| Author | Message | ||
     Poplifedc |
I have a '03 V-Rod that is just a wonderful bike. Bought it in 10/02 and almost 10k miles. Just replaced the back tire with a 200mm and on my second battery. Other than that, bike is flawless. I'm 6'3" and 185lbs. The V-Rod feels like it was built for me. Except for that damn small gas tank. 3.7 gallons gets me to about 80 miles before I have to fill up on the highway. 50 miles around town. I also bought a '03 Yamaha FZ1 with about the same miles. Very fast and nice. It keeps up with the other sport bikes very well. But its not that unique. I was more of an impulse buy. However the Buell's have always been on my radar even before the V-Rod. And the current design of the Firebolt XB12R is just incredible. The design and engineering that went into is unlike any other. I also had a small wreck on the FZ1 and once fixed, will probably sell it. Which only leaves 3 bikes on my wish list? The Lighting XB12S, Honda Goldwing and Suzuki Hayabusa. I only have room in my garage for three bikes and after riding my buddies Goldwing, which will be a certain purchase. However, the fight is between the Busa and XB12R. I've ridden both, but fit better on the Busa. However, the XB112R defies the "Me too" sport bike and rare around the Beltway. So this is my first post and I will be checking out to see how folks like their Buell's. | ||
| Nasty73z |
I'd say judging by you last name alone that you were meant for a Buell!! I too was in a similiar dilemia and went with the Buell. I figured if I had a bike like a Kawasaki ZX10 then I'd probably end up dying trying to do top speed runs all the time. I love the look, atitude, torque and comfort of my 12s. And love the attention it brings. Lights, gas stations, people are always wanting to know about it. I'd say don't jump on the bandwagon... buy a Buell. You won't regret it. | ||
| M1combat |
I think the gold-wing and the busa fall into categories closer to each other than most people like to think  . The XB is entirely different. It seems to me that if you have a wing, you don't need another touring bike, or even really another sport touring bike. The XB is a sport bike. I say get one unless you really need to do those 180MPH "cruises" . | ||
| Xb12burner |
I second Nasty. My choices came down between the ZX 10 and the XB12R. Well you see where I'm posting. On my older sport bikes the only people that ever asked questions about it were other sport bike riders. On the Buell everyone asks questions about it, old, young, cruiser fanatics, sport bike fans, just everyone. It is very unique. But what really sold me was the ability to ride it and just not have to worry about riding it. You can ride all the hilly-twisties you want and never have to shift half as many times as any of the inline 4's, and you can go out and cruise on the highway at 80, 100, 120 and it just does it. Busa's are for dragstrips, and thats about it. Incredible bikes, but just built for top speed. | ||
| Midmofirebolt |
It seems like the busas handle like goldwings, at least when I'm following them. Have you checked out the 12Ss. If you're looking for a bigger bike than the 12S or R, it may be the one for you. | ||
| Lous_v2 |
I was in the same boat too. I test rode an XB12R one day and the next day tested a 2005 Busa. The Busa was VERY fast, but only fun over 100mph. Under 100 it wasn't fun. The 12R is a kick from 0-100....I ended up buying the 12R. I don't regret it either. Handles great and is unique. | ||
| Bake |
6'3" sounds tall for an XB, how's about Buells new offering? | ||
| Buell12hundo |
just go with what is right, I to had to fight with my self....rc51 r1 zx10 xb12r aprilia? but then I looked at what I want from a bike and in the end the buell fit best, and not just for the (not like other bikes)feel. Take a hard look at what you want and I'm sure you will make the right choice like I did  hope this helps | ||
| Poplifedc |
"I'd say judging by you last name alone that you were meant for a Buell!! " I was going to go there, but thought it would be too campy. Can't put anything past you guys. | ||
| Poplifedc |
Bake, Buell did come out with a long version of the Lightning. I asked the dealer to give me a call when arrives. But, when I test rode the Firebolt XB12R, which is the one I really like, I was comfortable. The bike is tall, so even the leg room was fine. All day riding may be a bit much, but just cruising around town and to the country, I think I'd be ok. (Message edited by poplifedc on September 01, 2005) | ||
| Rpmchris |
I ride my XB12S frequently with a group, including one guy with a 'Busa. He's always having to catch up to the rest of us after tight corners - which, or course, is easy for him to do. But he's been talking recently about switching to Buell - he loves the look and handling. I'm 6'3" and 240 lbs. The stock '12S fit me fine, but it's better now that I've "tweaked" the ergonomics with Crossroads 0 deg. bars and Traction (12R) pegs. Get the Buell - you'll be glad you did!  | ||
| Diablobrian |
don't forget you can easily put "s" pegs on the R to get more leg room too. I'd bet it'll increase the comfort range dramatically as tall as you are. | ||
| Fullpower |
the second test ride clinched it for me. had to own a 12S. all day comfort is very good, with a little help from mister corbin. | ||
| Daves |
Could I interest you in a trip to Wisconsin? |
