| Author | Message | ||
     Bradyr77 |
Hi everyone, I am new to the board and already impressed with the buell community here. I am currently without a bike and looking to purchase a Buell lightning this spring. I will be using the bike as a daily driver as well as 500 mile weekends about once a month. I am 6' and don't plan to pack a passenger. Any advice on whether the XB12s or XB12ss would be a better option? I have ridden the long and a cityX, but only on residential test drives. Is there a significant difference in the way the long and regular handle? Any input is welcome. I read some impressions of the long in an earlier topic, http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/143593.html but discussion would be welcome, especially concerning handling. Thanks! | ||
| Brineusaf |
I'm 6ft with my riding boots on, and I don't get cramped or anything, but then again I am thin and young. I don't ride 2-up and do a few hundred mile sprints every weekend. I don't think there is a need for the longer bike unless you are taller than 6'2. All of the above IMO, and not to be taken personally. | ||
| Juniorkirk |
6'2", I'm 6'5" and i have the XB12R. I fit perfectly on the thing. People say i look all cramped up on the bike, but it feels great. The only thing i can really see is that its just 2 inches longer.....thats it....2 inches. It's all in what you want man, either way, it will handle like a Buell. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Welcome aboard, Brad. I recommend the Long as sort of the "standard" XB12S, especially for bigger riders. The reason is that the long bikes are just a bit more stable, the handling is just a bit more relaxed, and all together, it is less of a specialist machine than the 52 inch wheelbase models, which need more attention to setup and rider skill, (which perhaps makes the shorts more fun for the canyon specialist). I am 6'-2", 235# in gear, and put 13,000 on my XB9s. Now I have a long wheelbase chain drive conversion on my XB12S with 3,000 miles on it, many of them chasing ricers in the twisties. I have test ridden the XB12Ss several times. My conclusion is that that the larger rider benefits from the stability of the longer wheelbase in most situations. I should add that handling for the big guys is definitely improved with the competition spring set, good set up, and better tires, such as the Dunlop Qualifiers, (best in my opinion), Michelin Pilot Powers, or Pirelli Diablos. Not that it should matter much, but the six footer looks a bit better sitting on a longer bicycle, as well.  | ||
| Steve_mackay |
The lightning long does "feel" different from other the 12s, and CityX. Turns in a bit slower. But like others have said, a bit more stable at speed. I really disliked the seat on the SS. It wasn't that it was uncomfortable. The texture on it was too sticky. Trying to slide around the seat really sucked. The cordura pants I was wearing made it worse. I'm still tempted to buy a 12SS, a Uly tail, and a R fairing and make my own sport touring bike since Buell wont make it for me  | ||
| Jerseyguy |
I've owned an XB9s and an XB12Ss. I'm 5'10" and both bikes fit me equally as well. They really aren't all that different ergonomically. The Ss is considerably better for 2 up riding but still not great. Visually I prefer the original s proportions. Bobbing the tail on my Ss helped its looks. The Ss is more stable at top end and less "twitchy" on the bumpy patched asphalt corners so prevalent here in Jersey. I felt very confident on the high speed sweepers at Pocono raceway. I passed alot. I suspect the geometry is more forgiving for the less talented rider. The Ss seat is the most comfortable of all the Buells (save maybe the Uly) but I still find it a bit wide in the thigh area. It's pretty homely too. I don't think I like the new sport seat either. I may have mine redone locally to my taste. | ||
| Jaimec |
I LIKE the width of the XB12Ss saddle. It gives additional support and helps spread your weight about more. Less "hot spots" than on a narrower saddle. Someone was complaining about how "sticky" the stock saddle for the XB12Ss was. For that person, I have two words: "Armor All" | ||
| Bradyr77 |
Thanks for the feedback. Perhaps my biggest concern was with cornering performance, and from what I have heard it sounds like the XB12ss corners well, and maybe even better (more stable and better able to handle rough pavement). I like the sound of this... | ||
| Greenlantern |
I just ordered a 2007Ss, Test rode a 12R ( only test bike available) WOW! BMX with ramjet.Front end can be slightly anxious in bumpy turns but rock steady in 99.843% of everything else. The long could only be more stable in my opinion and since every other > 350cc bike I have owned has had a 56"+ wheelbase and higher center of gravity I am sure flickability will not be a issue at all.But the waiting sucks........SIGH......! | ||
| Stevexb |
I tried both on test drives and was surprised but the long felt worse for me! I'm 6'2" and my knees touched the frame on the long, behind the pucks, it comes further back towards the seat. On the short, I have over an inch gap! I bought the XB12s and have no regrets, handling is great and comfort for me is fine. I did get the City-x seat as part of the deal. Steve | ||
| Jaimec |
I actually LIKE that my knees touch the frame. Makes it easier to control the bike on really gnarly roads (or on the track). | ||
| Bigbuell |
I have a 06Ss and love the way it feels. I'm 6'0 and 220lb and the bike fits like a glove and the seat is comfortable. Its all in what you want and how the bike feels to you. You will always have different opinions on this site about anything and everything regarding our bike, but it still comes down to what you like. Good luck. | ||
| Hardcorps |
I used to have a 12ss, totaled out almost a month ago. I am currently searching for an 06 or 07 12s. Shortly after my accident, I rode a 05s and there is in my opinion a very big difference in handling. You should ride both bikes back to back and make the decision that is best for you. Hard Corps | ||
| Brianb |
Have a 06 SS. Love it! Handling is great. Nicest thing is it holds more fuel. I ride two up fairly often. Wife likes the seat. I want to try the new seat though. Try to get an S and SS side by side. It may come down to looks. Good luck. | ||
| Xbeau12s |
I have an 04S. I'm 5'11" and I ride with a passenger sometimes and it works great. The only difference between the S and the SS (besides the length) would be that the S is more nimble. I don't know how you notice in such a small increment but this is what Eric's videos on the Buell.com website stated. Easier to flick. |
