| Author | Message | ||
     Socalxb |
So I've been looking for XBs for awhile after selling my Monster 750. I had tried an XB9S years ago and liked it but wanted a sportier position so I've been scouting for an XB12R. Finally found a good used one and test rode it today. Seating position is great and there's plenty of room for me. Clutch felt fine and the engine is smoother than I expected and there's definitely plenty of power. Only thing that felt weird was the steering. Seemed like the bike just didn't want to turn in at all. I didn't ride any twisties of anything fast like that, just around town a little but it was like the bike only wanted to go straight. I'm guessing it was just the difference in geometry between the XB and my old Monster, but it didn't feel natural to me. Is this just something I need to get used to and it will feel better? Could it have been under inflated tires or the bad Dunlops I've read about on this board? I really like the bike otherwise, so if all goes well I hope to buy it but I wouldn't mind hearing some reassurances that this is normal. Thanks all. | ||
| Shea |
Alot of people say that about the Buells. They respond differently than most bikes, so you have to get used to it. What you have to realize is that the difference between wheel base isn't like most other bikes. Add to that that most bike's suspensions are not adjusted to the rider's needs/weight/load or all three. That said, let's go back to the basics. Most people that say "The bike won't turn" doesn't have a good grasp on counter steering. Counter steering is sometimes a subconscious thing for people, which can be a bad thing. Little do they realize that they are doing it. With some bikes, the counter steering must be "actively" done. Simply kicking out a knee and expecting the bike to lean isn't an option on it either. Not trying to insult your riding skills, just something to try. If you are unfamiliar with counter steering, I can explain it further. As for the suspension, this can play a larger role than one may think. There was a chart that someone posted in a thread that I started helping to guide the rider in adjusting the suspension based on rider's weight. That would be a good starting point. | ||
| Slaughter |
Search out the suspension setup BUT read through some of the discussions. You say Dunlops - which type? I'm a Pirelli guy but different tires can influence handling MUCH MORE than many would think. I'd start with PROPER suspension setup first. Rather than using so many "lines" of preload - set it for about 35mm sag in front, 25 in rear with all your gear on. Use the damping settings in the tables as starting guidelines only. Are you braking into the turn and letting off? The response with front end rebound can "feel" like the bike is slow turning in. Setting sag properly really takes a strong friend or two. There should be some detailed discussions here abouts if you search them out. (Message edited by slaughter on March 18, 2006) | ||
| Percyco |
I bought a xb9s in the fall, the front tire had 20 lbs. in it and it was also worn badly on the edges. It was also set up for a heavier rider than me. My first thought was " I spent how much on this thing" ? I could hardly steer the damn thing . A new front tire , proper inflation of the tires and the suspension set to my weight made a world of difference. The Buell is still going to take some getting used to as I am very used to my lowered Sportster . I'm looking forward to spring so that I can get the hang of the Buell. | ||
| Sgthigg |
My XB corners, turns, anything I want it to do no problems at all. I love it and would have no other. You might want to check your tire pressures or something. One of the major uniques characteristics of this bike is its cornering and turning capabilities. M ake sure you got 38 rear psi and 36 front psi in thos dunlops. For a good starting point on the tire pressure. (Message edited by sgthigg on March 18, 2006) | ||
| Diablobrian |
An even better starting point is getting rid of the stock Dunlops. Michelin, Pirelli, Metzler, and Continental have shown better results than the Dunlops on the XB series. | ||
| Midknyte |
With the stock tires, (all I have experience with...) the XB9/12R is a bike that responds well to proper riding form, to the point that it rather requires it (and I'm still growing into it...). It's not a lazy ride. Pay attention, shift your weight accordingly - it'll perk right up. | ||
| Skyguy |
I hated my XB for the first week or two........ Then I got the suspension pretty close to right changed out the Dunslops and have loved it ever since. Mostly it was suspension. | ||
| Old_man |
With a change from the stock Dunlops the Buell handles like you're probably used to on your Monster. It will turn easily and hold it's line in the turn. I put Metzler Sportecs on mine, but other tires should work as well. Now when touching the brakes in a turn the bike no longer stands up, but holds its lean nicely. | ||
| Nutsosane |
In my experience the simplest way to improve the steering characteristics of the XB is to put less weight on the wrists. Simple, right? Think about it next time you're setting up for a series of turns: weight the pegs, use your back and abdominal muscles. Fingertip pressure goes a long way when your torso isn't pressing on the bars. Just my morning rant, but I'll be practicing this today as I entertain myself in the fine Blue Ridge Mountains. Fast&Loose. NUTS | ||
