| Author | Message | ||
     Jiffy |
I have been lurking here for a while and reading everything I can on Buell's. I have been riding a Ninja 250 for 2 years now. I was wondering if the 12R was too much bike for me? I am a firm believer in not getting a bike that you cannot handle skillwise, that is why I bought a Ninja 250 to learn proper technique on. I read on some mulit-bike shootouts that the 9R was a good bike as well, and actually the preferd choice over the 12R. What input would you guys have. The 12R doesn't seem like much more bike on paper. The 12R revs slower, has more hp. Any knowledge would be great. | ||
| Crashm1 |
Hi Jiffy, One of the really nice things about Buells is the throttle response and torque curve. It's very linear so being ham fisted isn't quite as dangerous as some Japanese I4s. If you have a MC endorsement you shouldn't have any problem getting a test ride at your local dealer. Then you can decide for yourself. I like my X1 better than the 9R but am starting to think about getting one for trackdays. | ||
| Midknyte |
I went from a Honda Interceptor 250 to the 9R. Four times the engine size / horsepower. I'm happy with it. But that's a personal decision. Test drive each. Be careful. Especially with the brakes. Much stronger brakes than what you are used to. Grab too much and you'll skate in a turn. | ||
| Buellin_ri |
You can "grow into" the 12r. I don't think the 12r would be to much more than the 9r. Like Midknyte said its a personal choice. (Message edited by buellin_Ri on October 12, 2005) | ||
| Tq_freak |
I agree with buellin_ri, my xb12S is my first bike and totaly love it, if the 12R is the bike for you go for it. you will teach yourself how to behave and ride it right. | ||
| Lovematt |
Personally I am happy with my 9R and I weigh about 225. I have hopped it up with a Drummer, K&N, Race ECM, open airbox, etc and that helped make it pull better. I had some experience opening up an 883 Sportster and figured the 9 would be fine. As an added plus the insurance was less as it kept it under the 1000CC mark (barely). It is also about how you ride...if you want to run lower RPMs and pull harder then the 12 might be the way to go. If you don't mind a little higher revs and a little less pull then the 9 might be for you. I might consider a 12 the next time around if they keep the higher tank capacity...I have heard it gets better mileage. As for the physical differences between the bikes I couldn't tell much in the test rides I took...however the personalities of the bikes were different...that I did notice. | ||
| Kenny_v |
This is my personal opinion , Please be sure you are ready to step up to a 1200cc motorcycle , The Buell is a Fantastic Real world Motorcycle but it is a completely different ride than what you are on now . As CrashM1 said an Asian I4 can really kick you in your butt , so can a will a 12R .. The power most I4's produce are incredible but can be deceiving at times , because the power really doesn't hit you right away, mostly when you spool them up is when you get the punch ... On the other Hand The Buell is going to give you the feeling of massive torque and power almost as soon as you twist your wrist , so what I'm saying is that the inexperienced or novice rider "I'm certainly not saying that's you,just using that as an example" , may be a bit overwhelmed at first and enter themselves into a dangerous situation . Test ride , get a good test ride and then make your choice . If you feel confident on the Bike , if the weight and power suite you and you like the handling ... BUY IT !! and don't look back .. | ||
| Truk |
Going from a Ninja 250 to a XB Twin will be different for sure. I have ridden the 250 and there is a big difference just cracking the throttle. The Ninja 250 in line four has very little torque and where the power comes in is way up the rev range. Buell VTwin torque is significantly more and immediate. Power is right there when you crack the throttle. Sure you can handle it, but give it time. I think it will be the biggest difference you note. And it is one of the reasons so many of us love them, that and it's carving potential In my opinion the XB9 is easier around town, stop and go etc... I like it better for that reason. It is, because it has just a bit less torque than the 12R, and for that reason will be a bit easier to adjust to. My 2 cents... | ||
| 12r |
IMO coming from a Ninja 250 the biggest concern would be the handling. XBs turn real fast and I've seen more than one that's been crashed during a basic manoeuvre. Performance-wise the 9 revs better but the 12 has great torque. Neither are animals and the power delivery is very user-friendly - it ain't gonna loop or highside when you twitch the throttle. | ||
| Olinxb12r |
