| Author | Message | ||
     Coops53233 |
Hey all! Well, I'm finally doing it. I am finally going to become a legitimate member of the BadWeB. Tonight, I will be journeying out to parts unknown via Greyhound to pick up my very own '03 XB9s. Got a pretty good deal on it too (muchas gracias Ray2zz). And what better way to consummate my new relationship than spend a 500mi honeymoon together for the ride back home to DC? So, I've only been on a couple of major trips (if you call 2600mi in four days major  , and none on a bike w/o a windshield, so any suggestions from you XB vets? 500mi shouldn't be too bad on this bike, right? About how many miles should I see between fuel stops? Any and all help is appreciated! -Coop | ||
| Tork |
Welcome, Coop. Check out the search function and spend a cup of coffee going through the Knowledge Vault. Answers to just about anything a new owner could ask can be found somewhere in the archives! | ||
| Jerseyguy |
Congrats - you are going to love it. | ||
| Glitch |
Coop, congrats! Shred and I rode 680+ miles in one day. Shred had an XB9R at the time and I was on my XB9S. No problems except for my butt. It wasn't long after that ride I bought the Streetfighter seat. It's a great seat. From what I hear, the new Select seat is even nicer. | ||
| Blake |
Congrats Coop! My first and best advice is to get yourself the best possible gear you can afford. Being cold and miserable on a bike is no fun. Get one of those NOJ Quiet Rider baffles for your helmet. Hope your helmet is full face and with a good scratch resistand shield. Disposiable ear plugs, lots of 'em. A good velcro afixed fleece neck wrap. Good sport bike riding boots. The difference in riding satisfaction that a good set of gear makes cannot be emphasized enough. Before you depart, make sure the clutch lever ergonomics are optimum for you. The lever should be approximately in-plane with your forearm and the grip so that you don't have to reach up and over the lever in order to grab and actuate it. In other words, when in normal riding position and actuating the clutch lever, the back of your hand should be darn near parallel with the top of your forearm. Optimally adjust the foot shift lever position for your feet/boot as well. Avoid using the rear brake much if possible. It'll wear out very quickly if you use it like one might on a touring bike or cruiser. Always fill up with Super grade gasoline. Check the oil with the bike on level surface and while on the side-stand. Don't refill untill the level drops to or below the fill line. Don't overfill. If it is cool out (59oF or cooler), you might want to cover the oil cooler. Don't lug the engine. Keep the revs up above 2,500. Of course verify proper tire pressures. Check front and rear suspension for proper sag. Before heading for home, I'd ride the bike around locally, get it good and hot, stop, restart, try to be positive that it is up for the trip. Be sure to let us all know how the trip goes and your impressions of your new bike. Congrats again! (Message edited by blake on November 11, 2005) | ||
| Coops53233 |
Thanks guys. I've been lurking here for a while, just waiting till i had enough $$ to even think about buying a new toy. Luckily (sorta), that decision made itself a few days ago when my engagement ring fund became my buell fund! Yeah, im going to be a little short on cash for a while, so the new seat is probably a few months off. My priorities are: nice set of soft bags, race kit & 12 airbox, seat, and then whatever else i decide i need... Anyone have any recommendations for bags? I see you can get the Buell bags on ebay for about $150... anyone have any suggestions on which sets are the best (factory or aftermarket)? I already have a tankbag, im just basically looking for saddlebags and top bag for above the passenger seat that's a little bigger than the tailbag. Also, does anyone use the sheepskin? My buddy has had about three different seats on his 'zuki Bandit 1200s and said the best combo was the stocker + sheepskin. He's a "frugal" SOB though, so maybe the fact that he saved like $500 by reselling his Corbin and buying the sheepskin is his painkiller. Any thoughts? My last big ride was on my old VT700. 800mi on day one, 500 on day two (DC to Ely, MN). Original '86 stock seat which was great until about the 2nd fuel stop. The worst though was hitting Chi rush hour traffic on a Friday at about 5pm; sitting down then standing up, then sitting down... I still think that is what hurt the most. It took me 2hrs to get from the Skyway to Gurnee! My rear was a little sore, but it didn't hit me till the ride back to DC. 500 on day one, 800 on day two, and after that, my ••• HURT for about a week afterward. I'd do it again in a heartbeat though, as im still young and invincible.  | ||
