| Author | Message | ||
     Desotonorsocal |
Hey guys, so I recently sold my M2 Cyclone and while I *was* going to switch up (down/laterally) to a Japanese bike, mainly because my next bike is to be a commuter (Los Angeles, yuck) on top of a w'end canyon bike. I was told by several people I trust that the import bikes are simply 'gas n' go's and more reliable, but I personally see at least the newer Buells as just as reliable *IF* you keep up on proper maintenance/PM-ing. So long story short I still have the Buell bug, and have really wanted an XB. I found one for sale ('06 Firebolt XB12R) and emotionally I want it BAD, especially after taking it out- BUT, I need saner Buell-heads to prevail and give it to me straight about the following questions: 1.) Footpeg location: Seems too tight for me. I'm 38, not old, but Marine Corps joints so my knees and hips have a few more miles on them. After a 10 min ride, my left hip hurt for 15+ min afterwards (knees were fine). Also, I'm 6' 3"/185# (skinny guy). Will a drop-peg setup (Cycle Pirates? Knights? Etc?) cure all that ails me there? I'd guess I'd need a 2" drop for it to actually help? Keep in mind I only 'carve it up' on one particular road, otherwise this is street/freeway, though if I take a tight turn in town I really don't want to drag a peg! 2.) Unlike the Cyclone, the brakes on this particular beast seems to be uber-sensitive. A two-finger squeeze went from 'nothing' to 'oh shit' and I'd have to back of the brakes. They seemed really 'grabby'. I felt like I'd go over the bars if I had to panic stop. Is this normal? Can be adjusted? My first time with the ZTL's. 3.) Reliability: Should I really be considering this bike in the first place for 1-2 hour (each way) commuting? I'll reiterate; emotionally I'm sold. I want another Buell ASAP ($$ burning a hole in my pocket). I love the XB over the M2 in every way except possibly the biggest one: When I first got on the M2 it just 'fit' me, and I instantly felt one with this bike. I *could* feel that way with this one, maybe, but I'm thinking I need to modify it. Otherwise, anyone selling a tall guy Buell in So. Cal? :P Thanks for the insight in advance guys! | ||
| Roger123 |
giving some info. I bought a 2004 XB12S (lightning) I rode a XB12R (firebolt), but the XB12s fit me better. I'm 42yrs old 6'2" 230. like you I'm prior service. Army, with 2 new knees and a bad back. I decided on the lightning because the seat has a lot more comfort and they come with the 1" drop footpegs. after riding my bike for 6months I bought a set of 2"drop bigfoot set from knight design. that was some of the best money spent. To give you an example on where and how I ride. I live in Florida 60miles from Daytona. this year for biketoberfest I left my Harley Road Glide at home and rode my Buell. My friends, (all on Harley Baggers) and I left from my house, Me on the buell and them on their Harleys. when we parked I was good to go. My knees were a GO and so was my back. I hope this helps your decision. you need any more info just ask. also I don't know anybody selling there bike near you and I'm looking for a second Buell. | ||
| Desotonorsocal |
@Roger123: Wow, so there's a significant dimension difference between the Lightning & Firebolt I take it? If I *forced* myself onto a Firebolt, would a 1" or (preferably) 2" peg difference be as significant as that on your Lightning? You said: "Best money spent" and that's always a green-light for me. I'm not a 'rich man', but I have zero problem listening to bwb's and buying whatever it takes for me to be comfortable on my next Buell. Complete aside: I've done a quick search on BWB for "2006 Firebolt Service Manual" and didn't see anything in digital format for results. (No offense to BWB but the cgi search system is crapola. CTO for 15+ years so I should know. Then again, I'm a lazy searcher and expect some major intuitive results) Anyway, I have the '06 Firebolt Service Manual in PDF form. If it's already listed I won't be redundant, but if not, I'd like to post it to BadWeb. As a BWB N00b, I'm not sure of the best spot- Suggestions? P.S. - You mentioned riding with your H-D brethren. Did you end up fare-ing better than some of them despite being on the Buell? :P Would be funny if so. | ||
| Roger123 |
The 1" extra drop 2" total drop really helped, but Knight design makes what they call their bigfoot setup. try the knight design website to help get the idea what I'm saying. look at the bigger and extended brake and shift levers. I wear a size 13 boot. and like I said. I'm glad I made that purchase. also the subframe is different. the lightning offers a better stock seat and seat options. If your just looking to commute back and forth the lightning would work, but if your looking to run through the mountains and curves the firebolt would be better. that's just my opinion. | ||
| Raceautobody |
Try a Ulysses, or a XB12SS, or XB12STT these are much more suited for a taller rider. Al (Message edited by raceautobody on November 30, 2013) | ||
| Froggy |
While the Firebolt and short Lightnings are very similar bikes, the Lightning variants are easier to tweak to fit you. In stock trim the pegs are an inch lower, and the bars a few inches higher. The Lightning has a better selection of seats and handlebar options, so that may be the way you want to go. The SS and STT models of the Lightning have a different frame, and provide additional room for taller folk. I'm not trying to steer you away from a Firebolt, just trying to expand your options.
