| Author | Message | ||
     Dr_greg |
At my advanced age (58) I've been telling myself I should quit riding sportbikes. When the Ulysses came out I thought "just what I need!" So I took a test ride on the XB12X (enjoyed it VERY much, BTW) and started planning how I can sell my '03 Battle Blue XB9R (purchased in July 2002) and get the money thing figured out. Well, the first step is to clean/detail the 9R prior to selling her. Oops, gotta get new tires, too, so pull the wheels and mount another set of M-1 Sportecs. While the wheels are off and she's up on F/R stands I start cleaning everything in sight. All of a sudden I step back and take a look..."what a jewel of a bike!" Then I recalled my reaction when I first saw pictures of the XB9R Firebolt back in 2002...WOW! What a beautiful, innovative design! Finally a bike that fits smaller riders like me (5-9, 150). As I continued detailing, all the beautiful little pieces on the XB9R kept calling my name. Finally I realized I want to keep the 9R more than I want to buy the 12X (can't afford both). It's just the coolest little bike ever! Now I'm at peace with the world. Maybe a couple years from now I'll consider the Ulysses again, since I did like it so much. But for now the little Firebolt stays at the center of my motorcycle universe... | ||
| Truk |
I am 52 and still on my 03 XB9R. Granted it has Heli-Bars and touring saddle but I am still doing the Sportbike thing. I use my 01 R1 (also with Heli-Bars and Corbin seat) for Sport and Sport Touring duty (how about 2,500 miles in 7 days) and the XB for Sport and Street Riding duty. Get constant stares, comments and questions on both bikes. You are not that far ahead of me in the age game, but it is inspiring to know that you are there blazing a trail for the rest of us | ||
| Doughnut |
I had a VERY similar reaction when I tested a XB9S. I was amazed and loved the machine. Brought it back to the dealer and remounted my S2. The S2 just seemed so right. | ||
| Crashm1 |
Ah yes, being happy is so much cheaper ain't it. I test drove a Uly also and an XB12. Started cleaning my X1 and fixing the little stuff, went for a ride since it was .... a day and that's what I do if it's above freezing. Got through the first couple corners and said to myself, " Self you can't afford two bikes and this one does everything you ask of it and makes you grin like a maniac. What more can you ask of a motorcycle?" I said not a thing I'm keeping it and the grin. | ||
| Reiner7 |
I just turned 50 and my 24 year old girl friend likes the XB-12s better. What does she know? She likes the damn Road King Classic too. ya know, so do I. Hey , you guys don't sound old to me. Buy them both. Ya gonna take it with ya? | ||
| Glitch |
I'm fortunate enough to live near the best Buell dealer in the South East (Stone Mountain HD & Buell), have the best riding partners ever (The 3%ers), host the best demo event ever (March Badness III is coming soon), and have the best roads in Georgia in my backyard. So I've been able to ride everything that comes out, for more than a "round the block demo ride." I've never even thought of replacing my XB9S. I bought it as soon as they came out and have been grinning ever since. Black_sunshine says it best, "Man! this NEVER gets old!" I bought mine new in 03 and am getting close to the 40thousand mile mark. I've been riding for a little over 30 years now, and have never had a bike I like more. Ain't it grand being happy! | ||
| Kcfirebolt |
Glitch, I'm catching up! 37,650 on the clock after 3,300 miles in 8 days last week! |
