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Zane
| | Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 02:47 pm: | 
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ahhh... did not know that cityxslicker. Good tip.
I have that ride all set and ready to go. My older son is coming along and we are both going to ride the 1200 C and the XT. I'm fully expecting to like them both but will see how I feel after the side by side comparison. I fully expect to like the XT more than the Sporty but the question is how much more? I'm looking forward to it. My son face lit up like a search light when I told him he could come along and ride them both. He's meeting me at my office and we'll go from there. |
Bill0351
| | Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 02:52 pm: |
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"My unconscious first reaction when going some where was to hop on the bike."
To me that's the ultimate test of whether you made the right choice. This weekend my kids' movie started skipping and my first thought was what a great excuse it was to get out for one last ride.
A few years ago when I bought a Roadking, I started riding less and less until an entire sunny weekend would pass without a mile in the saddle.
When I sold it and bought my Cyclone, I put more miles on in the first month (October I think) than I had over the whole summer on a bike that didn't interest me.
Good luck!
I hope you make the right choice.
Bill |
Indybuell
| | Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 03:09 pm: |
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Zane - We will be expecting a full report! |
Zane
| | Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 03:18 pm: |
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Oh, you'll get it. In mind numbing, minutia laden detail. Bank on that one my friend, bank on it. |
Zane
| | Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 03:21 pm: |
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Bill0351,
You know you're hooked when the weather report is 90% chance of rain and you still look at the radar to see in you can make it in to work without getting wet instead of just taking the car. |
Froggy
| | Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 03:37 pm: |
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Weather report? I look out the window to see if the plow trucks are out, if not, I am riding  |
Jerry_haughton
| | Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 08:30 pm: |
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A few years ago when I bought a Roadking, I started riding less and less until an entire sunny weekend would pass without a mile in the saddle.
Because, as I helped you discover, your dealer had done an awful job of dialing in the bike when the intake and exhaust mods were done.
Bill, you bagged on the bike, HARD, before I got you straightened out - the fault didn't lie with the bike, it was a result of poor set-up, a fact to which you ultimately agreed.
The RK is a fine bike. This comes from somebody who has ridden one several times around the country.
And, if I can believe what I read, the '09 versions, with the completely updated/upgraded chassis, are even better.
You didn't ride yours, that's fine with me.
But it wasn't the bike's fault.
Ferris |
Bill0351
| | Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 08:54 pm: |
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Hey there Ferris!
I had a good time talking about this with you a while back.
I would 100% be willing to get another Roadking. I just don't see it as satisfying me as an only bike.
For some people, a Roadking holds no interest at all. For some people, a GSX-R1000 holds no interest at all. I'm neither of those people.
If I had to have only one, I would sell my Cyclone and keep my GSX-R. Selling both to buy a RK wouldn't even be an option. If I could afford to add another, the RK or an EG Standard would very likely be the very next thing I bought.
It's the same reason they don't sell just one flavor of ice cream.
In fact...
Kids are gone...
Girlfriend is gone...
It's not too cold...
I think I'm going for a ride.
Cyclone? GSX-R? I like my options , but I wish I had a third. |
Jerry_haughton
| | Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 09:11 pm: |
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Agree, the RK is not for all. No bike is.
Your post earlier would lead some to believe you didn't ride your RK because it had fundamental problems.
My take then, and now, is that you didn't ride it because it ran like crap, which we determined was not the bike's fault.
Good to visit with you again. I'm still digging my RK, 33k and counting. It's a keeper.
Best,
FB |
Indybuell
| | Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 09:15 pm: |
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So - Zane - Surely you're back from your ride by now? Don't leave your audience waiting! |
Zane
| | Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 10:38 pm: |
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I just got back from the dealer where my older son and I took our test rides. We rode each bike about 10 miles in traffic and then spent about 30 unsupervised minutes on their Rider’s Edge course area. There we switched bikes a couple of times there.
First the HD: We rode a 2007 Sportster 1200C with just under 10k on the odometer. I have to say I did like it. It was peppy; felt very stable had a nice sound to it. For a V-Twin it didn’t shake much. I really liked the forward control position for that bike though I think they had someone a bit more long-legged than me in mind. I liked the way it shifted, no problem going through the gears but with a big enough “thunk” there was no question you had made the shift. It felt very positive. Throttle was smooth and responsive though the power band.
