| Author | Message | ||
     07xb12scg |
Hey guys (and girls). This is my first post on this board and I have just one question, albeit pretty complicated. Is the Buell XB12Scg a good bike for me? I'm 29 year old male. I'm about 5'7" and 160lbs. I have a very short inseam so I need a low bike. I have money down on an 07 XB12Scg and I'm supposed to seal the deal this week. I've been on go carts, quads, and dirt bikes my whole life and this will be my first street bike. I've been looking at 600cc Jap bikes for years, but they are all too tall for me. I can tip toe those at best. On the higher bikes, such as the CBR RR, I can only get one foot down. I want to start out on a bike that will be low enough for me to get both feet down comfortably. I do NOT want to start out on a Ninja or Night Hawk 250 or anything that I will outgrow in a couple months. I know a lot of you will recommend this, but that is not why I posted on this board. I looked at the SV650 as a starter, but that is also way too tall for me. The XB9s aren't offered in the low version anymore so that left me with the XB12Scg. I want a bike that will handle great on back roads, but still do fine on the highways and I care more about acceleration than top speed. I also want a bike that I can ride the 40 mile round trip to and from work relatively comfortably. Please, give me as much info as possible and let me know whether the XB12Scg will be a good or bad choice. Obviously, state your reasons to backup your opinion. I don't want to drop $10,000 on something I won't be happy with. I do think I'll like the Buell, but I want opinions from you guys who already own Buell Lightings. Thanks. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
You can try a 9sx and put the low seat on it if you want the 9. There will still be a bit of a difference in height (i think about 1/2in) but you get a better ride with the standard height models. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Oh, forgot to mention, just go to the dealer and have them swap the seats on the floor models so you can feel the difference to know if it will work for you. | ||
| 07xb12scg |
I thought about that, but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't work out well for me. Even with the low "cg" model, I still can't flat foot it. I am comfortable, though. If I just put a low seat on the 9 I'm pretty sure I'd be in Jap bike height territory and, as I said, I don't want that. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Could be. But it's still worth a try, it takes all of 30 seconds to swap the seats and it can be worth all the world if it will help put your mind at ease and help simplify the purchase decision. Either way, there are no wrong decisions, you will love it. | ||
| Freezerburn |
The scg height difference with the dropped suspension is significantly lower than just the low seat. It is surprising what difference an inch can make. Take one out for a test ride...then you will know. I have a 12scg coming in March for my wife. She really found the reduced height confidence inspiring when just seated on the bike. | ||
| 07xb12scg |
I can't seem to find the quote button... 99buellx1: I'm fine with going with the 12. What I'm asking is will it fit my needs (quick acceleration, good handling, and commutable)? Will it keep me happy? I will ride with both 600cc-1000cc Jap bikes and cruisers. I was all pumped to get it, but now I'm second guessing myself. | ||
| Perry |
Okay, I finally get to weigh in on something I know something about.  I bought an 05 XB12Scg because it seemed to be the only bike that really fit me. I am 5'7" and about 150 pounds. I have somewhat short legs. I didn't really feel comfortable on a bike that I was on my toes only. I like that I could flat-foot the Scg. Every other bike seemed tall - too tall for real confidence. Like you, I had some experience with toys a small dirt bike (70cc) as kid, and I've ridden quads a few times, but this was my first street bike. It's a great bike for shorter people. If you take it easy and don't go wild it will not be too much. Take your time and get comfortable before you start trying to do anything crazy and you have no worries. The bike is small enough to give you confidence and comfort. After about a year I swapped out the Scg seat for a select seat, which was more comfortable on longer rides. It is a bit taller so I can't flat-foot anymore but since I'd had the bike a year or so I was comfortable and it wasn't an issue. I still feel like I have really stable footing, just not quite flat - and now really comfy too! The low seat was good for starting out though. No other bike I've seen offers that much confidence for a short rider while still being a "real" sportbike with enough power and handling to be interesting. The bike has been rock solid reliable, and now has about 10K miles on it. The only issues were when I low-sided due to my own stupidity and a bit of screwing around (hit some gravel while using a newly-paved street that was closed to cars as a wannabe race-track). I had it repaired and no worries since. The bike is easy to work on. My only gripe is the vibration at idle is excessive and annoying, but it smooths out as you start going so not a big deal. It is also rather uncomfortable to ride at 100 plus degrees outside, you start to really feel the heat when stuck idling at a stoplight - but that is probably true of any bike. I can't really draw much for comparison since it's the only street bike I've had, but it has been a good choice for the vertically challenged (me) and not at ALL too much for a new rider with a brain and some prior experience with motocycles. I now commute 70 miles per day round trip, 2/3 of that is on the freeway and it's very comfy with the select seat. The low seat was still not a problem, but a little less comfy. I say go for it! And, buy some good gear that you can wear year round. | ||
