| Author | Message | ||
     Kylie_wyote |
Hi all -- Hoping you may be able to provide some basic and/or more detailed advice. I'm looking to buy a Buelle for that someone special, but without blowing the surprise. However, the last thing I need to do, of course, is get the wrong thing. I do know that it would be for on- and off-road, so could someone please advise the models to consider (Ulysses? X...?). And, once I narrow models, what else do I need to look into (ie, are there different frame sizes, handle-bar and other set-ups, etc)? Thanks! Kylie | ||
| Reepicheep |
Welcome Kylie. For on and off road, the Ulysses (XB12X) is the obvious choice. The XB12STT would be the next best choice, but they are pretty rare. An XB9S could do it in a pinch. And by "off road" we are really talking about logging trails here. If the rider really wants to do dirt, they would be better off with a KLR-650. Actually, truth be told (take it from somebody that tried everything), I want my street bike to be a good street bike, and my dirt bike to *just* be a dirt bike. The Ulysses or the XB9S or XB12S bikes are great street bikes, and all can do fine on a logging road. But for dirt you want something like a totally not street legal KDX-200 or KDX-220 two stroke. Buying a dedicated dirt bike will save money in the long run, you will break $1000+ in parts trying to "dirt" a street bike easy, and it won't be any fun. If a dirt bike weighs more than 250 pounds, it's really a street bike. Anyway, back to the Buell. The Uly is a great choice. Find one with hard side bags already, it really makes the bike flexible and it is really expensive to add on later. The 2007's (I have one) seem to be a problematic year for an expensive kind of engine failure (bad cranks), so if you have a choice avoid those, or if you have one lower the offering price by at least $1000. Many 2007's run fine forever, but the peace of mind of "a different one" would be nice. The 2008 and newer XB bikes have substantial and valuable updates to the oiling systems. The water cooled 1125 bikes are a very different creature from the air cooled XB bikes. And the "Blasts" are single cylinder bikes, great for new riders. So you probably want a Ulysses. Feel free to post links to ones you are interested here, and we can give it a virtual once over for you and tell you what we think. You may even find somebody local that would go look at it with you... lots of helpful experts here that are always happy to go look at a Buell. | ||
| Kylie_wyote |
Thank you so much Reepicheep! and apologies for the delayed response....was out of range in Montana for the past week. Got some confirmation that the Uly XB12 is the way to go, after my minimal initial info tentatively got me there and you kindly confirmed, then his comments on top of it all. He has a lot of knowledge, and knows exactly what he wants.... Thank you for the 2007 vs 08/09 info, as well as the hard side bags. After the obvious needed confirmation of which Buell to get, that type of info is what I'm looking for, and I'll start delving into what is out there! Not just poking around (thank you, and I assure you, not wanting to waste anyone's time), this is something I *will* be doing, but just want to make sure I get the proper item. Kind thanks again, Kylie |
