| Author | Message | ||
     Dbf |
I brought my bike home last night and for the whole ride, about 45 kms, you couldn't have beaten the smile off my face. Even though I was restricted to 80 kph for the first 80 kms, the bike still performed admirably. I can’t wait for the break in period to be finished. I have to comment on a few things. Someone commented last week on the “great balls of fire” syndrome. The heat was remarkable. It was raining, so I had my pants on and man did it ever get warm! Is this heat always present or do the bikes run a little cooler once they are broken in? Is it common for the fan to operate while the bike is at highway speed – let’s say 50 mph? I would have thought there would be sufficient air flow to the rear plug at that speed. The low speed launch vibration. This concerned me initially because I found the bike lurched when I was launching from a dead stop. I suspect this is attributed to the beginning of the torque curve, which on my bike is around 1900 rpm. Is this how these beasts run or will it smooth out in time? When the bike is stopped and the engine is shut down, I sometimes get a smell of gas. It is more prominent while the fan is running in cool down mode, but even after the fan stops, the smell remains for awhile. Any BTDT’s on that one? Anyway, it is fantastic to once again have a decent bike to ride. I like the styling, the handling, and most of all, the uniqueness. Dan | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
The heat issue will lessen once the bike is broke in and as mileage increases. That goes to speak with the fan as well. Once break in is done, the "lurch" will lessen as well, some from the actual break in and some as your hand gets used to the balance between throttle and clutch specific to your bike. As to the fuel smell, are you limiting you fill ups to the LOWER metal ring in the filler or do you let the fuel go above that ring? Basically you don't want to go above that ring, that is the evap area and vent. | ||
| M1combat |
" It was raining, so I had my pants on and man did it ever get warm!" You generally ride with no pants on in the summer? Watch the sun burn brother... The fan will reduce it's duty cycle after the bike wears in. I think the first time I really notice that it was coming on less often was at about 4K miles or so. Switching to a good synthetic lubricant (M1 or Castrol) at the 1K service will help both the heat and the trans. Granted, from what I hear the new trans is quite nice anyway... | ||
| Jedwele |
Are you sure you not smelling that new engine smell instead of a gas smell? | ||
| Bubabuell |
How was the handling? I'm curious if the rake difference is noticeable from the regular S model. | ||
| Tommy_k |
Hey Dan, I just got a 12SS too(Sunset Orange). FWIW, I was out riding and a couple other lightning owners(yeah, they do ride em) said that the fans will run less after break in. I was wondering the same thing. Haven't had the gas smell yet, or problems with launching it. It did take a little getting used to the cable clutch. My bandit was hydraulic and felt very different. I love the feel of this tranny though, very positive feeling. Buba, never rode a short S so I can't comment there either. Coming off the bandit, even the Ss is small feeling to me, and handles wonderfully! TK | ||
| Bubabuell |
I'm curious as I've always never liked the way my S feels at 70-80mph. Too twitchy. Wondering if the steeper rake helps any. | ||
| Edonis |
I felt it did Buba. I ride a 9S and just got in from doing a test ride of an Ss with only 9 miles on it when I took it out. I love being the first to put a bike though a few easy paces. Its also quite a bit more comfortable. I can name of a list of differences I felt. I'm almost compelled to write about it, someone let me know if you'd like to know my thoughts. | ||
| Johnb |
edonis - re the XB12Ss lightning long, yes I would like to read more test ride comments especially from 9/12S owners like yourself.. - the XB12Ss being longer/wider/higher, I'm specifically interested in opinions about ergonomic changes (30" inseam here) and the 'more relaxed' handling I've been hearing about thanks. fyi, there's an interesting (but no surprises) 4 page review in the sept issue of 'Rider' magazine (pre-production model) by mark tuttle (editor).  (Message edited by johnb on September 03, 2005) | ||
| Bubabuell |
Be great to read your impressions, Ed. | ||
| Doughnut |
I am VERY interested.  | ||
| Crazyretard |
I am also interested. It was a test ride of an 05 12s that got me interested in buell's but I think I would prefer the long.My local dealers do not have a long they are willing to demo yet. I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam and found the 12s to be comfertable so I'm not sure that I would even need the room on the 12ss.I could also get a good deal on the 05 12s demo. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
