| Author | Message | ||
     Bradshaw106 |
I'm in the market for a buell, wanted one for sometime and decided this is the season. I'm currently cruising the forums, Craigslist and eBay. I have ridden an 1125r and a firebolt but I'm more of a upright rider. So I have decided on a xb12s or a tuber. Just kind of curious about why you choose the bike you did. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Do you want a daily rider? Luggage? Hooligan? Corner-carver? My M2 is an awesome all-around cruiser-type sportbike. Neutral body position, great handling and braking, tons of low-end torque, easy to ride in any situation. Mine's an '01; any of the 99-up will have one of the nicest seats you'll find on a sportbike. My S2 is my first "Buell bagger" - I have factory S2T bags, both narrow and wide. Converted the engine to a Thunderstorm top end with X1 cams. Good power, nice torque, great handling. I've even had it on a racetrack for hot laps with a passenger and passed quite a few folks that day with no handling issues or complaints. I did convert that one over to a Works rear shock when the Showa started puking. The fixed front fairing does a great job keeping the wind off, but I do sit more "in" the bike than on it, and the bars are lower than my M2 or my S1W so I have a bit more forward lean. The S2T bars are taller, though, if you can find one set up that way. My S1W is my short-hop hooligan. Light, shorter-geared, explosive acceleration, noisy, shaky, arrogant and in-your-face. Penske rear shock, Buell race kit (exhaust, intake, ignition), solo "seat". A sprinter, not a marathon ride, but still tons of fun! Welcome to the sickness!  | ||
| Buellistic |
1997 S3T with 111,049.7 miles on it as of the last ride ... Maintained by the original owners, me, myself, and "I" ... PM me if you are interested ??? | ||
| Tleighbell |
I was always attracted to Buells, did a factory test drive of an M2 and X1 as well as a XB9R the first year of the XB series. I liked the M2 best for its natural low end torque and natural, neutral feeling handling. Really enjoyable. The X1 needed to be revved a little more which didn't seem right for a Harley, and the handling felt twitchy and nervous. I thought I would like the XB best but the handling felt strange. All the handling issues may have been the result of improper setup. The bike that finally won me over was the XB12s, although I ended up buying an XB9S. Best bike I ever owned. Handling was fantastic, loved the motor (had a race kit) and it seemed a long way ahead of the tubers in terms of development, refinement. Perfect seating position for me at 5"8", surprisingly comfortable for longer trips, decent wind protection up to 85 mph. A real perfect little jewel of a bike. The only drawback was maybe that it was just a little too much fun, it was impossible to avoid pushing it to the limit in corners which resulted in a nasty crash when a footpeg hit the pavement hard. The 9 got stolen before I could pick it up so replaced it with an XB12S which I only got to ride a couple of times before having to get rid of it when my insurance went up to $4,500.00. BTW, I actually preferred the 9 to the 12, the motor just seemed sweeter and revier which IMHO suited the bike better. I would say if you want the best in handling and refinement go with the XB. Read the John Burns tests on motorcycle.com Just my $.02. | ||
| Bartimus |
Yes, the type of riding you do, does matter, when choosing a particular model. And don't give up on the 1125's. I have an 1125CR that is set up with the high bars, lightning footpegs, and an R fairing, along with Hard bags from a VFR. Comfortable, fast, agile, now, it's a good bike. My S2 has the Touring bars, Corbin seat, NRHS stage 2 kit, Forcewinder intake, Vance & Hines exhaust, Works rear shock, Progressive front springs, It also has both S2T bags, narrow and wide. | ||
| Robinpeck |
I bought my 1998 Lightning S1 tuber to provide fun back road riding on a simple to maintain naked air-cooled bike with a lot of torque...which I sort of already had on my KTM Superduke (minus the "air cooled" and "simple to maintain" parts)....but now I have a 2011 Triumph Speed Triple which I love and I only ride the Buell when I'm not on the Triumph, which is seldom. I think its getting lonely and wants to return home to the USA. One ride on an S1 and you will want to own one. It has real usable power. Are you in Maine? If so, I will deliver minty very low mileage '98 Lightning S1 with full Pro-Race kit and all original parts to the Maine border, right across from either Houlton or Calais. The bike runs perfectly and has no mechanical issues.  (Message edited by robinpeck on February 26, 2012) | ||
