| Author | Message | ||
     Julesx |
Greetings from sunny England..well,not sunny!! Just returned from my test on an XB12s, which is my first ever ride on a Buell! Well you guys already know what I am going to say. 'kin marvellous ! Probably the most 'involving' ride I have ever had on a bike. I have owned many bikes over 20 years of riding from Japan, Italy, Germany and currently Austria (KTM Supermoto )but this is diferent again ! I want want really badly but............they are expensive in England so I will have to sell a couple of my kids !! Three things I need some adice on. 1. The stock seat, after an hour of riding, is like a plank of wood. It made me feel as thought I had been to some S & M dungeon for some therapy ! (not that I know of such establishments but my friends tell about them!!) I will want to ride for a couple of hours (fuel stops accepted)Can I get more comfort from one of those Corbin seats or something else ? 2. The rear suspension was good until I hit the tight bumpy back roads that we have in the UK. The rear end was bucking around all over the place. The bike itself stayed on line very well but again the ride was again punishing my derriere ! It was a demo bike so I didn't fiddle with any settings. Can this be improved on to give a more softer ride ? 3. The big question......How reliable is that big engine? The bike looks very well made but rumours abound about a few problems. Are these justified? I want to buy this bike badly but this is my one niggling doubt. Marvellous forum ! Loads of info that we don't have in UK. Tell me lots of good things otherwise I'll buy a BMW !! Cheers Jules  | ||
| Freyke |
Julesx, The "rough suspention" is fully adjustable and likely was not set up for your weight... My bike (XB9S)... has been very reliable (My Profile) with a few early production probs that I think have been worked out... By and large, the XB bikes are very, very trouble-free... I would venture to guess they are near the top of the heap of motorcycles currently in production... But I can't state that as fact... kk//kef | ||
| Julesx |
Freyke Thanks for that. I have heard about the suspension but I only had that bike for a couple of hours so did n't have time to change it. I am only 170 pounds and 5 ' 11" so that will no doubt make some difference. Thanks Jules | ||
| Anonymous |
At 5'11" a great seat choice for you would be the new XB9SX seat from the CityX. It is much more comfortable and gives more leg room. | ||
| Coyote_xb12s |
I also think the seat could use a bit more padding. I have plans to replace eventually. The suspension does need to be adjusted to your weight and it will behave much better. I have had my 12S for almost a year and 6,400 miles later have had no mechanical issues with it. The only thing I ran across was the horn switch shorting out but the dealer fixed it during the first service. I am very happy with my choice. You can see pictures of my bike here:http://www.sportbikes.com/photo/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=43902 | ||
| Steveshakeshaft |
Jules for more feedback on XB riding in the UK you need to talk to the folks at www.ukbeg.com . There's some good deals on XB9's but not on 12's at the moment. I believe there is just one XB9R left for sale at DG20 for 4995 UK Pounds. IIRC the 9S is offered at 5495. XB12's are still not being discounted in the UK AFAIK. HTH. Steve steve_s@ukbeg.com | ||
| Julesx |
Thanks for the advice. Unless I am mistaken the City X has not hit the shops here in UK yet. My nearest 'stealer' is taken orders for August. I have spent most of the afternoon trawling through this forum ( what a huge amount of information ! ) and it looks as though the hard seat issue can be remedied by either repadding the original seat or by buying a Corbin. I will have to change the suspension settings or eat more to compress the spring !! Steve you are right...........good deals to be had on 9's but naff all on 12's. Bloody robbers !! Cheers Jules |
