| Author | Message | ||
     Luvinit |
Hi guys, I just replaced my Bandit 600S with a used BMW R1100S. But I'm still dreaming of a Buell XB12R. However, I'd like to ask the experienced Buell riders if this bike will fulfill my needs. The reasons why I want one: * the looks, it looks stunning!! * the belt drive (living in Belgium, we have lots of rainy days and cold winters, and I hate cleaning a chain) * the torque (I like to ride without having to rev the engine) * oh, and did I mention I love the way it looks!  the reasons why I'm a bit doubtful * will my wrists and ankles hurt after 2 hours of riding * will my girlfriend still love me after 2 hours of sitting on back  * can I take luggage with me in any way (for two?) I like my BMW now, but I think a Buell will satisfy me more. But these questions really bother me. Is this a difficult bike to keep clean? Can you go on vacation with it? How much miles (or kms) can you ride (real world riding) before having to stop for gas? I know this is a most difficult question, but I really need to know before killing of my dream of owing an XB12r once. Last year, I did a test ride on an XB12S, and it scared me just a tad, but I feel the R will give me more confidence (more weight on the front wheel) + I have 10.000 miles more experience now...  PS: I know about the Ulyses, but it's just to plain ugly for me... | ||
| 12r |
The riding position on the Firebolt is just great (I'm 6'2" 190lbs) for the kind of riding it's intended for. Mine does about 100-120 miles before I have to start looking for fuel but I could ride it much further without a break. However, if you're thinking about carrying an adult passenger and luggage, the Firebolt is not the bike you're looking for. It's a credit card'n'toothbrush bike, a rapier to thrust deep into the heart of the countryside and withdraw without loss of blood. Surf the torque and nail that apex, yeah baby ! You could go touring on it but it's not (and never will be) a BMW. BTW it scrubs up good but the finish is not up to H***a or BMW standards. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
The bike for you is the Uly. Don't let it's "Dakar" looks fool you, this thing is a real Buell and a real corner carver! Much better in the mountains than the Bemmers that I have ridden. Plus, bags, back rest, comfortable suspension and seating position all say " let's go to Italy:-)" Take it for a test ride at your local Buell emporium. I think you will be very pleasantly surprised, I know I was. PS. Then you might just find you can do without the BMW, and you can add the XB12R as your second bike!  (Message edited by gentleman_jon on May 02, 2006) | ||
| Kurosawa |
The R pill looks kind of small and slippery. You might have to bungee her down. I don't have your problem. My wife doesn't want to climb on the back after following me home from buying it. (Message edited by kurosawa on May 02, 2006) | ||
| Aldaytona |
Get the XB12R, my wife said "I'm not riding anywhere on that thing" after she saw the rear seat the 1st time. She was used to day long rides on the M2. She said she would humor me by taking a 1 hour ride to a bike event on the XB. When we got there she said "that was much better than I expected" and we do day long rides now on the XB12R. Never tried the luggage thing though, scared of the fashion police, besides, it's too easy to UPS clothes to my destination and UPS them back. | ||
| Luvinit |
The reactions I'm reading here are what I was expecting... I think it will be a tradeoff between looking good and feeling good  I think I should test ride both the Uly and the R. But I feel a R1200GS would be a better choice over the Uly, or is the cornering and handling so much nimbler on the Uly? Indeed, one needs more than one motorcycle to satisfy ALL his needs  | ||
| T9r |
From the reports the Uly won over the GS. My wife and I test rode a Uly, I couldn't even tell that she was behind me. It was an odd feeling after riding two up on the S3 and the XB9R. I'm working on adding Duc ST2 side saddle bags to my XB9R. I can't wait. I'm looking for a good two up riding bike though it looks like I'll go for the R1200CL. It's not my style but it will fit my comfort level for longer rides compared to the 1999 S3T two up. | ||
| Midknyte |
In stock form, yes, the pillion seems to be an afterthought. But it can be remedied. One of these should do you nicely. Custom Pillion  Touring Pillion  | ||
| Luvinit |
this is getting intresting!  anyone has experience with grips? Or soft bags? | ||
| Gowindward |
Ventura Rack or Tourmaster Cortech bags for luggage. Helibar for more comfort in the wrist. You can turn the bike into a great one up sport touring bike with soft bags, but it's never going to be a two up touring bike for any distance. The bike is just to small for that IMO and experience. (Message edited by gowindward on May 02, 2006) | ||
| Daves |
My longest day so far on a XB-R is 672 miles. Not bad, I did a lot of goofing around that day or could've gone farther I ride home to Iowa pretty often on a Firebolt and that's a 300 mile trip done either after working all day or leaving waaayyy early in the morning, riding the 300 miles and then going to work. For a passenger I would tell you to order the touring passenger seat(from me of course) I have sold quite a few of these and people seem to like them. If your wrists hurt you are riding with too much pressure on the bars. I used to do the same thing. I now "grip" the bike with my legs and have very little pressure on the bars or my wrists at any time. Ankles, maybe try the Lightning pegs. The bags will hold enough for a day or overnighter if you pack light I would also get a tankbag | ||
