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Cygnus_x1
Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 07:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Want to get a bike for both the wife and a few of my short friends.

I could get a used 04 XB12S with about 3K on the clock for $7000.

or,

A spankin' new 06 Kawie 650r for $5995 (and it has a windshield)




Flame away....
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Dana P.
Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 07:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

No Flame here....You have to make the decision on whats best for you. Keep in mind that you can't ride the Kawi for a test ride you buy then ride. Atleast you get to find out for yourself if you like the Buell or not. 7G I rode it or 6G and I rode it bought it and I don't like it. Easy comparison for me. IMHO.

(Message edited by bads1 on January 06, 2006)
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Diablobrian
Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 08:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Look around, you can find better prices on the Buells with a little patience. If you are willing to travel DaveS will fix you right up.
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Glitch
Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 09:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Buy the Kawi.
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Citycrosser
Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 09:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I like the new 650 and think it would make an excellent addition to anyone's garage. In regards to test rides, I found that I could almost always get a test ride if I rode my bike there. My buell dealer was reluctant to let me test ride until I showed up on my old DRZ400S. My brother in law now works at a Suzuki / Kawasaki dealership, so hopefully I can get a test ride later this year.
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Dana P.
Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 09:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

on the Kawi.LOL
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Cygnus_x1
Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 09:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

LOL good one Dana!

Glitch, you makin' fun?
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Glitch
Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 09:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Kinda.
I just about always answer that way when someone asks that question.
Import price vs Buell price
Import power vs Buell power
So I figure I'd be different in every sense.

On the serious side, you have a Buell already, and you said it's not going to be your bike, so, if I was making the decision I'd go the cheap way.
Besides 7grand for a used XB12 is kinda steep...
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Xring
Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 01:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I bought my 04 XB9S used vs. a new Yamaha FZ6 for about the same money.

Glad I did it, haven't looked back.

Good luck,
Bill
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Smoothrod
Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 10:47 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

That doesnt sound a like a very good deal on the Buell, you might try looking around to get a better price.
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Cygnus_x1
Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 11:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Smooth & Glitch, I have looked around, on the net mostly, but there are not many for sale, and most are around $8K.

Do you know of any better deals?
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Smoothrod
Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 12:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Try looking in the http://www.cycletrader.com Do a search of about 300 miles and it should give you a good idea. You might try looking at the classified section bikes for sale section of this website. I saw several good deals on bikes in there. Have you considered going down to a XB9? I ride a v-rod too and ive been very impressed with the 03 XB9S that I bought. Very nice pep and it runs great on freeway. You might also want to call DaveS at Appleton HD and see what he can do for you? It’s been my experience that you can save a thousand or more dollars on a bike if you’re willing to travel to get it.
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Jjcoroa
Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 01:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Maybe I lucked out but I got my 04'XB12S with under 1500 miles on it for $5400 in MA. Look around there are plenty of good deals out there. That is if you have your mind set on the Buell
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Blackxb9
Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 04:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I agree, the deals are there if you take your time and look hard. After months of looking last November I finally found my 03 XB9 with 2500K for less then $5,000.
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Mr_cuell
Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 05:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Depends what your wife wants. I have been able to test ride imports at my local dealers when I was serious about buying. Have her ride them and tell decide one to buy. My wife loves her Hawk GT, is not a big fan of my 12R. Your short friends can get their own short bikes . . .

(Message edited by Mr_cuell on January 07, 2006)
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Revdoc
Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 07:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Is she a new rider or experienced? Why is she going to ride? what does she enjoy or not enjoy about riding? The buell is a bike for motorcycle lovers, it is an experience which encompasses all your senses. If she likes the wind on her face and body, the sound that echoes in your head as well as your chest, and the pulsing motor that rattles your gut, combined with the scalpel like control an XB gives, there is no comparison. If she rides rarely, if she doesn't enjoy the "distractions" of the buell experience, or focuses more on destination, and not so much the journey, then the Kawasaki is a great bike and will be alot of fun. Or an XB9 would be cheaper and require a little less attention to master and still be more involving. I think you are lucky just to have a wife who likes to ride.
Randy V.
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Cygnus_x1
Posted on Saturday, January 07, 2006 - 10:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hi,

This is "the wife"...

