| Author | Message | ||
     Buellybob |
I'm on the fence. My 04 XB12R has been a great bike. I've wanted a tuber for years (I started riding in 1973). About 3 years ago I picked up a race-kitted XB9R, (I didn't like the tuber I did test ride just before the 9 purchase.) In the begining, I really struggled with the XB9 getting the correct suspension and tire set-up that I felt comfortable with. I finally got it sorted out and after that, I was giving my Yamaha R-1 friend fits in the twisties - then I had brain-fade and crashed the XB9 - totaled the bike and broke finger. Fast forward about 3 months... Found my current 2004 XB12R with 4500 original miles on the clock. It had Heli-bars already installed, and I currently have over 14,000 miles on "Bueldog". Since the purchase I have installed the great sounding Drummer. Other than having to retorque the stator crankshaft nut, the 12 has been perfectly reliable. I checked the oil pump drive gear a while back, and it had minimum wear. In the nutshell, it has been a good ride for me. The current issue is now the conflict between my 54 year old body and the agressive riding position. The bike is, as you very well know, a blast to ride if you like being different from the billions of Japanese cookie-cutter sportbikes on the streets. To make a long story shorter, just for fun I rode a Triumph 675 - fun and flickable - but no torque. It's hard to beat the XB12's 80 ft/lbs of hammering satisfying torque. THEN the following week-end, I test rode a Triumph 1050 Speed Triple - WOW. I've ridden a lot of bikes since 1973, and I have to say - that was one of the best, if not THE best bike I have ever swung a leg over. I rode it in town, in some twisties, and on the freeway. For what it's worth, my seat of the pants observations were these - the Speed Triple had really strong torque from about 3,000 rpm all the way to the 10,000 redline. The torque curve was very flat throughout the whole range. It didn't have the hammering brutal torque of the 12, but it certianly was nothing to sneeze at, and you would have to be on top of things when accelerating hard. I was very impressed. It did appear to have the torque of a twin and also the higher redline of an in-line four. The triple exhaust note is really unique and pretty cool when twisting it's tail. The brakes were outstanding, progressive and powerful for sure. As far as cornering, the Buell has a quicker initial turn-in, and the speed triple is just a little reluctant to move from vertical to a turn mode. But once the triple gets past that little resistance, it falls nicely into the turning line and stays cranked over on it's own, no working from me, as far as pressure on the bars to keep it on line - very nice. Grabbing a handful of throttle just past the apex, the triple just continues pulling hard in a very powerful but very controlable forward rush down the road. The trans was a little notchy, but I am attributing that to being a new (demo) bike. It was still far better than the Buell in the ease of shifting. One major distracting thing about the Buell is that when running in the twisties, you are always aware of the bike under you. On the triumph, and every other bike I have ever ridden for that matter, you really feel you are one with the bike and you aren't even aware of the shifting, turning, braking etc. It just comes natural when moving quickly. I have never felt that "oneness' for any length of time on the Buell. It always has that tractor feel that you never really get way from. I'm have to always be thinking, shift, gas, brake, gas, brake... I guess to put it simply, the Buell seems to be so much more work to ride at the same speed or level of the other bikes I have had. No doubt about it. So, guys, I'm not yet sure about the switch. I would have to sell the Buell to purchase a used 955 or 1050. It is true, the Buell is a shaking loud pitbull of a bike - and I like that. That's what makes the move difficult. And yet, I have to admit, it was a breath of fresh air to experience a quiet, yet torquey, quick, and nimble bike that I just rode quickly without working too hard at it. And it is still not a Japanese cookie- cutter bike. Agggggghhhhhh! Decisions, decisions... Any thoughts? Thanks guys. Joe (Message edited by Buellybob on November 26, 2009) (Message edited by Buellybob on November 26, 2009) (Message edited by Buellybob on November 26, 2009) (Message edited by Buellybob on November 26, 2009) (Message edited by Buellybob on November 26, 2009) | ||
