08 CityX(XB9) is geared like a 12. In that case they would both be a great choice for long trips. The S, CityX(XB9), Ss(12), and STT(12) versions have a more upright seating position and are(to me)quite a bit more comfortable then the R versions. So, now we talk about power. The 9 has a higher revving smaller displacement(984cc)engine then the 12(1203cc) making it a bit smoother and easier in traffic, while the 12, a little rougher with more HP/Torque is a great highway bike. Then there is the Uly, not my cup of tea, but an awesome tourer. Maybe a little tall for you and me, I can not tip-toe a Uly, so it is just not comfortable to me. With all that said, I have put many long trips on both and they are both great after 8 hours in the saddle. Try and get a demo ride of each and you can feel the subtle difference between the bikes and then make the best choice for you. Remember, A Buell is a very personal thing. My Buells are best for me, but may not be best for you. Hope this helps a little.  (Message edited by luxor on April 15, 2008) | ||
| 1st47 |
First, go & try them all. See what fits & what style you prefer.I'm identical in size to you & I bought the 12Ss two years ago.This is my 1st bike ever.I've got just over 11,000 (trouble free) miles on it now. I have added hard bags & a top case, Uly windscreen,grips, touring seat & Lyndall brake pads.The wife & I fit very comfy on the bike & frequently knock down 3-400 miles a day.Again, try each one - different strokes and all, Dave | ||
| Mp2b704 |
No other people have input on this? Thanks for those who have. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
XT. | ||
| Jedi74 |
Hey mp, I have a '05 9sx and switched out the seat to a low seat. Love my bike put a couple of 500 mile days on of with no problems. If you decide to get a SX you will not be disappointed in your purchase. P.S. It was my first street bike also. Good luck! | ||
| Blake |
Take a demo ride on all the models that appeal to you. You are the one who must decide. | ||
| Mp2b704 |
That's the thing, I can't test drive, I am in the Military and I am overseas and this is the only place you can get the good deals on them. I think I am going to go with the XB9SX, I think the Translucid Blue looks nice, does it look nice in person? Thanks everyone. | ||
| Jedi74 |
mp, I constantly get complements on the translucent blue recently did the open air box conversion, so now you can see the air filter right thru the cover looks awesome! If you want me to PM you some pics of the aftermath just say the word. -Jedi | ||
| Mp2b704 |
That would be cool man, thanks. Could you email them to me? mp2b704@yahoo.com | ||
| Jedi74 |
Pics on the way let me know if you get them ok. | ||
| Mp2b704 |
Thanks Man Looks Nice | ||
| Cudajohn |
I am buying one from Military Autosource. The salesman sent me a quote for a 2009 because I will be getting back Aug/Sep time and instead of getting a model that is already a year old by the time I get it I will get an 09. I will email you the quote. It is in a .pdf or whatever. BTW, without compromising OPSEC, where you at? I'm deployed to Bahrain and have abunch of family spread ou through SWA. | ||
| Mp2b704 |
I am in Korea right now, I did a tour in Iraq last year so taking a break shamming lol. I will pick up my Bike in June of next year, so mine should be an 09 as well. | ||
| Ftmyersbueller |
First off Mp and Cuda, thanks for all you guys do for us, and stay safe over there. Now..I just bought an 08 City X. I was able to test drive all the different XB models, and liked the X the best. Im 6'0 175, and it fits me like a glove. Ive taken some nice long highway rides, backroads, and city driving with it and it performs great at all of them. The seat is a little too "squishy" for real long trips after a while, but with the money you will save buying the X, buy an aftermarket. The X will have all the torque you'll ever need, especially since youre still a little new to riding. If you wanted to really tour like it sounds like you do, stay away from the R; a little too uncomfortable for long trips imo. Lucky for you, theres no wrong choice here. Theyre all great bikes. | ||
| Cudajohn |
I don't know how you XB S guys do it with the wind. On my first 12R I needed to get a taller wind screen. But with that little wind screen on the S models I would'nt think you would get any wind protection. I never went on any longer rides than 200 mi. but even then felt the effect wind has on you. When you get tucked down on an R you slip right through the breeze. Plus, I am not sure about the 9 but the 12's engines got a whole lot better in 08 extending the maintenance intervals and the bump up on redline broadening the power band. Like it was said though, you can't go wrong with anything Buell. | ||
