| Author |
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Froggy
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 04:31 pm: | 
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The 06-08 SS has a different lower suspension than the 09, I am thinking of swapping the 09 suspension onto mine *nudge*
quote:Suspension Travel:
Front 08 - 4.72 in. 09 - 5.63 in.
Rear 08 - 4.97 in. 09 - 5.63 in.
Also the 08's seat height is an inch lower, and about an inch less ground clearance.  |
Jraice
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 04:36 pm: |
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I would ride them both but in a demo or even several days of riding I dont think I would really notice the difference.
I am still open to consider the Ss but it is a fairly tall bike (I am just over 5'10", can touch both feet down but cant flat foot the Ss), I like the lean looks of the Scg more and the shorter wheelbase interests me as I want the most flickable package available.
What is it about the Scg thats negative? I dont see what a high travel suspension is going to get you, a plusher ride yes but isnt a harder suspension (not rock solid but like my R6) better for handling? |
Sifo
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 04:58 pm: |
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One thing the taller suspension will get you is a bit more cornering clearance. The entire Buell line really has very good cornering clearance though so if the Scg floats your boat don't let us Ss owners tell you you're wrong.
My personal preference of the Ss was that my legs were just a tad less bunched up than the Scg. That was important to me because 1) I do long rides and 2) I feel old. |
Hogs
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 05:05 pm: |
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One thing I noticed on my Wifes Scg model is... When YA pop it up in the air, It always lands hard with a clunk not like that on my R... |
Brumbear
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 05:34 pm: |
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90 mph is fine you take your time and dont go faster than the angels can fly
I like to see kids use that lump of fat 6 inches above our necks |
Jerseyguy
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 05:37 pm: |
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Chris - Hey old feller, maybe you should loose some weight!  |
Hogs
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 05:44 pm: |
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Steve... Who you calling old LoL |
Boney95
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 05:51 pm: |
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The ride height of an Ss is 30.5. That is NOT a tall bike compared to the many other sport bikes out there. The Buell is on the small side in every department. Like at some specs... |
2008xb12scg
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 06:28 pm: |
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I think either the ss or scg would be shorter than an R6. I'm 5'9" and feel comfy on my cg. You can always put a standard seat on it and it will raise it an inch or so (Right?) But if you really can't find anybody to let you test ride one PM me and I might be able to help you out if you want to come to Pittsburg. |
Jraice
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 08:15 pm: |
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Hmm the Scg was shorter then the R6, can flat foot the Scg, can ALMOST with the R6.
The Ss is much taller, maybe not in measurement but when your actually sitting on it, especially if your not all the way on the front of the seat its almost borderline tippy toes.
And its not the comfort or ride height that is important to me, I like that the Ss has longer suspension just in case the front comes up etc... or you hit something hard. But I like that the Scg has a 2" shorter wheelbase and may be a bit more intuitive in the ride.
Anyways I will say, you guys did make the decision harder.
An S would probably be the best option but I want an 09 not an 08. |
Snowhownd
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 09:16 pm: |
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IMHO you NEED to ride both. You say you won't notice a difference, but I disagree. That is a lot of money to spend not to spend an afternoon and ride both. Any Buell dealer that has both in stock would be retarded not to let you take both out for a ride... especially in this economy!!! From this post and your research you now know the technical/theoretical differences, now go figure out how that applies to you and test drive!!! |
Jraice
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 09:25 pm: |
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At my age test ride is hard to come by, atleast at the local buell but Ill try some more.
And you guys have convinced me I have to try both before deciding.
I really am now convinced the S would be the best bike, suspension of the Ss but wheel base of the Scg. Add in a City X seat and it would be perfect, but I dont want an 08.
And I may notice some difference but on a test ride I wont be riding aggressive twisties, or lofting the front tire. Those are the two main things I would need to investigate (suspension, and wheelbase effecting handling).
But I will see if I can get some longer test rides on each and see whats my style... And to be sure I like the air cooled twin of course. |
Eicas
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 09:49 pm: |
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I am 5' 9 1/2" tall with shortish legs and get along just fine on my Ss. I just put one foot flat on the ground and keep the other on the peg.
Like everyone says, ride and then decide. I would never buy a bike that I felt uncomfortable on. |
Jraice
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 09:57 pm: |
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I think you guys are seeing this from the wrong perspective. Either way I'd end up with a similar height bike, if I got the Scg I'd probably use an S or City X seat (slightly taller).
If I got the Ss I'd probably buy a touring seat down the road (1" shorter).
My main concern/decision between the two is suspension and wheelbase.
You guys have made it clear to me, the Ss has superior suspension but a big factor for me is I want something that just tears apart the twisties with minimal bar input and I think the 2" shorter wheelbase of the Scg would make a big difference...