| Coops53233 |
Thanks Blake! That's a great 1st ride checklist. And thanks for the advice about the rear brake... I'm still in "single front disc cruiser mode," so that habit will have to be broken quickly! I've got a modular full face, so its pretty noisy, but I do have lots of earplugs. I'll have to look into that NOJ system you mentioned though... not familiar with that product yet. (Message edited by coops53233 on November 11, 2005) | ||
| Spatten1 |
Sweet, I hope you got yellow. That's what I have and it's the fastest color by far. | ||
| Coops53233 |
Uh, of course! Speaking of which, if anyone wants to swap their black plastic for a set of yellow plastic, let me know. I'll spring for shipping. I'd say that is fair considering the 15+ hp/tq you would be gaining after bolting on your new yellow bits. | ||
| Jlnance |
Rob, Congrats on the Bike! Having done the 500 mile ride home bit last March, my advice to you would be to make sure you take warm gear. Definitly have something the wind cant go through. That was my mistake. I have on at least 4 layers but the wind cuts through it on the highway. Also make sure you stop every hour or two and warm up, maby with some coffee. I know you're probably thinking you dont want to because it makes the trip longer. But you'll be doing it anyway if you get cold. So build the time into your schedule. You didn't mention where you're going to get the bike. But if you post it you might pick up some riding buddies along the route. It will make the trip more fun. Have a great time! | ||
| Whodom |
Welcome to the group. I don't think anyone ever answered your fuel range question- IIRC, most XB'ers claim around 150 miles to reserve average. Be sure you bring plenty of clothing. Layer it on, and bring a backpack or bike luggage so you can take some off when necessary. You don't want to be 5 miles into a 500 mile ride thinking "dang, I wish I had packed that extra sweatshirt". Don't forget to bring a few sets of earplugs. Have a great ride! | ||
| Coops53233 |
Yea, if anyone in the area wants to link up, I'm picking the bike up tomorrow in Ashland, KY at about 1530 and heading out shortly thereafter. Im not going to be hauling a$$ or anything, but I'd like to get back home before midnight (its about a 6.5hr drive back to DC, according to yahoo maps). Anyone and everyone is welcome to join! | ||
| Triton |
Nice to have another Buell in the DC, Northern VA area. I have now lived in this area for 18 months and have only seen one other, another 12R like mine. Enjoy the ride and have a safe one | ||
| Coops53233 |
Triton- I'll be riding year round unless it snows or drops below 20 degrees (im from up north originally), so if you want to get together one of these days for a ride, my roomie (sv650) and I would probably be up for it. just let me know. | ||
| Triton |
Coops53233- I am always up for a ride, only thing that stops me riding is ice, traction is useful on 2 wheels. | ||
| Cyclonemaniac |
Coops, expect anywhere between 120-140 miles before your fuel light comes on. My 03 XB9S goes exactly 127 miles to the fuel lamp from a full tank. I've checked it several times and I get right at 44 mpg. Seems a little odd that I only get 44mpg on My XB but My 02 Cyclone that is hopped up and 1203cc, get 48 mpg! That is of course provided I don't twist that right grip too hard!  | ||
| Madduck |
Coops, Cheap rain gear makes a good outer layer when its cold. If you;re really short on buck the standard is garbage bags and duct tape. Got me thruogh a number of rides. Best of luck and always remember "This is FUN"  | ||
| Surveyor |
Some advice; Get decent tyres; Get to a track day; Have fun......there is nothing to beat riding around Gixers and R1s....it's not marketing BS, you really will Own the Corners, I guarantee it. | ||
| Ray2zz |
Coops, Good meeting you today. If you like the twisty stuff you will love the xB9s (straights aint' bad either). Great low maintenance ride that is always willing to go. Your gain and my loss on the bike but the addiction has set in for me so my sights are set on a ragin' XB12Ss fix; love the relaxed geometry as I am of the fuller figured body type, lol- Ride safe. | ||
| Jlnance |
Coop - Let us know when you get home. Was it cold?  Hope you enjoy the bike! Wish I had one. | ||
| Simply_known_as_horse |
I Would venture to believe that what your buddy says is true. He wouldn't lie to you would he? Hows that 9s running? To bad its yellow, Thats "gay" (say like Jessie James... | ||
| Slaughter |
I'd recommend planning on 125 mile range during breaking in. You can get 150 on a good motor with a couple thousand miles on it but just keep it down, don't over-rev it. LET IT WARM UP before riding!!!! You will probably find you will get pretty close to 150 highway miles but in the twisties, it'll be down to 125 or so. You're gonna love it. | ||
