| Author | Message | ||
     Westpat |
Hello, My name is David and I live in Alabama. I have been a fan of the Buell concept for years, and I am close to the point of getting one. This will be my first motorcycle, and I would appreciate your opinion. My brother has a 2004 Blast that he is willing to give me, but the problem is that it is in Ohio, and plans to retrieve it for the past year have always gone astray. On the other hand there is a shop near my home that is selling a 2005 xb9 city x for $3800. I know it is a more powerful bike, but I am 38 with kids, and no interest to kill myself. My main purpose for riding would be a 20 mile one way commute, or enjoying the country roads here in AL. Also, I do have to drive on about 1000 feet of hard pack dirt road going to and from my house. I am 5"9, 30inch inseam, and am a solid 215lbs. Should I take a serious look at the xb, or should I wait patiently and learn on the Blast. Or are there other Buells that might fit my needs more appropriately. Thanks for your time, David | ||
| Fotoguzzi |
definitely skip past the Blast and go for it.. not sure about your stature but the bike could be lowered? or you get boots with some sole. as too price on the CityX, how many miles? condition? go in with $3k in cash and try stealing it. | ||
| Westpat |
I think it has about 16000miles. It looks to be in very good shape on their website, but I am going to look at it todayup close. Other than scratches is there anything I should look/listen for. Thank you, David | ||
| Reepicheep |
There are a few different seat options for the 9s / 9sx that can swing the seat height an inch or so. I had one, miss it, it was probably the best bike Buell ever built. Id say it would be a good first bike for a mature owner. Take the MSF basic and advanced as close back to back as you can, make sure the bike has frame pucks and axle sliders to handle driveway drops gracefully, and treat it like a powerful and dangerous machine. | ||
| Andersonhdj |
Yep , I'm 5,6 , it,s a tippy-toe ride but i love it! Buells are a hard sell here , everybody wants the latest piece of Jap kit but for me this is a life time bike! Always remember , as Reep says , treat it like a powerful and dangerous machine. It weighs more than most of us and is generally stronger than most of us , a lesson seldom taught is this - if it goes down , kick it away , don't try to hold on!! | ||
| Sifo |
Some good advice so far. With some mature respect it should be a fine first bike. Way better for that purpose than many 600cc bikes that many start with. Some of those can be quite exciting as they hit the power band. The 9s will be much more manageable and easier to learn. Better suited to street riding IMO too. The Blast, you might find yourself out growing in a hurry. Some find it to be a great ride for a long time though. +1 on the frame pucks. If you get one that doesn't have them add them. Axle sliders are the next best thing to protect things on those minor tip overs. They do happen, even after a lot of miles on a bike. It's better to be able to laugh it off rather than cry over a dented frame. | ||
| Afsoc_commando |
Take it easy and smart and you will be fine. I have a 29" inseam and learned to ride on a Honda XL500 My current daily is a 2009 XB12XT Uly stock height! Just have to be observant of the surface your riding on so you can plant a firm foot down. Take all the MSF classes you can afford and find and you will be fine! | ||
| Damnut |
Easy answer........... Get em BOTH!!!! | ||
| Dualsportdad |
i have a 05 xb9sx and it's a great bike. it'll handle the hard pack just fine but if it's real bumpy it'll be a rough ride. i ride mine almost weekly down a dirt for a couple miles. the bike is also really easy to ride. throttle pull is pretty long so a little mistake doesn't transmit to the engine like it would on a twitchy crotch rocket. the torque makes it easy to pull away from a light or throttle through a mistake if you choose the wrong gear accidentally. really the bike is a joy to ride. | ||
| Westpat |
Very comfortable on the city cross. Amazed by the balance of the bike. It would almost hold itself up with my feet off the floor. I was surprised by the thunder from the exhaust when it fired up. Felt really good. 11400miles on it and nota scratch on it. Axle sliders and pucks were there and clean. Are welds on the frame supposed to be unfinished? Does it strengthen it? I was reading a brochure for the new Ninja650 And I thought it was funny that it was talking about pipes coming out underneath and mass centralization. Things buell was doing over a decade ago. | ||
| No_rice |
i'll drive to OH and pick up a free blast... | ||
| Westpat |
I am very confused the more I read. Sometimes I get the idea that the engine for all xb9's were rated@92hp What are the differences in the year models as far as mpg, torque,power, and overall drivability. I know steering and breaking are top notch. I think between the two I would take a smoother powerband and trade a few mpg. I would hope I could get around 50mpg on my daily commute of about 20miles and 4 stop lights. Thanks, David | ||
| Reepicheep |
The 12's make more horsepower, and get better fuel economy, but at the cost of reliability and lower revs. All the 9's will make about the same HP, probably 76 HP on a fair dyno with a stock exhaust and intake. | ||
| Ronbob43 |
I rode my wife's 09 Blast yesterday It has less power than my 09 CityX and might be a bit more fun on the power in the corners marked from 10 t 35. For sure less fun than the XB9 on straighter roads, comfort wise. | ||
| Westpat |
Thanks, I am putting the money together for the City Cross. The shop has a guy coming from MS to look at it on Easter. If he doesn't get it then I will move on it when the dealership opens again on Tuesday. Thanks for all the info! Next question would be for a full face kelmet recommendation. I wear a 7 5/8 hat. Thanks to all, David | ||
| Westpat |
Helmet...oops! | ||
| Fotoguzzi |
Helmet...oops! 50mph, busted two ribs but still have face..!  | ||
| Westpat |
What brand(s) do most of you trust. Thanks David | ||
| Fotoguzzi |
Nolan.. but you need to try them on. some helmets fit roundish heads others are for more square skulls.. a good sales guy can help. | ||
| Greg_e |
I would rent a van, drive to Ohio, and get the free blast. Even if you only use it for your test, it would be worth having. You can then decide to buy or not buy the other machine, at least you won't feel rushed into getting it. Yes the bigger cycle will work for a first bike, but it might be good to have the Blast to start. So you might grow out of it, if it only costs you a few hundred dollars, you have very little risk of failing to recover that expense. |
