| Author | Message | ||
     Sheikyerbouti |
Been lurking on a daily basis since my first test ride on an 03 XB9R back in June. Rode three more Buell models since, all at the AMA Vintage Motorcycle and AMA Superbike races at Mid-Ohio. Rode the 03 XB9R with a Jardine can out of a dealership. Did about a 20 mile loop. First hard launch and run through 3 gears left me screaming in my helmet, what a sound! Rode a 05 XB9S, an 05 XB9R, and then an 05 XB12S two-up on Buell Demo rides out on a 15 mile loop on the roads around Mid-Ohio SSC. They were all stock. The 9's felt very comparable to my SV power-wise though with more torque way low, but maybe a bit less up top. The SV rides from 5-9 in the twisties, the XB9 was like 3-7, just a different rev range. Didn't really feel much more oomph on the 12, maybe due to the passenger, but it shook more and I bumped the limiter multiple times. The 12's really have kind of a short rev range IMHO. (flame suit on)  I have an 02 Suzuki SV650 bought new, now with 30k+ miles, and an 02 Triumph Speed 4 that I picked up this summer dirt cheap. I'd probably have to lose the SV to acquire a Buell. My heart says an XB9S is what I'd want. Seems like it would be just as capable in the twisties around here in SE Ohio, and I'd also love to squid around on it to the summer night hangouts. Looks like a Drummer or a Spec Ops can would be in the future. Most fun was the first XB9R probably due to just the raw noise which I absolutely love, louder the better. Anyway, the SV has been stone reliable. I have thrashed on it for 3 summers and all it needs are chains, sprockets and lots of tires. The Triumph has already let me down twice, but I do all of my own wrenching on both so it's not as big of a deal as for some. Don't ask me what the point of this post is, I guess just looking for some comments. I have to admit a large part of my desire to switch up is first suspension, second something even more rare than an SV or a Triumph Speed Four (everything here is a supersport or FLXSHR-Fat-Dyna-Wide Glide-whatever), and third but not least, a bit of undeniable street cred via that air-cooled pushrod lump with the non biker crowd (chicks and bars / summer patio restaurant) Later all. | ||
| Ratyson |
Sheikyerbouti, If you are looking for a unique bike, the buell is definately a good choice! I have an 05 CityX (XB9SX) and I absolutely love it. Oh, and.... Baby Snaaaaakes... live in a hole hole, a tiny hole.. That is usually empty. Usually empty... and tiny tooooo. | ||
| Daves |
Could I interest you in a trip to Wisconsin?  | ||
| Wsplrll |
I too am looking at the City X - 05 demo - or a brand new 06 sv 650 - in red red. Very nice looking bike. I hate to say it but part of the decision is the 2000.00 less I would spend on the SV. Ultimately I wish I could have both bikes. I now I would love the CITY X. I am thinking that the SV would be a better " all around " bike for some touring and stuff. ( I don't need 2 up capability ) . But the other side of me says " Practical schmactical. " | ||
| Nasty73z |
I had a fully race ready 2003 SV650s until I got my XB12 in June. I miss the revv ability of the bike, and it was a bit smoother in the lower gears, but other than that I don't look back. I love my Buell! It fits my personailty and gets a LOT of attention. I think you will be very happy with a XB9s. Power wise, my SV put down 78 horsepower at the wheel so it was fairly fast, but the Buell is a different animal with all the torque. And even with the racetech frontend and aftermarket shock on the SV, I think the Buell has more corner stability and control. Also, I got my Buell, brand new 2004 model, for almost the cost of a new SV650. Find a H-D dealership that is dropping the line and get in on a great deal. Get one!! (Message edited by Nasty73z on November 28, 2005) | ||
| Sheikyerbouti |
<baby snakes next verse> they live in a hole-hole a hole a hole-hole a hole.... that is usually smpte... which stands for ...(society of motion picture and television engineers)... Zappa is awesome, total genius! | ||
| Kootenay |
First off, I'll say that I really like the look of the pre-03 SV650S, with the swoopy fairing (is yours an S model?) and the welded frame...I don't like the 03+ models with their angular lines nearly as much. That said, my short list had 3 bikes on it: SV650S, Speed Four, and XB9R. I liked the availability and reputation for reliability of the Suzuki, but I preferred the looks of both the Triumph and Buell (especially compared to the 03+ Suzukis). Also, both the Triumph and Buell were spec'd with higher-quality suspension components, right outta the box. Powerwise, I believe the Triumph has the most by a good margin, but it's a revvy I4, which is what I'd always owned--and one thing I really loved about the V-twin sportbikes I'd ridden is the torque off the bottom. I was able to demo ride several Buells on different occasions, and did get on a demo SV650 once; I never did get to demo a Speed Four (dealerwise, the SV650 dealer is local, my closest Buell dealer is 6 hours, my closest Triumph dealer is 8 hours away--and they wouldn't let me demo). I found the Buell to be the most fun ride (while riding the SV1000S, I kept thinking, "This is a lot like the Buell, just not quite as much fun." ). In the end, I was able to buy a new "leftover" 03 XB9R for about the same price as a new SV650 or leftover Speed Four would have cost. I've been very happy with my decision, so far (barring the distrust I've developed for the dealer I bought from...which has nothing to do with the bike). |