| Rkc00 |
Coops, Good luck with the new bike. When you get home and your A-- is killing you get in touch with me. I have a Corbin seat for sale that will solve that problem. Mike | ||
| Coops53233 |
Hey everyone- Sorry for the delayed response... I got into DC at about 11pm on Saturday night and spent all day Sunday riding and chasing tail... im sure you all understand. My ride was a pretty good time. And thanks for all the advice about bringing the extra warm clothes, because it was in the 30's in the mountains, a mere two hours after I left KY where it was in the 70's!! Once the sun went down, I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have the extra clothes to put on! Anyways, the ride went smoothly without any major hiccups. I like the bike even more than I thought I would! My overall impression is that I definitely made the right choice in bikes. I love this bike. I was going too fast most of the ride home, so wind was pretty obnoxious, but i thought it would be worse than it was. I didn't feel like it was beating me up too bad unless I crossed the 85mph threshold. When I "had" to do a sprint through traffic, I would just lay on the tank for a minute or two and it was okay. Also, I felt that the seat was surprisingly comfy. I didn't even have to take any aspirin for the entire trip, and though I was ready to get off by the end of the ride, I have no soreness to speak of. I've never really ridden a sportbike before, so am really impressed with how maneuverable the xb is. And though I would have probably gotten the 12 if I had the money, I think I made the right choice with the 9 (for now). Snappy is the best word to describe it, I think. I still have to tune the suspension (the previous owner was a little taller and heavier than me), but I am really, really impressed with this bike and still think I walked away with a hell of a deal. Thanks again, Ray2zz! Rkc00- I'll probably still be in the market for a new seat, but it may be a little while as I am still forming my opinion on the stocker. I thought it was pretty decent, and have no complaints from my first 425mi ride. I gotta get some bags first anyways! | ||
| Jlnance |
Has anyone heard from coops? I'd like to know he made it home ok. | ||
| Jlnance |
duh - Sorry for the delayed post | ||
| Poplifedc |
Congrats on the bike. Yesterday in the DC area was nice so I'm glad you were able to enjoy it. When you get a chance, head over to the Ft. Washington dealership for the next BRAG meeting. | ||
| Ray2zz |
Hey, Good to hear that you made it back OK even though you were a little frosty is sounds. Gotta watch the higher elevations this time of year as a 40 degree temperature difference is not that unusual after sundown (Ouch). Check out this link for a aftermarket luggage option for your bike: http://www.cycleventure.com/fitments/display_picture.asp?fitment_id=641 These bags were at the top of my list of luggage. They are not the cheapest but seem to be one of the better options. | ||
| Simply_known_as_horse |
http://www.ventura-bike.com/library/bike_images/bu008-2.jpg One on a yellow XB9s Although I believe the cortech bags to be a better option... I have them on my 12s. | ||
| Coops53233 |
I'll definitely try to make the next BRAG meeting. I have to try to change over the remainder of the warranty on my bike anyways (just in case). That luggage rack looks pretty sweet, especially for long trips; if i get into some touring next summer, that might be the right way to go. How do those Cortech bags fit on your "12s" Horsie? I know you like to git 'er loaded down. You think they will fit all right on the tail of my xb? | ||
| Simply_known_as_horse |
Well if you could find someone you know with those bags you could try them out, and then get them if they work/look good. Know anybody with that setup? They fit great on my 12s | ||
| Coops53233 |
Hopefully, I'll meet someone on the BadWeB or through BRAG that has an opinion on them. I think they would fit okay. The tank bag i have isn't the best fit though with the contours of the airbox lid on the xb. I actually ended up strapping it to the passenger seat for the ride back from KY. | ||
| Rkc00 |
I have a set of the xb bags that I am using on my XB12X until I get my hard bags. If you wait I will sell these also for a good price. http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes_gear/accessories/productslist.asp?Menu_ID=4&ID= 2228&MITEM=62&bike_id=1 Lets make a deal. Mike | ||
| Coops53233 |
Mike- Yea, I could wait a while. Im not in a huge rush to get bags. How much are you looking to get out of them? | ||
| Rkc00 |
Sent you an email with my cell #. Call me Mike |
