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Xl1200r
| | Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 01:30 pm: | 
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^^ Nothing like making a choice by not making a choice 
That sounds a more than reasonable decision to me. |
Photon7p
| | Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 01:52 pm: |
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OK...I've got to add my 2...I'm almost 32, I started riding motorcycles when I was 27...27 not 16...so I'm pretty level headed guy, in fact I only started riding because my brother wanted someone sane he could ride with. Per his advice (Thanks bro...it saved my life) I started out with a small (500cc) USED bike (because you're going to lay it down within 6 months of owning it) 1986 Honda Interceptor. I thought this thing was fast and I'm 6'0 220 lbs...hell I had to air up the tires to the specs for 2 up riding! But it felt fast...2 months later I'm pushing the limits and...you guessed it...I had my wreck...2 months not 6. Guess that makes me an overachiever! after about 2 weeks in crutches, I couldn't even change my own underwear for the first week and a half, I started putting my bike back together. I healed faster than my bike (about two months or so...and have a big patch of scar tissue on my knee and a couple of patches of weird looking skin on my arm and back where I got a lot of road rash) so my brother says "Hey...take my Katana out for a ride". His Katana was a '94 750 outfitted with 4 into 1 ssr, timing advancer, stage 2 jet kit, and progressive springs. I got on her and was like "holy $!#$" it was fast! I bought that from him and rode it for about 6 months and layed it down 1 time due to some gravel in the road...5 miles an hour...wasn't too bad. Then my brother shows up with an X1...my life changed that day brother...let me tell you! I had to have one! and a month later I did. Knowing the mistakes I had made with the other bikes let me respect the X1...but the first week I got her I had the needle pegged while I was out riding with some guys that were on liter bikes! and I'm level headed? damn peer pressure! I've only layed it down 1 time and that was right off the line with cold tires...something I had never experienced (I live in FL) and that cost me $1000 to fix! and I scraped up my other knee! this happened after I had owned the X1 for about 2 years. What I suggest...if you want to have a 17 year old son...go get him a used Blast...you can pick up low mile ones for about $1500...it's a little small but it will get him accustom to riding Buell equipment...if you feel that it's just too small for him (bike...not the engine) go look at a Ninja 500...don't bother with the 250...he's too big of a boy for that...but buy something used and no bigger than 500cc!...it'll save his life...it did mine. If I would have had the X1 when I was pushing my first bike...I would have been into it a lot more and crashed a lot faster...and probably not been here to type this. |
Metalstorm
| | Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 01:52 pm: |
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When the time does come..For no other reason than it will be his first street bike I would have him ride a beater bike for the first year while he learns to read street traffic & learns to predict cager movement.
Then get the nice new Buell.
I believe you when you say you trust his riding ability. I was only 15 & 1/2 when I started riding.(never had a car until I was 18)It was a Honda 450 Nighthawk & was my first bike ever (never had or even ridden a dirtbike) and I faired pretty well. It got a few scrapes but it wasn't from crashing. It was little things like not paying attention to the road surface & putting my foot down on oil.
The small things won't endanger your son much but they'll sure piss him off if he dings his new bike. That's why I'd get a beater bike first.
(Message edited by Metalstorm on February 10, 2007) |
Jumpinjewels
| | Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 06:14 pm: |
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My 18 year old son wanted to buy my SV650 but I was selling it to get my SCG. He would love to have a bike as has been riding a dirt bike for several years. For his first bike I'd like to see him get something he can ride on the street and take off road as well. As far as letting him get a 1200cc Buell, I think NOT. |
Lost_in_ohio
| | Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 06:44 pm: |
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A good friend gave me some great advice
You are a parent first, buddy second.
The street is much more dangerous than riding a dirt bike. |
Johntman
| | Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 07:18 pm: |
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Ok think i will chime in here now.