| Angelwild327 |
don't second guess yourself...the 12 is PLENTY! I had a city cross as my first bike and could not get past the height issue... dropped it a few times.. I got my scg earlier this year and it is fantastic...I wear 3 inch heel boots, not high heels...but thick heels..and it works perfectly for me, i am 5'2 and have a 27inch inseam...you should be fine..and you will LOVe the bike..set the suspension for your weight and it will ride like a charm... get it, don't worry you will enjoy every minute of it. | ||
| 07xb12scg |
Perry: did you have frame pucks or sliders on to help in that low-side wreck? I'm gonna try to get the dealer to throw in some frame pucks if I do go with the Buell. See if I can even get that out of the Harley dealer! I'm not sure how well they would hold up, but I've only found expensive metal frame sliders for the Buell. From what I've seen, the plastic ones are useless in a higher speed crash as they grind and melt to nothing in seconds during slides on the pavement, but they do work for slow speed and stand still tip overs. I just want some protection incase I do drop it over at a stop or parking lot speed. I do agree with you on the vibration at idle. It's insane! It would be awesome if the Buell's got the V Rod engine. It seems that engine would fit the sport theme perfectly. With my luck, the Buells will get an engine upgrade the year after I buy one!  It's such a sweet looking bike, though. I ordered the Cherry Bomb Red version. I was supposed to pick it up today, but I don't think that's going to happen because it seems the insurance company is very busy and can't get mine done today. I'm just second guessing my decision because I will be mostly riding with inline 4s that rev instantly and forever. Coming from a mostly 2 stroke background, I'm just afraid I'll be disappointed by the engine and the power delivery. The monstrous torque will be great for wheelies when I'm ready for them... | ||
| Bake |
I have a 30" inseam (which qualifys me for short) and ride an XB9R with no problem ....almost flat foot. Maybe because I ride dirtbikes that are allays way too tall make it more comfy but I think you just need to get a little of both feet onthe ground while stopped. Couple of weeks ago I took a Uly with the low seat out for a test ride and found no reason but financial not to buy one. | ||
| Bake |
Oops, double post (Message edited by bake on November 06, 2006) | ||
| Altima02 |
That sounds like a perfect bike for you. Good luck and congrats! | ||
| 07xb12scg |
I have a 28" inseam I think. It's very short. I sat on the CityX, some used Firebolts, and some used Lightings and I could only really get one foot down on those bikes. I definitely need the low version. As I said, I can't even flat foot the cg in sneakers. My 6'2" 200+ pound friend sat on it after I did and he made it look like a mini bike. (Message edited by 07XB12Scg on November 06, 2006) | ||
| Whatever2 |
Flat footed? At 5'-3" I haven't been flatfooted on anything other than a rebel 250! The trick is to slide over a little and set your left foot down flat and lean the bike onto your inner thigh. Its not going anywhere. Use your left as you should be stopping in the right hand part of the lane and the right foot could end up on something slippery. Ride what you want-it doesn't matter once your moving. I don't get a hole shot in any of the motard or dirtbike races I start but that just means there are more people to pass! Also, practice your slow speed maneuvering and balancing-feet up. Once you get this down touching flat footed isn't that big a deal. Concentrate on developing your riding abilities and being surefooted while stopped will be of little concern. Good Luck. | ||
| Perry |
I did have the frame pucks when I went down. The bike slid like 60 feet on the asphalt before hitting the curb. The pucks were ground down a bit, but they were not melted or disintegrated at all. Unfortunately, the bike hit the ground hard enough to dent the frame under the puck, which was only visible after removing the puck. I still recommend them. Be sure to save enough money for a drummer (no more race kit exhaust), ECM upgrade, etc. | ||
| Etennuly |