Okay, I'm new at riding. I'll admit that I'm a little nervous about this, but have fantasized about having my own bike for quite some time. So then I finally admit it to my man, and he goes and buys himSELF a bike! (Imagine that!) I enjoy riding on his bike with him - I love being close to him. Plus, it's such a different "me" when I'm riding...I'm a classical romantic who teaches orchestra at the jr high school and plays violin in the symphony, but when I'm on the bike, I just feel that full-encompassing experience of being in God's wonderful world and taking it all in with my man!

So we'll see what happens. He knows me best so hopefully from all of your posts, he'll make the right decision for me!
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Angelwild327
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 10:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

how tall is "wife" and your short friends??
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Cygnus_x1
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 12:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Shes about 5'9" as and my short friends are 5'5"ish
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Vanvideo
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 02:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If she's a newbie rider, how about a Blast? They're a lot more beginner-friendly. Get a used one, though. She'll probably drop it on its side at least once.
In my opinion, an XB12 is way too much for any newbie. I think the 650 Kawi is made for beginners. Try not to give into the temptation of the biggest and fastest. Learn to ride safe, then move up.
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Ezblast
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 02:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well said!
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Kootenay
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 02:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hmmm...I'm shorter than Cygnus' "short" friends. What height has to do with riding, though, I dunno.

I do agree with Vanv, an XB12 is a bit much for the average newbie (very confident ones might be OK); the new Kawi 650 is supposedly aimed at new riders.
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Mrvvrroomm
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 03:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Buy the little Ninja. I'm trying to justify putting one in my garage also. There are 4 bikes, 3 scooters, & 2 atv's in my garage right now.

My 15 year old son will be able to ride it next September. I'm thinking I should get it now so I can break it in properly for him.
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Kandie
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 03:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I disagree that an XB12 is too much. The too much is in the wrist. I would suggest she take a motorcycle safety class. It would be like someone telling me not to buy a Mustang I might hurt myself here's a nice Pinto it's much safer.
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Vonsliek
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 03:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

kawi all the way .. its gonna be the better beginner ride. that damn buell'll rip her arms off & buck her off if she gets complacent.

too stiff clutch pull w/ all the superbike torque right at idle .. woah ... TONS of fun & a total hooligan tool .. i love my buell even tho i am purchasing a zx-10r ..

that 650 is a better seat height for starters. i like them tall but i think the girls'll like them lower & softer torque.
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Kootenay
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 05:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"I disagree that an XB12 is too much. The too much is in the wrist."

This is a common argument. However, there is a disadvantage to having too much power on tap while learning the basics of riding--a newbie should be concentrating on bike control, not throttle control.

There is a reason Buell makes the Blast. There is also a reason so many track instructors suggest the best way for most of their students to reduce their lap times is to ride bikes like the SV650S rather than more track-specific repli racers.
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Tbs_stunta
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 05:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Shouldn't she be the one to choose her motorcycle.
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Donutclub
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 06:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The Kawi is a first gen bike, which may or may not have some bugs that need to be ironed out. Personally, I'd suggest an SV650 for a first bike.
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Slaughter
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 06:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Have the Swan herself (Cygnus - cool!) come to Femmoto if you can wait that long and test ride dang near every type of bike imaginable on the track. Much less pressure than a test ride in city traffic!

http://www.femmoto.com/

Of course, that's meaning a wait until maybe September/October BUT maybe get a good (fill in the blank) around-town and occasional freeway bike UNTIL Femmoto and then decide after a test ride?

Last year, Buell, Aprilia, Kawasaki and even Kymco with their scooters were there. They are negotiating with Ducati and Honda for next year.

Every woman I've known who participated LOVED the experience AND many were actively looking for a bike and were basing their buying decisions on their rides.
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Truk
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 08:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I also think a "12" is too much to begin on. XB9S would be better.

But I also agree with the SV650 or the new Kawi as a better beginners bike. Also I do not believe she will quickly grow out of the SV650 or Kawi like she will the Blast.

Finally, buy what is best for your wife first and foremost...friends secondary
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Cygnus_x1
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 09:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hi, from the Wife again,

That femmoto looks like fun! I won't even be able to take my training classes until May, so maybe by then I'll have some sort of idea...

I don't want to go FAST. I'm boring, I know, but I'm new at this, and I'm cautious. And I'd rather not die this young.

