| Author | Message | ||
     Hawk |
Hey every so here's the thing. I am new to bikes and I'm in love but I have a problem. I was completely ready to buy an 09 Suzuki V Strom 650. But I (in my infinite wisdom checked the local classifieds) and found a 2008 xb12Ss at a great buy.. Now I'm torn what to do? I know that the xb is a lot more bike and some say too much for a first. But I'm not an adrenaline junky and not one to drive out of my means. BUT the V Strom is so versatile.. i don't want to kick myself for missing out. I know this is a Buell forum but.. honest opinion for a new rider? I figure parts, reliability, practicality should factor in.. OH and i want it for commuting, some pleasure riding AND weekends away. Thanks everyone  (Message edited by Hawk on June 21, 2017) (Message edited by Hawk on June 21, 2017) | ||
| Ourdee |
Welcome to the forum Hawk. | ||
| Hawk |
Thanks Ourdee. I've heard great things about the forum! | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
You're not missing out on anything really. There are a lot of old Buells and Vstroms out there. Sit on each and choose the one that makes you most happy. | ||
| Hootowl |
How does it fit? The Ss has the Uly swingarm (and frame, I think) so it's a bit bigger than the standard S model. I have a 30 inch inseam, so it's a bit tall for me, but I manage. If this is your first bike, and you can't stand flat footed whilst straddling the bike, you may end up dropping it a quite a lot. | ||
| Ourdee |
Lot to consider. I did not want to be that guy that said it was too much bike to start on. It is about respecting the machine and what it can and can't do. Then knowing your limitations. Ability to stand flat foot is major for some. There are a lot of bikes out there. A lot of worthy bikes. Being able to enjoy your machine will determine if you ride it and get the bug. I had a TW200 that inspired me to just go get on it and ride to no where. At times I consider if the ride will be long enough to fire up my Buell. It can handle a short trip but doesn't like to go yard selling. | ||
| Hawk |
Thanks for advice, sounds fair to me. Flat footing is not a problem for me on either and i guess the biggest question is what i love to ride. Quick question you said you consider if its worth firing her up. Would you find it impractical have that as your only bike? or is she well rounded enough to take everything in stride? Cheers | ||
| Ourdee |
Not a bike for yard selling with if there is not some miles in between the yards. ie. it does not like turning off and on every half block. That is all I meant by it. It is best to ride at least 15 miles every time you start it to go to work morning and evening. Battery needs to charge back up. | ||
| Hawk |
Oh okay thanks for the clarification, that's good to know! | ||
| H0gwash |
I think lotsa people don't know what Buells are. This makes Buells easier to buy because of the low price, but it could make selling them relatively hard and you may not get for it what you think it is worth should you ever try to sell. I bought mine a couple years back after killing my sportster. I had forgotten about Buells entirely until a friend suggested I buy a Buell on the cheap and swap engines. I bought a fixer M2 instead and restored it. I am already thinking of buying a parts M2, I feel uniquely suited to the brand. (Message edited by h0gwash on June 21, 2017) | ||
| Sifo |
The Ss does share the frame and swing arm from the Uly. The rear subframe, seat, rearsets, handle bars, and suspension are different though. Makes it a pretty different bike from the Uly. Especially the suspension. The Uly feels really tall for me. My Ss, I can just flat foot. The Ss being a longer wheelbase than other Lightning models is probably more suitable for a first timer. The front wheel should stay on the ground just a tad better! I agree with Nate, check them both out and get the one that seems to suit you best. | ||
| Sagehawk |
Welcome in Hawk! Lots of fun here. I will share that the Strom doesnt come with a permagrin! Something about a bike you don't really have to roll above 4000 rpm to have a good time. A tallish 1st gear tho. | ||
| Akbuell |
First, welcome to the forum. Lots of good folks here. You say you are new to motorcycling, so my advice . . . If the XB speaks to you, and the price is fair, buy it. Take it home and park it in the garage. Get a service manual, and monitor various sections. When folks talk about the throttle position sensor, or brakes, go to the manual and look up the sensor, or brakes, and learn about them. Great way to learn about the machine, and its care and feeding. If you haven't already done so, look for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation basic riders course and take it. Provides a good riding foundation, and can result in an insurance discount, and you may not have to take the road test for your motorcycle endorsement; the MSF certificate may be enough. You are almost there . . . Motorcycle riding is a skill, and involves using your brain, hands, and feet in a new combination of steps. After MSF, look for something in the Honda 250 Shadow or equivalent, in good mechanical shape, and ride it on the street for 8 weeks or so. Gives you a chance to build new muscle memory about shifting, brakes, throttle, dodging pot holes, and dealing with traffic. Now that your feet are on the ground, sell the small bike, and move up. Be safe and have a good time! Hope this helps, Dave | ||
| 86129squids |
+1000 on the MSF courses- also the other ones (Lee Parks? Forgot the names...), check out "Ride Like A Pro" as well. Motor cops teach you how to RIDE like a motor cop! Very impressive! If you're JUST getting started motorcycling, see if you can get some dirt bike time in. Dirt is a LOT more forgiving than the street if you make a mistake. I'm allergic to pavement.  | ||
| Etennuly |
 I am allergic to grandmas Buick bumper too! | ||
| Tootal |
I'm also a big believer in learning on a dirt bike if possible. Turning thought into reaction in the dirt is a lot less painful. My skills in the dirt have saved me many times, along with the grace of God and my guardian Angel! If dirt is not possible then, as mentioned, take a riding coarse. I used to support the small bike for beginners but for a mature person I recommend something cheap that you won't mind scratching up and that you can pick up. Once your confidence in yourself is to the proper level then get what you actually want. | ||
| Hawk |
Thanks! All great advice, the guy wont get back to me but I'm still hopeful for that xb, I don't know why but I just love it! As for MSF I already passed with 100% on the road and written and I'm fully licensed! Granted I have absolutely zero prior experience so I still have MUCH to learn. But I'll be back in and around the forums regardless of what I end up buying! Cheers! | ||
| H0gwash |
I also had zero experience and zero family experience to draw on when I started out and have enjoyed even the difficult times working on my bikes and cars. I find maintenance on American bikes easier than Japanese, FWIW. | ||
| Hawk |
That's interesting, what makes you say that? Just an easier layout? | ||
| H0gwash |
American hydraulic valve adjustments. Also much easier to find parts. |
