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Seanp
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 10:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Howdy,

Well, like I posted a while ago, I have been extended here in Iraq for another 3-6 months. Well, I had a deal from a dealer in Beaumont, Texas, to buy a Blast and an XB9R for an outstanding price. However, since I got extended, he couldn't hold onto the deal. I felt badly for the fact that he held onto the bikes for so long in anticipation of me buying them in the first place. Anyway, so now I am at square one again.

So I am trying to figure out a way to ultimately get to the XB12R that I really want. The only experience that I have riding is having taken the MSF BRC twice. So I know that my life expectancy trying to ride the XB12 right away would be even less than it is around here with RPG's, mortars, and IED's. This is why I had the deal going with the Blast.

Now, I remember when I first started thinking seriously about getting a motorcycle, Buell had a deal going where you could buy a Blast and then trade it in full value for a larger bike. This was right when the XB came out. I fell in love with the way the XB9R looked the minute I saw it. So I knew I wanted one. But I couldn't get any dealer to commit to giving me the Blast trade-in deal for an XB, because the Blast deal started before the XB was released, and none of those shmucks could figure out if the deal applied to XB's or just the tubers.

Fast-forward to now. The Blast deal is long gone, and it probably won't come back. So I need to figure out another way to get a beginner bike, but to ensure that it isn't going to be a total loss, and that ultimately, I will have the black XB12R of my dreams, (literally - more on that later).

I'm wondering if it sounds feasible from a dealer's perspective to sell me a used Blast from their inventory, and let me ride it as long as I want, (probably a few months) and then trade it in towards an XB12R. I would even be willing to take a hit on the Blast, knowing that Kelley Blue Book values are far different between what a dealer pays for a trade-in and what you pay for a used bike from a dealer, but money is not much of an object, (see my posts in the "cheapskate" thread.)

I'm making a decent amount of money for being extended for so long over here, (the government thinks that throwing money at something makes it all better. It doesn't make the pain go away - it just covers up the pain.) So it won't be difficult for me to pay for a used Blast when I get home.

So am I off my rocker? Am I crazy? Like I said, it sounds feasible to me, but I am on the other side of the supply/demand curve.

I am on the demand side - I want a bike, and a Buell specifically, so much that I can taste it. It's a tangible thing. I love the fact that it's an AMERICAN sport bike. I have been over here for over a year now, fighting for the AMERICAN way of life and AMERICAN values, not Japanese values, or Italian values, or British values, (though I value all these countries as our allies, don't get me wrong!) And I like what the company stands for, and I appreciate the fact that this company was started by a smart man who worked hard and pulled himself up by his own bootstraps. And the bikes are not made to go 200 mph in a straight line. They're made for real life, not some "flatland" fantasy world.

I go to bed every night thinking about riding. As I lay there trying to fall asleep, I picture what it will be like on my bike, (it's always a black XB12R) in the garage. I open the garage door, roll the bike out onto the driveway, and start it up. The neighbors look over at me, (the crazy guy who lives on the corner) and think "there he goes again with that neat-looking bike." I roll out into the street and stop at the stop sign. I casually drive through the housing area at the posted 20 mph, (the MP's are brutal about tickets in housing) and get to the light. I turn left, and head out the gate towards a wonderfully twisty road that's only a few minutes away, on the way to my friend's house. I can picture every shift I will have to make, every curve, every bump, having driven this road many times over the past four years. I usually fall asleep by the time I get about 8 or 9 miles from home, but my journey starts all over again the next night.

I tell my wife that the last thing I think about before I fall asleep is her, but I don't. I love her more than anything in the world, and I can't wait to be with her again, but I spend 50% of my normal waking hours thinking of her. I save the Buell for the last few minutes of my day.

So anyway, sorry that this has turned into some sort of a group therapy session, but I would appreciate an estimation of my sanity. Does my "used Blast for a few months then trade in for an XB12R" deal sound feasible? Am I crazy for riding the same road over and over in my mind? Do I need to see the combat stress team and let them give me some happy pills?

Thanks for your help, all. I really love this place, and I love coming here and reading about your experiences with these bikes. It's sort of difficult though, because it just makes me want one more... Sometimes I feel like I will burst with desire. I haven't felt this way since right before I asked my wife to marry me. (Don't tell her I wrote all this, by the way, I do love her, deeply. Really.)

