| Author | Message | ||
     Cadhopper |
WOW I love this bike. I thought the SV650 with the Penske/Traxxion Dynamics suspension was a sweet handling bike in the curves but the XB12Ss is amazing. After about 150 miles I really started to get a feel for the bike and after about 200 miles the chicken strips were a thing of the past. I can't wait to see how she feels with a better set of tires like Pilot Powers instead of the factory Dunlops because this bike just wants to go fast in the twisty stuff and it seems to handle the crappy back roads like a champ although there were a few hairy moments when the front end got a little squirrelly on some wash board curves but I'll keep trying to dial in the suspension to solve that. If not, I'll think about putting on a LSL steering damper to smooth out the handling in the rough stuff. I also can’t believe how low the center of gravity is on this bike, it’s amazing how easy it is to maneuver the bike at low speed when making sharp turns. After the torturous 500 mile break-in and restraining my throttle hand I was finally able to let the ponies loose and see how the bike handled at higher speeds and was pleasantly surprised after running her up to about 115 on the odometer. I had no sensation of instability or head shake as had been mentioned in other threads on the forum. The one thing I think I'm going to order are the heat shields from Special OP's to help keep the inside of my right leg a little cooler but other than that every thing is great and I bow at the feet of Eric Buell as I thank him for such an awesome bike. I guess the only decision left for me to make is who will do the first service. Both Stone Mountain and Liberty are about 5 hours away from Richmond, VA but I think I would rather give them my money seeing as how they support the board. (Message edited by cadhopper on August 20, 2006) | ||
| Bugman |
Welcome to the club. I left the engine alone and tuned the suspension. Nirvana was the result. Wish I could say the same for the tires. Several sets of Dunlops and now I am trying Bridgestones. I like mileage above all. We shall see. | ||
| Fl_a1a |
I got pretty good results wit the Bridgestone BT-20. As well as they held up, the metzler z6 roadtecs are lasting even longer. | ||
| Fl_a1a |
Here are some other tire options: Touring: When mileage is as important as performance. * Avon AV45/46-ST * Bridgestone BT-020 * Dunlop D220 * Metzeler Roadtec Z6 * Michelin Macadam 100X * Pirelli Dragon GTS Sport: The latest sticky buns for street use. * Avon AV49/50-SP * Dunlop D208ZR * Bridgestone BT-014 * Maxxis SuperMaxx * Metzeler ME Z3 * Michelin Pilot Road * Pirelli Dragon EVO High-Performance Sport: Street riding with the occasional track day. * Avon AV49/50-Pro Series * Bridgestone BT012SS * Dunlop D207RR * Dunlop D208GP-JLB * Metzeler Sportec M-1 * Michelin Pilot Race H2 * Pirelli Diablo and Diablo Corsa DOT Race: The ultimate in grip for the track. * Bridgestone BT002 * Dunlop D208GP A * Metzeler Rennsport * Michelin Pilot Race S2 and M2 * Pirelli Super Corsa | ||
| Vaxb |
Hey, hopper Colonial harley in Colonial Heights has good buell tech. The employees are good to with the exception of one old guy, He still thinks rigids the way go! I bought and have my bike serviced there not a bad place. With that being said I do know they have a new manager. | ||
| Cadhopper |
Vaxb, Do you live in the Richmond Area? Colonial would be the closest dealer for me because I work off I-95 on the South side of Richmond. How backed up do they normally stay on Buell services? Can you normally get the service done while you wait? I may cruise by there on the way home from work and take a look seeing as I rode the XB in today. I have always used Waugh HD in Orange for anything dealing with my previous Harley's but unfortunately they don't sell Buell's so they can't service them. I will probably only get the first service done at the dealer, after that I will do the work myself. | ||
| Blake |
Thanks for the ride report.  | ||
| Mcgiver |
Chuck, I have a 12R and was also considering a steering damper, until I changed the tires to Metzler M3. Sooooo much better and are wearing maybe twice as good. Good luck! Brian | ||
| Pwnzor |
Ditto what Mcgiver said. Tires make a big difference, you may not need it if you upgrade the rubbers. | ||
| Cadhopper |
I've never been a big fan of Dunlop tires so I will probably change them soon. How do the Metzler tires stick in the curves? I had Pilot Powers on my SV and loved the way they felt in the curves. They really inspired confidence when leaning the bike over. | ||
| 99cyclone |
Cadhopper, I have a set of Metzeler M3's on my 12R. I'm very happy with them. I've done ~200 miles on the track with them and they've performed flawlessly. | ||
| Blake |
Dude, that post is almost two years old. |
