| Author | Message | ||
     Cdallen |
Hello all, First I would like to say great job on this site. It is really nice to see such an informative, respectful yet fun group offering up such an incredible amount of information. Now to the important stuff, I test rode an 05 XB12S today, wow what an amazing machine. But now I have some questions. I have been riding a BMW K1200RS (that's the inline 4, not a boxer) for almost 6 years and the Buell is obviously a *very* different machine. All of my concerns about a low revving 5 speed with no windshield were completely alleviated when I looked down and saw that I was doing 80 in, I think 3rd or 4th, and had no idea I was already going that fast. I ran at least 7-8 highway miles at speed and was completely comfortable, just amazing! When coming back *down* to 65 mph, I even felt like I should down shift before realizing I was still going that fast, so absolutely no more concerns there. Unfortunately though, I now have other concerns. First it felt a little like the engine was, I guess the only way to put it, not as immediately responsive as the inline 4. I am thinking this is just because I am not familiar with the v-twin and where the power band is, being used to higher revving ranges on my previous bike maybe I was expecting more out of the higher RPM range than I should on a twin. The other thing was cornering, I was expecting it to be extremely responsive to cornering, think hummingbird, but again it felt a little forced. Here I am thinking it may be the upright riding position that is something that I just need to get used to or maybe my expectations where just too high, i.e. StarWars ep. 1  . Anyway I was really excited about having an American V-Twin and something so much lighter than my previous 600 lb. goliath, so can anyone else who has moved from inline 4 sport/sport-tourer relate? Are these things something that will come with more familiarity with the bike or is this maybe not the right choice for me? One other question, is the 9SX as comfortable at 75-85 mph as the 12, based on previous posts the 9's power band might be more like what I am used to? Not to mention a little easier on the wallet all around. Thanks, Chris (soon to be Buell'er) | ||
| M1combat |
Well, I can only answer questions about the Buells and I'm not really able to relate my experience to the IL4 experience as the last one I owned was an '82 CB750F-SS. A good classic bike to be sure, but classic just the same . I think that the correct engine to get for a street bike would be the 12. I've never had any trouble at all with the "lack" of rev range. I generally shift at about 5300 or so... Not even close to the limiter. I seem to be able to keep up with the IL4's alright on a twisty road. If it's a track weapon you are looking for, maybe the 984 is a better choice. They rev higher, and after a few thousand dollars in engine work they should be more useable on the track. I've heard that it's a little easier to ride a 984 smooth, but it really just comes down to throttle control IMO. The Buells are certainly down on power compared to an inline four... There's no way around that fact (save for the few thousand dollars I mentioned earlier). They are very easy to ride in the deep twisties though, and they handle EXTREMELY well once you change the tires (the OEM D207's are crap with that geometry. There's no other way to put it). This characteristic will have you giving fits to ANY other motorcycle on a curvy mountain road once you learn to ride it. I can't stress enough that you need to test ride one without the D207 tires. Go test ride a City Crosss (They have Pirelli Scorpion Syncs) and you'll feel the difference immediately. A simple tire swap will have the bike turning in like a fox after a rabbit, and the bike holds a line like a professional coke addict. Again... The stock tires IMO were a very poor choice for the XB geometry. The bike is transformed with a better tire profile. The changes that occur are an elimination of the standing under braking (it may have felt like you had to wrestle the bike to get it to stay leaned over), more stability at turn entry (especially if you're on the brakes) and much more lean angle stability (set it and forget it). The D207's are also pretty horrible in the wet. As far as it being the right choice for you... I don't know. All I can say is that changing the tires and setting the suspension for your weight (It's in the manual) will make WORLDS of difference in the feel of the bike, and you'll be able to make a more informed decision once you take care of those things. Just try a City Cross with the proper weight setup for you. If you like it, get whatever XB you want (I suggest a twelve) and change the tires as soon as you get it home. | ||
| Stou |
I have a 2001 Yamaha FZ1 and a XB9SX. The power delivery is completely different on those bikes. The FZ1 has a linear and smooth power delivery and a 11,500 red line. The XB9SX has lot more torque and the red line is at 7,500 rpm. The way to ride those bike is completely different. At first with my XB9, I hit the rev limiter a couple of time. But I got used to it relatively fast. On the handling side, It's easier to get lean angles with the FZ1. It feel like the bike want to lean by itself. The XB9 can lean as much as the FZ1 but you have to work harder to do it. Really different feel. I really like the XB9SX. A very fun bike to ride! | ||