On the down side, it seemed like it took a lot of effort to make a turn. With the longer forks, it just took more manual effort to steer. It sat lower to the ground than I realized. That’s great for balance and handling but not so good for vision in traffic. The brakes did not seem at all positive to me. Lots of squeezing for not a lot of stopping. I wouldn’t say the brake was a POS but there was not as much breaking power as I was expecting. Neither of us liked the stiff clutch and both of us found that it make our hand tired very quickly. The acceleration was there for sure but it was not the rocket I was expecting.
On balance I really liked the Sportster and can definitely see a Sportster in my garage someday.
Now on to the XB12XT. It was a 2009 with 2010 miles on the odometer when I climbed on it. After riding this bike all I can say is:
I…. HAVE…. WOOD…..
It started right up and in a second or two was ready to go. It shook a lot even for a V-Twin. The height of the bike was a bit disconcerting. Even wearing my boots it was within a ½ inch of being too tall for me. That is easy to fix with the setup. While I was on the bike it seemed like I could look semi tractor trailer drivers square in the eye. After we cleared the parking lot I gave it some gas to get up to speed. Holy Freakin’ Jesus protect me! I thought my ears were going to be pulled back far enough to touch behind my head. I expected some power but I didn’t have a clue. The low end grunt this bike has is like nothing I’ve every seen, felt or dreamed about. At first it seemed almost overpowered and I had to quickly learn to use less throttle for everything. On a piece of empty road, I accelerated hard to catch up with our keeper, looked down and realized I was going 80 mph in 3rd gear and the bike wasn’t close to breaking a sweat. It was no where near red line.
This bike handled like a dream too. All I had to do was think about turning the bars and the bike was already turning in the direction I wanted to go. Responsive doesn’t even begin to describe how this thing handles. At the end of our ride I was making lazy figure 8s in the middle of the RE area quite comfortably. On the Sporty I felt like I was working hard to do the same maneuver.
The clutch was butter smooth and I had no issue in traffic or when we were playing on the RE course area. After I got any amount of RPMs away from idle, it smoothed right out and all the vibration went away. The brakes were light years better than the Sportster’s. I can see where it would be easy to over brake in a panic stop.
The downside to this bike was pretty small. I didn’t like the gear shifter on the bike. The angle on it was just very different from what I am used to. I had trouble feeling which gear I was in. Also the angle on the rear break pedal was different. I had to feel round to even find it. That would take some serious getting used to. I was also surprised by how little swing there was to the handle bars. I expected much more travel to either side of center that it has. With almost no rake to the forks I guess they had to do it that way but it felt a little odd to me. I think I’d like about another 10 degrees of steering in either direction.
Ok, so here is where I have to admit I didn’t have a clue. I liked the Sporty and thought it was a fun little bike. I’d buy one but not as my main ride. For me, it would be a great little weekend fart around bike. But that is all I’d use it for. But the Sporty just didn’t stir my soul like the XT did. I hadn’t made it a mile down the road when I was smiling and trying to calculate the payment in my head. This is a bike that I have to have. All you guys that thought I didn’t have any clue about what I was talking about… you were right. I have GOT to get me one of these babies.
So for me the answer is extremely clear. While I liked the Sporty, the XT won my heart. I’ll be getting an XT as soon as I can.
(Message edited by Zane on March 19, 2009) |
Indybuell
| | Posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 11:03 pm: |
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Littlebuggles
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 02:36 am: |
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Woohoo! While I'd not bad talk most bikes and think being on two wheels alone will always win out - Buells rock - Glad you've found the bike for you.
It's prolly a bit far but there's a used XT here with about 7K on it for $8,000 or so. I don't know the year for sure, '07 I think. Heated grips and bags, ridden responsibly by a former motors cop... |
Zane
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 08:39 am: |
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Yeah, Utah is a bit far to go but it's always good to collect sales data and asking prices. Where in Utah are you? I have a brother in Provo.
The asking price on this particular bike was a bit on the high side. They worked up an out the door price for me of just over $12k with tax, tag, title dealer prep and red tape. That price is gonna have to come down some before I pull the pin.
Dang, dang, dang I loved that ride! I think we should all drive up to East Troy and kiss Erik's ring for making the XB line. |
Etennuly
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 09:41 am: |
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Dang, dang, dang I loved that ride! I think we should all drive up to East Troy and kiss Erik's ring for making the XB line
Most of us have! That is the basis of Homecoming! |
Etennuly
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 10:04 am: |
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Zane, that was an excellent write up. Good to see that you got to feel permagrin first hand. And I would like to say to you "See what I mean?".
