| Author | Message | ||
     Anomaly |
I am a newbie here but have been doing a TON of research. I used to ride a while back and got out of it due to a few very unfortunate incidents that I witnessed. I have recently gotten the bug back to ride and think in the next year or so I will be buying a bike again. Anyways... I am interested in two bikes. One of which is the Lightning XB12Ss, or (puts on flame retardent gear) a Speed Triple.../waits for flames to die down. There are a few factors involved in me making my purchase. I love the hooligan style bikes. Both of these bikes really piques my interest. Except I don't know much about either bike. Until I found this website. (which gets 2 thumbs up) in my opinion. The few questions I wanted to throw out there are how are the maintenance costs of the two? Do they differ? one costs gobs more than the other? I also have a few family members who ride whom I would like to go ride with (as well as a few of your BWB members when the time comes. They all have touring or cruising bike though. Will either of these bikes (S3 or XB12Ss) be comfortable cruisers? not 8-10 hour rides but more along the lines of 3-6 hour rides. I really love the design and sitting style of these bikes i have laid out here. I really don't want to go for a Road King, or anything along those lines. To much money in my eyes. But that Ulysses looks better and better. Just looking for some input. And any would be greatly appreciated. so if anyone is willing to toss an opinion my way I am open to any. and thank you all for your time. | ||
| Perry |
Speed triple is a nice bike - my son checked them out and came back reporting it felt really wide at the engine, and he didn't like it. They do get higher hp numbers with only a slightly lower torque over a XB12. Imagine a 12 that could rev to 9K and you're probably not far off. The Buell is fine for a few hours ride - the Uly will be even better for long rides though. The 12s (lightning) has so little wind protection that at 80+ mph your neck will get pretty tired after a few hours, depending on your helmet. I assume when you said "S3" you mean "speed triple" and not the Buell S3. The Buell S3 is more of a sport touring bike and would probably be great for a longer trip, but is not a naked streetfighter like the lightning and the Triple. I love my 12s - and haven't found a bike I'd rather have. I think the triple is similar in lots of ways though. I believe the Buell is much cheaper maintenance if you do the work yourself. The Buell is pretty easy to work on really, and parts are very reasonable. The triumph parts are more expensive, and I expect labor is probably similar cost. I've had no problems with my bike and my experience with costs come from repairs after a low-side. Other than that one problem with the nut connecting the seat and the handlebars  my '05 XB has been rock solid. The Buell XB12s puts a smile on my face every time. I've ridden 1.5 hours at a time on the freeway and had no real problem, but the wind is definitely there. Below 65 mph the wind is not even noticeable. Test ride them both if you can - the two bikes are similar enough that it will come down to personal preference. | ||
| Anomaly |
Well thank you Perry for your input. I would like to hear some others who have had experience with the S3 (speed triple). I am liking the idea that the maintenance is less expensive on the XB12Ss. I imagine the XB to be one FUN ride, to which I can not wait to test one out. And again I appreciate your input. Also I am mechanically inclined to an extent. but would a good comparison be the equivelant to working on a Chevy small block compared to a japanese engine? Not that they are that difficult but just for comparison. Cheers, Anomaly (Message edited by anomaly on June 19, 2006) | ||
| Exitlandrew |
I have ridden both, my buddy has a speed triple and he let me ride it before I bought the Buell. Mostly because our local Triumph dealer wouldnt let me ride one. I ended up with a Firebolt, but I demo rode a Lightning first. If it comes down to comfort I would definetly go with the Lightning. The Triumph is faster, but the seating position was more agressive in my opinion. And if you plan on taking a passenger along with you, just take a look at the Triple's exhaust setup, the passenger pegs sit right on top of the mufflers. I personally havent been 2-up on one, but it doesnt look like it would be too comfortable. | ||
| Anomaly |
How do you like the Firebolt? I like the Firebolt as well. Is the seating position similar to the lightning? I have read a bit on the Triumph, and more and more I am leaning to the Buell, there is something about them that just grabs me. | ||
