| Author | Message | ||
     Cyko_bob |
Guys (and and maybe a gal or two)... I am sitting here, and it is 12 degrees outside according to weather.com. The good news is the chill factor is also 12 degrees  We have a Polar Bear run coming up next weekend...hope we have a heat spell by then! Anyway, to Buell things. Being as I am sissy enough not to be riding this morning, I am thinking about future bikes and in particular the Buell, sport-touring bike I want when I get back to the States. I wonder if a tube model Buell would be better than the XB? However, I like the engineering facets of the XB...the fuel injection and the great gas mileage, but they feel a little cramped when ridden for a spell...at least to me, and I am only 5'7" I have a Lightning right now (want to keep the Lightning as my hooligan bike or get another when I return), but if I go with the XB for a sport-touring bike, I am thinking the Firebolt model due to the fairing. Of course I would get the Zero Gravity Sport Touring windshield and whatever else would make it more comfortable and adaptable. However, the tube model Buells have a longer wheelbase and even their own version of a touring machine. What think ye fellow Buellers? In your humble opinion, which one makes the best touring bike, and any suggestions or thoughts for building a touring Buell out of the XB series? Thanks for day dreaming with me while I am homebound...Cyko Bob  | ||
| Norrisperformance |
I just bought a 2004 XB12R. I'm in love with this bike. I've owned GSXR 750s, ZX7R and my last bike was a 2001 ZX9R. I'm 5'11 and the riding position feels great too me. Slide up to the tank and set upright or slide back when it's time to ride hard. | ||
| Cyko_bob |
Thanks for the input Norris. I have not ridden the Firebolt yet. I guess I need to do that. I recently got a Corbin from Daves, but have not had a chance to try it out. Of course the Lightning with a Corbin is not the same as the Firebolt anyway. I was also thinking about putting some kind of riser on a Firebolt to give a little more upright position. The forward lean does not seem to bother me on extended rides as long as it is not too far over. I also have a ZRX1200, and I find it to be more comfortable on the distance rides than the Lightning. Since the ZRX is paid for I will keep it, but I want a touring Buell when I get back. I like what Erik is doing with the Buell and want to stick with them. Thanks again Norris...Cyko Bob | ||
| Chris_mackay |
If you've got the means to keep the XB and just add another bike look close at the S3T's. They still get up and go and you can take them on extended journeys and not have to mail your gear ahead of you! Snap a tank bag on, fill it with a CD/MP3 player, mount speakers in your helmet and get lost!  | ||
| Norrisperformance |
If you get the XB12R and need risers. I own a machine shop. I'll custom CNC machine whatever you need. | ||
| Cyko_bob |
Wow, thanks Norris. I will keep that in mind. Chris, I will keep the XB or sell it here and get another XB when I get back. So, I am thinking one Buell just for touring. What kind of gas mileage mileage do you get on your S3T? | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Cyko, I've also got an S3T. But have the complete "race kit" and a large main jet(#48) in the carb, so I get quite a bit worse MPG than most S3s. My worst was 39MPG, my best was 51MPG. Average 43MPG in my city commute. I'm pretty sure Chris's, while bone stock was quite a bit better. | ||
| Cyko_bob |
Chris/Steve I have rejeted the Sportys quite a bit, so it sounds pretty much the same for an S3 with similar results in gas mileage. To be truthful, I like the looks of the S3 and do think it would make the best touring bike with its dimensions and fairing. At the same time, I like the XB engineering and fuel injection. I have always been a carb man until I got the XB. It might boil down to what I can find when I return to the States and what Buell is offering...prices of new XBs, etc. For an S3T I would be looking for low miles, good shape, and a good price, of course. Is there a particular year of the S3T that seems to be better than another? I guess this is a loaded, subjective question, but I know some years have better reputations than others. Cyko Bob | ||
| Tbs_stunta |
I always wondered why Buell didn't hook up with Hepco & Becker and have them do a set of bags for the XBs. H&B currently makes hardbags for the FZR6, Z1000, CBR900RR, and a bunch of other sporty bikes. |
