| Author | Message | ||
     Ptceugene |
I'm contemplating adding a 2005 CityX to my stable. I'd like to hear from Lightning owners about their ownership experience. What do you like, what don't you like, have you had any issues, etc.. I'm a big boy, so I'd especially like to hear from the 250+ pounders out there in regards to suspension setup and handling. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. | ||
| Ustorque |
the cityX is just a great all around real world bike. i have no complaints of my '06 other than not enough time to ride it.  | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Hey Walt, It's Steve! Welcome to badweb. PtcEugene is a long time friend of mine, and all around moto-fanatic, alien expert, and power sports ambassador. I've been bugging him about getting a Buell for a long time. I think it finally worked. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
yes, get the CityX for all of your real world riding   | ||
| Htekwo |
Or you could buy my Wife's XB12Scg and add the longer shock! It would probably suit someone of your 'uh um' size J/K. Better TQ and just as fun. http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/compare-bikes/com pare.asp?Bike1=XB12Scg&Bike2=XB9SX | ||
| Ptceugene |
Compared to other bikes in my stable I found the CityX quite roomy (I'm 5'11). My reason for considering the 9 has to do with engine inertia and engine moment of inertia. (Message edited by ptceugene on February 14, 2009) | ||
| Ptceugene |
In response to Steve's (Johnnylunchbox's) post: The "alien expert and ambassador" thing stems from a motorcycle vacation I took with him, his wife, and another bud of mine in 2004. During said vacation we went to see Aliens vs. Predators to take a break from riding. After the moving. I corrected him and his wife on some facts about the Xenomorphs (Aliens) in the movie. I was talking trash and it got to the point that I said, "Don't f*** with me, I'm an alien expert." I was also an engineer for Polaris at that time (working mostly in the snowmobile division) and felt an obligation to spread powersport goodwill when ever some one stopped to talk to us about our bikes. We had a Blast, Concours, Hawk GT, and R1150GS in our group. You would figure that any of those bikes might spark interest, but for whatever reason it seemed that whenever anyone stopped to talk to us, they asked me about the rental GS I was on. I'm a talker, so any of those conversations lasted more than a few minutes. Steve's wife was "pissed" that my GS was getting so much attention and her Blast loaded with saddle bags and a huge drybag over the saddle bags hardly sparked any interest. It didn't take much time for me to declare myself a "powersports ambassador". My mantra during the vacation became, "Don't f*** with me - I'm an alien expert and a powersport ambassador". | ||
| Diablobrian |
Sounds like an epic adventure. We don't get many of those in life, so it's good to savor and share them. | ||
| Teddagreek |
Big Guy here the 9 motor is great... talking with others 2005 is a good year as far as minimal problems.. (Message edited by teddagreek on February 14, 2009) | ||
| Fltwistygirl |
Ptceugene- You will have no regrets with the 05. I love my hero blue 2005 City-x! Only problem with the city has been the sidestand bolt which was replaced as a recall item and it took a few weeks waiting for that part to come in, but was well worth the wait for peace of mind. Minor mods have made it easily a 300+ mile per day bike, I love the select seat. I've got soft cortech bags that I use to stow my rain gear/rider coach stuff and it has worked well as a commuter bike 53 miles each way for work. It has been reliable, runs great in all types but loves the cooler Florida winter weather, is easy to work on ourselves and I've never had any issues with the "9" lacking get up and go. I am 5'10" tall with 34" inseam so getting in a comfy position to stretch on long rides can be a challenge, but I usually just make a point of walking around for 5 - 10 minutes during fuel stops. Our breaks are usually 120-130 miles apart on a typical all day ride and I am ready for a break just before or right about the time the low fuel light comes on. If I did not have a need for a more accomodating 2 up bike for me and my supersized son (117 pounds and about 5'4" at age 9), and did not have the desire for hard cases for longer trips in the southeast and possibly cross country, I could see having the city for a long long time. I'm struggling with the thought of letting it go, but may need to make that sacrifice if I get a xb12xt that I've drooled I mean sat on 4 times now. Unless I figure out a a away to justify the city as a track day only bike....hmmmm... BeLinda. | ||
| Caféelite |
Own a 06 CityX.. Ride it to work every day that does not include snow. For someone that plans on having a daily rider the 9 is almost perfect. Great riding position, great brakes, pre 4k rpm is good for rush hour traffic but post 4k rpm takes care of the "OOOH shit that car is going to hit me" moments and for the most part its reliable. The bike has little for wind protection so be prepared for that. I know a lot of people say "no sh1t" to that but for a new owner its something you need to be ready for. You balls and inner thigh will get hot and I mean really hot. I suggest getting a under seat heat shield or make something to route the air somewhere else. Last thing.. if you do buy this bike DO NOT and im serious DOOOO NOOOOOT ride a XB12 at any point. If you do going back to your nine will be heart breaking.. Im sure people are going to bark at that and its probably cause they own a nine, road a 12 and are in denial. (Message edited by Caféelite on February 15, 2009) | ||
| Boney95 |
Cafeelite, I'm on board with your last comment "cause they own a nine, rode a 12 and are in denial ." Not about the heat though. Everybody that thinks so, needs to go to the store and buy a can of Suck It The F--- Up. (Message edited by boney95 on February 14, 2009) | ||