Just remember that every bike is only as fast and powerfull as you twist the throttle. You can control the power of any motorcycle if you ride within your abilities. I switched from a Yamaha YZF 600 that I was on for three seasons to my 12R, and I have not had any issues. I have been on bikes since I was 4 years old so I'm confident that I can handle myself on any bike, but I did take it very slow in the beginning because of the difference in the two bikes. On paper a 12 is similar to an I4 600, but I think we all know that on paper is not how things really work. Test ride a 9 and a 12 and make your decision based on what you feel more comfortable on. Good Luck and happy Buelling! | ||
| Daves |
Could I interest you in a trip to Wisconsin?  | ||
| Perry |
I went from a bicycle to a XB 12scg. No problem. It's not like rolling the throttle on is going to make you spin out or wheelie and wreck. If you drive safely, you will have no problem. If you screw around and try to ride dangerously, then you may get into trouble. My guess is someone who was cautious enough to start with a 250 will be more than cautious enough to get to know the bike before you try to enter motoGP with it, and would never try to motoGP on the city streets. Don't worry - I say go for it! | ||
| Midknyte |
It is also about how you ride...if you want to run lower RPMs and pull harder then the 12 might be the way to go. If you don't mind a little higher revs and a little less pull then the 9 might be for you. This is rather useless information for him at this point, as his 250 rpm range is much higher than ours. He'll be stepping down with either one. In regards to power, the step up from his 250 to the 9R is greater than that of the 9R to the 12R. Almost a moot point as well. An insurance quote prior to purchase may make this decision for him also. | ||
| Midknyte |
On the other Hand The Buell is going to give you the feeling of massive torque and power almost as soon as you twist your wrist , so what I'm saying is that the inexperienced or novice rider "I'm certainly not saying that's you,just using that as an example" , may be a bit overwhelmed at first and enter themselves into a dangerous situation . On this, a note. With your 250, you are no doubt accustomed to downshifting into/approaching a turn. There will be no need to do this with the XB's, and you actually won't want to as the torque in our lower gears will throw your rear in a turn. You only need to pull in the clutch and feather it back in thru the turn, and *sometimes* drop down only one gear (unless you are coming to a stop, then turning...) Another thing to get used to... | ||
| Midknyte |
Just remember that every bike is only as fast and powerfull as you twist the throttle. This is true, but he has muscle memories tuned to a much smaller, softer, forgiving bike. The above advice alone is not enough and deceiving. It must be approached as a totally new experience/bike. Assume nothing. Ease into it... | ||
| Midknyte |
My guess is someone who was cautious enough to start with a 250 will be more than cautious enough to get to know the bike before you try to enter motoGP with it, and would never try to motoGP on the city streets. I'd agree here with that. But note again muscle memory and expectations. I followed the same path (250 sportbike) and had to re-experience a learning curve that held me back until I recognized what was going on... Get a copy of "Twist of the Wrist" (correct title?) and devour it. Very helpful. | ||
| Stevasaurus |
Jiffy, What a great post! I am in very similar shoes as you, where I've been out of the saddle for almost ten years and am now re-cutting my teeth on an EX-250 as well. I was wondering the same thing. Thanks for beating me to the punch. Hey Daves, I was born up in Wausau, and my folks now live in N. Fond du Lac, but I'm out in sunny So. Cal. If I got a notion to buy when visiting family and then ride home, can you get ahold of CA friendly bikes back in WI? Enquiring minds want to know . . .  | ||
| Buell12hundo |
get the 12 and do a safety course or a trackday w/instructors to learn, every bike handles and feels different take it slow and learn to trust the machine | ||
| Blackbelt |
Dave your on vacation.. Get hunting already | ||
| Daves |
Not til Sat! I would have to check if I can get CA bikes? | ||
| Jeremyh |
The 9R was my first bike. Rode it for a year, loved it then moved on to something even less practical with more power and in my mind totally sensless but hey i enjoy my Gix6 | ||
| Buellin_ri |
For the record a ninja 250 is a 2cyl with about 18ftlbs of torque at 10000rpms. | ||
| Buellnewbie |
