| Author | Message | ||
     Atlas_stone |
Hi All! This is my first post on Bad Weather Bikers. I am new to riding and I have decided that a Buell is the bike I want to buy. I just wondered if someone could help me with my decision. I've been to my local dealer and sat on a few different Buells and liked them all way better than any Jap crotch-rocket! The two bikes I have narrowed it down to are the XB12Scg and the XB9Sx. I like the 9Sx because of the seat height and little additions like the "x-guard". I like the 12Scg because it is a bit lower to the ground and has more power than the 9SX. If I get the XB12Scg would I be able to change the seat to the 9Sx seat or are they different sizes? If anyone has ridden both bikes or know about both bikes and the pros and cons of each, I'd really appreciate the help before making my big purchase. Thanks a lot and I can't wait to get my Buell!!!!} | ||
| His_and_her_buells |
Yes a CityX seat will fit the Scg. I have a 12 and my wife has a 9. Now that I've spent time on both I would have a hard time deciding but I would likely go for the 12 again. I have a like new CityX seat avaailable if you get the Scg and want a CityX seat. (Message edited by his_and_her_buells on June 23, 2008) | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Welcome newbie  You have sort of asked a question similar to; "which is better blonds or brunettes?" The answer lies in your riding style. Are you a distance tourer, with an occasional passenger, or do you like a higher revving hooligan machine. I myself prefer the 9 to the 12. It is smoother, and doesn't run out of steam as fast. If the idea of a Scq with cityx goodies interests you then you need to look at the Uly, especially the new xt. | ||
| Atlas_stone |
CorporateMonkey, Thanks for the tips. I would mainly be interested in long trips, but I would also like to use it for going to work and back, about a 4-5 mile trip. I am a newbie and want to demo both, but don't really know what to look for when taking them for a spin. What makes you say that the 9 is smoother than the 12? If I decide that I want to get into some hooliganism will the 9 fall short? Thanks for your help! | ||
| Towjam |
You have sort of asked a question similar to; "which is better blonds or brunettes?" The answer lies in your riding style. Maybe I've not honed my skills enough to notice the difference but I've find that blonds and brunettes ride about the same. On the other hand, I've found that blonds do require significantly more maintenance. | ||
| Ratbuell |
If you are going to demo a pair of bikes, make absolutely sure the suspensions are set up identically. Right or wrong for your bodyweight, they need to be set the same as each other in order for you to be comparing apples and apples. The entire Buell family (well, except the Blast) has the benefit of fully (and easily) adjustable suspension bits, and even a small alteration to the settings can be a day and night difference in not only handling ability but personality and ride comfort. Ask your salesperson in advance (email or phone call) if they can get the two bikes set up for your approximate body weight before you arrive. If they're unwilling, find another salesperson. If they're unable, ask to speak to the service department and see if a tech can do it for you. It takes 5 minutes a bike, I do it all the time. Remove suspension setting variation from the equation and you can focus on the real differences between the bikes. From your description of what you are looking to do with the bike...my guess is you're going to like the 9SX better. Slightly taller riding position gives better view and perspective in/through traffic, cushier seat for longer trips, quicker-revving smaller motor and shorter gearing...but only a ride will tell ...and not only do blondes require more maintenance, I've found they often need their ECM rebooted and the learning curve restarted. Brunettes tend to have a slightly more stable operating system. Personally, I'm partial to redheads...but I can't leave mine in the sun too long, she turns all pink and bubbly instead of that nice OEM porcelain color. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
CityX. The 9 is a smoother engine and revs a little higher than the 12. Not that that 12's are bad at all, but the 9 is perfect for commuting, twisties and whatever else you can throw at it. | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
If you want to distance ride than you need to look at an XT. I have a cityx and have traveled quite far on it, but once you strap a set of saddle bags on you are left with little room. Definitely no room for a passenger. I am very happy with my purchase, but if distance touring was my main objective, I would have looked for something else, most likely a BMW (just being honest) | ||
| Bigredwood |
Corporatemonkey is rite. If touring is your mainstay try the XT or even a Beemer. Myself, the draw to a the Lightning bikes was huge. I love long rides but I didn't want the Uly. The XBS just represented my passion for . . . different. It was a streetfighter with a shaking-rattling v-twin. No extras in the maintenance department and an exhaust note that chills Jap bikes at any streetlight. Of the Bikes I pick the CityX. I love the ergos and it is a lot of fun to ride. Not to discount the Scg, but I lack the thrill. The Scg has a smaller set of forks tube. For me the suspension doesn't vibe with my idea of a Buell. (Advanced-Edgy-Engineering: Mass centralization, ZTL, fuel-frame, oil-swingarm, belt-drive, etc.) I love the Cityx for all that it inspires in us hooligans. A year ago I chose the STT. I saw the STT as a bigger CityX, but missing the kick-ass Hero Blue color. I found the suspension to be very different. The trail, rake, longer swingarm make for a different ride all together. Not saying this is the bike for you, but it does have the SS tail on it (for more room). I also saw a guy on the web put the tail of a Uly on one, for those long drives across the country. But I find you have a good start in being a Bueller. As I like to say, "If you want a Buell you are going to love it!" Go to your local stealership and test drive as many Buells as possible. Each has a different personality with a similiar physical presentation. Welcome to BadWeb and the 'Perma-Grin' will be installed as you ride your 1st Buell home! (Message edited by bigredwood on June 25, 2008) | ||
| Clydesdale6 |
Atlas_stone, I'm pretty much a newbie rider myself but I own an 05 cg and an 05 City X. My preference for the all around bike is the City X. I can throw that bike around with a lot more confidence than I can the cg. Also, I'm 6'1 so the City X just fits me better. I would recommend the jardine exhaust cause it just sounds so sweet. And the stock scorpians are great tires. My .02 cents. | ||
| Reepicheep |
If by "hooligan" you mean just doing wheelies, the 12 would be the choice. Personally though, I suspect that will either get old pretty quick, or wrecked pretty quick. If you really want a hooligan bike, get a second bike, maybe a dirt bike with street rubber. *That* is fun, and they bounce better. On the track, I was on my 9 doing the novice class with some 12's. The only place you could see a difference was on the two straights. The 12's would *slowly* walk away from the 9's. And I mean literally slowly walk away... the 12's would gain distance on the 9's at about the same pace as a slow walk. So there was definitely a difference, but not one that I think is particularly significant. I suspect a 9 is faster through the turns due to the higher redline, I expect you can avoid a shift or two per lap. The 1125r's on the other hand would gain on *both* bikes at something closer to a steady run.... both in the curves and on the straits. | ||
| Atlas_stone |
Thanks everyone for the advice. I was originally drawn to the CityX, but I just wanted some feedback from those who have ridden them. I appreciate all the help and tips. When I make my happy purchase I'll let everyone know what I bought. |