| Froggy |
Demo the 1125CR with upright bars and Ulysses footpegs. You will then say "Whats a triumph?"  | ||
| Buellybob |
Rode the 1125CR a few months ago. Very nice. l Liked it very much. The reality is, they ain't makin them anymore and even then, you dealt with HD dealers. | ||
| X5thxgearxfreak |
Coming from a Brit, I personally think Triumphs are great motorbikes, my dad rides one of those big 2300cc Rocket III cruiser types and absolutely loves it, I do myself as well because its an extremely comfortable bike and has a shit ton of power. I'll still take my scg over a Triumph anyday. | ||
| Newxb12ss |
EVERY TEST RAVES about the Speed Triple. It's a HUGE bang for the buck if you don't want to step up to a 155 hp Duck or an Aprilia. The suspension is extremely well sorted out and they have no lack of power anywhere. The low-midrange has a significant edge over the 1125. | ||
| Ulynut |
If I fit on a Speed Triple, I would own one. Great bike. But I bet you'll be looking for another Buell to sit beside it in the garage. Two very different bikes, both unique, both addicting, both worth every penney. | ||
| 1324 |
I've always liked the S3's. In fact, even recently I've considered selling my XB12S and buying one now that I have an 1125R. Go with what works for you. Buell's aren't for everyone and there is nothing wrong with it. | ||
| Roysbuell |
Don't feel bad about leaving the Buell family. I say go ahead and get it. It is a great bike. We will still be here when you come back. | ||
| Boltrider |
You won't get any grief from me for buying a Triple. My neighbor had one and it was sweet. He let me ride it and it's on my short list for my next bike. | ||
| Jonnyrotton |
I owned an 06 speed triple and it was great. Very fast off the line and has a fantastic sound to it. I'd say go for it. If finances will allow try to keep your Buell you will start to miss the awkwardness of the Buell. Make yours the 1050 not the 955, there were a lot of improvements on the 1050. | ||
| Brumbear |
Froggy is spot on and currently the bike is alot cheaper than the triple. I like the triple I have ridden it alot but the CR just beats it there is only a few bikes that I have ridden in my life that can be as fun as the CR the triple is one of them but buell has in my opinion a better power plant lower center of gravity for sure and better braking. And last but not least they crash way better and cheaper to repair | ||
| Jraice |
Dont feel bad... That very well could be my next bike! My only concern with it is the suspension... I think I'd enjoy the 1050's motor more but the 675 street triple is available in an R model with Daytona brakes and suspension... I have never been brand loyal to anything which I guess most buell riders are the opposite, but I think the Triumph would be an awesome bike. I am afraid to test one though, might make me feel bad about my Buell (which I love). | ||
| Mpolans |
Speed Triple or Street Triple R will probably be my next bike. With any luck, it'll be in addition to my XB12Scg and not a replacement. You won't get any grief from me. (Message edited by mpolans on November 27, 2009) | ||
| Jraice |
A Speed Triple R would be my dream setup, with low bars, like the CR clubmans. | ||
| Buellybob |
Yeah. The Buell has got more personality than 3 Speed Triples or about 5,000 rice-rockets. If I could, I would have both XB and triple - but I'd buy a Space Shuttle if I could too! That's the way it goes. But at the moment my friend "Bueldog" is on Craigslist. If no bites, I'll just continue to ride and enjoy something that Japan finds elusive - individualism. Its hard to beat the sound of a XB12R on song singing through it's Drummer on a twisty canyon road - no doubt! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Bang for the buck right now, it's hard to beat the CR. Side by side, the CR clobbers the Triple all day every day and twice on Sunday. That said, the Triple is a beautiful bike and I would love to have one. I've got three CRs and would love to make you a deal, but alas you live in the socialist state of Kalifornia. I know someone who has a CR that by the time you flew out here, picked it up, and rode it back it would have 7500 miles on it. | ||
| Buellybob |