I have been riding for 34 years. I have owned 14 bikes that were licensed for highway use, of varied types and sizes, some that I truly loved riding and cherished the styling. The only one that has been close to the Uly for me was a V65 Magna that had a real 'wholly sh!t factor', but no permagrin.
There are other bikes that are faster, lower, more stylish, smoother, but few if any provide that permagrin from the start. It becomes an addiction just as powerful as drugs or alcohol with the major side affect being time spent riding it or thinking about riding it, and if put up for a time for inclement weather or what ever, you find yourself sneaking out to the garage to sit on it, just to give it a hug.(OK most Uly riders won't admit to that, but as they read this they are smiling under their breath.you know who you are!) |
Zane
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 11:34 am: |
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I'm quite willing to hear all you guys say I told you so. You guys were right. This bike is the holy grail of motorcycles.
It's not just that this honey has all the power I could ever use. It's the way it handles. I made "gentle" turns on the XT that were hard work on the Sporty. I can't think of a road I've been on in Florida in the last year that would be a challenge to the XT.
We just need to get the price down a touch. It's a 2009 and has warranty until August of 2010. The outside edges of the bags are scratched up and there are a few nicks here and there all over the bike. All are cosmetic at most.
It's definitely in a ready to ride condition. The only changes I can see would be the bigger touring windshield and a different muffler. I don't want to make it any louder. I'm not a “loud pipes saves lives” kind of guy. But I would like to give it a bit more of that low rumble. You know, that deep throaty sound that says “serious machine”. Other than that, I need to start saving for my first motorcycle trip. It's only 4200 miles from Tampa to Juneau. Hmmm, I've always wanted to see Alaska... |
Wolfridgerider
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 01:10 pm: |
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... and now you know the rest of the story... |
Zane
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 01:49 pm: |
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So what would be a fair price for it. 2009 with 2000 miles on it.
Dealer is asking $10,995 for it and after tax, tag, tile and B.S. red tape the out the door is $12,070.
Fair or overpriced? |
Indybuell
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 02:02 pm: |
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I'd say that is pretty fair. Everything that I see on Craigslist is pretty close to that price. You may see if they will throw in some Buell Adventure Pants or a Service/Parts manual. |
Zane
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 02:35 pm: |
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Well maybe I can get a bit more out of them before I pull the pin. Some one on this board just bought a new 08 from the same dealer, I can't remember who. It was in perfect shape and right around 1000 miles. He got it for $10,000 plus ttt and BS red tape. I'd like to get a little closer to that price. Besides, it's been at this dealer for over a month. They need to move it as much as I need to buy it. |
Badlionsfan
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 03:38 pm: |
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Ya shoulda tried an 1125 out too. That woulda really blown ur mind when u whacked the throttle |
Zane
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 05:18 pm: |
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An 1125? I don't think so dude. I was squealing like a little girl as it was. I can't image me on the Beast of East Troy...lol
So what do you guys thing about $12,000 out the door for a 6 month old XT? I'd like to see that number down around $11,000 but don't know if they'll go down that much.
I talked to Ken at Fletchers today. First part of the week I asked him to work up a price on a new XT. He said they aren't scheduled to receive any for the rest of 2009. He did say there are only two or three new ones in Florida. If they had to get one from a dealer they couldn't cut me much slack on the price. Out the door would be $14,655.
That's a lot of jack. I guess I can ride a bike with a couple of scrapes to save $1,500. We'll see what Brandon HD does. |
Timberwolf211
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 06:27 pm: |
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Just think of them as character scars!! That way if people notice them you make up some kind of funny story about how they ended up there!!!! Seeing as the grin you have on you face riding it wont go away. Just go for it. In the end its what you can afford and the miles you will out out on it that give you ultimate joy, not some silly payment. |
Ponti1
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 07:24 pm: |
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Have you asked this same question on www.xlforum.net? Not to steer you away from here at all, but there are lots of good folks on that board as well, and you'll find that most of them are very into both the XL and the XB (and even at least one die hard Moto Guzzi fan).
I would have a hard time choosing one of these two. I've had an XL1200C (2004), and loved it for both around town and all day traveling. I've ridden the X (but not the XT), and loved it as well.
Wanna REALLY piss off the wife? Buy a nice, clean, used '04 XL1200C for about 5-6 grand AND get a nice, clean, used '06 XB12X for around the same price. If you then decide you need the hard bags and tall shield like the XT, you can easily get them.