the XB12Ss being longer/wider/higher, Longer, but the same 29.7" width and the .4" in seat height is not really that much of a differnce. | ||
| Unibear12r |
I saw one today parked very close to a XB12S and Wycked is right, there is not much difference. The height and length difference was almost unnoticeable until parked side by side. I think I sold both of those bikes for that dealer today too.  | ||
| Dbird29 |
There was a big difference from my XB9S and the XB12Ss I demoed. The steering was quite bit slower and it felt more stable at speed. Our guided demo ride got messed up so there were opportunities to hit 85MPH . I am very comfortable with my 9S and thought the SS was too slow on the steering. There was more room and the seat was more sticky than my street-fighter model. The SS is a very nice ride that would be a good choice. DBird | ||
| Edonis |
Alright. There seems to be popular demand, I shall go at it. First off, the Ergonomics. There is a noticable difference when you actually SIT on the bike (I went straight from sitting on my 9 to sitting on the Ss to make sure). I'm 6'1" 168 pounds, a very athletic fellow. My back has a tendency to have lower back pain on my 2003 XB9S. That was never a problem on the Ss. It felt like a much more natural riding position for me. The bars seemed a bit wider. I'm a popular guy at the dealership, so I didn't have to heed to the typical circuit which is a large square on boring roads around the dealership. I made sure to test the ergonomics on twisty roads, normal roads, and the interstate. Some of the buffeting while on the interstate was neutralized. Second, the new clutch. It has a very odd feel. Its extremely easy to pull, but I had to readjust my methods concerning where the friction zone was. This was the only thing on the bike I didn't like. I felt part of the feel was lost. Third, the new gears. I am in love with the new helical gears. The actual travel to shift has been reduced by half. Its very smooth when going through the gears. If you love the clunk you get from the old cog gears, this transmission is not for you. Fourth, the new swingarm. Before I even took the bike out I loved it. The dip sick location has been moved closer to the outside of the swingarm. Not only that, but it no longer has the small top with a single lip. The new dipstick is large with three legs sticking out that perfectly form fitted my hand (my hands are massive). It also just looks like a more compact and stiffer package. Fifth, the suspension. I could tell it was a bit soft before I left the dealer. Seeing the bike has fresh stock Dunlops that had been scrubbed a wee bit, I took the bike out onto the big skidpad that the dealer uses for Rider's Edge courses and set about doing turns, figure 8's, counterweighting circles, etc. First massive difference I noted was how hard it was to actually turn the bike. It really took some muscle to get it to turn in. It did feel a bit more stable. It didn't have that small twitch I get when going over bumps while leaned over that I get on mine. Keep in mind I tuned my suspension on my 9S well over seven months ago. This could very well be just because of the stock suspension settings. It did however feel very stable. The seat sticks to you like glue, and there was never any sliding like on my stock 9S seat. I took the bike out to an easy road with some fast sweepers to really get a feel for it the proper Buell way. I've done this road many times, and most of the curves I can take at 80mph- thats with a 5/10th pace. There weren't any cars, saftey is key. I hit the curve at 70, using the classic racing approach-outside of the turn, turn in towards the apex, exit towards the outside. Towards the apex the bike ran wide, I had to counter this by more and more angle. It wasn't much of a pucker factor, just a surprise. That was with me not hanging off the bike. I hit that same curve again hanging off and the bike settled wonderously and rode through the curves like a champ. This bike rewards proper form when on OEM Dunlops and with stock suspension settings. Turn in was still a beast. Using my shoulders to really begin to lean into the curve helped a bit. Sixth, going from a 9 to a 12 was fun. You can't miss the added torque. It is deffinently downlow compared to the 9's mid torque spread. Even as low as 2k the bike would get up and go admirably. I had to stay below 4k obviously given that it wasn't broken in, but I had fun picking apart the motor's characteristics. Also, the muffler sounds so much better. Its a more hollow, louder sound. The added raspyness made me wish I had something similar