My dad got me riding at 17. I started on a 1980 something suzuki gs 850 inline 4. we went for small rides around the neighborhood since I had never rode before. After the first couple of rides I was riding his suzuki intuder 1500. The V-twin 1500 was easier to ride than the inline 4. After a few rides I was hooked. I sold an old four wheeler I had and bought a Buell balst. Yes after riding for a while I took it out on a back road. I was 6'3" about 210 at that time, and a blast would run about 110 mph with me on it, I had a vance and hines and re-jetted carb. I rode it for about a year and bought a Yamaha V-star 650 Classic, air cooled v-twin. Jardine drag pipes and re-jetted carb. Would run 105mph. I rode that bike untill I was 20. Then I bought a new M2L. I bought the bike brand new. I found that during the break in procedure that the bike keeping it below 3k rpm was way faster than the other 2 bikes. I was responsible. I followed break in as I was supposed to. After being on the bike for a while I got used to the acceleration. I still respected the bike though. I took the MSF course after I had been riding for a couple of years. Even for rider who think they know it all I would recomend the course.It took almost 2 years and 8000 miles later before I decided to open up the bike. I got to 138mph indicated for a short amount of time.
I guess what I'm getting at is, is he responsible, because he will want to see what it will do eventually, didn't you? Just to let you know I have never wrecked or dropped a motorcycle, Well a street bike. Dirt bikes are supposed to go down right? Have I almost wrecked? Yes! I have almost wrecked a car? Yes! That is the inherent danger of putting yourself on the street with people you don't know!
Plus if you are making him make the payments he will take more care of it then if you just gave it to him! I made all the payments on my bikes. My dad and mom both had thier own bike so they couldn't say no! They could only say you pay! Plus both of my parents now are MSF and riders edge teachers. Plus on a little side note I converted my dad to Buell! |
Aj06bolt12r
| | Posted on Sunday, February 11, 2007 - 03:25 am: |
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Ok in my opinon if the the kid can already ride he will be fine on the lightning. Responsabiliy is the key, he could wreck just as quick on the ninja as he could on anything else and like you said there isnt really that much performance diff but the lightning will handle and stop better so maybe it is safer? But yeah I think that a buell is a good starter bike for a responsable person, smooth predictable power delivery and plenty of grunt for any young rider or sane street rider for that matter. I say that if you can afford it and he digs it get him one! Buy American! If he is used to high performace dirt bikes he would be bored with a 250 ninja on the street in fifteen minutes, pathetically weak, i speak from experiance, even though I cant spell. |
Teddagreek
| | Posted on Sunday, February 11, 2007 - 11:32 am: |
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Your son sounds like a very good young man..
Street Riding IMO comes with seat time... The street is not as forgiving as dirt riding..
I was his age once and I had a beater CB125 and on good hill I could go over a hundred. I would also do try to do wheelies and put my food down to do donuts.. Surprising enough even a bike like that was much faster than car. So I would race my friends in their cars on the way to going somewhere. My safety Gear a cheap open face helmet with no shield..
I was a good kid too...
Today's influences...
Wanna be stunters
street racing...
Top speed riding...
Good Luck... |
Old_mil
| | Posted on Sunday, February 11, 2007 - 12:04 pm: |
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Luke is 16, has been driving for 2 years and riding dirt bikes for the past 5 years.
He's got some experience, it's not like he's totally new to two wheels - and given his size, I don't think that a Buell xb would be a bad first choice.
Maybe an XB9 CityX would be a better choice though? A bit smoother engine, a bit less torque, a bit less power, a little better fit for someone who is 6'... |
Metalstorm
| | Posted on Sunday, February 11, 2007 - 05:43 pm: |
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Old_mil has an excellent point.
A CityX and an Ss are very close in seat height. The only advantage an Ss has over it is passenger room.
A CityX would be a most excellent first bike for a level headed responsible young man.
Whichever model you decide on (if you do decide on one) please please invest in frame pucks & axle sliders. They are money well spent that will actually save you money if the bike is ever dropped or tipped over etc... |
Teddagreek
| | Posted on Sunday, February 11, 2007 - 06:06 pm: |
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I have a City X and I'm 6'1"...
Cheaper insurance
Coming from a dirt bike he may like the way it revs compared to a 12... |
Tdiddy
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 04:55 am: |
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Jacket, helmet, gloves and boots for my kid will most likely cost more than his first street bike. |
Swordsman
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 09:09 am: |
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I dunno... I remember being sixteen, and though I was a "good kid" and for the most part an extremely cautious driver, I DID have my dumb moments. Even responsible young people can be tempted to do stupid things in the right (or in this case, wrong) situation. And on a motorcycle, it only takes that one time to truly screw everything up. But then again, I really doubt a smaller bike would make much difference there... you can be stupid and get yourself seriously hurt on a bicycle. I guess the best thing to do it just make sure you get him as much protective equipment as possible!
