| Author | Message | ||
     Zane |
Ok everyone. I need some serious input here. My divorce will be over the end of April and I’ve decided that I owe myself a new bike for getting through it in one piece. Beside, it’ll piss her off to no end. The only question is that I don’t know what to get. I’ve pretty much narrowed it down to two bikes: an X12XT or a Harley Sportster 1200C. I know I know those are very different bikes. I’m really having a hard time deciding between the two. The XT really is kind of ugly but I am too, we’d be a matched set. I like the ultra naked look of the Buells. No bells and whistles, just raw motorcycle. I can’t stand the bigger is better approach to fairing that the UJMs take. Some of those things are as big as a Corvair. The Sportster on the other hand really is a pretty bike in my eyes. They really have nice lines and proportions. A Quasimodo like me would look out of place. Price wise the Sportster has an advantage. New, an XT lists for $13,000. The 1200 C lists at $10,300 for the one color version. Then I’d have to add bags, a windshield and back rest. Call that another $1500 or so. That still gives the Sportster a price advantage of roughly $2000. Not enough to settle the issue but two grand buys a lot of miles at the gas pump. My kids are lobbying hard for the Sportster. They like all the farkles available for the 1200 and that whole “Harley” thing. Plus when you look at the weight/horsepower ratio of the Sportster it’s one of the faster Harleys out there. Harley just about invented torque which is really the name of the game isn’t? I like the XT, and know it will do anything I ask of it and do it well. But really, I’ll never come close to using more than 20% of its abilities. The Sportster might even be considered a better commuter bike, the major function of this bike. My riding will be about 80% to and from work. The work commute itself will be 50% surface roads and 50% highway miles at about 60-65mph. The remaining 20% of my total riding will be short hops around town and the occasional trip down a twisty road to throw the bike around. Off road riding won’t be enough to mention. Weekend trips might be a once or twice a year kind of thing at most. I will be doing some two up riding. I take my son to school on my way to work. Thats the first 6 of the 15 miles to work every morning. The XT wins that one easily but two up on a Sportster isn’t a problem really. Gas mileage is a bit better with the Sportie but either will get better mileage than my truck or my Rav 4. Both bikes fit me fine with the Sportie having a minor advantage. Seat height for the XT is 30.7 vs. 28.0 for the 1200C. I’m 5 foot 10, with a 30 inch inseam. I weight about 190. With my bad back both bikes keep me sitting upright. I’m sure the ergonomics of either bike will work for me. I've butt tested both and both seem work for me. I’m leaning toward the XT. It’s versatile enough to do everything well. It’s not cookie cutter, is easier to work on and has a better horsepower/weight ration and all the torque I’ll ever be able to use. Let’s face it; if you’re on this board, you understand the need for torque. The obvious answer is to buy both but until I hit the Powerball, I can’t do that. I even looked into buying both used but that is just beyond what I can comfortably do. So, does anyone have both a Sportie and an XT? If you could only have one or the other, which one would it be and why? I’d really like to hear everyone’s reasoning on the question. | ||
| 86129squids |
Buy the Buell and then start saving $$$ to find a well kept Shovelhead. You'll never regret it- I compare the Ulysses to the HD Ultra Classic: MORE cargo capacity than the Ultra ALMOST as good a seat as an Ultra Half the weight Half the cost 120% or better HP of the Ultra The Buell will be the best choice overall for practicality, and the future Shovel will be the best choice to ride with your future GF, GREATLY pleasing her whilst GREATLY pissing off your ex. Just left a job selling both brands- sure the Sporty is kewl to the kids, but subject to "When ya getting a REAL Harley? (as in if it's not a Twin Cam, it's a chick's bike. I hate to hear that, but some Hog riders are prejudiced that way.) When you find your future Shovel, you will automatically have the coolest bike in a sea of Evo and newer bikes. The Buell will be the best commuter for many reasons. It will allow you to become a better rider. And someday, you too can come down to Suches GA to join the pack! | ||
| Zane |
Thanks for the input. Becoming a better rider is always on the short list of goals. So is pissing off the ex...lol You hit the nail on the head talking about a shovel head. My 18 year old swears that's going to be his first bike will be an ol' shovel head. I can think of a lot worse ways to go...lol (Message edited by Zane on March 17, 2009) | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Buy the XT. It has a better engine. It has a better chassis. It has better forks. It has better brakes. It has better rear suspension and swing arm. It is better for riding two up. It has better tires. It weighs about a hundred and fifty pounds less. It handles better. It goes faster. Bottom Line: The Uly is better. OK?  | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
If you want chrome for the ladies...HD. Want an all-around bike...Uly. | ||
| 86129squids |
+1 what yer kid said. One caveat on the Shovel: ALWAYS keep some RED Loctite handy. If you and yer kid have a decent garage and workspace, getting him familiar with turning wrenches on the ole Shovel will gain him (and you) a greater appreciation of what Pirsig taught- to know the "Classic" AND "Romantic" views of a motorcycle. Also- +1 for Jon reinforcing my earlier post. The Buell is a better bike by far. | ||