| Bradshaw106 |
Thanks for the posts guys. It's lots to think about.. As far as my riding style... That's tuff, I'm definitely a daily rider don't take huge mega long trips very often. Have no desire to go a 100mph. I enjoy a upright riding position, but want control of my bike. I guess you could say I'm a spirited daily rider?? I love to roll on to the throttle and feel the torque. The first time I rode the firebolt, I was in love except for the clip ons.. That same night I rode a brand new z1000 which compared to the firebolt how I fit the bike was very good, but I did not want to wait until. I hit 10krpms for anything to happen. I like the looks of the x1 but I think I would like the power band of the m2.... Torque! | ||
| Ghettobirdpirate |
I saw you had posted in the XB section as well. Here is my take. I bought a 06 XB12Ss four years ago and used it as a commuter, 150 miles round trip. I really love the power and handling, but I am too big for it, standing 6'2". I am selling the XB12 and I have already purchased a 2000 M2. The M2 is more of a "Old man's" sport bike with lower foot pegs, upright seated position, super comfy seat. It is also more suited to my large stature. Here is a link you might find useful. http://www.hoohoohoblin.com/BuellCyclone.html | ||
| Jayvee |
Your riding description is very close to my own. My M2 = 70 ft/lbs @ 2500 rpm. If I can only have one, M2 | ||
| Jim2 |
I'm extremely happy with my 00' M2. Love the torque and the attitude. Rock solid and quite versatile. Does a real good job as two up ride. Very comfortable on long rides at 70 and 80mph. Fun in the corners. I have a strong desire to go 100+; however, I usually stop at 90 so I don't go to jail. Perhaps if I do track days I'll decide it's not fast enough, I'll see when I get there. I really hate stop lights but I love to sprint away from them. I like being able to instantly put myself in the safe spot amongst other traffic that I want to be in, right now. That is both a safety feature and a powerful feeling. I love the ease of maintenance and the simplicity of NOT having fuel injection. I like that I have a real gas tank and a very cool one at that. The tube frame itself is a thing of beauty and I never get tired of seeing those nice headers. But, I'm a pretty new rider and I've never ridden anything else but dirt bikes a very long time ago. I'm 5'9" 180'ish and I'm very comfortable fit wise but if I had to say anything about ergonomic fit I'd say I'm just a little small for the bike. | ||
| Oldog |
2001 x1, head work, race ecm, force winder /w K&N, Super Trapp. I rebuilt shock, CF body parts, custom seat some refinish, custom dash, hid headlight. lots of miles on her, read as HARD miles loud buzzy shakes like hob lotsa fun X1 ergos are ok I have done 700 miles in one day ( very tiring ) not some thing you see every day. The side plate makes belt changes easier helps with Isos too. should be on your consider list... | ||
| Bradshaw106 |
The x1 is for sure on my list! I think it's the best looking tuber. I have it narrowed down to a x1, m2 or xb12ss Don't see much for sale In my area tho... | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
I hate to say this, especially in the Old School section, but you asked for honesty.. I own a 2009 XB12XT, and until last week also owned a 2002 X1. In the 2 year timespan of me owning both at the same time, the Uly got ridden exactly twice as many miles. The XB series is lightyears ahead of the tube framed bikes in every area except that they won't "speak" to you like a tuber, and won't attract as much attention. I don't have the relationship with my XT that I had with the X1, I don't think it's as pretty, or as much fun. But the fact that the X1 is gone and the XT remains should speak for itself. If I could only own 1 motorcycle for the rest of my life, it would be a Ulysses. Hell, I can own 2, and the X1 still didn't make the cut - I opted to replace it with a small dual sport. I LOVED my X1, but it's beauty and character outweighed it's usefulness. In short, my advice is to look seriously at the XB line - specifically the Uly. It really is the SUV of motorcycles. (an SUV that carves corners like you wouldn't believe)  EDIT: Certain years of the SS utilize the same tall/long frame as the Uly. I believe it's the 08+ SS's, with 07 being the year for the TT, and pre-07 SS models utilized the regular lightning frame with longer swingarm. Someone correct me if I'm mistaken on those years and differences. (Message edited by pkforbes87 on February 27, 2012) | ||
| Gixxer86g |