| Mikemax |
I was torn between the Speed Triple and the Lightning since last summer but bought the Buell last month when I noticed that the Ss was out. I found an article online (broken up by page) that compared the two after buying. IMO the Buell is the better bike for normal street riding, and I give it the definite styling nod, and I like the deeper sound that bigger cylinders give. If top speed/HP numbers are your bag, you might like the Triple better. The warranty on the Buell is a plus, too, I couldn't even find one mentioned on the Triumph web site. All in all I probably would have been happy with either but I'm glad I went with the Ss so far except maybe for dealer support; I don't know what the Triumph dealer would have been like but you need this board and its' sponsors with the Buell. I tend to like things that are designed differently and well and I won't be pushing the envelope on the track to worry about which is best at getting the last .001 second off a lap. Good luck either way. | ||
| Anomaly |
Hey thanks Mikemax I think i pretty much have made up my mind. I'm not even going to test the triple, I am not that far from Gengras H-D in CT so I will mosie on down there and look around. Well i hope you are enjoying your XB 'cause I can't wait to get mine. Cheers, Anomaly | ||
| Nutsosane |
Anomaly, If you have the opportunity to test any bike before purchase I highly advise doing so. Only until you are on the bike can it speak to you. Listening is the fun part! NUTS | ||
| Kurosawa |
If you're worried about maintenance costs, motorcycles are not the way to go. Whether the Uly is for you may be dictated by your inseam. Sit on one ASAP and see for yourself. If you want to go several hours at a whack, you might look at a Kaw, anything from a Concours to a KLR650 for your best buy. Lots of range, sensible riding position, lots of good standard or aftermarket accessories. Buells are simply not touring bikes even though I'm gonna use mine as one, but then I got the R, stuck a Corbin seat on it, and am waiting for a Heli top triple from Dave, not the kind of thing a cost-conscious rider would be into. Plus having to stop for gas every 120 miles or so doesn't bug me, but your relatives will all be over the next few hills by the time you're back on the road, either that or sitting there waiting for you. Get everything you need all in one package, comfort, big tank and all, it's way cheaper that way. It's all about having fun, if hanging with your family is your idea of fun, then don't get a bike that might get in your way. | ||
| Olinxb12r |
I like them both also. I would love to have a triple, but I just couldn't pass up on the Buell style and sound. I have a 12R, and the seating position and riding style is quite a bit different than the S model. If you want to sit more upright the S is the model for you, but if you want a more race stance go for the R. Maybe they'll have a long R model in the 2007 lineup for you to buy since you're talking about the 12SS. | ||
| Anomaly |
I will most certainly test the bike before I purchase it. Maintenance cost aren't a big concern just wanted to gauge the idea of a brit bike vs. an American. The only dealer for Triumph for me is to far for me to have to bring it to when maintenance would be needed. More of a pain in the a$$, and only being limitied to one dealer leaves me uneasy. I like both the 12R and 12Ss models, The bike I had before was a "sport" sitting stance I would love a long R, I can ride either for a good while but I think the Lightning position will suit me better. But then again I haven't sat or ridden on either...now if they could just put a little more fuel capacity. Thanks everyone, Anomaly | ||
| Jaimec |
Anomaly, if you E-Mail me off of the list, I can send you a copy of the recent Motorcycle Consumer News article comparing the Buell XB12Ss and Triumph Speed Triple. It has some inaccuracies (the Buell has a 5,000 mile maintenance interval, not 2,500 miles as mentioned in the article for example) but otherwise it is a good article and I find myself agreeing with both the positive and negative aspects. Not EVERYTHING, but for the most part... | ||
| Jlnance |