Thus why I think my dream bike would be an S but they dont make that for 09 and I am sure I'd be happy with the Ss or Scg, just need to decide which. |
2008xb12scg
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 10:11 pm: |
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I just went to my local dealer and they said they won't let you test ride, not even in the parking lot. Insurance won't cover you and aparently the owner decided to let a 17 year old ride in the parking lot (he said he had lots of sport bike experience) And he totaled the bike in 20 feet. But I know how you feel I got mine and I didn't have my M1 so I just bought it without test rides. Maybe not smart but I don't regret it one bit. |
Jraice
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 10:20 pm: |
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Thats really unfortunate...
Wow totalling a bike in the lot? Thats impressive actually! 
But yeah, with the economy the way it is and how serious I am about buell its really a bummer they wont let me ride anything.
I was initially interested in the Triumph Street Triple (best looking naked on the market IMHO but I think its still a little to close to the R6 in terms of power and where it is, would be a sweet bike though), the KTM Duke 690 but I dont think it has the comfort or engine for long distance touring, and the buell.
With various trips to the Buell dealer and researching it I have decided it really is the best package, on paper, for me and I think it would be a fun bike to ride also considering my dads a Harley rider himself (I would never ride a harley, well maybe an XR1200 ...)
But its just to different from the R6 to put down $12,000 without having ever ridden one before.
I bought the R6 after having some brief time on a GSX-R600 and seeing that when people said the I4's didnt have a lot of torque down low (I was at the time intersted in the SV650 but wanted something with better suspension), it was all relative. The GSX-R, and the R6, had plenty of power down low, atleast in the early gears, to enjoy but now as I ride more I am finding the R6 is just to high strung for my 0-90 speed range, and I really want something more upright for the handling aspect and also the comfort aspect.
Buell seems like the best fit, great handling, comfortable, lots of torque so I wont feel like I downgraded to much but not the same top end that the R6 has which I know would get me in trouble if I held onto it for much longer. |
Snowhownd
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 10:24 pm: |
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I didn't think about the age thing being an issue, hmmm...
Have you ridden a Buell before period? You should at least find someone to let you take one for a ride to make sure you like the engine. They are QUITE a different feel to your R6. Maybe the dealership might have a used one at least??? I'd let you take mine for a spin, but we are on wrong ends of this chunk of land!
Why so hot on an '09? You could probably find a good deal on a '08 S leftover. Buells don't hold value very well anyways, so model year shouldn't be that big of a deal. I say that but I bought mine slightly used so I didn't pay retail - I'd probably be thinking the same thing if I was going to buy a brand new one I guess... |
Jraice
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 10:35 pm: |
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I am set on a 2009 because its all I have seen locally (havent seen any leftover 08's), it has almost $500's worth of upgrading (to go from 08-09) in the front brakes and most of all all the black trim on the side rails/forks etc... REALLY make the bike look 100X's better.
Enough that I wouldnt be happy with the looks of a 2008- but would be with a 2009. Yeah I know you can change all that but its not worth it for me, I have other mods in mind (simpler cosmetic and an exhaust) but dont want to mess around with powder coating or spending $500's for better front brakes later on.
And yes it is a huge difference from the R6, never ridden a Buell and I will not buy one until I do but I think its going to be hard to find an Ss and an Scg to ride however and I doubt I'd notice the differences in a short test ride.
I will stop by the Fremont dealer again to talk to the owner and really show my level of interest to see what that changes and see if they have used bikes. Otherwise Ill check out the Livermore dealer who has a demo for every model I hear...
I could always have my dad go in ask for a test ride and I'd wait around the corner to take it for a spin .
Anyways I have the R6 back from the shop, its solid rain for a few weeks so I still have time to research and see how I can get on a few buells for a spin! |
Htekwo
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 07:35 am: |
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I think you are under estimating the difference between the two bikes. They are really very different in feel and it only takes one slow speed corner to seem. Again, suspension setup changes the Ss into a less compromised bike than the Scg. Remember, I have both in the drive way and have lots of seat time on both. I would focus more on your height and weight than worrying about which one is more flickable. The Ss is plenty flickable with suspension changes! |
Jraice
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 09:25 am: |
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Thanks I guess Ill try and get both for a spin, Ill be mostly paying attention to a new and unique powerplant but I could find a turn nearby to use as a comparison.
Can you clarify what you mean by the Ss being flickable with suspension changes? You mean a properly adjusted suspension? |
Steve_mackay
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 10:03 am: |
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I just went to my local dealer and they said they won't let you test ride, not even in the parking lot.
