| Author | Message | ||
     Orangeokie |
I'm on the brink of buying a mint 2001 Falco for $6k. 3500 miles. Insurance $350 per year. However, I keep looking at the pics of the red and gold XB12R and wonder if I should hold out for another year and try for a good used one. Insurance on the Buell is over $1000 per year. Anyone on here have experience with both bikes and care to weigh in? Thanks. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
One thing to take into consideration, how many Aprilia parts dealers can you find in your area? | ||
| Noface |
about one less than Buell dealers... | ||
| Matthyoo |
i love my buell, don't get me wrong, but i would get the falco. they are bad ass | ||
| Bykergeek |
I love my XB but Italian steel has a special undescribable quality no japanese or american bike can ever have. Their engines are made by Austrian engine maker Rotax which says a whole lot to me. I'll have an Aprilia in the garage someday, even if it is a Guzzi. | ||
| Boulderbiker |
Interesting question considering I faced that same question before buying my XB12R. Obviously you know which I chose. Aprilia is an awesome company and Rotax knows how to make a good engine. I personally just went with the Buell, cause I like how out of the box they are in their thinking and design process. Also, I love the simplicity of the Buell, its raw and simple and clean. Besides those the handling and geometry of the Buell is enough to challenge most anything out there in the corners. Guess for me personally the biggest thing was that I'd been working on a custom streetfighter and had been doing a lot of reading on motorcycle design and had an image in my mind of what I'd build if I could do anything at all, then I found out about the firebolt, and it embodied so much of what I was thinking about that I went Buell. | ||
| Orangeokie |
wycked . . . As far as servicing dealerships in Oklahoma City there is one Aprilia dealer and two Harley dealers. According to the Falco owners on the Aprilia boards the Falco is quite bulletproof, so I guess parts is not a problem unless the bike gets wrecked. I travel alot on business, so I would be trailering my bike with me. I suppose there are many more Harley/Buell shops strung across the country than Aprilia. geek . . . I agree with your assessment of Italian bikes. But if you could have only one bike (one for which you could afford to pay cash) what would it be? That's my situation. I have explained to my lovely wifey that this Falco is a pretty good deal, but she would rather I didn't buy a motorcycle right now. She has agreed to me continuing to save and buy a more expensive bike later. That sorta opens the door for a brand new XB12R doesn't it? (ha ha) Now that would be really suuwwweeettt! Since I am planning on keeping whatever bike I buy for many years to come, buying new makes more sense. boulder . . . When you say . . . "I love the simplicity of the Buell, its raw and simple and clean." . . . those are my sentiments exactly. There is nothing "busy" about the design. That is really a big plus to me. | ||
| M1combat |
I just picked up (or it was delivered rather) an XB12R a few months ago. It frickin' rocks. I'm not much for attention, but this bike grabs it and I guess I'm OK with that. I've already had three people ask me if it's Italian (while they're standing next to it...) and so far only a few have ever heard of Buell. Every single one that HAS heard of Buell has heard good things. Have you ever been in a capable sports car? Supra, NSX, 911, Viper etc??? You know that "planted" feeling you get the moment you turn the wheel? That's exactly what the Buell does for me. Anyway, It's not perfect but I think it's a lot closer than just about anything else out there. I haven't second guessed my decision once. | ||
| Spike |
I came dangerously close to buying a new '02 Falco R before buying my XB12R. Actually, if I had sold my Cyclone a week earlier I would own the Falco right now. I had been at the Aprilia dealer half a dozen times negotiating and drooling on a leftover '02 silver/black Falco R, but I needed to sell my M2 privately. The new owner gave me a check for my Cyclone on a Thursday and agreed to pick it up the following Monday. It was over that weekend that the '04 Buells were announced. I haven't stepped foot in an Aprilia dealer since. I did a lot of research on the Falco and I couldn't find many negatives. The worst I've heard is that serious riders aren't happy with the rear shock. It really is a great bike and you wouldn't go wrong by purchasing it. The only thing that made me decide against the Falco was the Buell. Exactly as you guys said, the Buell is simple, raw, and clean. Aside from the valvetrain layout, the Buell is the more advanced bike. The Falco does make ~20 more horsepower, but you have to rev it harder to get to it. The Buell's power is more accessible and on the low end there's more of