| Author | Message | ||
     Quartermilegixxer |
Hey guys, having never owned a Buell but seriously considering purchasing one, what are the pros and cons of an X1 versus an XB 12. i'm 6' 225 and have been riding gixxers for years. Any advice would be great. | ||
| Spen |
I've got an XB12R and an X1, the X1 is perfect for my size, 6' 2" but the XB is a bit uncomfortable after half an hour. Here's my list of bikes, prefer the X1 to all the others...... 1967 T200 Suzuki racers (x4) 1966 T20 Suzuki road 1966 T20 Suzuki racer 1958 Triumph 350 racers (x2) 1966 Ducati Monza racer 1972 T315 Suzuki road Gas Gas 250 trials 110 Honda off roader 1986 Moto Guzzi special (Le Mans based) Spondon Yamaha TZ350 Yamaha TZ 250 Paddock scooter Minimoto Ducati 900SS XB12R Buell X1 Lightning Buell. | ||
| Rick_a |
This has been debated much. They are very different motorcycles, with very different handling characteristics. You'd have to ride each to know which would suit you best. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I'm 6'2" and the XB9SX fits me fine, which is mostly due to the taller seat, so the 12S is only the price of a seat from a pretty good fit. Here's a question for you, pick the response that fits you best: Q: You notice a leak from the rear rocker box. A1: You get annoyed and angry, load the bike in the truck, and take it to your local dealer, who you don't really get along with anyway. A2: You figure you will just pop it off and throw in one of the new metal gaskets next saturday, you wanted to get in there and look around, and besides you have to put in the new chain tensioner anyway. No big deal. If you lean towards A1, definately get the XB, and just ride it forever. If you lean towards A2, get the X1 at a *screaming* good deal, and put the extra money aside for hop up bits. And if you lean towards A2, look hard at S1's as well! | ||
| M1combat |
You said XB12 and left out the "R" or "S"... I would imagine being that tall that a stock XB12S would fit you better. If you like the look of the "R" though, you can put "S" pegs on it for a ~1" drop there, and a superbike bar conversion from one of the BadWeb sponsors... At that point you may end up with a setup that's in between the "S" and "R" setups. The XB platform is very sensitive to forward/backward weight changes... They handle VERY well though  . One thing to keep in mind as well... as soon as you pick up an XB, change the tires. The original Dunlops seem to have a flatter profile than most tires of the same size and the bike just doesn't feel quite as perfect. I think my local dealer may have a GREAT deal on a red 12S... If they still have it... PM me if you're interested. I second the recommendation of the S1 as well... Those are sweet ... | ||
| Spen |
Pop over and you can try both of mine. We can have a beer in a real pub too.  | ||
| Quartermilegixxer |
Thanks guys, I've never minded working on my stuff. Drag racing bikes you really have to. i like the look of the 12 S but the price diff between it and a good X1 may sway me towards the X1. I kind of expected an oil leak or two with anything that has a harley motor.  | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
They're not really leaks per say, just some weeping... I don't really care much just wash my bike. The XB's don't have nearly the leakage problem of the sportster motor. Mine hasn't anyway; 12,000 mi. As far as fit, I put put the "S" pegs on my "R" and though I still look like a monkey on a football, I feel really comfortable. I'm 6'4". I've ridden both the X-1 and the XB9R a lot and I fell in love with the "R's" handling. As said already, I would ride em both and make up my own mind from there. Happy shopping/future Buelling. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
Reep A2 can go for the XB as well. | ||
| Cataract2 |
Well, on the side of leakage. I've had 0 with mine. XB9X. (Message edited by Cataract2 on February 20, 2005) | ||
| Cowboy |
I have one of each 2001---X1. No oil leaks, only problem I busted a belt at 36000 miles. It is my favorite ride I find it comfortable enough. 2004 XB12R 7000 miles. It is a miserable bastard to ride very far (ok on short ride) I hope this helps | ||
| Brucelee |
I have an S. The R felt just like a crotch rocket tome and I can do that kind of ride anymore. | ||
| Blackbelt |
well i am 6'2", and i have almost 40k on my 02, X1WL, and it is fine for long rides... course i have the corbin seat... but i have ridden a XB9s, and i couldn't stand the ride... very uncomfortable. but here is my 2 cents.. test drive each one you want to buy, and make your descisions based on that.... yes the X1 may leak, hell mine did, but i wouldn't trade it for the world... | ||
| Djkaplan |
I'm 6' even with a 34" inseam and my M2 is almost too small for me. | ||
| Blackbelt |
heck i wear a 38" inseam and my x-1 is just great... well when you get around 300+ miles your legs tend to get numb.. lol thank god for fuel breaks.. | ||
| Sportsman |
I think it kind of depends on your reason for buying a Buell. If you're sick of squid riding and street racing but aren't ready to putt around on a cruiser. An X1 is perfect. A kind of a Hot Rod Harley (once properly modded) and almost fits in at the local HD hangout. (At least nobody will kick it over while you're getting a beer in places a Gixxer may be in jeopardy) An XB is a Buell, kind of elite like a Ducati but better. Both handle better than your GSXR but the XB handles lighter and should be less maintenance. Since you are into Drag racing, X1's are a bargin for a platform to start with, but don't expect top speed like a Suzuki. What are you going to do with it? I LOVE my X1 because I can run with the sportbikes on saturday morning and ride with guys my age on cruisers on saturday night. If saturday morning is more important, go XB, saturday night and sometimes a passenger, go X1. | ||
| Quartermilegixxer |
Thanks guys, my leanings are toward an X1. I like the looks of the 12S but since I'm not totally sure Buelling is for me I'd rather risk the entry price of the tude framer. I'm after a really fun street bike, no racing, and i don't hang with any "harley" guys. As for a passenger that's a nonissue, the other half won't ride with me and she won't let me have any girlfriends!!! | ||
| Sportsman |
Yet.  |