Call Buell Customer Service with the name of the dealer. Not allowing test rides is against their dealer agreement IIRC. |
Jraice
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 10:10 am: |
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He meant because I am a minor (17) which I believe is completly justified and legitimate. |
Steve_mackay
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 10:23 am: |
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Ahhh, sorry, didn't follow the thread completely. Being under 18 is justifiable.
Yeah, it sucks being young. But it sucks more being old |
2008xb12scg
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 05:05 pm: |
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Oh, so true Steve! |
Jraice
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 05:14 pm: |
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Haha yeah guys so I guess Ill have to keep trying and see what I can find!
Definetly want to test both now, I'm convinced its the only way to make the right decision but it sounds like either way Ill be happy...
I just know if I dont ride both Ill get the Scg and say I wish I had better suspension or get the Ss and wish I had a more flickable (Shorter) bike. |
Big_b
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 08:59 pm: |
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Have you ruled out the cityX it has the short wheel base the same suspension height as the s model and not that much of a difference in power delivery. |
Jraice
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 10:06 pm: |
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I have not ruled it out, I actually like how much cheaper it is but I am holding onto this bike for atleast 5 years and while I plan to stay under 90mph for the most part (road trips may be different  ...) I still want a quick torquey bike.
Is the City X suspension the upraded system on the Ss?
If the power difference is really not that much (test ride) I'd definetly consider it but I cant afford to grow to big or unhappy with this bike in a year or two...
Also I assume the "urban styling" parts like the light grill and grip covers can be removed...? Not my style. |
Froggy
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 10:50 pm: |
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The CityX is the same suspension as the S.
quote: I still want a quick torquey bike.
The CityX will not disappoint, it has shorter gearing to help off set the few hp handicap vs the 12, so they are about the same in a drag race till you get up to speed.
Also the 9 has a higher redline and revs a little faster, it will feel more like your R6.
The grill and handguards are easily removed, and someone here will buy them.
Egronomics are pretty much the same between the SCG, S, SX, with the only change being the seat. (Interchangeable)
Just some more food for thought. Also why not get something like an 04? Much cheaper, insurance won't be so bad, and hell if you hate the thing you won't get taken to the cleaners when you sell. Just some more food for thought. Ok so its not all blacked out, but they still look cool. |
Jraice
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 10:58 pm: |
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I guess the City X is worth a test ride then... Still leaning towards a 12...
And I just want the latest bike, a warranty, some of the newer featuers. I could get an 04 but I want to keep this bike a while and just have never owned a brand new bike (2 used)... so Ill do my part to help the economy and get myself a sweet ride. |
Big_b
| | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 11:20 pm: |
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I test rode the SS and CityX and was also worried about the engine size difference. There's just not that much difference. The cityx had plenty of power. I ended up getting the SS because it had more room. I'm 6'3" 240 lbs and my wife rides with me some. If I was smaller I would of bought the Cityx hands down. |
Boliver
| | Posted on Friday, February 27, 2009 - 07:27 am: |
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17 years old? No disrespect here but unless you make lots of money why buy a brand new bike that will strap you down with payments and higher insurance.Which by the way the 12 will cost you more I bet.With the economy the way it is unfortunately a lot of fellows are needing to sell their bikes.But fortunately for you maybe you can find a used Buell and customize it to your needs.If you are hell bent on buying new then please take your time.Remember that the economy, buyers market right now.I own an Xb12Scg and I love it but it is not the most comfortable.I am almost 6 foot but VERY slender.My knees get cramped up sometimes but I didn't say I owned a touring bike.Nor do I want one.No I didn't say anything bad about touring bikes.The shorter wheel base of the Scg does it make a U-turn easier but look at the specs on most all sport bikes.The wheelbase is NOT that short.Why do you think that is?Maybe because the Scg is less stable during aggressive riding.I personally feel that the Scg's are a great looking bike.Kinda like a minibike on steroids.By the way, I too am a great respecter of life and have never seen triple digits on my speedometer.Nothing wrong with that you know.You seem smart enough to make your own decisions without any of us.Besides you mentioned that you ride with your pops alot.
I think it would be best to listen and DO whatever he says.I wished my dad was still around.Please take advantage of your oppourtunity.Peace and Grease,Lesley |
Htekwo
| | Posted on Friday, February 27, 2009 - 07:35 am: |
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People are often under the mis-conception that setting up your suspension is about just doing sag and weight compensations. What I'm talking about is getting it to handle the way 'you' want it to. For example, my Ss is jacket up in the rear a little to get it to turn in quicker and the myriad of adjustments that can be made to change how the bike handles. A buddy is a wrench on a race team and I tell him what I want and he makes the necessary changes. I do not pretend to understand fully what he does, but it works and the mike improves were I need it to |
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