it. As you said in your profile, the Buell is the bike you could keep forever. I love my 12R as it is, but part of me can't wait till it's a few years old so I can justify tearing down the top end and slapping on some Nallin-ized heads and maybe the ~1400cc kit. The Falco's Rotax motor is a good unit and should last quite a while, but I just don't have any interest in working on it. What I liked most about owning my M2 Cyclone was that I felt like it wasn't just some vehicle I owned. It felt like I had a relationship with that bike. I looked at problems with that bike like I looked at problems with my girlfriend (soon to be my wife). I didn't like going through them, but I knew it was something we had to work out and I knew we'd be closer because of it. Even with it's Italian flair, I don't think I would have had the same connection with the Falco. My girlfriend agrees. I still lust after the Falco from time to time, but I wouldn't give up my Firebolt for it. As I said before, you wouldn't go wrong by purchasing the Falco. But if I were you, I'd hold out for a Firebolt.  Mike Luddy, Jr. '04 XB12R Firebolt (Racing Red/Translucent Amber) | ||
| Buell_168 |
Orangeokie: The Falco is an excellent bike. But if you want one of everything get the Buell XB. XB frame,swing arm, electrical switches etc are italian made. Brakes,wheels,suspention are Japanese. Engine,exhaust etc are American . Is like owning a Exotic car  eTomaso Pantera. Italian car with massive Ford drivetrain. | ||
| Orangeokie |
Boy oh boy . . . I've got to make a decison. While I'm at it, let's hear what everyone is paying for insurance + your age. Here are my insurance quotes from Progressive (51 years old, no tickets/accidents): BI/PD - 50/100/25 UM - 50/100 Comp - 100 ded Coll - none I still can't get over the difference in annual insurance costs between the '01 Falco ($376) and the '04 XB12R ($1,122). | ||
| M1combat |
'04 XB12R - 26Yrs old - $889/year - Full coverage. Fernet Insurance brokers out of Florida. Dairyland. I live in a small town in the Norther AZ Mountains. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
'04 XB12S- 34 $1014 Comp-$0 deductable Coll- $25,000 Roadside assistance | ||
| Boulderbiker |
probably cause its 2004, btw, Orange, one other thing you'll REALLY want to take into consideration is the difference in cost between Buell parts and Aprilia parts. Aprilia is astronomical in their pricing if I remember correctly from the research I did, while Buell on the other hand will make your jaw drop repeatedly with its pricing. Example: the headlight bracket on the Firebolt which is this large piece of cast MAGNESIUM, its just over 100 dollars!! Try a part like that from Ducati or Aprilia and you're gonna feel like you just bought another bike. | ||
| Spike |
23 years old, one speeding ticket in the last three years. Full coverage on my '04 XB12R costs me ~$1100/year from Alpha property/U.S. Insurance services. I don't have the details in front of me, I'll post them later. I'd rather be with Progressive, but they don't offer full coverage in North Carolina. Mike L. | ||
| M1combat |
Yeah, on the parts thing... I dropped mine in a parking lot a couple weeks ago... $42 for a front brake lever and a peg after shipping. Dealer had them in stock. | ||
| Viros |
03' XB9R...22yrs old... over 2grand a year-full coverage(1 at fault accident) I had a track day this month I took my 9R and my buddy took his 01' Falco, we went together and during the session switched bikes for a few laps. Ive ridden his 01 Falco before and let me tell you I was impressed. I liked the temperature gauge, lap timer and all the other cool instrument stuff. He also has mounted a carbon dual exhaust on it that sounds real sweet. The brakes are a whole lot better and that thing was way faster in the top end than any Buell Ive ever ridden( Ive ridden a new XB12 and owned a 01' X1 before) But buells are known for low end torque and my 9R has more spec wise and I felt a big difference in favor of my buell on the tight technical track I was on. I think you'll be happy with either one you choose but there’s probably more negatives with the buell, i.e.: dealer support, insurance, reliability The new XB reliability is good but I don’t think as good as a Falco, also Aprilla is a lot bigger than Buell and their R&D is better in my opinion based on seeing the buell factory in person and reading & seeing pictures of a Aprilla's. Also a Buell does feel like a donkey bike coming off a Falco, but that’s what I like, and I would still choose the buell if I had to do it again. Im trying to be as honest as possible with you, most people here are going to favor the Buell, most people on any other sport bike forum will probably favor the Falco, and another thing you should know is Ive seen a lot of Buell owners that have gone to Aprilla, a good example of that would be the former Chosa's HD/Buell Brag group in AZ, practically all of them were now riding Italian. | ||