I rode the CR - loved it. But they arn't yet old enough to bring them into the price range the sale of my 04 XB would allow me to enter. Besides, part of the reservation is the reality of them not being made anymore, dealer support if ever necessary, possible parts unavailability at some point, if crashed - fixed where? One of the best Buell dealers in the nation in Glendale, California, near me, is no longer a Buell dealer... I'm a Buell guy. Had the XB9 - loved it, and now over 10,000 miles on the 12. I don't take his possible move lightly at all, but I really don't want the hassle if the above issues do come into play. If HD didn't pull the plug, the CR may have eventually been in the garage. Anyway, I'm going to enjoy the 12. If and when someone gets a hankerin for it, I'll deal with it then. I was just wondering if any of the forum guru's had and Triumph experience input. I won't be cryin the blues too hard if Bueldog doesn't sell, but if it does, it would be great to move in a direction with at least some helpful info in the back of my mind. Thanks. | ||
| Resinboy |
first time I really looked at the triple, me thinks I must have one alongside my XB12ss. Damn, I'm 49, and said the Buell was gonna be my last sport bike, then I see the Triumph, and spend some time reading about it. AND a local dealer has them .......... | ||
| Jraice |
Don't get me wrong, I go outside and see my Buell and think man thats a good looking bike and I do love the unique sound and linear power but those naked triples are just plain sharp. | ||
| Pogue_mahone |
well i love my xb9. i say enjoy your ride.whatever it is.us buell'ers will still be cool with ya.we KNOW what it is like to be the bastard make.with a stellar bike! and the triples are way nice. | ||
| Ronin1 |
My previous ride was an 06 Triumph Sprint, same 1050 triple. A brilliant engine!  I will have a Speedy in the garage alongside the 12SCG soon! They both rock.  Jim | ||
| Wardamneagle |
+1 on what Ronin said. They are both awesome. I've always loved Triumphs. Almost bought a street triple r instead of my xb. | ||
| Mqracing |
I'm happy to have a Uly XT in the garage alongside my 04 Speedtona 955i. There's nothing quite like the roll on of the big triple--- I call it warp acceleration--- just that quick your from 55 to 105mph w\o ever shifting--- all in seeming milliseconds. It's an awesome feeling. I just broke the ton with my XT a week or so ago. It's a completely different feel. the XT does it without so much fanfare--- and without the visceral sensations of the Triumph--- but the Buell just seemed to actually be more at ease--- sort of like not being stressed so much--- it was confidence inspiring. Handling was quite good. My triumph has always struck me as a bit more skittish in the handling arena than even the ULY XT. The ULY turns in easier and more predictably. And seems to hold a line better than my Triumph. Just a few notes off of my cuff. Again... I think both bikes are great. Here's some pics of my Speedtona... http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=magneque st&n=6625&highlight=daytona&r= I'd put up some pics of my ULY but it's nothing out of the ordinary at all... just a bone stock 09 blue ULY XT. MSL | ||
| Pogue_mahone |
i am thinking the aprilia dorsoduro could be a lot of fun too.even if a tad smaller engine then my xb9 still plenty of HP to get the smiles going. | ||
| Shinobi13 |
The Triple with the aftermarket Arrow pipes is my desired set up...  | ||
| Fahren |
Speed Triple? I'd hit that  | ||
| Chevycummins |
Might want to PM Ohsoslow, he had a triple that he traded for a CR. Had lots of major problems with the triple. He told me that in his opinion the CR seems to be a more solid and better handling bike. | ||
| Pogue_mahone |
just a FYI tidbit.just read the same designer of the ducati monster is one and the same for the aprilia dorsoduro. if i had/can save the cash...i'd seriously consider dropping the hammer on that bad boy. looks like a LOT of fun ! | ||
| Iman501 |
i'm thinkin most buellers must think alike, b/c the speed triple R is one of my fav looking bikes as well!!!, i say go for it, and just make sure once you have it, you save up for another buell!!! | ||
| Pogue_mahone |
yeah buell ALWAYS will keep one around.ya never know...he may be back with a 1125 replacement in the future and a small line with rotax based engines.ya have to believe one door closed but others opened.like being out from under HD's heel and having a proven track record of solid fun reliable motorcycles.his tenure with hd HAD to give him perspective and many contacts around the globe for parts etc. maybe the first one will be called the buell phoenix 1125 lmao |