| Rpm4x4 |
I don't know how you XB S guys do it with the wind. On my first 12R I needed to get a taller wind screen. But with that little wind screen on the S models I would'nt think you would get any wind protection. This is probabaly known pretty well among experienced riders (not saying that your not) but the key is to wear the right gear. When I rode it for the first time I couldn't believe the force the wind had on me. I was wearing a big poofy jacket because it was 30 degrees outside. When you get up to speed the poofy went flat and pulled behind me like a flag flapping in the wind. It would pull on me, causing me to be jerky/wiggly with the steering, and would flat out fatigue you after 30 miles of riding. I bought a proper fitting thicker leather jacket and now I feel like I glide through the wind. Huge difference to say the least. Oddly enough I'm a lot warmer in the leather than the big jacket I was wearing. BTW I love my City X. Part of what I like about the City X is the sensation of the air rushing around me. My preference, everybody has one. (Message edited by rpm4x4 on April 19, 2008) | ||
| Mp2b704 |
Are any of you in the Milwaukee area? I don't know much about bikes, hey at least I admit it LOL, anyways I see alot of people talking about adjusting suspension to your weight and things like that and I was wondering if anyone was in my area that I could link up with to teach me some stuff. Are side mirrors better than regular? They look cooler to me, but are they as effective? Thanks! | ||
| Jedi74 |
Hey mp, I have bar end mirrors on mine and they are 3000000000000 times better than stock. The stock mirrors have so much vibration you can't see anything so I would definitely go with a good set of after market ones. Can be had on ebay for $40. Good luck , oh yeah and BTW like ftmyers said thanks sooo much for keeping us safe back home. Take it easy-Jedi | ||
| Luxor |
Hey Mp2b704, As mentioned above: Thanks for doing the job you do. It is very much appreciated!! Ok, to the tech stuff. Milwaukee or not, you have us, the BadWeb. We can walk you through the basics up to a complete rebuild. This is THE source for Buell info, PERIOD. So when your ready to "setup" we'll be more then willing to explain the suspension in vivid detail. You just gotta ask!! Stay safe. (Message edited by luxor on April 19, 2008) | ||
| Mp2b704 |
Thanks everyone for your support and answering of my Newbie questions! I will have all kinds of them when I get back to the states and start riding. Thanks again. | ||
| Mp2b704 |
Where is the best place to find things for the XB's? Things like different blinkers, exhaust, that kinda stuff. | ||
| Not_purple_s2 |
www.americansportbike.com They're a sponsor here. I and many others here have nothing but great things to say about them. AL at American Sport Bike is a honest and helpful way beyond most dealers. | ||
| Manimal |
Check the sponsers section off the main page. all the companies have links. It has been extremely helpful for me. Good luck with you future purchase. | ||
| Mp2b704 |
Thanks alot. This site is great, so many resources!! Does anyone know if parts for 08 bikes would be the same as the 09. I ordered and 09 because I won't be out of the Military until then so I can have the newest things. | ||
| Bobr |
Thomas, +1 on the XT for longer trips. I'm loving mine. I'm 5'3" on a tall day and 150 lbs. With a modified seat and boots with big honkin' soles I can get a foot down at stops. You should have no trouble getting both sets of toes down at stops. The XT set-up is absolutely fantastic for long hauls! I just got back from a trip from N. FL to the Suches GA area and my new XT was great. On the other hand if you're looking for something more along the lines of a small beginner bike get a Blast, then upgrade. There is even one Blast rider who does all kinds of long trips on her bike and maintains a website about it. You may even end up keeping the Blast as a 2nd bike because of its excellent fuel economy. Either way I recommend the MSF course. I took it when my wife took it and even as an experienced rider I got a lot out of it. Bob | ||
| Blake |
No information on the 2009 models has yet been released. Usually that information is made public in July at the big dealers meeting. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
XB9Sx is a great bike, I know I love mine, (and abuse it a bit too) Getting the 20k service done now. Only faults on the bike are the ones that I caused by riding off road. +1 for the right seat. Makes all the difference in the world. Stay safe, shoot back when you need to/ get to, come home to ride. |