| Spatten1 |
For all around performance for the buck, get a commodity Japanese bike. They all work very well. For the most fun at any price, get the XB. I've had many sportbikes and loved them all, but the Buell XB is the most fun of them all. There is something about having the American V-Twin with "enough" power and having a super chassis with a unique look and feel. If you are a Beemer guy you already have made a decision based on something other than total logic, so you probably understand the intangibles or character certain bikes have. | ||
| Cdallen |
LOL... you pegged me right on that, logic says go get a V-Strom for less $ and distance riding if I want a twin. But I fell in love with the XB's and really want something different and fun before I am to old and have to get a Road King rolling sofa Thanks for the feedback and M1combat on the tires you really described how I felt to a T. I think I'll try out the SX, I have to go get my free backpack anyway and we'll see what happens. | ||
| Blitzen |
Hey! Buy da Buell XB12 take two test rides, get two backpacks and cut the straps off rig some wide velcro under the seat and bingo instant Buell soft touring bags for less than the $200.00 ones in the store...and they hold more stuff.....lol | ||
| Reepicheep |
Definately try the 9sx. I had test ridden both the 9s and the 9r, and decided I wanted a 9s. Then the 9sx came out, and I took the bait hook line and sinker. Those damn elves are reading my mail. Anyway, I had sat on the 9sx, but not ridden it, until after I bought it. I had taken several test rides on other 9s, so I did not feel the need. After I bought the thing, and rode away, I was amazed at how different it felt. Fortunately, for me, all the differences were better. I think it is mainly the tires, followed by the seat. The differences don't look like much, but it makes for a noticably different ride. Is the flying brick (beemer) shaft drive or chain drive? If it is chain drive, I wonder if what you are calling "throttle response" is simply chain slack. You hit the throttle, the whole system spins up a little inertia while the chain slack gets picked up, and you get a "whack" when it finally hits. Fun for the rush, but a hassle for handling. The zero lash drive belt system has virtually no lash, so that will feel difference. I think that beemer makes some SERIOUS horsepower though, so it might just be a raw power thing. Also, the race kit (actually, go for the race ECM and a drummer or stone mountian odie pipe), while it does not make a huge difference on paper, does add a nice snap to the feel of the bike. I have not ridden a 12, but I have never thought on my 9 "geesh, this thing feels underpowered". It feels significantly faster then my Cyclone did, which was a torque tuned carb'd 1200. The 9 feels revvy, eager, and willing. | ||
| Bbstacker |
I'm coming off a Gixxer 1100. Way more raw power, but the 9R I'm on feels like it has more usable torque. And like Reepiecheep said with the belt drive there is negligible lag. I got the 9R over the 9S because I still like the sportbike feel. The 9S felt jammed up. Felt like I was fighting it. The R seems like it needs less input to get it to do what you want. Just my $.02 Mark | ||
| Cdallen |
SO, I went and rode the 9SX and the 12S back to back today on a nice 4-5 miles of mild twisties. M1, you were exactly right... the contact patch of the Dunlop is much flatter than the Pirelli's. Just looking at them it even "appears" they are two different widths due to the shape. The CityX was much easier to lean over, the 12S felt like it was fighting me to lean it over. I can't imagine there is that much difference in the ride position and suspension to make them feel that much different since all other dimensions are identical. Also, I rode a Monster and Multistrada to get a better feel for a twin and I think the "lack of response" I mentioned earlier is just from my lack of experience with this type of engine... I am sure my K engine has spoiled me with being able to roll on the throttle from almost any speed in any gear... but the twins shake and grumble when you are in too high of a gear and too low of RPMs. Anyway, thanks again for the responses, the only decision left is do I burn through the Dunlops as quickly as possible or just go ahead and get new tires immediately. One other question, is $9995 reasonable for a demo 05 XB12S with ~120 miles on it? | ||
| Metalstorm |
If that's out the door that would be a deal I think. Provided that the 2 year warranty begins the day you ride her home. I paid msrp for mine (10,495.) It was $12,196 out the door after taxes & everything else. I have no regrets. I could've gotten it cheaper farther away from me but I'd still be financing so I would have saved maybe a whole $10 a month. |
