| Author | Message | ||
     Bitbear |
I currently ride a Blast and love it. I'm fairly active on the Thumper Forum. I am also thinking about buying a bigger Buell. I will probably buy a used one in the range of about $5,000, more or less. Can someone offer an opinion on what might be good model to watch for? (Reliability, comfort for a shorter rider, performance, etc.) I'm a5'8". I don't insist on the biggest engine, the smaller ones are fine. Please help with an idea of what to consider. Thanks in advance!! | ||
| Dentfixer |
Greg, I'm 5'7.5" with a 30" inseam. My XB12Scg fits me pretty well. I have the Select Seat from Buell which adds about 1" but my feet are flat on the ground with boots on. Almost flat with anything else. The stock seat is lower than my Select and you can even get a Low seat, I think, though it may not be as cushy. I've the stock bars on it and truthfully I wish I could stretch forward a little more. Crossroads bars are supposed to help with that. Just go in and ask for a test ride on an Scg. Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to have a dealer that has a few seats in stock to swap out and give you a chance to test them as well. I love my Lightning. I do recommend it highly. | ||
| Jlnance |
M2nc rides a Uly and I think he is 5'7", so you're not too short for any of them, though whether you personally feel comfortable on one that tall may be a different matter. But don't rule any out before you sit on them and see what feels good. It's hard to give recommendations with out knowing what you want to do with the bike, and what you want it to do better than the Blast. The two most similar to the Blast height wise are the XB9SL and the XB12Scg. The XB9SL was only produced for a short time, the XB12Scg is still in production. These are both Lightnings ( hence the S in the model name ) which feature a more upright seating position similar to the Blast. They are both lower than the standard XB bikes. There is also the XB9S, XB12S, XB9R, and XB12R bikes. At 5'8" I don't think you will have any problems fitting on one. The 9 and 12 refers to motor size, and the R and S distinguish between Firebolts and Lightnings. The Firebolts have a more aggressive sportbike riding position. The bikes before the XBs and Blasts had tube frames and are often refered to as tubers. I don't know much about the differences between the tubers. You should be able to pick one up for between $3000 and $4000, which makes them quite attractive. It's helpful to be machanically inclined if you own one. | ||
| Bitbear |
Thanks for the info! Are the tubers reliable? I'm learning to work on my bike and I'm reasonable capable: with tools, service manuals and have been able to figure most things out. But I have the impression that some earlier Buells have had problems. which should I be careful of? Also, is there somewhere I can find some sort of list of Buell models by year? Finally, do I understand correctly that in most cases I can find a lower seat if necessary? Again, thanks for any additional information... | ||
| Bitbear |
Also, in terms of riding: Mostly riding around town, including freeways, some occasional twisty road running. Finally, I guess I'd prefer something a bit less than the most aggressive riding position. | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Bitbear - Most (if not all) of the problems with the tubers have been dealt with by the factory. Of course, buying used - you will be in the position of making sure the factory fixes/recalls have all been performed. I have several Buell models (an M2- a tuber, an XB12R and a Blast). The XB models that are "designated" as low - probably would be your best bet. Of course - if you find a "tuber" model that fits you - don't be hesitant about going for it. I love my M2. I bought it as a basket case (previous owner neglect) but now it it a wonderfull machine that never ceases to delight me (ok - I do like to wheelie, and other stupid things). The moral of this post- get out, sit on every bike, test drive what they let you - and decide. As for how you ride - favor the tubers or the XBs bikes (less agressive seating). | ||
| Jlnance |
Are the tubers reliable? Reliability is not their selling point. It isn't that they are awful, but they do require maintenance. |