Thanks again for the sanity check. Argh... I need to go out on some patrols and take my mind off of this stuff!
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Glitch
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 10:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I have been extended here in Iraq for another 3-6 months.
Sorry to hear that brother, but thanks for all you do!
I have been over here for over a year now, fighting for the AMERICAN way of life and AMERICAN values
Again thanks!
I can't do anything about getting your Buells, I'm sure though that you've come to the right place to ask.
Honestly, if I had a Blast I'd give it to you.
Best of luck!
And really mean it when I say thanks for your service to America. You my friend are why we are Free.
You'll get your bike. I wouldn't be right if you didn't.
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Whodom
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 10:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hi Seanp,

Man, I'm sorry you're getting extended. We do appreciate you being there, for what that's worth.

Beaumont, Texas! Birthplace of my favorite guitar player- Johnny Winter.

I have been riding a little less than 2 years, and I asked several people what to buy as a first bike, and I think I got some pretty good advice: (1) small and (2) used. The way it was put to me was this: You may find out riding isn't as much fun as you thought it would be, or you may find you don't have enough time to ride, or you may find you want an entirely different kind of bike from what you thought you wanted. You've been through the BRC so you probably DO really want to ride. If you start out on a brand-new bike and it's not the right one, you'll be out of a bunch of money when you try to sell it. If you buy an old bike and it doesn't work out, it's no big deal. If you drop it when you're first starting out, that's no big deal either.

The Blast appears to be a great beginner bike but it seems like the market is saturated with them. Of course, that means you can get a used one pretty cheap, but then you may have trouble selling it when you get ready to get your XB.

I ended up buying an old Honda, a 1983 Ascot VT500FT. It's a water-cooled 500cc V-twin (about 1.5 times the RWHP of a Blast) and has been dead-reliable and fun to ride. There are a lot of decent old UJM's (Universal Japanese Motorcycles) out there that can be bought cheap, ridden for a while, and then sold for what you paid for them. Of course, you can get into mechanical nightmares with these, but there are plenty of good ones out there that will run a year or two with minimal attention (tires, oil changes, plugs, etc.).

My Ascot was small and slow enough to learn on without killing myself, but big and fast enough so that I didn't outgrow it in the first 6 months. After 1.5 years, I AM ready to move up now, I've decided what I want to get, and I am this [insert very small space here] close to buying an M2.

Stay safe and hang in there. Hopefully, that first ride will be worth the wait!

Hugh

edited by whodom on May 07, 2004
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Daves
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 11:01 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Do you know where you'll be at when you get back to the states?
I'd love to do whatever I can to help you out.
I will add my thanks for your service to our country.

Ride to the edge!
Dave
daves@h-dappleton.com
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Mikej
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 11:04 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Stay safe over there.

On the bike issue, and the generally accepted preferred upgrade path to experience that will give you the most bang for the buck, consider this:

1. When you get back home shop around for a used beater bike. This can be a dual sport or street bike. Only requirement is that it is street legal and that you can reach the ground with your feet. This can be a used Blast from the Rider's Edge courses, or an old CB350 Honda, or an old Yamaha DT250. Size does not matter in this case, fun factor and basic operation does. A used beater bike in good running condition should cost well under $1000, with a very good chance of finding one at well under $600 in decent condition. I bought a 1983 Honda CM450E, two cylinder, 6 speed tranny, not the automatic clutch version, with around 10,000 miles on it for $600 many years ago. I then put an additional 60,000+ miles on it. I had it up for sale but eventually just gave it away. This was not my first bike by any means, but it would have made an excellent beginners bike. Low maintenance, fair freeway speeds, reasonable handling. And if it fell over no big deal.

2. Once you've put at least 20,000 miles on the beater bike, then start shopping for your XB. And who knows, but the time you're ready something new from Buell may be available that you may be glad you waited for. And if not then by then there will be plenty of low mileage and upgraded XB's on the market for fair prices if current conditions continue.

In shooting you start with an air rifle or a .22rimfire and work up from there. But even when you do you'll still enjoy plinking with the "beginner" firearms and air rifles whenever you get a chance. Start with an inexpensive beginner/starter bike, get that experience, then when you're ready there will be a new model with your name on it.