on my 9. -So on to a few other small notes I took. The rear hugger is twice as long and covers more of the wheel. Hopefully those of us whom ride in the rain can keep our backs dry. -The new belt is a serious bit of kit. It looks twice as thick as my upgraded 2003 Gates belt. It has a thick coating on the outside. It really does appear as if it will last the life of the bike, after my visual breakdown of its components. -The instrument cluster was put back to the normal color scheme used on my 2003 XB9. So those of you hating the crazy red/silver/whatever colors they use on the other bikes will love this one's simplicity. -The Sunset Orange color was amazing. Its almost Day-Glo bright. I really loved it, and the fact even the wheels were powdercoated in the color. If you ride in a lot of urban traffic I recommend it. I had cars slow down as I went by, and quite a few heads were turned. I can imagine having this color would lower the number of cars that turn out in front of me by half. My 9S is black by the way. -Someone mentioned that the control levers looked bigger and wider. I however could not verify this. Overall I felt the bike lost some of it's "character". To make up for that it is much easier to ride, and the controls are in a more polished state. I might be considering a trade Thanks for reading, Cheers (Message edited by Edonis on September 04, 2005) | ||
| Metalstorm |
Nice write up. Thanks!  | ||
| Bubabuell |
Ditto! | ||
| Johnb |
cody(edonis), thanks again for taking time to tap out demo commentary for us, liked your 9S point of view comparisons, well done! cheers,   | ||
| Jlnance |
Edonis, is the SS big enough be practicle for 2 up riding? Say for 2 people who each weigh about 200lb? | ||
| Edonis |
I would take a gander and say yes. The pillion seat actually looked comfortable. I would advise that you change the suspension for your riding style/weight, and then further dial everything in to handle a passenger. Keep in mind that it may not be too comfortable for long distance rides though. Also, see if your local dealer will let you take a test ride with your wife so you can get her opinion. Cheers | ||
| Jerseyguy |
Jlnance - I had the opportunity to throw a leg over a brand new Ss at the local bike night last week. The owner had just gotten it days before and was kind enough to let me sit on it. I had just gotten off of my XB9s and it really felt quite similar to me. If there are ergo changes they seemed subtle. Keep in mind I didn't ride it, I just sat on it. On thing that immediately became apparent was that the seat is luxurious! It is incredibly soft and must be a gel material or something similar. It isn't as cool looking as my Buell streetfighter seat but man is it comfortable. Here's the clincher: My wife was with me - she had driven her car over because she hates the seat and footpeg setup on my 9S. She sat on the back of the Ss there in the parking lot and raved about how much better it was than my '03s. This fact alone may push me over the edge into getting a new Ss. She even got her tape measure out and measured the difference in passenger seat to footpeg relationship. Some other observations. When I first saw the new Ss it was parked next to Wendy Zwiefel's 04 XB12S. They are both black & amber and I thought they were the same bike - they look that much alike. Closer inspection revealed the differences but no one but a Buell person would ever see them. I like the new bigger hugger / belt cover and the new belt looks very robust. I was disappointed when he started it up and I heard the quiet stock muffler. I konw, I know EPA. The bike was hanging at high idle (like we've seen so many times before) and I told him to back the idle down just a bit. If I get one it will have a new Drummer SS, K&N and TFI after break in (or maybe before). I'll get the better grips, frame protectors and buckle guard too. I'm a bit concerned about the slow steering voiced above. I've ridden some of the telelever Beemers that wouldn't turn & hated them. I hope it's nothing like that. I'm very used to my 9's twitchy behavior on the patched up back roads of Jersey - it can be unnerving at times though. I'm also a bit uncomfortable at speeds over 120 as the buffeting on a S combined with the bike's geometry doesn't feel very stable. I'm wondering how the Ss will be at top end. All thinks considered, I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a new Ss, especially if I can get the keys from Erik himself at the end of September. | ||
| Dbf |