| Kazz1949 |
XT- I've owned both, plus a Road King Classic. XT is the ugliest but the best all around bike of the three. Plus you really can't see the looks while your riding. Bob | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
I've had 2 sportys and 1 Road King. Hands down the Uly wins It does everything better. | ||
| Zane |
I don't doubt for a second that the XT is a better all round bike. That's not even a question. But I'm a relatively new rider and suspect most of the XT abilities would be wasted on me. Why pay for more capacity than I can use? Still there's just that certain something about the XT that I can't shake. | ||
| Xl1200r |
It's easy to make this call on a Buell board. My first bike was a Sportster. I loved it, but eventually sold it and got an XB. It took less than two years for me to put another Sportster in the garage. There's something about them. I've since gotten an 1125, but I won't part with the Sportster still. From now on I will be a 2 motorcycle man (maybe more). The XL1200C and Uly are two totally different bikes in purpose, design and customer. To be fair, a reasonable person who knows close to what they want wouldn't even be considering these two machines side by side - it's along the lines of, "I can't decide on if I want a Ducati 1098 or a BMW GS." Based on what you want the bike to DO, I'd say you want the Uly. Based on what you say you want the bike to BE, you want the Sportster. You gotta figure out what's more important to you. As far as capabilities, I agree that the Uly does everything better than the Sportster, except one thing - being a Harley. There's only one place to get that. (Message edited by xl1200r on March 17, 2009) | ||
| Indybuell |
Why not another Blast? | ||
| Zane |
I asked this question on a Buell site knowing it would be weighted heavily toward the Buell. But this board is full of extremely experienced riders who have owned any bike you can name. If I go to the average Harley site and say “Hey who here has owned both a Sporty and an XT”, all I’m gonna hear are crickets chirping. The active members on this board are all pretty smart too. They’ll be able to give an honest critique of either machine in the real world. If I ask about surging some 08 XT’s have, I’m gonna get an earful of unvarnished true. That’s what I want. So is the XT a better all round bike? That’s a stupid question, of course it is. But for mostly commuting is it THAT much better than the Sportie? I rarely go above 75mph even in a car so handling characteristic at 135 don’t mean a thing to me. I’d venture that the XT is a harder bike to ride. Well, maybe not harder but perhaps is more labor intensive while on the road than the 1200C. Is it worth it to have a bike that requires more but I’m not experienced enough to get all of it back out. I’m leaning toward the XT and did before I started this thread. I just want to hear enough different sides so I can think this purchase all the way through. All opinions are welcome. Even those of you whose opinion is that I’m a jerk...lol | ||
| Court |
>>> But for mostly commuting is it THAT much better than the Sportie? Yes, it is. I've owned, and really liked them, many Sportsters, may get another. If the bike if primarily for commuting and casual riding, the XT is a clear choice. Take the commuting, or the need to carry anything other than a backpack, out and make the use "weekend cruising" the nod would go to the Sportster. For my money, I'd get the 883 and have a 1200cc kit installed. The XT is really the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles that brings enthusiastic performance (I'm 240# and my front wheel lifts with throttle only), handling and excellent brakes to the table. Don't disregard the Sportster, it's a really fun bike and far more refined than the ones I owned. One will "speak" to you . . . follow your heart, be mindful you live once and should strive to smile the greatest percentage of those hours possible. Court | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Go demo, it will tell you all you need to know 05 Harley XL883R 9800 miles 06 Buell XB9SX 30600 miles Both bought new, which do you think gets more riding done?  | ||
| Hexangler |
99 XL1200S 60K 07 XB12R 17K If I had to sell one, it would be the Sporty. I hope to make at least 60K on the Buell. | ||
| Xl1200r |
One will "speak" to you . . . follow your heart, be mindful you live once and should strive to smile the greatest percentage of those hours possible. This is my typical 'bike' advice - buy the one that speaks to you most, provided you can afford it. Forget about stats and all that - it won't matter after you buy it. | ||
| Zane |
Court, The XT spoke to me long before this. Remember you had to council me to get a Blast first instead of getting a Uly right off the bat? That was good advice by the way; I loved that Blast beyond words and really miss it badly. I started this thread to collect more information. Don't want to be wearing blinders when I plunk down that much money. Since almost all my miles are going to be back and forth to work, I want some opinions about what bike will do that job the best. There’s a double ton of smarts here on Badweb, why not take advantage of it? City, I could live with a demo a bike real easy. Only trouble is I haven't found a demo bike within 150 of here. Part of the problem is geography. Here in Florida the land and roads just don't lend themselves to real sport riding. The XB12XT population is very low around here. Do you know of an XT demo for sale within a days drive of Tampa? The local HD dealer does has a black 08 XL1200C in stock. Has less than 3k miles and they're asking $9500 for it. No doubt it can be had for even less. If there was anyway, I'd love to have both but unless I trip over two great deals, it just isn't gonna happen. | ||
