| Author | Message | ||
     Futureduc |
Hi all, Just joined these forums in hopes of learning as much as I can. I'm starting to shop for my second bike (ever) and for the longest time I had been drooling over the Ducati Monster line. Then Buell starts advertising all over the place and I get curious...now I think I'm starting to fall for the XB9S (preferably '07 and later models). What can you tell me, as XB owners, about this line. Why did you choose it over another brand? So far, I'm lovin' Erik Buell's innovative Trilogy technology and the hooligan looks of the XB9. How say you on Q.A. issues, aftermarket support, and overall fun/reliability? I also love the fact that its made by people right here in the USA. thanks!! | ||
| Macdiver |
Go for a test ride. Try to ride a duc and a Buell on the same day. That will tell you which bike YOU want. The XB's are reliable. Service varies widely by dealership. Find a good dealer. Talk to a Buell owner in your area. | ||
| Firstfamily |
Go with the xb12s. More power is always better | ||
| Froggy |
The aftermarket for the Buells is smaller, mostly because there is less of us. Many aftermarket suppliers and mods are small businesses, "Mom and Pop" kind of deals. Because of that, when you call American Sport Bike or Drummer Exhausts, you speak to the person running the show, and they know what they are talking about and the service is excellent. Do some reading, take a few for spin, attend some Buell events. Resistance is futile  Oh and a side note, his posts prove cubing the Blast was a good thing | ||
| Xbpete |
Went for a killer ride with my son. I was on the 12R, he was on his new 1098S at the time ( now has a 1098R ) I live 500 miles away and we planned a day. After 50 of the best riding time a Dad can have ( he passed my sorry old butt, I was at 135 or so and saw this red streak go by.... still get a tear in my eye when I think of the passing of the baton...) Anyhow, went to the Vet Cemetery and visited my Dad and his Granpop.... then on the ride home, we blasted a few country twisties and then the Ducati shut off.. Day ruined, had to truck the Ducati home, couldn't ride again during my visit. Repairs were costly on the Duc, lot of waiting and the 12R 2 years later has still not skipped a beat.... | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Perhaps you might also look at a good used low mileage XB12S, especially if you are over 200 lb.s, as I am. The bike is the same size and weight as a nine, but has a smoother torque curve and more of it. The nine is a bit smoother, revs higher. I have owned both, like the twelve better. Lots of guys prefer the nine. Buells are cheaper than a Monster, and much better built. I have worked on both. Handles a lot better too. Parts are cheaper, scheduled maintenance is much simpler: no cam belt replacement, no valve adjustment, no chain to lube and adjust. Any year is fine as long as it has been well maintained. I have a 2004 with over 15,000 miles on it. Just my .02¢ Welcome aboard. | ||
| Futureduc |
Thank you all very kindly for the feedback thus far. I'm enjoying it very much. I weigh probably 185lbs with full leathers and am 5'10". I'm thinking I'll do just fine on the XB9S and it will probably be a good transition bike (currently riding a Ninja 250!)...so ANY power will be good power I'm heading out to Simi Valley Harley this weekend to look at all the Buell's they have on display...if I see a good used 12S, I wont pass it up...but my purchase wont be any time soon due to the fact that i'm getting married in a month and a half...perhaps a wedding gift??? lol and unfortunately, I don't know any Buell riders  You guys are a rare breed! | ||
| Gunut75 |
Keep maintainence costs in mind. Ever take a Duc in for a valve adjustment? I like Ducs, but with the Buell, even if your "somewhat" mechanically inclined, you will find it easier, and cheaper to do a lot of work yourself. Good, dependable, nice lookin' bikes them Buells are. I like Buells cuz they are made in America, and a lot cheaper overall cost than a Duc. But thats just my opinion. Ride em both, and get what you like. | ||
| Troopshipberlin |
I have an XB12scg and a new M1100S. I bought the Duc because the dealer accepted what I thought was a ridiculously low offer. The Duc is faster but less comfortable. The Buell is easier to ride. The stock exhaust on the Duc sounds better than the stock exhaust on the Buell. The handling and brakes of both are excellent -- way beyond my ability. They are both incredibly fun -- maybe the Duc a little more so, but that may only be because of its novelty. I'm used to the Buell. The Duc has sometimes been difficult to start on the first attempt, but has always started. The Buell has been completely trouble-free. Ducati currently has an offer of free service for the first year, which includes valve adjustment. If I were choosing to buy one or the other, but not both, I'd probably buy the Buell. Especially since you are currently riding a Ninja 250, I think you would find the Buell easier to ride from the get-go. It's just more rider-friendly than the Duc. And every Buell owner I've met has been great. | ||
| Ironhead1977 |
My next Buell will be a xb9 or 1125. both are very smooth. Watch the ad on the Buell web site it really explains it well. | ||
| Psychobueller |
When I bought my Buell (M2, 8 years ago) I lived 5 minutes from a Honda/Triumph/Ducati dealer that I knew well and had done business with for years. I test-rode all sorts of bikes including Speed Triple, Monster, SV650, VFR800, etc. Bought the Buell anyway - HAD to have it after the demo ride. Have NEVER regretted it, ever. Still get a thrill from the M2 EVERY time. By the way, that dealer that was local to me dropped their Ducati franchise. They told me they were bogged down with repairs and unhappy customers and didn't want the headache. Buy the Buell. You won't regret it. |
