| Author | Message | ||
     Lemonchili_x1 |
Hi folks, I'm looking for some advice for my brother-in-law who has caught a case of Buell fever... very contagious, he caught it from my X1  He really likes the X1's, but there are a few XB9's around for similar prices. For what he has to spend, he can get a low mile X1 or XB9S or XB9R, some with race kit, some without, but I'm pretty sure the budget wouldn't stretch to a new XB9 or 12 (and my sister would kill me!). So, does anyone have any general thoughts on owning an XB9, vs an X1, I can pass on to him? He's ridden my X1, hasn't ridden an XB yet. I've only ridden an XB once, briefly, so it's hard for me to compare what they're like to ride, but I've told him most of the obvious technical differences. For comparison he's previously owned a BMW R1100S, Duc 900 Monster, K100RS, Guzzi LeMans IV. Thanks in advance, lemonchili | ||
| Slaughter |
XB!!! They'll out-last the X1 and you can still get parts for them. The XB will TOTALLY out-handle ANY of the tuber bikes - just NO comparison. You do have to pay attention to suspension settings - preload (sag) and damping. Also, you can raise/lower the forks in the triples to further tune the handling/weight distribution. | ||
| Reepicheep |
If it were me, I would lead him towards an S1 / XB9 struggle. Or maybe a dirt cheap M2. A nice $4000 S1 is one *hell* of a bike, even if it will have reliability issues. | ||
| Mfell2112 |
I have haven't heard much good news in the rags about the handling of these new Buells. Why is it Cycle world says the Buell XB does not handle well and it has heavy steering? Also, they mentioned the twisting action of the bike while braking due to the single rotor. Regards Mike | ||
| BadS1 |
Cycle World praised it I have that mag right here. | ||
| Coolice |
The XB's are GREAT bikes! I have 7500 miles and the more I ride it the more I like it. I always wanted a Buell after owning several Honda's, a BMW,the Buell just feels right, especially after a loonngg day at work. Reliability-no problems, I think the mags are just sponsor influenced a little bit. And ya gotta ride it longer than a couple of miles to really appreciate the XB. Tell em to get a XB! | ||
| BadS1 |
Amen Brotha!!! | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
Honestly, don't make the decision for him. Have him ride them. Let him decide by what feels the best under him, not what we can say. As to the mags, none of the mags tried a tire change from the stock Dunslops which really seem the be the problem for most of the handling proplems. Not setting up the suspension for the rider is the other problem when it comes to the XB's. | ||
| Lemonchili_x1 |
Thanks people, I'll talk to him tonight. Reepi - S1's are almost impossible to find here, I've seen one for sale in the last 6 months. And I keep mentioning M2's, but the styling doesn't grab him like the X1 and he likes the fuel injection. One more question - real world power/acceleration difference between XB9 and X1? I've ridden with guys on XB9s and the difference seems pretty small in the real world (plus my X1 still has tall gearing). | ||
| Lemonchili_x1 |
I'm *trying* to get him to ride a few different bikes before he buys something. For now just trying to gather info that might him help decide what to test ride.  | ||
| Tom_b |
I had the same problem. I bought a good used X-1. Been happy with it. 10,ooo rode hard miles with other than a leaky rockerbox gasket been problem free. I would like an xb12, just not in the budget. Not really that much power difference with the race kit on xb-9. | ||
| Darthane |
Mfell, the XBs handle on par with anything else in the world when set up right, and the 'twisting' during braking while in a turn has NOTHING to do with a single rotor - it's the stock tires. I just replaced mine (no cupping and still plenty of life in both front and rear) with some M1s and that tendency is gone. Any magazine that says differently obvisouly didn't take the time to set the bike up properly and/or has a hate on for Buells (would not surprise me in the slightest). Let him decide, but I'd have to say that the XB will likely give him less heartache than the X1. | ||
| Rick_a |
They both have a character and feel all of their own. They need be sampled first. | ||
| Outrider |
I am biased. I much prefer the X1 over an XBS in either the 9 or 12 configuration. Not to mention an excellent X1 can be had at a very reasonable price and with the exception of the Buell Race Kit stuff, parts will be readily available for quite some time to come. | ||
| Glitch |
I am biased. That's OK, we're here for ya.  Hello, I'm Glitch, and I'm a Buellaholic. Ever since my B-I-L let me ride his S3T I've had this So far I've ridden (because I don't have the money to own) S3T, S1, M2, XB9R, XB9S, XB12R, and XB12S. Each one is different, ya really gotta get on them and see for yourself which is right for you. Me? My next one is an S1. Hooligan fer sure bike right there. I'm very happy with my little XB9S so I'll keep 'er. Can't seem to find anyone with an X1 that doesn't read this board, maybe that's why I haven't ridden one...yet. | ||
| Outrider |
Hey...Us X1'ers have to read this board. You know..."Technical Difficulties Beyond Our Control."  (Message edited by Outrider on September 21, 2004) | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
I've ridden the X-1, the XB9R, and S models. I love my XB9R! I think it definitely handles better. But he should decide... | ||
| Mfell2112 |
Its a shame Buell doesn't put good tires on their bikes. Also, it seems to me the rear tire on the XB may be too wide as well which could affect handling. I guess thats the Harley influence. The wide rear tire that is. I read the new Cycle world expecting the Buell to out do all the bikes in the tight test track. Although it did well it was beaten by other bikes and granted the Priller was one of them. The Priller being a great bike and all. I just want to see Buell win at something. BTW, I rode an XB12s and loved it although I think I could ride my M2 faster at the moment. I would love to spend more time on an XB though. I bet I could get used to it in no time. Mike | ||
| Lemonchili_x1 |
The plan is to check out an XB9R with race-kit on the weekend, and hopefully find an X1 to compare it to in the next week... |
