| Author | Message | ||
     Joseschopshop |
After 10 years on tube frame Buell's I'm looking at Firebolts.I don't know squat about them other than they look cool.I'm thinking about trading my clean S1 on a new white XB12R,but I know it will be a poor investment rather than buying a low mile used bike.With that said,can anyone give me some pointers to look for or to stay away from when looking at used Firebolts.Are the newer bikes any better than the early ones?What does it take to pump the 9 up to a 12?Are they comfortable 2up bikes?Do they have any personality like the old bikes I'm used to? | ||
| Skinstains |
Tons of personality. The only differance between a 9 and a 12 is the stroke. Therby making a 12 pull like a stroker and the 9 spin up a bit faster and smoother. I own two Bolts, a 12 and a 9. I like the 9 better. I am not anti 12 as I just bought a Uly and the 12 seems perfect for it. I own 4 XB Buells I have never had any problems except belt breakages but I think that most of the breakages is/was my fault for removing guards and riding like an idiot. | ||
| 4cammer |
If you have to sell the S1 to get a new XB, don't trade it. Sell it privately. You will much more than likely get a better return. Depending on the dealer, they might not even know what it is. Joking..........sort of. As for the XB, I have a '07 XB9R with 8K miles on her and just love it. No XB will have the personality of a nicely kept S1, but then again, no Japanese and few Italian made bikes have the personality my XB has. Mine shakes at idle (they all do that...), makes noise like I forgot to add oil, and makes my left boot and pant leg smell like I spent the day in the pits at Springfield. Oh, and the handling and general comfort are excellent. She won't keep with a current 600cc hyper-bike, but you already know that. And most likely do not care. I spent 4 hours at the Chicago IMS today and can honestly say I'd take my bike over 99% of what was there. That red 1125CR was tempting. | ||
| Joseschopshop |
Thanks for the input.I guess I just need to ride one.I don't have to sell or trade the S1 but I don't need two Buell's.I almost whacked one of my mono shock XR75's backing one of my big toys in the garage the other day......Atleast I'm down from the 15 bike count I had a few months ago.As for the S1,it's the most fun I've had on a bike that didn't have knobby's,but it punishes the "unit"with my wife on the back.It's a little too weak also and I don't have the desire to modify it.That's why I'm thinking of a Firebolt....Along with the fact that they look so cool!Does a Firebolt make a good short trip 2up bike? | ||
| Cityxslicker |
you should put knobbies on it and keep it  | ||
| Midknyte |
early adopter. '03 Firebolt. NO REGRETS! | ||
| Joseschopshop |
Cityxslicker,I think I just figured it out with your help.With an increase of traction in the rear and removal of the front brakes I think we may have solved the seating issues with my cramped S1 seat. (Message edited by joseschopshop on February 09, 2009) | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Joe - Just a few suggestions: 1. NEVER sell your S1. I guarantee you will regret it. The soul of Buell, and even better if you don't have to ride it every day. 2. If you like to ride two up, take a look at the XB12Ss. This bike has a longer wheel base, more relaxed handling, and a longer rear seat. You can put lower bars on it if you want to, like clubmans which are heavily covered on this site. 3. Did I mention not to sell the S1?  | ||
| Kootenay |
There's only one other Buell in my area, a yellow X1. I love my 'Bolt (03 XB9R), but...that X1 is a gorgeous bike, if it ever comes up for sale... Like Midknyte, I've have zero problems with the 03. I've ridden the 12 as well, I'm still completely happy with my 9. But, if you're gonna ride 2-up...well, my wife has ridden on the back of mine exactly twice, and each time she said "Never again!" (Message edited by Kootenay on February 09, 2009) | ||
| Skinstains |
My girl looked at the pillion on my Bolt and told me to f*ck-off. I got my Uly in December and she has been on it twice already. She is quite well endowed in the posterior so I guess a lot of it depends on the pie you plan on haulin'. | ||