~SM |
Deanh8
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 10:11 am: |
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I'm about too be 18 and I started on a 01 Ninja ZX6R supersport when I was 16, It was way too much bike for me and I knew it. Im a pretty responsible person, really cautious and careful and I know the bike was more then I could handle but did that mean I didn't push and drive it hard some times? Im telling you now that I didn't ride that bike easy...
I don't think any teen can get on a bike (a sporty bike) and not ride it hard and have fun with it, esp when friends are around.
Unfortunately, a car pulled out in front of me making a left turn and i hit them head on. (not my fault and I wasn't driving stupid at the time) Totaled the bike and now I'm in the market for a buell (reason i just signed up here)
Anyways, coming from a "responsible kid" don't try to convince your self that he will be careful because your only going too regret it if something does happen. I did some pretty stupid things, mainly when I was with friends.
Why not get a 9s or something? why does it have to be a 12?
(Message edited by deanh8 on February 13, 2007) |
Swordsman
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 01:00 pm: |
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Dean, I think he's looking at the 12 because the Ss doesn't come in a 9, and he wants the larger frame for comfort.
~SM |
Isham
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 01:29 pm: |
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I don't know why a few of you are fussing between 9s-and 12s. To me the 12 isn't even that much more powerful than a 9. The buell puts down predictable power it's no inline 4 so what's the big deal. If you pop the clutch on either bike she gets mad.
A traffic officer teaching the msf program once told me if you're a crazy car driver you'll be reckless on a bike. Now that's the truth.
People that fall victim to peer pressure and like to show off have their own set of issues they need to deal with, and risks to consider, before they get on a bike. |
Midknyte
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 01:55 pm: |
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I've always got one eye open for smaller bikes - this is currently on the top of the investigation list for my eldest: Daelim Roadwin 125.
http://www.daelimusa.com/guia/comercios/daelimusa/ html/inicio.htm
Not necessarily suggesting it for you, I'm just posting for anyone who might benefit from knowing about it. But, I do echo the sentiments of not having a 16 yr old on an XB. My kids will ride [something], but they'll not be allowed to ride alone until they've had a few years behind the wheel in a cage while they learn just how dog gamn stupid other people are... |
Metalstorm
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 06:50 pm: |
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I must be backwards. With the exception of a three day driving course (needed to get a permit)
I rode a bike for two & 1/2 years on the streets before I ever drove a car. When I was 18 I finally rode in enough hail storms to get over my dislike of cars & get one.
I think having a couple years of riding experience under my belt before driving a car made me a better, safer driver.
AND... I always saw motorcycles on the road. They were not invisible to me.
ON EDIT: I think if everyone had to ride a bike for a year or two before being allowed to drive a deadly weapon, people would be much more alert an observant on the road. They would be motorcycle friendly and would be trained in scanning ahead noticing road conditions & hazzards. They would pay more attention to side streets & oncoming left turn lanes. They would learn to anticipate the actions of others. They would be more weary of intersections and all in all just be more observant & careful.
(Message edited by Metalstorm on February 13, 2007) |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 07:11 pm: |
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Works in China.
(Except they only ever get the bicycle) |
Molly_hatchet
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 - 11:37 pm: |
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if bike size dosent matter how come motorcycle safety courses use blasts and rebels...maybe they should start using 12R's and ZX10's that should liven things up a little. |
Cityxr
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 02:13 am: |
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Here's my most humble and personal opinion. If your son is like most 16 year olds, probably any sport-style bike is going to be too much. Not because he can't handle it but mainly because he will probably have more power than he has responsibility. I know that when I was 16 I had a Volkswagen Beetle as my first vehicle - and I drove that thing like it was a Porsche. I stayed out of harms way though probably because it wasn't a Porsche.
There's also that old adage that it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. My suggestion is to let him ride the 650 for all it's worth, or even better, look at the Blast or Ninja 250.