Food for thought. And thanks for all you do.
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Bomber
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 11:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sean -- I think your plan is feasible, but let's try to save you some dough . . ..the concept of beginner bikes is a good one, but it seems to have fallen from favor . . . . no doubt the XB12 more bike than a new rider can make use of, but it's also more bike than most experienced riders can use . . . .. I don't think the Balst-trade-in program is in affect any longer . . . . all that said, if you have a good command of yourself, get the XB12, and keep a rein on your baser insticts (smile) . . . . just cuase your starting on a powerful scoot doesn't necessarily mean you'll kill yourself . . .you sound mature, well motivated, and, since you're married, you likely understand the responsibility you bear, and conduct yourself accordingly . . .. . buy the 12, bro, sign up for schools and track days, learn as much as quitely as you can, and enjoyu the hell out of yourself


lastly, thanks for your service, sir

I had similar fantasies during my service, except they involved a Triumph Bonnie . . . . Pete Egan wrote very movingly about his daydreams along the same lines . . . . .. . I am disappointed that your presence is needed where you are, and that bikers still must put the needs of the country before their own and those of their families . . .

I am, however, very proud of you and your brothers and sisters . . .stand proud, and come home safe
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Country
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 12:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Just buy the 12. I had never ridden before I bought my M2L. I mean never. I took the course and control myself when I am on the bike. I respected the power of the machine enough not to kill myself by just twisting the throttle.

Its been two wonderful years since I bought the bike. Still here and (knock on wood)still haven't laid her down.

You can do it. Just buy the 12.
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Henrik
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 01:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sean; sorry about your extension, and Thank You for what you're doing for us all.

While you may be able to keep a rein on yourself and and not go charging off a cliff somewhere on a new "12", you will likely, as a new rider, always have that uneasy feeling, that it may bite you if you're not careful. And it just may, no matter how careful you are.

I thing a learning stint on an old, small beater bike is likely to speed up your learning curve and in the long run make you a better rider. All the while keeping you from getting into too much trouble before you're ready to handle it.

Get in touch with DaveS and see what he can arrange for you.

Be careful out there.

Henrik
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Agave_juice
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 01:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sean,
First, THANK YOU for your service and personal sacrifices.

So many people, myself included, purchase Blasts for short-term learning bikes that, the used market is just saturated with clean, low-milage and cheap Blasts. You'll lose big-time trying to unload a bike purchased new. By all means, check what dealers have(new and used) and what they will offer for trade-in. But, don't limit yourself to that one option. Ebay, cycletrader.com, and other classifieds have some of the lowest prices.

From your previous posts, it seems you already have a thorough handle on this, but I'll say it anyway. I have to disagree with Bomber about starting on the XB12. Sorry, Bomber. It would be much easier to put yourself in a hazardous spot, on the XB. In addition, a new rider should consider the cost of an unscheduled 'get-off' for each bike. I'd rather drop a Blast that cost <$2000, than the XB12R that cost >$10,000.
The Blast lives up to its name. I look forward to jumping on it every chance I get. I scrape the pegs (or edge of a boot) just about every ride, and it gets plenty of compliments for style and sound.

You have a nice Buell fantasy going. Keeping your patience to get the right deal and properly building your riding skills, will help ensure you live the fantasy to its full potential.

Again, thank you and be safe.
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Charlieboy6649
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 01:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hey hard dog!

Stay away from the happy pills. Need to keep your head clear over there. Every one finds their own release, whether its combat, or corporate America. Just look at how many people are on this board. How many here feel like you're getting therapy every day right here and on your scoot. I love this place! Keep dreamin brother, soon you'll be on a flight home and nothing is sweeter than realizing a dream after waiting so long. I waited four years in Okinawa to pick up my 9R when I got home. Sweet bliss...

Sean, here's my .02. I taught my wife to ride on my 9R. Too much bike? YES,... and no. I know my wife and I know her good sense of reservation. I knew she would ride conservatively wile she learned. She's a great rider, I ride like an . She hasn't crashed, I've been down twice. See what I'm sayin'?

I'd say evaluate your ability to reserve yourself till you gain the skill, and if you think you can, I say go for the 12R. I ridden the 12 too (I own a 9) and it's nothing you can't handle, if you're smart about it...

Keep the faith, and hold the line... and come home safe.
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Mr_grumpy
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 02:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sean, the same principles operate here in Europe as in the US the dealer is there TO MAKE MONEY best thing is to find yourself a cheap used bike to drop and scratch and learn on, then get your XB but here's where I differ from some of the other guys, keep the first bike AS WELL to ride in the bad weather months, thus keeping your pride and joy XB pristine.
The other thing to remember, as with so many things in life, It's all in the wrist action!
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Glitch
Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 11:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

good read
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Seanp
Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 12:59 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Glitch - I've read that article numerous times. I'm on the BeginnerBikes forum as "SabreSquelch" and I've definitely gotten a lot of good info there. It appeals to my logical, sane side. Even though my emotional, semi-sane side, (because I sure wouldn't want to have an insane side) wants to hop onto an XB12R and go, I won't let it win. I am going to get something small and used to start with.