| Xbmacon |
My wife won't ride at all, my son loves my Bolt. I do have the custom seats though, gives him more cushion and more to park on. | ||
| Ratbuell |
but I don't need two Buell's If one is an S1, it's not "just" a Buell. I agree with the above - do NOT get rid of it, you'll regret it nearly instantly and a suitable replacement will be nearly impossible to find. My S1W (and S2) live quite happily in the garage next to my Uly. Although my S2 was a little pissy when I went to ride it on Friday, for the first time since October. Seems it had a bit of an attitude from watching me roll out on the Uly every day (salty roads, no ridey the tubers). As for differences. Where the S1 has a lot of personality and an "interactive" feel, the XB platform feels like it's carved from a block of billet. No flex, no 'interesting' manners, nothing. Point, twist, go. Simple. A 12R will be the short XB wheelbase, and every time I get on a short XB it feels twitchy to me, it turns in so fast. Not abrupt or uncontrollable, just lightning-quick. The long wheelbase of my Uly makes it, and the Ss and the late TT, handle much more like the tubers. If I had a short wheelbase XB, I know I'd get used to it in short order. If you ride 2-up on an S1, you'll be fine on an XB-R. If they can handle the one-cheek-seat on the S1...an XB-R will be positively roomy. The 9/12 debate is as old as the "big block / smallblock" debate. Each is amazing in its own right. Do you want quick revs? Or basement torque and high-rpm gobs of power? Personality? Absolutely. Still a big, honkin' twin in a superlight chassis with amazing handling and braking. More refined, maybe...but all that does is give you a bigger performance envelope  If you can afford it, and it sounds like you can, keep the S1 at least long enough to have them side by side for a bit. If anything, having the constant comparison ability in my garage has helped clarify where each of my bikes really shines. | ||
| Wheelybueller |
Keep the S1,I regret getting rid of my M2.  Always wanted a S1,someday I will find an unmolested one. The Tube frames had a few Issues,But they also had way more character. just my opinion | ||
| Joseschopshop |
Thanks to all for the input.I'm a small block guy,but it may come down to color.I'm going to check out some XB's and compare them to what I have and go from there.I hope to be home for the Buell demo in Austin this month!Thanks again to all for the great input.Here's a link to some pics of my S1 for those that havn't seen it. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3245670707_a21 9c831db_b.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3245671919_73b c24daf3_b.jpg | ||
| B00stzx3 |
Get the Bolt, you'll love it.I had some regrets because of the power, but a groupride sunday with a D.C./Maryland sportbikes forum (all Gixxers and CBRs), I had NO problem keeping up in the twisties, and was even braking a lot to keep from hitting the 750's in front of me. I've been riding less thana year and this bike inspires a lot of confidence in the turns! You get to understand the bike sticks, and goes wherever the hell you want it to. | ||
| Sparky |
One can get a thicker, cushier pillion seat for the XB'R from Buell if need be. Makes for a happy passenger. | ||
| Schleppy |
Good lord Jose, your bike is immaculate! Nice work  | ||
| Rhinely |
Here's my 2 cents. I've owned 4 Buells: 95 Thunderbolt, 02 Cyclone, 04 12R Firebolt, and just bought an 06 12R Lightning Long. The earlier tubers, like the X1, all feel more "Sportster" than the later XBs, especially the earlier you get (95). A bit heavier, and old schoolish in the motor department. The Firebolt feels (is?) faster than my current Lightning Long, but it doesn't have the race kit or pipe, so may be real or my imagination. I like it quiet, though, so will leave the Lightning stock! I loved the old standard type ride of the Cyclone, the sportbike handling of the Firebolt, and the everyday commutability of the Lightning Long. My conclusion: Love the one you are with. I have not been disappointed in a Buell yet, and I have owned 450+ bikes and been riding since 1969! Might as well say it, I'm addicted to Buell! |