| Phastphil |
23 years old. 3 wreckless driving tickets and i pay 1200/year for full coverage. edited by phastphil on February 02, 2004 | ||
| Bykergeek |
40 yrs old, XB9r, no tickets, home, auto and moto insurance with same company. $400 / yr full cov w/ uninsured motorist. | ||
| Fatpony |
49 yrs old, been with State Farm for over 20 yrs. Full coverage, $250 deduct, $304 yr for XB9R 03, $364 yr for X1 02, and $368 yr for 02 Superglide. 1 ticket 2 yrs ago 90 in a 55 zone. I do have my Jeep YJ, Chevy K1500, 96 Aurora, homeowners and life policy with same agent. All this in Fl where I figured it's higher than else where in the deep south. | ||
| Fuzz331 |
I don't know how to put this, and not make anyone feel bad. Sorry, could't think of anything. Oh well, same as Bykergeek, but $280/yr. If you'd asked anyone that I ride with, they would not think of me as a conservative driver, especially when it comes to the XB12R. I guess I have been lucky, and not gotten any tickets for a long time (I'm older and responsible now...) | ||
| Fuzz331 |
Orangeokie, As far as the Buell vs Aprilia, I would like to say that the Buell rocks and is Made in the USA. A different thread handled that already. Just my opinion. I have never had the pleasure of riding a Falco. Fuzz edited by fuzz331 on February 03, 2004 | ||
| Buell_168 |
Fuzz331:FYI. Buell XB is actually design and assemble in USA with Italian frame made by Verlicchi,swingarm by Brembo, electrical etc. Japanese wheels,suspention,brakes. Only engine/tranmission exhaust is Made in USA. | ||
| Austinrider |
31 year old male Full Coverage 1600 /yr Thats with the MSF Discount 1 racing ticket in last 3 years. Frickin Bedford, TX cops and their strict interpretation of the law. All I did was chirp a tire at an intersection in my camaro - Friday afternoon rush hour traffic, no way I could be competing against anybody. | ||
| Ebear |
Howdy Orangeokie! I am going through the same thing you are!I have an X1,just got rid of my S2 and have had an XB9S.The XB was a GREAT bike.The XB12 is even better.However the Falco that Viros was talking about I also rode a few weeks ago and was quite impressed with.Tons of good looks,good designs, attitude,power,stability...Incredible brakes(better than the X1!),good ergos.Didnt like my left foot resting on Exhaust when hanging off and you do need to swap out shock with a Mille unit.I already own a Buell that I probably will never part with(X1)and because of that Ill PROBABLY buy an Aprilia.The 1-2 year old Milles are priced real nice right now so that would be the deciding factor for me.New Falco or used Mille.Ive probably not helped your decision any but if I didnt allready own the X1 I would buy the XB12 first and down the road look at Aprilia.....(Now Ive got to figure out what my next Track bike will be!)Good luck and hope to see you out on the road!! | ||
| Xb9srider |
You chirped at tire and he wrote you for racing?  What a P-rick! Did you at least win the race?   Never Give Up! | ||
| Bigdaddy |
This whole insurance thing has me totally bamboozled. I just don't fricking get it. 40 years old, no tickets, 5 cars with full coverage, two motorcycles with full coverage, and homeowners. They charge me almost $900.00 per year for the M2. I've got all the kids on my policy and that may have some bearing on the overall price, but it shouldn't mean squat to the Buell coverage. I have respect for those folks who take care of their families by selling insurance (you gotta have it!) but do we have to be raped just to get a bit of coverage on 2002 M2 that's probably not worth $5K on the open market? Okay, I feel better. Gotta go pay my insurance now. | ||
| Kevyn |
You guys cheer up, here in Missouri the newest plan is to use revenue from traffic violations to pay for DNA testing for ALL felony inmates and arrestees...and the new governor in Illinois has made driving in the left lane on a divided highway a traffic offense...should be an interesting riding season ahead... ...to heck with the Aprilia, go for the SS Duc 1000DS or put a deposit down beginning March 1st for the new Sport 1000! | ||
| M1combat |
You'll be surprised at the way the Buell handles... I just have it setup for my weight via the manual and it's just frickin nice... http://www.topgear.com/servlet/tg?DEST=/content/jsp/individualRoadTest.jsp&EVENT =1010&MAKE=Buell:YZ&MODEL=Thunderbolt:A0&roadTestNumber=01.html http://bikepoint.ninemsn.com.au/reviews/BikeTestmain.asp?bikeID=118412 http://www.streetbiker-mag.com/sb0131/6.html http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=231736 http://venus.13x.com/roadracingworld/scripts/Include.asp?include=../issues/sep02 /thunder.htm | ||
| Spike |
...to heck with the Aprilia, go for the SS Duc 1000DS or put a deposit down beginning March 1st for the new Sport 1000! Uh-oh. Looks like someone has been reading too much Sport Rider. Mike L. |