Anomaly - Welcome to BadWeb. I have not ridden an Ss, but I have ridden an S, R, and X, so I'll make some comments. The XB12S I rode was great, but it's a small bike for someone my size. I don't know how it would be on long rides. The Ss is a couple inches longer, which really appeals to me. It also has a larger gas tank. I rode and XB9R for a few miles in the mountains. For mountain roads it was absolutly unbelievable. However the riding position hurts me. I wouldn't want to cruise on it, though others do. I own an XB12X (Ulysses). I'm 6'2 so I like the height of the bike, and it is very comfortable to cruise on. I put 746 miles on mine last Thursday. Some people have complained about it's lack of wind protection, however I don't find wind fatigue being the thing that limits my riding. It's knee pain. The Uly is hands down better in this department than the other bikes I've owned (Blast & M2). I think that has to do with it's excellent seat, the riding position, and the distance from the seat to the pegs. The Uly is great with a passenger on the back, if that something you want to do. I'd encourage you to testride them all. | ||
| Shinobi13 |
You are making the same decision I made a few months back. I rode a Speed Triple and the XB12Ss. Both bikes are fantastic in their own rights. I bought the Buell because I liked the ride better. The Triple had a lot of great traits, and on paper would seem to be the superior bike, but the Buell won my heart. I haven't been able to get the sh!t eating grin off my face since I picked up the Long. Ride both... pick what sets your heart afire. That's the only fair way for you to choose... Lee | ||
| Mikemax |
Lee said it much more succinctly than I. On paper the Speed Triple might have the numbers but the Buell grabs your soul. 2500 miles since I got it May 26th... Commuting and riding for fun. Mike | ||
| Lpowel02 |
both are great bikes...I have a firebolt and one of my brother's bikes is a speed triple. I rode the triple last year from L.A. to Laguna Seca and had no big issues with comfort - I'll be doing it again this year. I've ridden it in the canyons out there too - it handles very nicely. Whenever i ride it, it takes me a while to adjust since the triple doesn't have the same low-end strength my firebolt does...but once the revs get up a bit, it really screams. I did a track day last year with my firebolt and had no problems hanging with a dude on a triple (tho a lot of other factors obviously come into play there...) they're both fun bikes - you'll be happy either way whichever one you get, let me know when you want to go for a ride...I'm in CT too (Message edited by lpowel02 on June 19, 2006) | ||
| Col_klink |
I'll add myself to the list of people who considered a Speed Nipple before buying a 12Ss. There are many here who can talk about the virtues of the Buell, (I'll just mention the comfort, good looks and yep, soul) but I decided AGAINST the Nipple because: The UK market has experienced problems with the front brake pistons sticking; I think the exhausts are utterly fugly; The exhausts are definitely impractical when it comes to luggage; It's been around for a while so there are a lot about. Klink | ||
| Heyfred |
My XB12R is the best bike I have ridden for the fun factor. It is brute, raw and you become part of the motorcycle because you have to think while riding it. The gear box is clunky, torque can hurt you if you are not paying attention, steering is quick and stopping is fast. Now, take all the above and make the bike perform smoothly, you will have a smile on your face. Would I give up my XB12R for a Ducati? I went and considered buying this: http://www.ducati.com/bikes/my2006/ducatiModel.jhtml?family=monster&modelName=MS 4RS-06 Shifts better and has a better seating position. No way would I give up my Buell for it. The Buell has its' own personality, which I really like.  | ||
| Anomaly |
Wow! I'm impressed at all the feed-back I got. Thank you all your input it has made a big difference. There are a few things that really make me want a Buell, I like the american made idea behind it, I like that even though there are some quirks (which I can live with)people are still very happy with their not-a-kawa-suzi-yama-honda but rim bending torque machines. I am doubly impressed with all the knowledge here just in this site. Who ever runs this joint is doing a damn fine job! The other things that grab me about the Buell are the styling queues man do those machines look sharp. I am certainly not a cookie cutter type. I like to be a little different, the uniqueness of buell gives me that. Throw in the fact that they are relatively easy to work on and I'm sold. And the way they sound...if that's not testosterone inducing I don't know what is. Now I just have to work on my patience...hehehehe to which I have none when it comes to issues like this. Again thank you all for your input, and I hope to someday meet all of you at one of the BWB functions. Ride Safe! Anomaly | ||
| Diablobrian |
You have to ride what moves you emotionally. For me the Buell does it. Be sure to demo ride before buying to be sure it's what you want. These things are made to ride. Posers need not apply  | ||
