| Author | Message | ||
     D8ncer |
Hi folks. Sorry if you have heard this a thousand times but could somebody tell me if the buell is XB9/12 is any good for a newish rider. Have been riding a ZX6R Ninja for 2 years now but have always wanted a buell due to looks, design. Would I be biting more than I can chew as they say by buying one. What is it like to ride as never rode a v-twin. | ||
| Angelwild327 |
Are you looking to buy the racey R model or the street fighter, S model? | ||
| D8ncer |
XBS | ||
| Cyclonemick |
If you have been riding a 6 for 2 years you will have no problem adjusting to the Buell, except if your not careful the torque might pull your arms off  | ||
| Barker |
I used to ride ninjas. I will never go back, but that 650r is kinda interesting. Muffler under the bike. Wonder where they got that idea? I prefer the XB9R (firebolt), but I love the looks of the cityx and that new orange 12Scg (Low). Like angel said, what kinda riding do you want to do? | ||
| D8ncer |
Can you elaberate on that statement cyclonemick. Have heard that before. Take it throttle control is a bit of a must. Is there a big diffrence between the 9S and 12S. | ||
| D8ncer |
Dont ride fast 35 year old and the bumb down arse in air does'nt do it for me any more. Also had an arm injury a few years ago and the kwak riding position hurts my forearm after half our of driving. Just want to cruise about making as much noise as possible. Looking good whilst doing it. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Two Words: XB 12Ss Drummer Muffler. Oppss..........that's four isn't it? | ||
| Midknyte |
What he said, but add the race ecm or re-flashed ecm if you get around to changing the muffler. But honestly, there's nothing that "needs" to be done to these bikes. (you "should", however, get the frame pucks and some Darkhorse sliders) Just enjoy it and do what you want to it, if and when you want to... | ||
| M1combat |
The XB12 will have a little less HP than a race replica 600, but a LOT more torque. You'll probably feel that the throttle is VERY touchy at low RPM, but you'll get used to it. You'll be faster through the canyons if you've learned how to ride well. I guess what I'm saying is that you can't compare HP/CC between an IL4 and a pushrod V2. The 1203 Buell engine has the torque of a 1200 IL4 but not the HP. The "S" model is VERY responsive but slightly less stable near the edge. The "R" model is VERY stable near the edge but isn't quite as responsive as the "S". Both are easily as resposive as a race replica with "normal" geometry. They handle brilliantly. The claim to fame of the XB isn't it's engine (depending on your point of view... I love the engine). It's definately the handling. I suppose to really answer your question though... Yeah, moving from a race rep 600 to an XB12 is more of a sideways move than a step up in the engine department until you learn how to use the engine. It's more user friendly. The handling is better, so overall it's a step up. You may be underwhelmed by the power somewhat at first, but it's reasonably close and easier to access. The handling will amaze you once you change the tires from the stock Dunlops. | ||
| Angelwild327 |
D8ncr, I have had a 9sx and now have a 12scg, there is in fact a noticeable difference, in my opinion between the two. It sounds like you would REALLY enjoy a city cross, the 9 model. The handling is absolutely excellent, you will definitely feel that "one with your bike" feeling, very quickly. It is somewhat tall-ish, at least for me...but if you're over say, 5'5", whatever that is in cm, you will have no trouble. There are very few differences between the 9 and 12 in terms of physical handling/maneuvering, both are superb in the corners and the riding position is very relaxed, upright and comfortable. On the 9, you'll be able to see over the tops of most cars, and probably the same on an SS or a regular S..mine is the lowered version, the SCG and there is a noticeable difference in that sense. Now the 9 will cause you to shift more often, there is just less room between gears, period..it's no big deal to me, but with the 12, in the city, you rarely need anything beyond 3rd gear..there's a lot of room between gears. Don't mistake though, the 9 has power, it's terribly fun to ride and almost every veteran harley dude that I've met, said if they had to go with a buell, they'd choose the city cross for the fun and comfort of the bike. The tires (pirelli scorpion syncs) on the City Cross completely outshine the dunlops on the 12...I changed my dunlops out almost immediately after I got it, for pirelli's.. so whichever bike you get, keep that in mind. If I was taller, I would have kept the City Cross...I would see if you can take each bike out for a test ride and see which fits you better... the only bonus to the SS would be if you are rather tall, or plan to ride 2-up often...otherwise, the other lightnings will work fine for you. Just my 42 cents... let us know what you decide! HUGS Angela PS. I was a brand new rider when I bought my very first bike, which was the City Cross..I thought it, aside from the height issue, was a VERY good bike as a new rider..as I too am very level-headed and ride somewhat conservatively, I never felt the bike was too much to handle, in terms of being new to bikes. you should have NO problem, after 2 years. (Message edited by angelwild327 on July 13, 2006) | ||
| Mikemax |
Just another point of view about the Ss for taller riders from the last post.. I keep seeing the comment about the Ss being good for tall riders but I am 5'10 and before I need to fill up again on the bike during long rides my leg circulation is cut causing discomfort. I am seriously thinking of getting lowered pegs. The bike is 2" longer but the peg position is not stretched out. I am thinking of trying to lower my pegs. The torque makes riding easier for new riders in my opinion as you don't have to rev the engine when starting out. If I were over 6' I'd get a Uly for any longer stretches although it's not the same type of bike. (Message edited by mikemax on July 13, 2006) | ||
| Diablobrian |
/hijack Mikemax you might be able to bolt on the Uly "rearset" and be done with it. A lot cheaper than buying a whole Uly. I've thought about it, but I just converted to a solid mount peg. I'll make offset plates to suit my needs since I have a small machine shop in my garage. The Uly rearsets should be a direct bolt on, if they don't hit your exhaust outlet. | ||
| D8ncer |
Going to go over to my local dealer in Edinburgh,Scotland tomorow as have a day off. See if I can get a test drive of the Red 12S they have. Its an 04 model with 8000 miles, buell race kit £4995 or $9000 in states money. | ||
| D8ncer |
Thank you all for your advice. Will let you know if I decide to part with money. | ||
| Jackbequick |
I think the biggest difference you'll find is that the Buell will start pulling at an idle, pull very well at 2,000 to 2,500 RPM and will continue to pull up to and beyond 6,000 RPM. And the more the throttle opening, the more the HP, and the faster the rate of acceleration. With the wide useful RPM range will let you get around with a *lot* less gear changing than the rice rocket needed. Snapping the throttle open will be a bad way to acquaint yourself, start with slow roll ons and make them a little faster with experience and when the time and place is right. I let a few people not familiar with V-twins ride my rather sedate M2. Because of their unfamiliarity, I cautioned them to not roll the throttle open unless they were vertical and had the bars square to the line of travel. And I had them hang one finger on the brake lever and told them to use it several times, increasing the force each time, in low gear before they changed gears to 2nd for the first time and really started their ride. I never had anyone test ride my bike that did not thoroughly enjoy the Buell test ride and their first encounter with a large displacement v-twin. Jack | ||
| Jlnance |
D8 - You've got plenty of experience. |