Thanks for all the tips! Femmoto looks like so much fun, and Vegas is just down the street!
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Angelwild327
Posted on Sunday, January 08, 2006 - 09:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Definitely have her take the MSF course if she hasn't already. Once she learns the basics, maybe you could rent her a few different bikes to get the feel of what sort of riding she'd like to do. I knew I wanted a buell back in September before I'd ever ridden a bike, and I learned how to ride, first time ever, two weeks later at the MSF class. Two weeks after that I got my buell. Her height is excellent for a 9sx, my height sucked for it, i'm 5'2-ish, so it was a major challenge. She needs to figure out if she wants a cruiser or a sport bike..some people, can't imagine why, just like that cruisin' feeling...but now that I've pretty much overcome my height issue, the 9 is without a doubt a fabulous AND easy bike to ride.. no leaning forward like a typical sportbike either.
The Buells are wonderful bikes for the tough things that new riders face, like cornering, it's like the bike just naturally moves the way you want it to, plus the 9 is made for city streets, especially...your riding position is high, you can see a lot around you, it's not a tiring bike to ride at all...you don't need a lot of physical power to maneuver the bike, it's pretty light and FUN as hell!!! PLUS..it's unique!
On the issue of too much power, if she learns properly first time around and doesn't get into bad habits while she's learning, it's fine and she won't get bored down the line when she builds her confidence. The one big thing I might advise, is buy a used bike, so she won't feel crappy if she lays it down.
As for your 5'5 friends, have them wear boots with an inch of sole/heel and they'll love it too!
Good luck whatever you decide!!
HUGS
Angela
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Superbee24
Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 03:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Cygnus. Just listed my CityX for 6999 in for sale section with extended warranty thru Dec 08 and Trans blue and orange skins. Might just be what you are looking for.

Good Luck
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Boisebuelly
Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 05:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Cygnus-

Just a heads up...my XB12s is no longer for sale.

james
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Slaughter
Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 08:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Cygnus - Femmoto is NOT about riding on a racetrack as it is about demo-riding a bunch of bikes without worrying about traffic. They run escort riders with the women who haven't yet done a track day and they keep it at a VERY STEADY and comfortable pace. It makes it the best imaginable demo ride experience you can have.

You can't belive how totally stoked the women are who haven't been there before. There's no pressure to go fast and NO TRAFFIC coming the other direction - plus it is an awesome thing seeing the women instantly hitting it off with the others. I'd say about a third of them are in their first year of riding so you'd be in good company.

Even if you have a bike before then, test-ride your NEXT bike there.

Sunny tried the Firebolt, Lightning Low - and actually liked the Firebolt. Hated the 600-class Ninjas. Loved the EX500 twin. Didn't get a chance to ride the Blast or the Ninja 250.

The really COOOL thing they do for the shorter-legged riders is they position 2 staff right there and watch you when you come in and if you shake your head back and forth (meaning "NO") - they catch you when you stop. That was the ONLY way Sunny could test the Aprilia Tuono because she couldn't reach the ground with her tippy toes.

They'd do the same thing starting out too if the lady asked for help. Kinda cool to see the support and enthusiasm.

You gotta make it next year!!!
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Kdan
Posted on Monday, January 09, 2006 - 08:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Let her ride your bike for a couple of months to get used to it before you buy her the 12S. Or do like I did and buy a Blast. Those are very forgiving and you can replace shifters and signal lights real easy. My Bambi loves her Blast.
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Perry
Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 12:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Bambi was a boy.

Bambi gets on the road and hurts motorcycle riders. Bambi is everywhere each night at sundown here - Me no like bambi.

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Kdan
Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 05:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/board-profile.cgi?action=view_profile&profile=bambi-users

Not that Bambi! This Bambi.
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Bambi
Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 05:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hey guys, Bambi here (the 2 legged one)
I do love my blast! I'm 5'4" and it fits just right for me. I feel in control and I think that is important if you have never ridden before.

Hubby, if you want her to STAY IN LOVE WITH RIDING, don't give her to much to soon. I had ridden before but it had been YEARS. I got a little to confident a little to soon and CRASH! BANG! If I had had a 12, I probably would have done some SERIOUS damage. I was humbled! After that, it took me a while to forget what road rash felt like.

If you aren't into the Speed, start with the Blast (used! The scratches don't show up so bad) and work your way up. It would be a shame to buy something to fast and turn yourself off before you really get to know what riding is about. Trust me (and Brave Angle will probably back me up on this) riding 2-up with a skilled rider is VERY different than riding alone. But it is a "Blast" once you get over the shakes.

Good luck, what ever you decide on.
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