Update-Well I have put on about 600km since bringing the bike home last Tue night. Filled it 3 times and it is averaging 56.25 mpg (that's imperial gallons). So, I'm happy with that. The bike seems to be running cooler now; the fan still comes on when I'm running at a slower speed, but usually stops after the speed is up more. So, my bollocks are not getting as warm as the first few rides. And M1Combat, I appreciate your concern about my pants, you see up here in Canada we seldom, if ever, wear any!! I meant my ballistic pants! LOL. The slow speed launch vibration is still present, but I can't say whether or not it is as bad as it was, or if it is that I'm working the clutch and throttle better. I really can't see the latter as I've never experienced a sensation like that before. The bike really lugs under 1800 rpm in first. Figure 8’s or parking lot travel is usually done riding the clutch. This may be a factor of the new clutch/tranny combo... The smell of gas is still present, but after taking the airbox cover off yesterday, I noticed the routing of the gas tank vent. I suspect that as the culprit. After I filled the bike up yesterday (with 91-$1.469 per liter-$6.66 per imperial gallon!!!!) it stalled on me after driving 25 miles or so. Just quit. It started right back. As well, I noticed while at idle and I blipped the throttle, it started back-firing through the breather a bit. I'm blaming it on the gas...I hope. So, ride position is comfortable, it is upright enough not to be excessively fatiguing, yet still offers decent body angles for cornering. I found it lumbers in tight corners, at little difficult to control, almost like a bad understeer. But I've figured it out, and by using body weight and throttle, she motors around anything I've thrown her into. The suspension seems fine to me. I suspect I'll have to tweak it a bit, but I've found no real problem areas here. The seat-excellent. I'm a big guy, 5'10", 265, and after a couple of days top get used to the feel, I love it. It is soft and grippy enough to keep my fat ••• planted, so that's a good thing! It never went numb once!! The torque is impressive. That goes without saying. As a new Bueller, I figured I had to mention it. I'll post another update later in the week. Dan | ||
| Light_keeper |
On saturday I stopped into Central Maine HD. They have a whole section set aside for just Buell and had a fellow in there who not only sell buells but knows about them and rides them as well. They had both a Ulysses and an Ss on the showroom floor there. We got to talking and pulled them out in the middle of the room. I got to crawl all over both to my hearts content. Was not dressed to ride unfortuneately. First the Uly was too tall for me at the low setting and stock seat. with a 29 / 30 inch inseam only the tips of my toes touched. Otherwise it seemed very comfortable. Sat on the Ss and it was very doable as it sat. One thing I did notice was the placement of the foot pegs for the operator. I am mostlikely wrong but it looks like you could bolt up a set for the uly on to the Ss and get an even more comfortable position. You would however reduce some of your lean angle. But if your purpose was to create an XB12SsT at least you would be one step closer. Due to the adjustable suspention I am not sure the tail section would be as easy. Maybe some one will come up with an aftermarket system to add the luggage. Next time I am going to be ready to ride. It was only on a whim I stopped in anyway. | ||
| Snackbar64 |
I have had the gas/engine smell. But the smell remains on my clothing area and is quite bothersome. I smell like the bike after a ride on a warm day. This really sucks because I am a social worker and make home visits on my XB9R and have to stand away from clients. | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
a few days ago i was a central texas hd and they have a black ss and i was looking at it and there is several things i dont like about it that i like about the regular s model, like that funky mud guard on the back, i like the small ones they look so much better. | ||
| Jerseyguy |
Firebolt - I agree with you completely about the looks of the little hugger vs the new bigger one. The reality is though that the little one just doesn't work. My shock is always dirty and if I should run through a puddle my back will get sprayed, even with the cheese grater section in place. I also get a collection of pebbles on my seat if I ride down an unpaved lane. Hopefully the new one will reduce the kicked up stuff. | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
well you do have a point but i never had thea prob (then again i had a firebolt) exept for the shock but thats what a hose is for. | ||
| Bigblock |
it seems to me that you guys should NOT be having a gas smell problem, especially one bad enough to make your clothes smell! I would be VERY concerned about this, and check for leaks and improper hose routing, and it might be justifiable to bring it to the dealer if still under warranyty, a gas leak could be very dangerous indeed! | ||