| Angelwild327 |
I have experience on the back of an R. First depending on the size of your wife, more specifically from her waist down, will probably determine her comfort level. I've been on the stock seat, and while it's comfy enough for my big butt, I don't think I'd enjoy going very long distances on it. I think one might be able to actually ride 2-up with the saddle bags, but haven't tried that. The Uly is like being in a limo, when you're the passenger..big seat, lots to hold on to, and a back rest. I know you didn't have a good first feel on the S model, but try the SS and tweak the suspension a bit, at least the rear spring section, it makes a WORLD of difference. Everyone I've known, riders of all sorts of bikes, say the lightnings, all models, are the most comfortable and FUN buells to ride. I agree. I hate being a passenger, so I'm a bit biased when I'm in the back...but give the lightning another shot...you might be pleasantly surprised. (Oh, I'm biased on that too..lol) | ||
| Spike |
While it's no BMW, I have found that my '04 XB12R makes a great touring bike for 2-up day trips. I've done 500+ mile days riding solo and my wife has come along for many 200+ mile day trips. When touring I can pull 140-160 miles from a tank consistently, depending on how far I want to ride with the fuel light on. I only had problems with my wrists for my first couple hundred miles on an R, but that was due to poor posture. On a bike with clip-ons it's critical to hang onto the bike with your lower body. If you get lazy and try to rest on your hands you'll find that your wrists and hands get sore fairly quickly. Also, resting on your hands will put you in the habit of stiffening your arms which makes for bad steering inputs. Now my wrists don't get sore unless I'm stuck in a lot of stop and go traffic where I have to rest on the bars from time to time. On longer rides I notice my butt gets sore long before my arms or legs bother me. After ~100 miles or so I have to start moving around on the seat to find relief, but I don't have any trouble making it through a tank of gas. After a whole day of riding I notice some fatigue in my back and shoulders, but nothing major. Passenger comfort depends greatly on the passenger. I'd have to sleep in the garage if I told you my wife's actual weight, but it's over 120 and under 150. The first time my wife rode on the back of an '03 XB9R she absolutely hated it. '03 models had shorter passenger peg brackets that put the pegs higher up, and stock seat is small and somewhat hard. This leaves the passenger sort of "perched" on the seat with little support, forcing them to lean against the rider or hold themselves up by bracing their arms on the airbox cover. The longer peg brackets on the '04+ models and the larger and thicker Buell accessory touring pillion make all the difference in the world, allowing the passenger enough legroom to hold themselves up. My wife has gone along on 200+ mile days without complaint. Another thing that makes this bike great for carrying a passenger is the big low end torque. You can lug this motor down to ~1500rpm and still have enough grunt to pull away without a downshift. There's a place on a backroad we ride frequently where the speed limit drops to 45mph going up a relatively steep hill. At ~50mph in top gear my 12R is only turning about 2500rpm. Even with a passenger I don't need to downshift, just crack the throttle to maintain speed up the hill. Any more than half throttle and I can accelerate up the hill, while many other bikes have to downshift just to maintain speed. The only real issue I have for touring on my Firebolt is the lack of luggage. When riding solo I can pack enough stuff into a backpack or a duffle bag strapped to the passenger seat, but I can't do either of those with a passenger. Buell offers some accessory saddlebags that mount cleanly, but they aren't very big. You could probably find something that works in the aftermarket, but then you're venturing into the "fits all, but none right" category. **Edit: You mentioned grips, the Buell Traction grips are excellent. They have have more of a barrel shape that makes them much more comfortable than standard grips. They wear out much faster than the stockers, but at ~$16/pair they're well worth it. After a low side last year I tried replacing my traction grips with Renthal full-waffle grips, the Renthals didn't stay on the bike for more than a week. I absolutely hated them. They are really small in diameter which means they provide a lot more feedback to your hands, but they're really uncomfortable for street riding. (Message edited by spike on May 02, 2006) | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
damn good stuff you get of this website. i think i will get the little lady the touring seat. she HATES the rear seat for anything more than an hours time on it. so all day rides she WON'T go on. (not that it's a bad thing). but i do like the company on some of them.  | ||
| Jlnance |