The biggest stumbling block there is that there are not many used bikes on the market in west-central Louisiana. About the best line I have so far is a soldier in my unit who has a 2001 250 Ninja that he wants to sell. He wants $2000 for it, firm, which is really no problem for me, cash-wise. I really wanted a Buell to start with though, but the Blasts are so expensive, unless I can strike a deal with a dealer to trade it right back in for almost as much as I paid for it.

I would love to convince myself that I could start out on an XB12R and that I am mature enough to keep it under control, but no matter how mature I am, I have never ridden before, and I don't have the kind of throttle control that I'd need to keep it underneath me. And after having read so many comments about the torque on these things, it's not like an I4 where I could keep it under 4000 RPMs and out of the powerband. Heck, it seems like even at 1500 RPMs it's got more torque than I need to try to control while at the same time getting the hang of shifting, looking for other traffic, trying not to grab too much brake, etc.

So I am set on not starting on an XB12. Really. Even though so many people think I could handle it. I think that maybe they're looking at it from the point of view of someone who's ridden for a while, and doesn't have to think about Search, Evaluate, Execute and Slow, Look, Lean, Roll. I, however, will have to keep all that in mind as I ride. And one little accidental twist of the throttle as I try to negotiate the parking lot at work, or the street outside my house, could be catastrophic. I'm not going to live through a year and a half of this place just to trash myself on a corner because I don't know how well to ride yet and I got a little overexcited with the throttle. Screw that; I'd rather go out fighting, not holding on for dear life.

DaveS - I'd love to deal with you, but like I mentioned, being in Louisiana, it's kind of far from Wisconsin. I drove up there in December of 2002 for a wedding, and it was a pretty long drive.

Charlieboy - yeah, don't worry, I am not a big fan of pills. I hate doctors, I hate being sick, and I hate not having 100% of my faculties. So no happy pills for me.

Anyway, I guess I've already reached the conclusion that I do need to start on a smaller bike, something with less than 50 hp probably, and ride it for at least a few months. I'm just wondering if anyone knows a dealer in the south or southeast, (anywhere between San Antonio and Mobile, AL) that has a large inventory of Buells, and might be willing to work a deal. I'd like to basically rent a used Blast for about three or four months for 500 bucks or so, and then trade it in for an XB12R. Anyone out there know a dealer? If so, have them send me an email. If not, I guess I will end up going with the 250 Ninja, (ewww, a Japanese bike) and ride the heck out of it. And then get an XB12R later on...

*sigh* I have got to get home soon... A wise man once said, "The waiting is the hardest part." So true, so true...
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Cowboy
Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 06:28 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Att:Seanp,feel free to e mail me when you return to cenla, (check my profile for address)I will be happy to keep a eye out for some hot deals, there is a lot of them here if you take a little time and shop around. Cwboy
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Court
Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 07:23 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sean:

Can we mail you stuf?

Court
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Smoke
Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 07:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

sean, lots of good deals on ebay, and coming back from the war zone should give you some extended free time to take the ultimate "crash" course of buy cheap, fly in and ride home. i'm in southwest louisiana if you hear of anything you want looked at around lafayette or a 4 hour drive. keep your head down and your senses wide open. THANKS TO YOU AND YOUR COMRADES!!!
tim
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Glitch
Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 08:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sean,
Good on ya!
Even if you can be under full control of yourself.
I don't know of many that didn't drop their first bike. Be it in a parkinglot or otherwise.
I know how you'd feel picking up a brand new bike of the pavement. And it ain't a good feeling, even if you weren't even moving. Like trying to start off in second and thinking you were in first, with no damage at all. It's just so much less stressful on the learning curve to pick up a used bike and go on your way.
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Chainsaw
Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 09:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Seanp :
Have you thought about a Harley as your first bike? The Sportster has less than 60hp and a GREAT resale value. I don't think you would have any trouble using one as a trade in, or selling it outright.
I was looking for a bike in 2001, and was torn between an X1 and the Sporty. The HD was cheaper and had the resale market. I for one am glad I bought the Sporty first. It definitely prepared me for the XB. FWIW!

In the meantime Keep your head down and your arse intact!
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Court
Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 09:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

>>>Keep your head down and your arse intact!

And when you get back.....KLR

Cheap..unchanged for 14 years (save me the lecture of the 1995 clutch), can do about anything, tough to damage, easy to fix, holds resale. I'd buy it on the opposite end of the country from where you are headed and take 2 weeks.

: )

All of our best and prayers are with you and all the American Force in theatre.

