| Author | Message | ||
     Tjp |
It may seem the same, but it's a little different. Riding type: twisties, light stunt (minor wheelies/stoppies/etc., but not a stunt fanatic!) The plan: going to pick up a wrecked sportbike (600 or liter) and fix up to ride until I can save enough for a 12S. Comparison: Liter bike, 600cc sport, XB12S Questions: With the liters having close to the same torque numbers as the 12S (but WAY more hp), and the 600's coming close to the hp numbers of the race kitted 12S (but WAY less torque), and both of these having much higher RPM ranges (I understand the usable torque argument), which is a closer comparison to the 12S in terms of wheelie control/power and 0-100 mph real-world performance (not all out speed)? Which do you think, according to the style of riding I do, would be an easier transition to the 12S in a couple of years? Thanks in advance!! | ||
| Fresnobuell |
As you noted in so many words, I4 bikes are a different breed than the V-twins. I am not sure either bike will be anything close to a 12S, BUT if you must choose I would say goto the liter bike if you have some self control. In my experience, 600cc bikes are more difficult to ride as the power band is tiny and at high RPM. The liter bike will have more torque (like the Buell), but it will go like hell in the upper RPMs (not like Buell). Not sure what your riding experience is, but just be careful regardless of what bike you buy. Also the question of a salvaged bike complicates the picture--adds another danger factor IMO. Good luck. | ||
| Bad_karma |
Tye If your thinking twisties and maybe a track day in the future, I would recommended the 600's. The lower torque and power should develop your corner speed techniques. But for you stunting side the liter would probably be closer. But you can always gear the 600 for stunting. Joe (Message edited by Bad_karma on August 11, 2007) | ||
| Tjp |
Thanks guys! Most people who are serious stunters use 600's. Primarily because the throttle is less touchy at low speed. For normal wheelies and stoppies, not parking lot stuff, the liters are preferred. Not saying any of this can't be done with either, just preferred. My riding exp.: 10 years dirt and 4 years street. I've owned a GSX-R 750 and a ZX-9R. I rode a ZX-6R once and it seemed kind of dead, but I didn't get it into the power band. I'm 35 and not into the whole "go like hell all day long" stuff anymore. This is the reason I am interested in the XB because it seems the usable power of these machines could be a lot of fun. I rarely see the need to go over 100 mph anymore, but like to have available loads of power for more technical riding. I would go ride one and find out myself, but the local H-D dealer just got their line up, but no demos. I've sat on one and love the feel, but have no idea how the power and handling compare to what I've ridden, in terms of how I ride. I was hoping some people on here have ridden similar bikes as me, in similar ways, and could give me an idea of which bike would be the closest to the XB, and which would be the easier transition. I know they are very different, but one has to be closer than the other. If I could find a wrecked XB, I'd probably go for it, but the sports are easier to find. Thanks again! | ||
| Molly_hatchet |
the 1000 feels a lot more like the XB than the 600 but waaaay more twitchy and less forgiving....i could let go of the bars on my 9 and scratch me arse or whatever i felt like doing ...the CBR i feel like if i sneeze it might go apesh!t....i think the GSXR 750 is about the closest ive come to the powerband of an XB on a jap bike.... | ||
| Tjp |
I was wondering if the 750 would be the more comparable bike, too. I'm guessing the popular opinion will go like this: 12S to 600cc sport - 12S is more favorable from low through mid, but 600 takes over at upper RPM's. 12S to 750 - 12S a little more favorable down low, majority of middle range comparable, then 750 takes over. 12S to Liter - 12S slightly more favorable down low, then loses during middle climb, and we all know the top. Does this sound about right? If so, I will agree the 750 is probably the best pick. A Liter bike might be a waste, and a 600 I'll get bored with too easily. *All based on my riding style* Now if a wrecked, fuel injected, early '00s gix 750 wasn't so difficult to find. | ||
| Jackelfox |
are you just dead set on buying an xb new? seems like you should be able to find a good 12s for the not much different than any of these other bikes | ||
| Tjp |
I don't buy anything new, unless it's one heck of a good deal. I've seen some getting leftover '06s for in the $8k's, though. That I'd do. It's really a budget thing. I promised the wifey a new car after I bought my KTM. I'll probably only have around $2,500 to spend. I can pick up a wrecked sport for less than $2k and fix. Not too difficult to do when you're not worried about paint and plastics. When I do get an XB, it'll probably be an '06 or newer due to the new gears and such, but I don't know if it really matters much. |