It is really a crapshoot these days, every bike has its weak spots, and every brand had lemons. I wouldn't say a fuel injected Buell is any better or worse than the competition, based on my first hand experience and others. The most likely issue you would find on a XB regardless of year is electrical. Between cheap voltage regulators, crappy grounds, and vibrations fraying wires you may have to do some R&R in addition to scheduled maintenance, but the good news is that you are not likely to have an issue that isn't well documented already. | ||
| Desotonorsocal |
Thanks for the input guys- Looking at Lightnings & Ulysses now! :P | ||
| Teeps |
Sounds like you need a Ulysses... | ||
| Desotonorsocal |
@Froggy- You sold me on the Lightning- Assuming all goes well I'll be back on BadWeb trying to find ways to bump up the HP/TQ on a (new for me) '06 Lightning XB9SX CityX! Should be getting it tomorrow morning! | ||
| M1combat |
How long is the commute? I agree with the suggestions for a Lightning for sure... but maybe not for long commutes unless you put a tad more faring on it. A laminar lip at the very least. I have a Firebolt and put about 1200 miles on a Lightning a while back doing everything from twisties to many runs down to Phoenix at "75"MPH. The wind isn't too bad under 100, but anywhere over that and it's quite noticeable compared to the Firebolt. That said... You had an M2 so that may not bother you. Personally I think it's a toss up on a good road. The Lightning certainly takes noticeably less strength to roll around but always felt just a tad over eager to me. Very responsive and "quick". The Firebolt though... It certainly does everything you ask it to and right now... But never more than you ask it to. Both are excellent though. If you're going to be commuting long distances I'd strongly recommend a 2008 or newer bike. They have the newer style crank. The older ones /i{can} stretch the big end of the front con-rod but you don't hear about it too often. | ||
| Ulyful |
Deso, I'm 6'5", 220 lbs. Bought my first Buell Sept. 2013--a '06 Uly XB12X (with bags) to try out as a second bike to my '12 Road King. Wanted to see what it was like to "stretch out" again while riding a motorcycle. I bought and installed 1" handlebar risers to sit upright a bit more. Put a tall Madstad adjustable windscreen on it too. It's a very comfortable bike for tall people, short seat or tall (it came with both). I like what I am experiencing so far, though haven't gone through an entire season yet. Looking forward to experiencing a long bike trip in 2014. I highly recommend a Uly. Don't think you'll regret it. | ||
| Ducbsa |
Riding an XB enables you to ride like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embed ded&v=Qle0GFj18tQ | ||
| Desotonorsocal |
Update: So I bought an '06 Lightning (CITYX XB9SX). Wish I'd known about the pre-08 problems earlier but hindsight, right? I've been told I look like a Hippo attempting to mate with a tiny bunny but I don't care, I love the bike. Bought it from a gentleman who unfortunately was unloading his bike collection due to hand surgery. He installed some clutch-assist deal (doesn't seem much easier to me but whatever) which didn't help him, so his 6100 mile bike has been mine for a month now. Here's what I got: My Cyclone was much more suited to my height, but I'm actually way comfortable on this. (More so than the xb12 I'd test-ridden which killed my aging hips in 10 minutes) I'm at 7200 miles now. @M1combat to answer your question, I'm at 47 miles each way. 73 to 405n in So Cal which means about 1h 15m each way. I lane split, but not aggressively. (ie, I'm passed by other bikes regularly) In 30 days of commuting I've had a door open on me once, been squeeze-played by a pair of trucks 3 times, and had HOV lane-changes (on the double yellow) more times than I can count. I'm already saving about 20-40 minutes riding v. driving so I'm not in a hurry to die to save 20 more minutes, lol. @Ulyful - Did you need the taller bars considering your substantial stature? Maybe I have ape-ish arms but I can sit upright on the bike and the bars are still comfortable. My particular (minor) problem is the pegs. Aside from the fact that my size 13's tend to grab the kickstand, my knees are bent up a bit. Not like the 12 which again is why I'm happy with my purchase, but a *slight* adjustment down would probably make my life easier. @m1combat: Yes, I'm also looking at getting an American Sport Bike taller wind-screen. My daily commute has me going anywhere