That bike ain't no little bike. It is just lower. I've been on them at Buell test drive events. It's the same 1203 engine in the Ulysses. It will do with ease everything you are asking. And there is no doubt with that translucent red, that your riding buddies will be drooling over it.  If you've been riding four stroke dirt bikes you'll be right at home. Some of the magazine authors are critical about hitting the rev limiter too quickly, but it seems that they don't know how soon to shift a Buell to use its power. You won't out grow it...you'll just grow to love it!  Recommend...BUY! | ||
| Tx05xb12s |
I'm 5'7" 140 lbs and ride an 05 XB12Scg. This was my first road bike too, with a background in dirtbikes as a kid. I started off with the stock seat, but after getting some miles under my belt, my confidence level was sufficient enough to step up to the Corbin seat. Nowadays I don't think anything at all about just putting the toe of my left boot down as I glide to a stop. If I shift my weight over a little, I can easily flat foot it, or get half my foot down on both sides if I like (wearing Alpinestars Supertechs.) As for the lowered suspension, it rides as good as anybody else's as far as I'm concerned due to the multi-adjustability. I've never bottomed out the suspension despite some of the rough country roads I frequent, and the lean angle is the same as the regular XBS's. If anything, it's even better because the center of gravity is a little lower. The only negative I can think of would be the need to watch out for speedbumps. They're great for bashing in the bottom of your can. Either way, this isn't a little punk beginner bike you'll get tired of anytime soon. Granted, I have bolted on every bit of horsepower I can find, but I still get a rush out of riding it after 13 months of ownership. Calling it a torque monster is no joke. Hey do yourself a favor and take the RidersEdge beginners riding course and don't be cheap about your gear. You'll need a well-fitting Snell approved full-face helmet, leather gauntlet gloves, motorcycle specific boots, at least a back protector if not more armor, and a good 2-piece leather suit. It's better to look like Robocop and be uncomfortable in the summertime than to be laid up in the hospital somewhere in case you crash. | ||
| 07xb12scg |
I understand that you don't have to flat foot a bike. I just want that for my first bike. It's a comfort and confidence booster. Plus, it's so much easier to push a bike around, such as in parking lot situations, when you can flat foot it! Obviously, after I get more experience I will feel more comfortable on bikes that I cannot flat foot. Getting a bike that I can flat foot, or at least get close, is a big issue for me. I realize that it's not important to some people. I don't like that the puck dented the frame. That's one of the things they're supposed to protect against! I'm still gonna try to get the salesman to throw the pucks in when I go to pick up the Buell. Maybe I'll switch to frame sliders down the road. I know the pucks are self-adhesive. How do they last? Do they come loose or fall off after a short time? And does the adhesive damage the paint on the frame? As for the exhaust and ECM, that will come later, possibly next summer. I think I would go for the full Micron exhaust instead of the Drummer, though. I read the exhaust shootout and it looked, sounded, and tested better than all the rest IMO. The "dual" exhaust look is just bad ass! But yes, it was the most expensive by far. I came to this site knowing I'd get biased answers with most of you recommending the Buell. I'm fine with that and just wanted your honest input on the things I asked about. I feel I got that from you and I appreciate it. I know I'm getting the Buell now. I'm so excited I can hardly wait. Right now I'm still waiting for the insurance agent. She is off today as well as the salesman at the dealer. Just pray that there are still some nice warm days ahead for me! I have to say that I can't wait for snow, though. If there's anything else, please feel free. There's no such thing as too much input!  (Message edited by 07XB12Scg on November 07, 2006) | ||
| Homing_turtle |
Just a note on sliders/pucks. Everything else has been covered, more or less. Sliders and pucks aren't meant to come out of a crash intact. They are sacrificial in nature, and ought to be replaced after a "use". They'll grind off, melt, bend, and maybe even scrape/break off. But they do absorb some of the damage that would have otherwise transfered right to the bike. If you get some dings, scratches or even a dent under the puck, think of how bad it would have been without. Slap a new puck over it and call it good. Without, you might be looking for a new frame. | ||
| Midknyte |
I understand that you don't have to flat foot a bike. I just want that for my first bike. A good and wise desire. You've got plenty of other issues of confidence in learning to ride to go and unnessessarily [SP???] add this to the mix. That said, I tripod a 9R w/ a 28" inseam. No biggie once you understand the left-weight bias this has on a right turn from a stop. (You want to go right, but your body language is telling the bike you want to go left). It's one of those things that fixes itself once you know what's going on... | ||
| Doon |