| Bubabuell |
Wodner if the new air inlet on the tank cover is somehow forcing gas fumes from the airbox? | ||
| Jerseyguy |
The only time I ever really smelled gas around my bike is when i had the TFI set too rich. I've never smelled it any other time. | ||
| Dbf |
Update #2-Not much else to comment on the bike proper stuff, but did want to mention I've completed the 500 mile, vary the load, rpm (not exceeding 3-3.5k of course), speed break in period. Man was that boring. I put the majority of miles on the bike around the village I live in, never venturing more than 20 miles from home. I am now exploring the mid range of the bike and I must say, I'm impressed. It pulls so effortlessly, from first to fifth gear. 0 to 80 mph in what seems a mere couple of seconds. Nothing seems to cause the bike to waver, a steep hill at 50 mph is climbed with no problem. I'm not used to this much torque. Again, I'll post more later. As I write this, I feel the need to take her for another spin! Dan | ||
| Jerseyguy |
It looks like I will have a new 12Ss on the 24th. I've ridden my '03 XB9S for a few years now and I will try to give an accurate comparison of the two as soon as I can. I'm afraid my comparison will be from the dark side compared to Dan's. I will have a new Drummer SS, Race ECM and K&N on it before I take it out the door. I will most likely break it in like I stole it as I have done on its 17 predecessors. No need for argument here on that point. To each his own. If it doesn't wheelie off of idle like my 9 I will be disappointed. | ||
| Opto |
Congrats Jersey, I hope you love it! I like to see someone throw the lot on before it goes out the door, I did the initial break in and got the Uly home and then fitted a regular Drummer to it. I was a bit soft on it compared to the XB12S, only took it to 6k rpm and 80 mph in the first 50 miles  There is something very good about the new 12 motor, it feels very strong and smooth for some reason at this early stage. | ||
| Loyal0ne |
Thats great Jerseyguy. by the way, im the one who just recently bought the Ss and and let Jerseyguy see it in person. Did i also mention i was the contributing factor to getting Jerseyguy's wife interested in the bike. im happy i could help out!!! haha  you'll have to let me know how the new drummer set up is. on a side note, regarding the new drummer ss, will this be a single or dual exitting exhaust (one side exit, or both sides)? | ||
| Jerseyguy |
Loyal - Did I not tell you that you did me a solid?! I owe you brother. LOL. It will be a single outlet. Kevin prefers the flow characteristics of a single outlet. We have a patent pending on the new Drummer SS rear plate and its outlet configuration. If you can get to bike night tonight I'll show it to you. Check out the dyno chart from Tilley's. Kevin said they made 38 Dyno runs on Sunday. I think this may be the best result ever for a stage I hop up.  | ||
| Anakie |
Hi Guys, I've been reading your impressions of the XB12Ss and I'd like to add my two bob's worth. I had a 99 M2 Cyclone and replaced it with a Black Lightning 05XB12S. I have done 9,000kms on it and I am 5'10"& 220lbs. What I do not like about the XB12S is the stiff suspension (after many adjustments) and virtually no seat padding. I even went to the trouble of retrimming another seat base to get an extra 1" of foam and relocate the 'hump' backwards as I was sitting on it. Last weekend at a Local Bike Show here in Australia they were giving Demo rides of the new Buell range. I had a ride on the XB12Ss long and my brief impressions were; -The seat was large and comfortable -The new mesh behind the fuel filler cap seemed to give out more induction roar (which sounds great) -The revised steering angle (and suspension setup) on the bike made the bike feel more comfortable (over bumps) and made it easier to hold a steady line around a sweeper In terms of pillion space it has improved (from 16 y olds to 21 y olds) -I currently get 200km out of a tank full before the light comes on. The XB12Ss should get 230km based on the tank size increase -The larger hugger will hopefully get rid of a gritty rear and a dirty back (me and the bike) on damp days -The larger belt guard will keep more stones off the belt (I had one embedded in the belt for the first week) -I thought the clutch felt lighter and the friction point was a little different but I put that down to the poor little bike having its guts flogged (with 64km on the clock!) I've already started pricing the difference - I think it is a great step forward if you are not an 8/10ths guy but still want a light big twin that is a little different from the rest. I'll put my soapbox away for another 6 months. Thanks, enjoy the ride.} |