I have found that my '04 XB12R makes a great touring bike for 2-up day trips. I should point out, as Spike later did, that his wife is a very tiny lady. And Spike probably weighs about 150 himself. They actually do fit on the bike, but I certainly could not get on there with my g/f on the back. I'm too big. I've ridden both the Firebolt and the Uly. I own the Uly. I got the Firebolt ride when I swapped bikes with a friend for a little while. They are very different bikes: Firebolt - The stripper you dated. Ulysses - The girl you married. I had the Firebolt in the mountains. It was absolutly fantastic to ride it up there. It was literally designed for roads like that, and it really shows. It was a very confidence inspiring bike. That was the one ride that weekend when I wasn't at the back of the pack. Of course the Firebolt is too small for me, the riding position makes my knees hurt, my g/f can't ride with me, and there isn't much storage. But she sure is fun to take out for a spin. The Ulysses isn't the corner carver the Firebolt is, but it still handles damn well. It is absolutly fantastic for the passenger, and the bike actually handles better with a passenger on it. There is a huge amount of storage, and my knees are fine even on 600 mile days. All you're requirements scream Ulysses, but your heart says Firebolt. Don't get a Uly if a Firebolt is what you really want, you'll be forever disapointed. But do testride them both and keep an open mind. Oh, one other thing. This may sound like a joke, but I'm perfectly serious. Do not let your g/f testride the Uly with you unless you intend to get it. She will fall in love with it. - Jim PS: The Black Ulys aren't ugly | ||
| Spike |
She'll be flattered to hear that. About me weighing about 150 . . . I must carry it well, the scale at the gym last night said I'm up to 223lbs. Even friendly scales put me at ~210.  | ||
| Jlnance |
I must carry it well, the scale at the gym last night said I'm up to 223lbs. You do. I'm shocked. | ||
| Snowhownd |
As mentioned above, sounds like an SS might be the perfect compromise... bigger seat, little bit more room to stretch out, larger fuel tank than a 'bolt... but still very sporty. Can't you also replace the handlebars with a pair that sets you a bit lower (more like the 'bolt)? | ||
| Luvinit |
I'm learning a lot here, thanks everybody. I actually wanted to go to my local Harley dealer this week to see if I could fix a test ride, but I got sick, so it will have to wait at least another week (I say at least, because here, you can't count on the weather and the dealer refuses test rides in the rain). J Inance summed it up right: All your requirements scream Ulysses, but your heart says Firebolt. Well, I still have time before saving up the money, who knows, by the time, Buell will have created a sports touring version of the firebolt  Maybe a small additional question, does the pillion cover still cover the touring pillion?} | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
GO WITH YOUR HEART!  | ||
| Luvinit |
Unfortunatly, that doesn't solve the problem..... My heart belongs to me for only 50%, the other 50% are managed by my girlfriend  and I like to go on rides with her.... Yeah, well.....She'll have to get her license and buy one herself (a real tourer, so she can take all the luggage  ) (Message edited by luvinit on May 05, 2006) | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
does the pillion cover still cover the touring pillion? no it does not. the other 50% are managed by my girlfriend. Firebolt - The stripper you dated. Ulysses - The girl you married. i don't think you are married correct?(i could be wrong though) back to firebolt...lol. really it is a personal preference. you really need to drive them both. i would suggest doing it alone so you can make a true/clear choice to "Your" needs. i like the uly but it is a little tall for me. my wife don't ride as much as i would like her to but thats because she is nervous on bikes in general. GOOD LUCK!! | ||
| Spike |
Nope, but the pillion can be removed with no tools. All that is needed is an ignition key, you can swap pillions with one hand. I keep the stock pillion with cover on my bike most of the time and just swap it out for the touring pillion when my wife will be riding with me. Changing the pillion takes about as much time as strapping on a tank bag. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
I'd say only if your passenger has a relatively small ARSE. | ||
| Xbrad9r |
I am 6'6" (maybe the biggest bueller ever) and i ride an 05 xb12r with my wife (she's 5'4"). I have the touring pillion also for her to ride on, and that made all the difference in the world. she actually LIKES riding it now, i demo'ed a ULY to get the slingbag and asked her if she wanted to try it out and see if she liked it better. she said that "it is ugly and I like the firebolt too much for you to trade it" | ||
| Jlnance |
i don't think you are married correct? Nope, but I used to be. | ||
| Tbs_stunta |