| Destroy |
So if you go on a Triumph forum think they'll prefer the Buell better too? Just food for thought. | ||
| Mobuellin |
You're just like me in doing tons of research before deciding on a large purchase as this. That being said, I also researched the often forgotten other costs of owning a bike, such as insurance. I found that my insurance company (Allstate) had the S3 on a "uninsureable" list along with other high-performance sport bikes. Check with your insurance company, I'm certain the S3 will be considerably higher to cover. The Buells are considered H-D so insurance is along the lines of a cruiser although we all know better. As far as aesthetics, the XB12Ss is more of an attention grabber than the S3 (IMO). If you don't like people coming up to you at the pump to ask you about your bike, don't get a Buell. I find it's a good way to meet and talk to people. Hope this helps on your decision. Go to a Triumph forum and hear their arguments as well. The BWB are hard to beat, however. I love my XB9S.  | ||
| Mikemax |
Just about every time I pull in to fill up on the Buell someone comes over and looks and usually asks questions. I just saw two guys looking it over in the work lot, too. Looks are definitely a taste thing, to me the Triumph S3 frame looks more like a Suzuki tube frame (why they usually cover 'em up with all that plastic IMO) than, say, a Duc frame which is a lovely piece of machinery (I might have got a Monster if even the Duc fans here at work said maintenance would be too high for a commuter). Hence, yes, people on a Triumph forum may like theirs better. And they'd be right... for them. | ||
| Robino |
here's the speed triple i had, nice bike, about the only negative i could find was that neutral was very hard to find...otherwise, handled nice and went decent.  sold it and bought two Buells, the xb12S and xb12R, immediatelly, i fell in love with the handling and sound of the xb12S (it's a CG model)with a buell race kit, the riding position, etc. felt PERFECT. As for the xb12R, it's nowhere near as comfy nor do i feel one with the bike as i do while riding the xb12S It's not as fast as the Triple, but if feels like a much nicer bike, it's not bland...it's really a joy to ride and makes beautiful music. And it's smaller or at least feels smaller than just about anything else out there for a 1200cc bike | ||
| Adamcooney |
I'm acutally was going to post a topic of selling my 2006 XB12Ss. It's black and only has 940 miles on it. The 1,000 mile service was already performed and new plugs were put in it and everything was switched over to SYN3 Synthetic oil's. I bought it brand new a few months ago but I'm getting my CDL-A license in a few months and will only be home 2-3 times a week so I wont have any time to ride it. I wanna get 9,000 for it. Never been dropped or redlined, I'm way too anal about that stuff. Break-in period was followed properly. I've got a clear title in my name with no liens whatsoever. Sent me a PM or email me at adamcooney@nycap.rr.com Thanks. And it's an amazing bike by the way. I really hate to get rid of it, especially with the nice weather and all. =0( | ||
| Robino |
that's a sneaky way to plug your bike f/s here Adam, shame...shame on you. if he were going to consider an xb12, i would think that mine was the one he would most likely consider since it's so sexy...(a 2005 and only $7500 wink)  (Message edited by robino on June 21, 2006) | ||
| Anomaly |
I wish I could buy one right now. But the wife and I are looking to buy a new house. So I am trying to finagle it into the purchase of a house. Patience grasshoppa,,,,But that is one sexy bike Robino. I have no patience...and I hate that. Cheers | ||
| Tommy_k |
Figured I throw my .02 in... I own the Ss, but have ridden and love the newer Speed Triples. Rode one that was streetfightered out...shortie exhaust, single headlight, bars, digital gauges, etc. That bike was awesome. They also have an extremely unique sound when the pipe is opened up, and the engine felt electric. Much better throttle response than the Buell. Also some major pluses for me were the clutch(felt like a slipper), single sided swingarm(way cool), and a 6TH GEAR!! Def. ride one first if you can. A few grand less, and equally rare. Here's a bad pic of the one I rode before it swapped out the light. TK  | ||
| Trueblue |
Be careful with dealer support on the Triumph, talked to a gentleman a few weeks back who owns one and it took six weeks to get a part he needed. Just my .02 | ||
| Robino |
 the Lightnin's more fun to ride than the Triple   (Message edited by robino on June 21, 2006) |