Court
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Honu
Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 01:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sean,
The Beaumont dealer has not sold any Buells since you found out you had to stay longer. They might still be there when you get back, at even a better deal! I am at the dealership every two weeks or so, the wife has been looking at a XB9S they have. Take care and Stay Safe over there.
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Seanp
Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 12:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Again, thanks for all your responses, folks, I really appreciate it, and that's why I keep coming back here - so many folks with so much knowledge willing to help someone like me, who just wants to get on a Buell.

Cowboy - How long have you lived in Anacoco? I guess I'm just thinking about what I do or do not see in the Leesville Leader and the Guardian as far as motorcycles for sale. I guess I could listen to the Swap Shop and see if there's something on there. My wife used to be the mid-day DJ at KJAE until last fall.

Court - You can mail me stuff. I prefer not to post my mailing address on the board, (I guess I am sort of paranoid) but if you send me an email I will give it to you. And the KLR was definitely one of my top choices, especially considering the huge amount of dirt roads around any military post. I have a 4WD Dodge Dakota and I've been mudding in some pretty cool places that would have been even better on something like a KLR. And I probably wouldn't have had all those scratches and bent fender flares...

Smoke - Yeah, I look longingly at so many motorcycles on ebay, but I just don't trust the ads well enough to travel much farther than a couple of hundred miles. I don't want to fly to Arizona or something, to find out the bike that looks great in pictures is a piece of junk.

Chainsaw - No, I never really considered a Sportster. A friend of mine who's never ridden at all is getting one through a program that we have here to get H-D/Buell bikes for cheap. (I can get an XB12R with a 4-year warranty and a free Rider's Edge course for $11,663 delivered. An 883 Sportster with the same options is $7,300) But I would be really pissed if I dropped a Harley with all that pretty chrome and stuff. And the used ones are pretty much as expensive as the new ones, it seems.

Honu - That's interesting to know. I felt bad that Richard held onto the bikes for so long thinking that I was going to buy them, (which I was - put a deposit on them and everything). I told him that I'd keep him at the top of my list of dealers to deal with since he was so accommodating, working with me through email and a couple of satellite phone calls. I will still stop by there first, (especially if the bikes are still there by August.) If you could keep me posted on the status of those bikes, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks again, everyone. I've got quite a few good leads here now, and some ideas I hadn't thought of. Good stuff!

Sean
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Cowboy
Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 09:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Seanp as you know this is in the trinangle of Shreveport--- Alexandria and Lafayette I visit those shops often My son just bought a new XB12 in lafayette I plan on picking up a new V-rod in lafayette on the 22 ( no I am not leting the X1 go)
the rod is for my wife

I lived here from 1936 till 1954 then after 30 + yrs. of the Mid East I retired and returned home.
Some of the best riding is in east Tex. will be happy to show you around and assist you any I can when you return. Keep in touch cowboy
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Doughnut
Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 09:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If you are mature, get the 12 right away. I went from riding the Honda Nighthawk 250 in the bike class to my friends 98 Buell S3T. I then got my 96 S2. Just know your abilities.
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Seanp
Posted on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 01:01 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Cowboy - Have you found that the Lafayette dealer was the best in the area? I stopped by the one in Alex a while ago when they were in their old store, and they didn't have much for Buells. I have a friend who got his Buell in Shreveport and said they were great. I don't know anyone who's gotten one from Lafayette. I'd appreciate a heads up if you know any particularly good dealers/salesmen.

Doughnut - I am mature, quite mature, but I am also completely inexperienced. I just don't think I want to try to learn the basics on something as powerful as an XB12. Sometimes I wish I hadn't surfed to this board and another one, www.beginnerbikes.com because then I'd be buying an XB12R brand new and learning to ride on it. (I've taken the MSF course a couple of times, so I understand the basics, but I still have a lot to learn.) But that's my emotional side talking. It's not rational...
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Captainplanet
Posted on Monday, May 10, 2004 - 10:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sean,

First, I think the Blast is a great bike to learn on. However, unless you get a really good deal, eg. don't buy it at used retail from a dealer, you will be losing a good amount of money on resale. If you can buy one cheap enough from an individual, go for it. From my experience, if you want a reasonably new bike as a beginner bike, the Ninja 250 is the way to go. You can buy one for about $3300.00 new out the door, ride it for a year, and then sell it for at least $2800.00. They are plenty fast for a beginner, about the same performance as the blast,eg. about 100mph top speed. This would also help you to decide if the XB--R is the riding stance you want as the reach and seating is about the same.
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