I'm just sayin'... |
Littlebuggles
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 07:30 pm: |
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12 seems a bit steep, depends on the miles but still...
I'm in Salt Lake, have family in Provo, it's not far.
I'll get an exact price and specs for comparo if you'd like - might be tough though, it's always hard to look at all the cruisers and not want to demo them all |
Zane
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 09:08 pm: |
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Thanks Littlebuggles, I'd appreciate that |
Wolfridgerider
| | Posted on Friday, March 20, 2009 - 10:14 pm: |
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VEHICLE DETAILS
Year:2008
Make:Buell
Model:XB12XT
Location:Peachtree City, GA
Type:Motorcycle
Mileage:
SELLER DESCRIPTION
2008 BUELL XB12XT, Racing Red. Less than 2700 miles. Excellent condition. Never down. First dealer service done. Still under warranty $10500, 7704874904
http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/2008-Buell -XB12XT-94786206 |
Mr_grumpy
| | Posted on Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 03:53 am: |
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As 86219 said, don't dismiss the TT.
Yes it's a bit taller in solo mode but if it's a newish one you should get the dual seat kit with it, I can assure you it makes all the difference.
That said, if you need the luggage capacity, or your going to be doing some distance, the XT will be the better bet.
As for a dealer that says "we're not getting any more in this year", WTF??? Walk away, they want you to buy something else that you don't want. In the current economic climate I'd have thought any dealer that can't or won't get you the model you want is on the brink of sinking into oblivion.
Take a few days off, print off a copy of the BRAN, fly to Utah, see the family & ride home via badweb members.
Then you'll need to go to the doctors to have the permagrin treated. |
Pkforbes87
| | Posted on Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 10:33 am: |
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"I…. HAVE…. WOOD….."
That is the exact thought that came to mind as I was pulling out of the cycle connection lot yesterday on an 09 xt. I'm used to an x1, so was considering only the different lightnings for my next xb bike (was especially looking at the tt)
Wow.. The xt does everything my x1 does so much better and with less effort. Its a shame the xt doesn't compete in looks . I expected the xt to be akwardly tall, and a bit heavier for throwing around in corners. WRONG. That bike leaves me speechless.
For anyone who hasn't ridden the xt - no matter what bike you've been interested in before, just ride the xt. I think it will measure up in every way. |
Littlebuggles
| | Posted on Sunday, March 22, 2009 - 04:19 am: |
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Hey Zane I rode by the dealer today but got there late (closed), so I'll have to go on Monday. |
Zane
| | Posted on Sunday, March 22, 2009 - 10:16 am: |
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No problem Littlebuggles, I can't pull the pin until the soon to be ex accepts my by out offer. Figure 2 weeks to go back and forth before we come to terms and then a week to do the refi. I've already talked to the loan officer at my credit union and a refi is not going to be any problem at all. |
Littlebuggles
| | Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 09:19 pm: |
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Zane, It's an 07 in that yellow/orange color, 7,350 miles.
Has heated grips, race ignition, and an extended warranty (not sure the $$ value on that), and aftermarket faux carbon blinkers. I'll call the seller tomorrow, he's a salesman from another HD store here in the valley). I thought he had bags on it too, but there wasn't any on it. Snapped a couple pics, when I have a minute to download from my phone I can post them.
He's asking $8295.00
If I wasn't looking for a truck I'd like to buy it.
It's been on the floor for a month or two and the salesman said he knew nothing about it, he doesn't seem interested in trying to sell it, doesn't understand the bike since it's not an HD. Basically the bike is going to have to sell itself. So if you're considering the fly and buy and visit family option, I wouldn't worry too much about it selling soon.
If nothing else you know the bike is selling for a lot less out here, maybe it's a regional thing but I wouldn't pay more than 10G's unless it's brand new, and I wouldn't buy brand new unless I had a lot of disposable income. The loss of value on a new vehicle, just coming off the lot kills me.
-Mike |
Zane
| | Posted on Monday, March 23, 2009 - 11:19 pm: |
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I'm still a couple of weeks from pulling the pin on new bike. As much as I want on right now, I'll in a forced to wait mode. That's ok, it'll force me to really consider my color choices...lol
Thanks for checking out the bike. There are a couple people keeping a look out for me. I'm believin' the right bike will be out there when I can sign on the dotted line. |
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