let me toss in a different perspective. i had a r1100s and have a ton of 2-up experience. my gf at the time sad that the biggest issue was the gap between us. im not tall enough to sit far back on the seat so she wouldn't be able to brace herself against anything. best thing i did was buy a corbin which had a much shorter rider section and a longer passenger section (its a single bench seat). she said that made a world of difference and being able to sit much closer to me upped her comfort considerably. thats why i thing the lightning long would be a better 2-up bike than the r. if you can afford it the best thing you can do is have a 2-up bike (1100S) and a solo play bike if you really like to ride with her a lot. if not you may have to accept the fact that the r will never be a good bike for what you want and you're grasping at straws if you think it will. however if you are tall enough that when she sits on the back there is no real gap between you and her then it may be alright. don't sell your 1100s short, its a hell of a sportbike and a great all-rounder. n8 kern (main line bmw) races one and he constantly places well ahead of a lot of XB12Rs on his 530# sport tourer. remember the majority of it is the rider not the bike. (Message edited by tbs_stunta on May 07, 2006) | ||
| Diablobrian |
Nate is just stupid fast. | ||
| Tbs_stunta |
Yep...85hp and 540#s shouldn't go round a track that fast, he swears it the telelever front. I don't believe him because all the magazines say it robs you of feedback. He also races a K12R and I guess those BMW demons sprinled their handling magic on it as well because N8 says it rocks the shite out as too. Like I said, spend some time on your S, you will be truly surprised at how good of a sportbike, and all-day 2-up comfy, it really is. Nothing wrong with wanting another bike, I suffer from motorcycle ADD myself, but unless you go for a Uly you aren't going to find one that is as good 2-up. (Message edited by tbs_stunta on May 07, 2006) (Message edited by tbs_stunta on May 07, 2006) | ||
| Teddagreek |
I bought my SB9SX in Texas and drove it 1200 miles to florida in three days.. day three I did almost six hundred miles... I like the city X bars your a bit more up right.. but still able to squat down and get it.. Long trips there are few things I do I take a some Motrin and I wear a back brace to help my posture correct.. I also have one of the cruise control deals for the throttle. Helps take all the cramping out... Which for me I wouldn't use unless I was taking a long trip.. I've ridden the R and I like them for me it was a toss up.. if passenger room is a nessecity a uly would be good or xb12Ss with longer seats... Also adjusting the suspension for the extra weight will make the bike ride better.. I've also see a XB12s with city X bars...  | ||
| Luvinit |
I know the BMW r1100s is a great all rounder, that's why I bought it  But I find it a bit 'heavy' in small turns. And a bit too much engine braking when releasing the throttle. And the bloody turn signal switch on the right  thát, in combination with the sensitive throttle is just dangerous! Plus the ABS has given me some frights already... I'm happy with the bike, but not in love with it....that's why I'm still looking for 'the perfect bike' | ||
| Tbs_stunta |
Luv, I am in no way trying to tell you your opinion or desire for the perfect bike is wrong, we go through this our entire life of riding. I feel for you on the ABS, that servo crap is just that. That's why I'm happy as hell that the R1200S is getting the lightweight (3#s total if you can believe it) regular unlinked ABS that can be turned off. My S had the regular ABS that was used before that linked servo monstrosity. I know some people why removed the ABS system from the bikes because it was that servo deal. As far as the turnsignals, I adapted to it pretty well and it may just be a matter of a little more time before you do. You think you got problems, Aprilia switched the location of the horn and ts. I had a BMW, Triumph and Aprilia at the time; my head exploded each time I tried to use the turnsignals. JK...after a month I had no problem switching between the three bikes. I also use a Throttle Rocker on my bikes so there was less effect from hitting the right ts. If its not working for you then that's completely cool but the R is never going to be a good all-day 2-up bike. You are going to have to go with the Uly (or the Lighning Long which you can convert over to the R's fairing), leave the girl at home, or consider something like the Sprint ST. | ||
| Spike |
Luvinit- Go ride one, if you can borrow a touring pillion then take your girlfriend with you. Many disagree, but mine is great for 2-up day trips. | ||
| Randlepmcmurphy |
Jlnance where do you set your suspension when you go two up. We weigh about the same but I was figuring if I take a girl the extra weight would be pushing the limits of what the bike can carry. | ||
| New12r |
I ride 2 up on my 12r alot. BraveAngel sat on a S and an R and said you get the R. | ||
| Kdan |
I ride 2 up on my 12r alot. BraveAngel sat on a S and an R and said you get the R. But if you have a human sized butt and not a cute little tiny thing, get the Ulysses! | ||
| Jlnance |
Greg - I set the suspension up for my weight (220ish) by the book. That puts the preload on the back 8 clicks from maximum. When I put the girl on the bike, I click it all the way up to maximum. The girl has not informed me of her weight. I'm not about to ask, but I suspect it's similar to mine. I've never bottomed out the suspension on the bike, and it looks like it sits well:  | ||
| Ulywife |
Firebolt - The stripper you dated. Ulysses - The girl you married. I guess for Carlos he'll have to substitute the M2 for the Firebolt! His M2 is primarily his solo bike and the Uly is for the 2 of us! | ||
| Jlnance |
Well Carlos actually owns the M2, so perhaps we should call it the Mistress on the side? |