Having just a little less torque and horsepower might make all the difference in the world for reaction time when one of those 16 year old moments strike.
I don't know your son though, I'm just going off my own personal experience.
-Heath |
Bross
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 10:28 am: |
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Posted by metalstorm: "ON EDIT: I think if everyone had to ride a bike for a year or two before being allowed to drive a deadly weapon, people would be much more alert an observant on the road. They would be motorcycle friendly and would be trained in scanning ahead noticing road conditions & hazzards. They would pay more attention to side streets & oncoming left turn lanes. They would learn to anticipate the actions of others. They would be more weary of intersections and all in all just be more observant & careful."
Totally agree, I had the same experience after getting my motorcycle endorsement 25 years ago. I only rode on the street for a few months on a dual sport, but it sure opened my eyes and like you said improved my driving dramatically.
Posted by Cityxr: "I know that when I was 16 I had a Volkswagen Beetle as my first vehicle - and I drove that thing like it was a Porsche. I stayed out of harms way though probably because it wasn't a Porsche."
Same here, a 1965 Plymouth Fury III with a slant 6! Woo hoo! But like you said, I drove it like I was running a rally.
As I said earlier, thanks for everyone's posts and I have definitely changed my mind, and agree with my wife, he can get a bike when he's out of the house and on his own. He'll have his endorsement this summer and can go for the odd ride with me on "Mom's" bike, but maybe he'll be like me and life will just get too busy and he won't buy a bike till he's 40. |
Goozyman
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 11:20 am: |
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i agree, an XB is way too much bike for a 16 year old to own.
Start with a Ninja 250 or 500 or something like that.
Make him PROVE he is worthy for something like a Buell. |
Macbuell
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 11:32 am: |
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My father taught me to ride on his 1978 Yamaha XS400. It was a slow, ugly bike but he gave it to me to use in college and that is what I rode until I could afford a bike of my own choosing. I later bought a Yamaha FZR600. It was sporty and it was what I could afford. A few years later I traded that in for a Buell XB9S which I later traded in for a XB12R. All of this took place over 17 years of riding. I am very happy with the progression in money and performance in the bikes I have owned. Never, at any point, did I feel like I had a bike that was too fast for me but that is mostly because of the experience I gained on my slower bikes along the way and realizing the best skill any rider can learn is in controlling their right wrist.
All I can say is if I were a parent of a 16 year old kid, no way in hell am I letting him get on an XB12. But that's just me. The biggest problem kids that age have is that they think they are invincible and sometimes it's too late before they realize that just isn't the case. There are some really nice bikes out there now for new riders. Since he has been riding off road, what about looking at the Suzuki DR-Z400SM Supermoto bike. I know a guy that rides one and he says it is an absolute blast.
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/DRZ400SMK7/Sp ecs/Default.aspx |
Bross
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 01:48 pm: |
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Posted by macbuell: There are some really nice bikes out there now for new riders. Since he has been riding off road, what about looking at the Suzuki DR-Z400SM Supermoto bike. I know a guy that rides one and he says it is an absolute blast.
I agree and thought he would want a supermoto as well, he loves his KTM, but he wants a sportbike. See above for our decision, he's NOT gettin one! :-)
(Message edited by bross on February 14, 2007) |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 02:45 pm: |
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That's the problem with these types of threads, Bross. Even after you have made a decision you will still receive advice.
I'm as guilty as any. After a while, it's no longer about you!
I think you've made the right decision! |
Metalstorm
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 03:07 pm: |
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Definitely a good decision Bross.
A sportbike would be bad. Simply because of the seating position. Crouched down you don't have as good of a view of your surroundings and slow speed maneuvers are more difficult.
It sounds like you're on top of things so I'll stop feeding this thread  |
Bross
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 03:10 pm: |
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Thanks everyone! Thread closed.
PS I'll post pics of him on Mom's bike when we go for a ride. :-)
(Message edited by bross on February 14, 2007) |
Swordsman
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 09:37 pm: |
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Ha! That kid's gonna' HATE us! 
~SM |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - 09:42 pm: |
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Ha! That kid's gonna' HATE us!
So will the emergency room physician! |
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