| Xring |
I unintentionally rode with a low tire once...the bike felt the way you described, and it was just a few psi low. That being said, I remember when I first got the bike and thinking it took more effort than the other bikes I'd had to initiate turns. Seems completely natural after a few rides. I also support the idea of changing tires...going from the stock Dunlops on my XB9S to Pirelli Scorpions was like riding a different motorcycle. Good luck, Bill | ||
| Reepicheep |
It's the dunlops. It's also grows on you. I test rode a buddies vstrom, and it was driving me nuts in the corners. On the buell, when I want to keep turning, I need to keep pushing. On the strom (and on my old Yamaha) you kind of set it into the turn, and it would pretty much stay there until you told it to come out. Having experienced both, I like the nature of the Buell better. I like having some strong feedback as to the degree to which I am pushing through the turns. The Scorpions make a HUGE difference, and are (IMHO) a far better tire. | ||
| Kevinfromwebb |
Eddie, you'll be allright after you adjust the suspension. That was my take on my 12R (it was just real heavy steering) until I adjusted the suspension. I went with Higbees chart and made a couple of adjustments from there. The chart is here onsite somewhere. Changing the tires to the Diablos helped also but the suspension was key for me... I haven't regretted buying my Buell... JMO Kevin | ||
| Rhost |
You definitely have to counter steer this bike, and once you get into the corner you have to keep pressure on the handlebars to hold your line a lot more then with more conventional bikes. I had the same problem when I first bought my bike. At speed try pushing forward (yes I know this sounds weird) on the side you want to turn. The bike will lean as far as you want it too. I've worn my dunlops to about 1/4 of an in on each side. You can also try increasing the preload in the rear by one notch, if that is still not enough try decreasing the preload in the front by 1 line. | ||
| Tommy_2stroke |
All the advice about proper suspension setup is good, and the tire advice too. But before everyone bashes the Dunlops too much, it might be worthwhile to specify WHICH Dunlops. The 207s weren't too good on Buells; the 208s were somewhat better. I just swapped out the 208s on my 12S for the new Dunlop Qualifiers, and they are excellent, first-rate tires. Has anyone else besides me tried these yet? | ||
| Socalxb |
Wow, thanks for all the helpful responses. After not riding for several months, I guess my counter steer coordination might have been a little off. On the Monster, you barely had to push and the bike seemed to drop right over. Maybe it's just a matter of getting used to being a little more deliberate about it. I don't think this is something that's going to keep my from getting the bike, however, so hopefully I'll be able to put all your suggestions to good use soon enough. Again, thanks for the input. This board might just be better than the Monster board I used to inhabit. | ||
| Truk |
Had a similar feeling on a Honda VTR Superhawk having just purchased it. When I got home and checked the tire pressure it was like 15-20 lbs. So much for dealer prep... I test rode a XB12S that felt like that. I concluded it was the tire pressure being way off. As has been mentioned these bikes are sensitive to proper suspension setup and sensitive to correct tire pressure. It is real easy to set up the suspension. Your handbook has it all laid out for you. I have a R1 as well as a XB9R. I noticed on the XB that it really rewards proper riding skill and technique. Heavy front bikes stands the bike up more than other bikes. Get your braking done early. Slowly learn and adjust to trail braking into corners and how this bike acts My Superhawk really needed a lot of body english and hanging off. My XB is just the opposite I like to ride the tank on the Superhawk and R1. My XB does not like that, it prefers I stay back in the seat. When I ride the front it seems to overwhelm it. It does not like stiff arming the clip ons.... and that isn't correct anyway. Holding yourself up with you back and stomach, keep bent arms, light weight on the clip ons... Rode correctly and this bike turns like nothing else and "talks" to you about everything going on. Remember it has very aggressive Rake and Trail. I hope there is something in my response that makes sense to you and will help | ||
| Metalstorm |
First let me just say Welcome to BadWeb  Everything's been covered pretty well. Having the suspension set up correctly & having tires other than the stock Dunlops will make you a very, very happy rider. I remember riding a 9R once that had the front too stiff & the rear wayyy too soft. I couldn't get the bike to turn for the life of me. I rode a 9S soon after that was set up better (for me) & was a lot nicer. When I bought my 12Scg it was slow turning & stood up on the brakes. I have since then swapped the tires for Pirelli Scorpions & set up the suspension just right and man is it fun!! | ||
| Dmextreme |
Welcome!!! This place is a library of knowledge. Lots of people to ask, lots of places to buy.. Have fun here.. |