| Old_man |
I own a 9, have ridden several 12s. They all have more than enough power. 9 and 12s I find riding very slowly easier on the 9. (lower overall gearing) You cannot go wrong choosing either. | ||
| Ptceugene |
Diablobrian, It was a pretty cool vacation. Prior to that vacation, I had done tours all over the US and in Europe, but never rode much in the state I grew up in - NY. It was cool to come back to the east coast (I was living in Roseau, MN) and ride with old buds. We all got along well and the conversations during meals were very entertaining. That was also the first extended tour Johnnylunchbox took with his wife (each rides there own bike). They both got bitten by the touring bug and I'm not sure I could keep up with them anymore. (Message edited by ptceugene on February 14, 2009) | ||
| Ochoa0042 |
I dont know about you, but I like wind protection  | ||
| Rpm4x4 |
I dont know about you, but I like wind protection Thats what gear is for.  | ||
| Diablobrian |
"Thats what gear is for" +1 ATGATT baby!!! (All The Gear All The Time) Can I get an AMEN?!?! | ||
| Oddball |
Ptceugene, I think I know what one your considering, hero blue, 15 miles on it, Looks pretty good except for the polished or chromed parts. A few minutes in the parts department should fix that. That's the most appealing of their used ones. Surprised it hadn't already been snapped up. | ||
| Silverarrow |
I just bought an '05 SX last summer and I absolutely love the bike. I probably look a little funny riding it...6'1" -255lbs...but I love and enjoy every second I'm on her. I put 4500miles on her last summer and didnt have a single problem. Any specific questions just ask...hope that helps | ||
| Ptceugene |
For those that have complaints about excessive heat: Have you tried any fixes? If so, what worked for you? | ||
| 12x9sl |
I don't know, I have a 12 (Ulysses) and LOVE to ride my wife's 9 ('03 Lightning Low) whenever I can because it revs so nice. Not to mention after about 50-60 mph she pulls away from me. I do realize I've got more weight (me and the bike) but the 9 is no slouch. | ||
| Teddagreek |
One of our sponsors makes some really nice removable heat shields... | ||
| Kaveman |
For the heat issue, get a Corbin, they have a metal base... aka heatshield... And Super comfortable to boot! As for the 9 vs. 12 thing, I've ridden a few 12's(nice brute power) and still LOVE my nine(smooth!!)! Another $.02 Kaveman | ||
| Caféelite |
I just made a little shield out of tin that uses the right side tank bolt. Diff w/ or w/o is huge. | ||
| Reepicheep |
05 9sx, 6'2" and... well... heavier then I should be... I love the bike. It's a little cramped for the legs for long days riding, but great for aggressive use. For reference, I can't even *fit* on an SV-650, so the 9sx does an amazing job for the big guys. The TT would be a better fit if you can find one. I've also toyed with trying to get quick swap foot pegs of some sort so I could lower them an inch for normal commuting and touring, but raise them back for track days. I've ridden several 12's, on the street and at Mid Ohio. Nice stout pull, but nothing that left me regretting my 9. And a 9 with some simple engine work is probably faster then a 12 for about the same amount. | ||
| Jim_m |
I've had my City X for 3 years, it's been my daily rider. My only issue, is, of course, the lack of space for a passenger and luggage capacity (comes with the territory, I suppose). Otherwise, its been my dream bike. I added a Laminar Lip, Thottle Rocker and an air pad for my trip out to Indy last year, but everything else is stock (why mess with it if it just plain works?). 980+ miles in one day with no issues (ok, my belt had started to delaminate, but with the help of the Buell crew out there to get me a new belt, I had swapped it out at the camp site with no problems what so ever). It's a rock of reliability. I never notice the heat, as I'm usually in my Roadcrafter, but there is some temp issues in jeans on a summer day. I may swap out to an R tail to get some passenger and luggage room, but other than that, it's ace. | ||
| Ekass13 |
My 05 city x is not hot at all, Syn3 and about 20k on the bike. As far as being left wanting more after riding the 12, no chance. I ride with other Buellers regularly and the only one that has left me wanting more was the 1125. The 12 have a lil more up top 132 vs 142mph. | ||
| Rpm4x4 |
I love my cityX. I use it as a daily commuter also. Last year I rode every day rain or shine, not because I had to, I just like it that much. Close to 9,000 miles. I have no idea what heat issues anybody is talking about. Either its so minimal I cant tell or mine does not get hot.  Either way Im not complaining. I am also large(6'4" 225lbs) and people comment that I look too big on it, but I am comfortable, so I dont care. | ||
| Caféelite |
Listen I dig my nine, its everything I wanted for a daily rider and I plan on putting another 20k on it this year but that statement is wrong. Im a rather small guy so its not a weight issue preventing me from seeing the potential of the nine. You get on a nine then ride a 12 there is a huge diff. My nine has a good beat to it but doesnt get its pep tell about 4k. The fact is from 0-140 the 12 wants to rip you right off the back of the bike. Again im not trying to take anything from the nine but sometimes I feel people dont describe the diff between the two correctly. I have yet to meet another 9 rider in person that we dont at some point talk about how hot the seat can get and how loud the fan is. Its just two lovely features of the bike . If yours doesnt get hot and you cannot feel a diff between a nine and 12 then my only guess is you never get over 3k rpms. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Just to establish a baseline, does the 9 produce more heat in the taint region than the 12? I've only ridden 12's so I can't compare the two. |