from 35mph - 95 (kph? j/k) but yeah, when the opportunity presents itself I *need* to make up more time. @ 55 degrees I'm guessing 35 or less with wind chill and basically freezing my ass off, not to mention the 'peeling' that happens, so I'm hoping for more wind protection. Also, I agree; the Firebolt I REALLY wanted, simply because it felt scary-responsive, but @ 6.3" I just couldn't do it. BTW, what do you mean by 'over eager'? I feel like I have to wring the crap out of it to get it to do anything, though I'm comparing it to a heavily modified (professionally) Cyclone. I wouldn't say I'm disappointed with the performance, (it's actually FAR more consistent & smooth) but I could get in trouble with the throttle on the Cyclone easily. Not at all with the Lightning. @Ducbsa - I love when you can see how hard/fast someone is riding by how far ahead they're looking. Wicked fast! Not gouda about the spill though. You can see his deep breaths while he's getting his bearings again.... My 1959 DeSoto did the PP Hill Climb... In 1959 though...and admittedly much slower.... Oh, and I FEEL like him now that I've got the XB, but I'd kill myself before I'd be able to hit those speeds, lol. Side note: LOTS of engine 'ticking' post-1k miles of me driving. Anyway know of a reliable Buell-friendly mechanic in So. Cal. who can take a look at my ride? | ||
| D_adams |
I have an easy way to do just that. This..  Equals this...  With a little more tuning it will make even more. That's on an 03 xb9. | ||
| Reepicheep |
No worries on the pre 08 XB9, that motor is probably the most bullet proof machine to ever roll out wearing a Buell sticker by a long shot. It is a fantastic fantastic motor. I went from an M2 to an XB9SX and had almost the exact same perceptions that you have. I looked rediculous (6'2") but just dont care, so comfortable, handles SO well. I love the uly too, and the fact that I was able to do an 820 mile day without requiring hospitalization, but I do miss my CityX. | ||
| Desotonorsocal |
@D_Adams - I want to go FAST of course- But it's also a commuter bike, which means I'm looking for reliability. The only thing I know I REALLY want to do is go aftermarket exhaust so I can have a decent sound. @Reepicheep - I'm glad to hear I have a reliable bike. I'm going to do some major PM work this w'end and have a few questions (I'm @ 7200 but figured on doing the 10k maintenance since I don't know the previous owner's background): 1.) Plugs: They're cheap and I heard NGK are the best. Recommendations? Otherwise I'll go with the 10R12A @ .035 gap 2.) Oil: Same thing- I figured I'd purchase the SAE 20W50 - HD360 unless otherwise specified by the BwB Tribe. 3.) Oil Filter: More of the same: Is P/N 63806-00Y fine? Part of those questions are related to availability in that I'm looking to do the PM-ing this w'end, so I really can't special order anything at this point. I've delayed this probably longer than I should have. Last note: I've not check fluids since purchasing the bike (shame on me) but it *seems* that the engine has gotten a LOT more noisy than is typical. I understand that V-Twins tend to be 'ticky' but from the time I got the bike and the 1k+ miles I've put on it, I think it *may* be a lot more noisier. If that's top-end, I'd guess I need to have a legit mechanic look at it? So far it's been smooth as far as motor riding. Thanks again for everything guys! | ||
| D_adams |
This is one I sent to Australia a few weeks back. Direct quote from Steve. "The missus complains that I'm spending my time on the bike than with her, I'll blame you, but geez it's good fun now."   (Message edited by d_adams on December 20, 2013) | ||
| Desotonorsocal |
@D_adams- Gorgeous bike. Definitely one of the reasons I really wanted a 12, but again, size prevented me from commuting on something like that. I really want to go with that orange vice the blue I have too- Plus I've got the black rims as it's the city version but any $$ going into it right now has to be to make sure she runs like a champ- Speaking of; anyone interested in meeting with me today and making some quick cash, check my PM-ing link: http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/lbg/4255561942. html I've been going through the service manual but the top-end 'ticking' is scaring the CRAP out of me (flashbacks to my old M2 fragging) so I'd really like to find someone locally who can tell me if it's in my head, if something major needs to be done, or anything in between- Meanwhile, I'm still window-shopping for exhaust! :P |