| Zane |
"Forget about stats and all that - it won't matter after you buy it." Sounds like the best advise I could get. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Fly.... buy... and ride! If given the chance.. If it was my choice...I would fly to Knoxville and buy the Uly. Ride the Dragon... stop by TWO.. Thats what I would do. I bet if you did a little searching you could find a Buell dealer dealing on the XT. Make a trip out of it!! | ||
| Thumper74 |
I had an 05 XB12S, traded it in on a new Sporty Custom... Then I traded it in on an 05 XB12S. The Sporty was just not a comfortable bike for me, dragged the pipes all the time, etc. I tried real hard, but I just couldn't get into the Harley thing... The Buell does everything better. You can't get locking hardbags for the Sporty for a reasonable price... You'll spend almost 2,000 alone. Plus windshield, heated grips, adjustable suspension, better seat, etc. | ||
| Court |
>>>Don't want to be wearing blinders when I plunk down that much money. Buell pioneered the Demo Ride concept around 1994 and you owe it to yourself to avail yourself to it. If your dealer doesn't have one, find a Badweb sponsor who has both. Fly there (airline fares have never been cheaper) and ride BOTH. If you pull the trigger then, you can ride it home or they can ship it easily. It's your money . . buy wisely. If you can't find a dealer to help you, drop me a note and I'll meet you at East Troy and you can ride to your heart's content. | ||
| Zane |
Court, If I rode to my hearts content, we'd both be in our 80's before we were done...lol Seriously, I'll keep your offer in mind. | ||
| Swordsman |
After my test ride of a Nightster, and owning a Buell (Ss), I stuck with my Buell. While I believe the Harley engine is smoother below 3k rpms, that's about the only thing I liked better. For comfort, you simply can't beat the fully tunable suspension of the Buells. Though it would be nice to have some real daelership support for a change..... ~SM | ||
| Xl1200r |
You can ship a bike for $500. Something to keep in mind. Sounds like the best advise I could get. It really is the truth. I had slight reservation about buying the 1125 based on some of the competition out there. But after that first ride, I could give a damn if a Ducati makes 15 more hp. I always said you have to rank the bikes your considering based on which ones you love the most, then buy the highest ranked one you can afford. | ||
| Danger_dave |
Have you test ridden both? | ||
| Ratbuell |
You seem worried about "not using" some of the Buell's potential...lose that thought immediately. While you may not be burning 10/10ths through turns with your knee on the ground...you'll still be using the Uly's potential. It *communicates* with you, allowing you to safely and easily explore more of the performance envelope than the Sporty ever will. Don't get me wrong - the XL platform is very capable...for a cruiser with a backbone frame and non-adjustable suspension. My problem is, I always want "more" from my bikes - which is why I kept going through floorboards on my FLHP. I kept grinding them off in turns. My Uly? The only thing I keep wanting out of that thing is more time to ride it. That, and (once again - much like the VRSCR Night Rod), HD has managed to kill off the most potent version of the XL line, the 1200R. Blacked out, dual disc front end, taller seat height and ground clearance for lean angle...I guess technically they 'replaced' it with the XR, but even *it* doesn't have adjustable suspension. Not that I want an HD that 'competes' with a Buell..but for what they're advertising it for, they should have at least made that available. <shrug> If you can't find a demo, shoot me a PM or check out the Buell of Frederick sponsor page. We're 40 minutes NW of DC and have not only a 1200C rental, but also an XT rental. Come to the area for a weekend (either BWI or Dulles are about an hour from our shop), rent 'em, pile on some miles...and save on return airfare because I'm sure you'll want to ride home  I know I can pull the rental $ off the purchase price...and I can always ask about the airfare, too! | ||
| Danger_dave |
I don't shop around - I go to 'my' dealer. I actually trust them to look after me - for the long haul. | ||
| Zane |
I have not road tested them both and would like to before I buy. In a perfet world I'd ride them side by side. With regard to the XT. Anyone have opinions about 08 vs. 09. Might find an 08 for a little less than an 09 but is there any gizmos on the 09 that I'd want to have if I knew about it? | ||
| Danger_dave |
>>I have not road tested them both and would like to before I buy.<< Hmmmmm logistics and all that - but I personally wouldn't make a purchasing decision till I had done 50 miles on both. My 2c. The Sporty is a better bike in heavy traffic and looks prettier. The Buell does everything else better. | ||
| Ourdee |
Here is a messed up option; get a used Sportster and a used Blast. You get what you like already and a weekend bike for the dates. I ride an 08 XB12XT, and wouldn't trade it for the 2 bikes. You want to mess with the EX? Be happy and nice to her. You will wind up happier in the long run. Whatever you do, get off the pot it's time to go riding! Edit; comma in wrong place  (Message edited by ourdee on March 17, 2009) |
