| Author | Message | ||
     Sledhead |
I am thinking of this for my first street bike. I have had a dirt bike for a few years now so I know how to ride. Would the power of the 12 be too much for a noob on the street? Thinking of getting one tomorrow, have the day off and the local HD has one thats scratched up for a good deal. Thanks all. | ||
| Hardcorps |
Take it for a ride, i would also take a 12ss for a ride. If you take it easy and get used to it slowly the 12 will not be too much. Hard Corps | ||
| Tunes |
If you haven't already, I would suggest taking a riders course. I've taken them and they're worth every penny AND your time. Provided you can control your urges while you learn the bike and get used to riding the street, you can buy it as yer 1st bike... but please be careful. They have a lot of power. | ||
| Goozyman |
i would honestly say no a XB12 should not be a bike for a newb. the temptation is too great and the available "get you into trouble fast" power is too easily attainable. | ||
| Rpmchris |
My first bike was my XB12S. But, I'm big and old (6'3", 250 lbs, 47 years old). ANY bike will get you hurt if you don't manage your risk. Think of "risk" as a window - the more open the window, the greater the risk. Take a MSF or Rider's Edge course, close the window a bit. ALWAYS wear protective clothing, close the window a bit more. NEVER drink and ride, so you can avoid being cited for RWS (riding while stupid), close the window even more. My Lightning continues to be the best purchase I've made, but it is capable of more than I am - I continue to ride within my own limits, and the limits of the road I'm on. Was that "preachy"? It sounded a little preachy - sorry. There's a thin line between "passion" and "preaching" and I may have crossed it... | ||
| Jimduncan69 |
Get it you will love it!! my first bike is my xb12scg i also rode dirt bikes when i was a kid. i have no problem riding my xb you just have to respect it's power. | ||
| Swordsman |
Hey Sledhead, you're in the same situation I was in a few months back, except it sounds like you have even more experience. I just started riding on a Yamaha 225 dual sport early last fall. I didn't choose the 12Ss myself... loved the looks, but I was afraid of the power. My father-in-law made the decision for me, buying it as a Christmas present (can you say "HOLY CRAP!"). Going from a dirt bike to a 12S honestly isn't a big deal. The throttle sensitivity is the hardest thing to get used to. All that extra power might be a temptation for a lot of people, but I've got a darn healthy sense of my mortality, so I've never gotten careless with it. That, I think, is the main thing for you to consider: will you be tempted? Any bike will get you hurt if you're reckless, but the bigger the motor, the faster it'll happen (so I'm told). Treat it like an angry bull, and you'll ease into it just fine. I still haven't taken my MSF yet, either. And like they mentioned above, buy the pads! I'm sure people think I'm playing the bad-ass since I wear a full suit everywhere I go, but it's actually just the opposite; I'm terrified I'm gonna' fall off! ~SM (Message edited by Swordsman on May 26, 2006) | ||
| Captainxb |
"HOLY CRAP!" | ||
| Tourguide |
Hi Sledhead, go for the XB12s if its a "Good" Deal" as You mentioned then no regrets. Coming from the Dirt You will already have the basic riding skills, be used to wearing protective gear, and with patience will adapt in a short period of time to the road riding. The power will not be an issue for You if You respect it from the get go, then use it as You get comfortable with Your set-up. Some of Best Super Bike Racers got their start in the Dirt. Buy it, enjoy it, use Your better judgment, and be Safe. | ||
| Olinxb12r |
The bike will only go as fast as you twist the throttle. I started street riding on a YZF 600R after playing in the dirt for about 15 years and I didn't have any problems with the change. Just remember that when you are riding on the street the biggest concern is no longer the bike, it is the other people on the road. My honest opinion is that for most people both the 12 and the 9 are to much bike for a first bike, but I do think I could have handled one for my first bike. Although these bikes get little street cred compared to I4s they are very powerful and it is easy to loop one and scare the crap out of your self on. If it is stock keep it that way for your first season and be carefull. | ||
| Streetfightercityx |
I had never ridden a motorcycle until I rode my '05 CityX home last June. The only reason I knew how to ride it was that I had some experience on ATVs. They reason I bought a bike with power: had to have a Buell. I didn't want to cruise around on a moped and then once I fell in love with cruising I would be stuck with a moped. But I've been WAY careful. My window is barely cracked. My front wheel has never left the ground (on purpose) and I'm still learning the power of the Buell. I've ridden both the 9s and the 12s and at normal cruising you can't really tell a difference in power. The biggest difference for me was the way the gears felt more spread out on the 12. But what do I know? Buy the bike you're comfortable with. But if you buy a bike with power you have to respect it and know your limits. Good Luck! Brent | ||
| Captainxb |
Many words of wisdom already posted above. The Buell XB12S is an easy, stable, comfortable bike to ride, so is an ideal road bike for someone who already knows how to ride a bike. But always be: - A careful rider, - A safe rider, - A defensive rider, - Know your limits, - Know your bike's limits, - Wear your gear . . . always! | ||
| Fullpower |
I let my 15 year old son ride my XB12. he is around 125 pounds or so, it's not too much bike for him. | ||
| Sledhead |
Just an update. I bought the bike yesterday. Its an 04 with 5600 miles on it. Red. Have only rode it around my apt parking lot due to rain and no gear. Going to get gear today, then I will be waiting for the sun. I am a pretty safe guy. I will take it easy. Thanks for all the advice. | ||
| Slaughter |
Sled, You have a good bike on your hands. Feel free to ask any advice. Regarding the power on the bike - as Mike Hailwood said: "The throttle works BOTH ways!" Here's my personal crusade: Take time to get to know your bike. Get the suspension, tires and brakes working for you BEFORE doing any other work. You can save TONS of money and frustration by setting up the bike properly and a proper setup will do wonders for your confidence - much more so than another 20 Horsepower ever will. You're gonna love it. | ||
| Steelersfan |
Thats awesome Sled. Congrats on the new bike. I bought my first bike 3 months ago, but I went with the CityX. Best purchase I've ever made! Enjoy the bike bro. | ||
| Sinatra |
sledhed ---- does your wife have any sisters? over 18? i am available......i love your father in law...... (Message edited by sinatra on May 27, 2006) | ||
| Sledhead |
Sinatra, I'm not married so you must be confusing me for someone else. Sorry. | ||
| Slaughter |
Sinatra - be careful there - you otta be hittin on Swordsman if you're looking for a daddy-in-law with those deep pockets just looking to give away Buells! |