i am 5'6", 29" inseam (or 28") but short none the less. I can flat foot on the SCG, but being that I am a bit chunky (225lbs) i went with the 12S. I have a little over 9K miles on it this year and so far no issues. But being short I am used to not being able to flat foot, and being up on my toes when dealing with sport bikes. On my Marauder I can flat foot no problem, but I sat on Road King and was on my tip toes. The XB is on the light side, so it isn't too bad, trying to manuever the lead sled that is the RK was a different story though. | ||
| Etennuly |
I do the two toe reach on my Ulysses with the stock seat and half foot with the low. I found that when backing into a parking spot or out of my shed, I just get off and walk it back it is so much easier and safer.  , and, what the heck, I was either getting off, or not on it yet anyways. | ||
| Pete_denzer |
I'm 5'-7', 165 lbs, 30' inseam; my scg can be flatfooted with the suspension set as per the owner's manual. It sits even lower if you back off the rear shock preload, which also makes it a tad more stable at higher speeds. The only other sporting bike that sits as low as the Kawasaki Ninja 650, a parallel twin that is easier to ride but not as fast. | ||
| Toona |
Hmmm, too bad you have a deal in the works, I have an '03 XB9 Lightning Low for sale, I even have an extra set of Cherry Bomb plastics (purchased this summer, maybe 300 miles on them) that I might be able to be talked out of... It also has frame pucks and a rear axle slider installed. I have pictures on my other computer I can email to you. I live near Altoona, PA and could meet you half way in the Harrisburg area. (Message edited by Toona on November 07, 2006) | ||
| Metalstorm |
To answer your question about the frame pucks, they come with exceptionally good adhesive. I've had mine on for about a year now & they're still bonded solid to the frame. They are in my opinion must have items. Just follow the instructions that come with them. Pucks & axle sliders work really good together at protecting the bike in a low side. Here's a cool thing about an Scg. It's low so it's good for confidence & later on when you got the basics down & you decide you don't need to be totally flat footed, you can get a street fighter or Select seat for it for some extra comfort. I have an 05 Scg. I can kinda flat foot a standard S with a standard seat but I opted for the cg. I replaced the low seat with a Select seat & now she's perfect. Much better in my opinion than a standard S with a low seat. Don't worry about how a lowered Lightning handles. It handles like it's on rails. You just have to be patient & figure out what suspension setting works best for you. For me (I'm about 180-185 with all my gear on plus there's always at least 5 pounds of stuff on the bike at any given time) it was set bike to the 190-210 range according to manual then turning front & rear rebound out 1/4 turn. Now she just falls into corners & soaks up the bumps on my crappy alligatored roads pretty damn nicely. For such short suspension travel it is very impressive. I've ridden a standard 9S & a 9R & I'm much quicker on my cg (practice makes near perfect) | ||
| 07xb12scg |
The suspension on "my" Buell definitely needs to be adjusted for me. I sat on it and "jumped" up and down and the rear suspension barely moved. It's way too stiff for me. The front at least moved down a little when I pushed on the forks. I know they're supposed to, but I'm not sure if this dealer will setup the suspension for my weight unless I ask them too. Is there anyway to get ahold of that "Buell Delivery And Setup" manual I saw posted here? And as I said, I plan on going with the pucks. I haven't asked the salesman if he'll throw them in yet, but he better or I'll be pissed. Toona: Why are you selling your bike? | ||
| Etennuly |
Go ahead and ask them, they should set it up. The set up numbers are in the owners manual also. | ||
| Toona |
I bought it to turn over, I have a XB12S of my own. My Bike  I will have to PM you some pictures of the bike for sale, if interested. Here's my bike w/ the Cherry Bomb installed, prior to the Bomber paint set.  Link to ad on the BadWeB classifieds. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/21/233931.html?1160966856 | ||
| Edstevens |
07xb12scg I'm 5'3" and my 03 XB9SL is the only bike I found that fits me except for the Blast. I can plant the balls of my feet down but that's it. The first time I had the wife on (she's 4'11')and I stopped to turn right I put my left leg down but we started to lean to the right. Buy the time I slid to the right and planted my right foot the weight was almost too much to hold. We didn't go over but I got a monster charliehorse in my right calf muscle. Point is if the seat height had been even one half inch taller we would've looked like WeeblePeople laying by the stop sign. I love my XB9SL--yeah the seat has a little less padding but you won't notice that until many hours later and the suspension is more compressed--but it fully adjustable and you could possible sit on a ROHO AirHawk seat pad that gives a little cushion and stops ALL transmitted engine vibration. It doesn't hurt that Buell's have been rated the Best handling bike in the last 50 years. Gives a whole new meaning to Twist'N'Shout. Enjoy. |