Jiffy, I went from a Ninja 250 to an FZR1000 back in 1990. I never had any issues....just had to respect the power of the bike and not twist too much unless I had plenty of long straight road in front of me. Use your brain when you twist the throttle and you shouldn't have any problems. Besides, like everyone else here said....the XB12 is NOT a 1000cc inline-4. The power delivery is smooth and predictable, and it doesn't hit all at once like my '04 R1 did at about 8k rpm. I say go for it if you like the 12. Good luck and God bless. | ||
| Fullpower |
Here is a picture of my son riding my XB12 when he was 13 years old. he did not have any problem controlling it.  | ||
| Slaughter |
Steve, I see you're in CA? If you can possibly come to Willow Springs this weekend for the Toyota 200 races and the Club racing - the Buell demo truck is going to be there. you can ask all sorts of questions because there'll be a good dozen of us there who race them AND ride them on the street. Bummer is the gate fee this weekend is $30 - instead of the usual $10 but you get to hang out during the richest motorcycle race in the USA with the exception of Laguna Seca MotoGP ($150,000 purse) Take a test ride and see for yourself. Sunny took a test ride on the XB12R in Vegas and loved it. She's only put about 3000 miles on her Vintage VF500 Honda in the past 2 years. Like Hailwood said: "the throttle works both ways" - if you have the maturity to ride within your limits, the power delivery of the -12 motor isn't anything startling and just don't let other riders sucker you into going on group rides with "fast" street riders. Announcement on test rides: http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/clubs/wsmc/News.htm# (Message edited by slaughter on October 12, 2005) (Message edited by slaughter on October 12, 2005) | ||
| Doughnut |
It all comes down to you. I know people I would not trust on a Honda Spree. I learned on a 250 NightHawk, used my buddy's S3 for a week, then got my S2. Gotta ask yourself are you ready. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I would vote for the Nine, for several reasons. 1. It is a better value: list price is about $1600 less than the twelve, and insurance is usually less. 2. I find it a bit more pleasant, sweeter one might say, to ride because: a. it is smoother b. it is easier to ride in town, the throttle is more gradual from a stop. c. it has all the power I need d. I enjoy winding it out. 3. Put the factory race kit on it, and you have a bike that offers all the above advantages, is almost as fast as a stock twelve, and has a motor that doesn't ping, even on regular gas, as many twelves are reported to do on premium gas. That being said, I am sure you can find happiness on a twelve too:-) | ||
| Stevasaurus |
Hey Slaughter, I'm going to be in Van Nuys at Woodley Park for a Chrysler car show on Saturday. I need to get a quote on getting my '68 Charger restored. (How the car's restoration is financed will have a say on when the bike purchase occurs.) I had seen on the Buell website that Glendale was doing a demo at the dealership too. If that's correct, I was thinking about heading down there after the car show to see what there is to see. I had no idea about the event out in Rosamond. Plans may change for Sunday . . . Thanks for the heads-up.  | ||
| Kowpow225 |
My girlfriend has a 250 ninja and she loves it for the time being. I'm getting to ride it more and more often and now have a good idea of what that bikes all about.....LEARNING. Its strong points are the same things that make it boring to a more experienced rider. I applaud you for starting out on a 250, and understand why you're wanting something more. Have you ridden any other bikes like a friends or relatives? I don't think a 9 or 12 will be too much for you as long as you're ready. I'll feel like whiplash the first time you climb on it! | ||
| Nadz |
Went from a Honda Rebel 250 to an XB12R. Rode it home in the rain. No problems yet, but ya gotta respect the clutch! | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
Buy it, ride it, and smile! After 2 years experience and your appropriate attidude towards riding, I'd say you've got no worries... | ||
| Vonsliek |
i went from bmx to ironhead rigid to blast (for classes) to xb12r & now it has race kit & stickier tires after only 3 months & 6400kms. sure u can loft it if u want - & i noticed no-one mentioned this yet - let clutch out too fast (& its a stiff old clutch, so easy to do until u adjust to the hard pull of a harley clutch). until racekit added, throttle is nothing to fear .. i rode safely for first few rides (until broken in) .. then lofted it almost every gear change .. even into 4th at 100mph .. but thats another story. take it easy-ish & the torque is facking amazing!!! >;P get the racekit & its another beast again! i wanna boreout & destroke mine .. to get 1348cc .. more racekitty ... | ||
| Buellin_ri |
Jiffy- Whats your status? Did you get the 12R or the 9R? |
