| Author | Message | ||
     Lukeduke |
Hey all, I'm in the midst of selling my sportster and getting an '08 lightning. I'm torn between the regular and long versions. I haven't had a chance to test ride the Ss as most of the dealers in my area a sold out of 07's and waiting for the new models. I'm mainly looking for some input on the ergos , handling,etc of the XBS versus the XBSs. I'm 5'10", 170. I'd be doing a 50/50 split of blasting around town (Minneapolis) and going on somewhatlonger(500mi+) weekend trips. Thanks in advance, Luke P.S. If I missed some threads on this using the search function, please feel free to direct me to those. | ||
| Glitch |
Being shorter the XBS is great at tight twisties, where I love to ride most. The Ss is just as good in the tight stuff, but it's more stable in the straights, and on teh highway. Although I've not noticed any difference. The ergos is probably where you'd notice most. I'm six feet tall with a 34 inch inseam. I ride a XB9SR and love the way it handles in the tight stuff. I also use it as my daily commuter, and have no problems with stability on the interstate under 120mph. But to really know for yourself, you answered your own question. It defiantly calls for a test ride. I guarantee though, either one you end up with, you'll love. They're great bikes, either one. | ||
| Glitch |
Pardon my manners. Welcome to BadWeB! | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Welcome to the corners. Demo, demo, demo. You will find one more comfortable than the other. Power to weight ratio is just a lil better on the 12S but the SS is a bit more stretched out for your height. Either one would be great for the riding you want to do. | ||
| Hdbobwithabuell |
Welcome! "I'd be doing a 50/50 split of blasting around town (Minneapolis) and going on somewhatlonger(500mi+) weekend trips." Have you considered a Uly? I'm also 5'10" AND HAVE A a 12R. I was dead set on getting a 12S until I started seriously looking at the Uly. I also own a Ultra Classic and honestly think the Uly would do the job of both. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I think the long wheelbase models are a little more stable and easier to get used to for most people. Even with the Long designation, the wheelbase is still shorter than most. That being said, at 6'-2" I found that my knees fit easier in to the short model than the long one, because the shape of the frame is different. So I would definitely try to ride one first, or at least sit on one to make sure you like the way you fit on it. | ||
| Jkhawaii |
chosing a bike is a dificult process. the best way would be to ride all of them for at least a week but the best you can get a once around the block | ||
| Twistedbuell |
luke, im 6ft, 170lbs and ride a xb9r firebolt. fits me just fine! if you like the lighting, i would go with a s or city cross. ss isnt really needed, and the s is tighter in handling being shorter. just curious what dealerships you are looking at in the mpls area, i use to work at one of the buell dealers up there, thats all! good luck and enjoy! | ||
| Ustorque |
also demo the xb9sx do not write it off just because of the 9 its a great ride | ||
| Dgunther |
The Long will hold more fuel, which might be important to you depending on where and how far you ride. | ||
| Lukeduke |
"luke, im 6ft, 170lbs and ride a xb9r firebolt. fits me just fine! if you like the lighting, i would go with a s or city cross. ss isnt really needed, and the s is tighter in handling being shorter. just curious what dealerships you are looking at in the mpls area, i use to work at one of the buell dealers up there, thats all! good luck and enjoy!" Thanks for the info guys. I figured the Ss might be just a little slower to turn given the differences in geometry but either will be MUCH quicker than my sportster. Twisted, I've only been to St Paul HD and Twin Cities HD-haven't made it up to Zylestra(sp?) yet. I'm actually heading home to visit the 'rents and go to Road America next weekend with my dad. American LeMans Series and Champ Car racing-yeah! I was planning on stopping by Appleton HD/Buell as I've heard good things about them as a Buell dealer, plus they're close to my home town. Thanks again for the input everyone! Luke | ||
| Twistedbuell |
ya, i use to work at zylstra, but that was over a year ago. they do have a good selection of the buells there. last time i was there i didnt recognize any sales guys really except one. if you do head up there, talk to dave the salesman, he use to ride a city cross. | ||
| Jaimec |
I also found the Long's saddle to be far more comfortable than the standard Lightning saddle. That thing felt more like a vinyl covered suppository than a motorcycle seat to me. The larger fuel capacity was icing on the cake. | ||
| Adrenaline0210 |
Just from experience of owning a 9s model and riding the city x and the 12ss. The ss model felt more stable on the highway yes. The 12 motor has more pull on the highway but not a whole hell of a lot. Mind you the difference is only in 10hp roughly and about the same in torque in both motors. The 9 however will rev faster and can wind up higher. The new 12 motors however have gotten the rev brought up some. I didn't like the ss as much as I liked the nimbleness of the regular models. I really liked the city x thats why when they had an 03 s model on the floor w/ 670 miles on it i dove at it. Pretty much the same things. I too am 5'10" and I love my 9s. I ride with a lot of 12's and with the setup i have the jardine, race ecm, open air box kit they are right beside me everywhere but when punching it around 90 or so. Like USTORQUE has stated don't dis-regard the city x. It depends on your style but for me I'm more of an aggressive rider and love the wheelies even the lofting the front tire down the back roads over small hills and dips. The ss you had to really mash the gas and dump the clutch due to the longer wheelbase whereas the regular it was a little flip of the clutch and lean back. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
The CityX is sweet, I would not trade the rides that I have done on it for another bike. I did trade in my Ninja 600R and my KLR250 to get it, so I make it do twisties and dirt. Holding my breath to see if they make an 1125SX version  Dont count out the 9! Demo, demo, demo |