I've been riding for over twenty years, but I'm new to Buell. My ride is a beautiful 99 X1. I got her in November, so we'll see how I feel about her by the end of the season. I've spent most of the winter making her mine. I've installed a D&D exhaust, CF hamcan intake, tank accents and a few other tidbits. I'm in love!  | ||
| Kilroy |
I respect Mr Forbe's opinion, but I must also disagree. The Uly is a great bike, no doubt, but it has no character, no personality. I have been riding for 34 years, and never owned a bike for more than 3 years. I bought the M2 new in late 1999 and it is the last bike I have purchased. If I ever get another bike it will be in addition to, not to replace, the M2 Kilroy | ||
| Guell |
I'm more in line with pkforbes thinking. I had a m2 for 3-4 years, and it was a fun bike. Things fell off on every long trip though. I sold it and bought a 9s which is a far more capable bike. And I don't have to feel worried whenever I get on it. Some say it doesn't have as much soul as a Tuber but I disagree. | ||
| Purpony |
I love my X1 and will never sell it... Ill more then likely add another bike though. I was originally looking for an XB but came across my X1 local and just couldnt resist. Since i bought it almost 4 years i still have a smile on my face everything i think about it, look at it, and ride it. In the last 2 years though i havnt had as much time to just get out and ride so i ride it to work daily 64 miles round trip. Its a blast and never given me any headaches. The XBs that i have ridden are more up to date and have less vibs, but the tuber is in a league all its own. Im just a huge tube frame fan and always will be. Its along the lines of a mustang or camaro muscle car which im also really into... so it fits my style perfect! I did take my favorite aspects of the XB and combine them with my tuber though, so in my eyes, i kind of have both (Message edited by purpony on February 28, 2012) | ||
| Mhevezi |
I bought my 1999 M2, brand new, off the showroom floor. Have put 36k on the clock and loved most of every minute. Once you get the bugs worked out and you know what to watch, they are great bikes and actually very reliable. My M2 is very comfy, handles great and runs better than my 2008 Ulysses. My Ulysses needs tuning, and will run better, but the M2 is great. I have taken the bike on a few trips and have gone 600 miles in one day on her. Actually, a really good freeway bike. Great seat for 2-up riding, too! Resale on the M2 is nothing- a buyer's dream! (but tough on the seller...  )   | ||
| Xl1200r |
I need to be a little more "in love" with a tuber in order to enjoy owning one vs. an XB. Once they're sorted, they should be rather trouble free, though. I've owned all of the "families" - tuber, XB and 1125. The only bike I own anymore is my 2002 S3T and I'd like to add an X1 soon. I really loved my XB12R and 1125CR, I just love the tuber more. | ||
| Jim2 |
@Martin That's a great looking Cyclone you have! | ||
| Raceautobody |
 not the fastest on the track, but the bike everyone wants to see in the pits  | ||
| Buell_train |
I have ridden the 1125r and XB series. The 1125 has no spirit, the xb is more modern looking but better built than the tube frames. Me, personally... I love riding the X1. But a strong warning, if you don't like wrenching, stick to the newer bikes. Seems like im always fixing something. | ||
| Buellfighter |
 Treat yourself to a Tuber!! Had mine 10 years and still as much fun today as the day I got it!! | ||
| S1owner |
I ride a 96 s1 i bought it exactly one year ago i bought it from an owner who did not maintain it! I road it all last season with minimal issues i tore the bike completely down and going thru it backwords and forwards! I am doing this for three reasons 1-i want to know my bike 2-the previous owner did not treat her very good 3-knowing the PO track record on maintanance i wanted to ake it new or better for reliability! I think like anything else you get out what you put in!!!! Like a toyota camry it will run for ever not much style nothing special in the curves very little maintance! But a 69 camaro ss with a upgraded suspension a big block shit i will take the tinkering over the blah any day!!!!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Gmaan03 |
Mine is a 2001 X1 still in the f*h]#$ shop since mid december! Forgot what she looks like | ||
| Bradshaw106 |
Thanks for the replies. I'm still looking... So far nothing has come available yet. | ||
| Bzband |
Love my 02' M2!!! Similar situation for me...My first Buell, but always wanted one. I have knee and back trouble from my career in construction but this bike provides a perfect riding position other than moving to a cruiser, which I'm not ready for yet! For the money you can't beat this comfortable USA made twin. |
