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Dynasport
Posted on Friday, November 09, 2007 - 04:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well, I'm back from the Demo Day. Unfortunately, no 1125R. They said they would have one, but they didn't. I did, however, ride an XB12S, XB12SS, XB12X, and XB12R. They had, but I did not ride, an XB12STT, an XB12Scg, an XB9SX (I think that is the designation, the City Cross regardless) and a Blast.

Here are my impressions, good or bad. Remember, I am not a sport bike rider, nor do I claim to be anything special on 2 wheels. I have been riding for many years, however. So, basically, what you are getting is the first impression of a cruiser rider who has realized late that he likes sporty riding.

The XB12S made me feel like I was riding on the front wheel. At speed the wind took some pressure off the arms and the bike was fun. The XB12SS, even though it is only two inches longer, felt much different. I felt more upright and more comfortable. I liked it better than the regular S, but I am not sure long rides at high speeds would be good.

The XB12X was by far the most comfortable, and the bike that I could ride the farthest without a doubt. It still felt pretty sporty, but not like the S model did. The only time the height was a problem was getting on and off. Even at stop lights the height didn't bother me. I did notice a LOT of heat though. I thought they had fixed that on the 08, but they have not. I also felt the heat on some of the other bikes, but not like on the Uly for some reason. I felt the heat on my right leg, but I also started feeling it through the seat a bit.

Finally, I rode the Firebolt. I rode it last and really only rode it just to have the experience. I did not expect to like it at all with its aggressive riding position. As it turns out, in some ways the Firebolt was my favorite. While I have never ridden a sportbike before, so I can't compare it to other sportbikes, it handled better than anything I have ridden before. It seemed like the bike just turned when I thought about turning. Even for my short ride, though, my neck started hurting a bit. I might get used to it more with time, but to begin with I think my rides would be short.

There were some things I noticed. First, the mirrors were terrible. They vibrated badly and when they weren't vibrating they took in my shoulders about as much what was going on behind me.

Also, finding neutral could be challenging, especially on the Ulysses. It wasn't as bad on the others.

So, what did I take from all this. The Ulysses is the only one I would probably want for my only bike. It has some flaws that I would have to fix, however, such as the heat issues. I would also want to see if there was something I could do to make the mirrors vibrate less. I would also look into something to improve wind protection on long rides.

The truth is, though, that it was not enough better than my FXDX to entice me to go into more debt right now. I have been modding my FXDX for the last five years and I have it so that it suits me very well. Not perfect, but really nice for me.

Amazingly enough, though, what I really discovered is that I would like a sportbike to go with my FXDX. If I could afford two bikes right now I would get a Firebolt or something like it. I really liked riding it.
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Metalstorm
Posted on Friday, November 09, 2007 - 05:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

A cruiser and a sportbike sharing garage space would definitely be a winning combination : )
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Diablobrian
Posted on Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 05:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

As a firebolt owner I certainly see the attraction.

Be careful though several H-D owners here on BadWeB bought a Buell as a second bike and found
that their Harley ended up collecting dust shortly thereafter.

You've been warned!
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