| Author | Message | ||
     Froglosopher |
I also took the beginner riders course (highly recommend) and had my license endorsement before I bought my first street bike, a used XB12Ss. I was concerned it would be too much bike to start out on. For many people it probably is, but having been on dirt bikes and having ridden my friends street bikes a bit, I felt I wanted a bike I would grow into. Albeit if you're not extremely cautious the XB will get you into trouble in a blink of an eye. I have no regrets getting my "dream bike" for my first bike. but you need to be realistic about your abilities before you commit to any street bike. I've known people who are a danger to themselves and everyone around them on a moped. | ||
| Mr2shim |
XB was my first bike. Other than a mountain bike I've had forever. I have yet to drop it or kill myself. Pushing 6k miles now. I know my limits and they are nothing close to that of the XB. I enjoy myself. I would say buy an XB, but I don't know you or your mentality level. As someone previously stated. If your brain outweighs your wrist then you'd be fine for the most part. IMO Buy what you like. Let the final decision be yours and yours alone. Threads like these are slightly annoying and tedious because he didn't ask for people to tell him what to do, just opinions. I have given mine. Taking a MSF course would also be a good idea sometime down the road. Now is an XB a good choice generally for a starter bike? Obviously no. But there are soo many other factors that weigh in that can change that. I think a 250 isn't a good starter bike for a 15-16 year old. Hell, I don't think people that age should own a motorcycle. | ||
| P3newbie |
I started on a Blast having no street experience, dropped it, fixed it, and rode it for a year. Logged 14k on it, then out grew it. I am glad I started that way, got my endorsement and some skills before I moved up to the 9R. Big switch. My .02 | ||
| Azxb9r |
I think it really depends on the person. The xb can be a good beginner bike for the right person. Definitely take the riders edge course, spending a couple days playing around on the Blast should give you an idea of how comfortable you are going to be on a motorcycle. If the Blast has enough power to intimidate you, or if you have problems staying upright, the xb may not be a good starter bike. If you are comfortable riding, can control your right wrist, and are able to "ride within yourself", the xb is a fine first bike. | ||
| Werewulf |
in a perfect world, the tall xb may not be too much of a problem... statistically most riders get snuffed in the first five months of riding... on the parking lot everything is fine and if you need less power, just dont roll on the throttle (thats a no brainer)... however, what happens when a newbie gets stressed and confused in traffic... the next thing you know, they lay on the throttle and end up god knows where...usually not good...a quick throttle can be a killer to someone of limited experience....my former GF was a pretty good beginning rider, until one day she got in a tight spot in heavy traffic... she hit the gas and went thru a car lot and missed all the new cars... she just got mildly banged up and a few hundred bucks in damage.. had she been on a more powerful bike, she would have ended in disaster...i watched it all in the rear view mirror... | ||
| Clarkjw |
FWIW, just cause the xb doesn't have big horespower, doesn't mean it wont throw you back. The torque of the air cooled engines makes them a dream for the street. XB's also handle better than GSXrs | ||
| Retrittion |
The XB is not a good beginners' bike. Period.  Come on people, we all know this. The XB is a great bike -- and great bikes are not beginner bikes -- and no matter how much we all love these bikes lets draw the line at BS. You can learn on to ride an XB, just like you can learn to ride on a Triumph 675. The question of the thread wasn't "What can I survive learning to ride on", it is "Are XBs a good starter bike [for a new rider]".  Like an instructor pointed out to me, it is all about how much risk you are willing to accept. Starting on an XB right out the gate is jacking up the risk -- if your good with that then fine but since a novice rider doesn't have an understanding about that risk it's like asking a child when they think they are ready to learn to shoot a gun and what gun they want to fire first -- I'm thinking a 12 year old would choose a Barret, but maybe I'm wrong.   (Message edited by retrittion on June 10, 2008) | ||
| Mr2shim |
Gun =/= motorbike. Any retard would realize a Barrett isn't your best choice as a first gun. Besides it fails in comparison as being affordable compared to most weapons. That's like saying any average jo can go out and buy a Ferrari. Big fat negative. You do make good points though. | ||
| Nik |
Any retard would realize a Barrett isn't your best choice as a first gun. Any logical person would realize a Buell isn't the best choice as a first bike. An emotional person might feel they can handle it though. | ||
| Mr2shim |
Never said it was the best choice. There are worse choices. At least he's not half retarded like myself.  Like I've said before. It's his choice in the end. For someone too tell him that he's making a bad choice is just arrogant and slightly immature. If he feels that the bike is well in his personal limits. Then God dammit don't be a douche and say otherwise. Let his make his own f*ing bed. (Message edited by mr2shim on June 10, 2008) | ||
| Ducbsa |
No comparison to an XB, but my first bike in 1970 was a 650 BSA, considered at the time to be a real fire-breather and I survived. Like Isle of Man racers say, the throttle goes both ways. | ||
| Zoedogg1 |
Man...this is turning out to be a real tough question for some of us. Well, NOT for me..."NO! its not for beginners" First and foremost become comfortable with the road on a bike that is easy to manage. XB's dont offer that for "new" riders. It is a whole lot of bike at times, and the XB's potential is not for the inexperienced. For all the XB owners out there ask yourself this. Would you let an inexperienced beginning rider take your bike out for a spin while you stand in your driveway for them to return..HELL NO!! One because of all the love and time you put into your bike obviously but most important you'd be worried because you know what your bike can do and couldnt help but question if a newbie could handle what its got...right? | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Great 1st bike. It was my 1st bike since riding dirt bikes in high school...yes many will tell you to get a 250 Ninja or something, but realistically the XB is a bike that can take you from beginner to advanced. It will also let your skills develop faster than getting a 600cc bike, which alot of uninformed people believe is a good starter bike. You will be safe if you use your brain. If you don't you will probably get in trouble on any starter bike. The XB has a very linear power curve so there are no surprises. Superb handling. SHorter wheelbase. It is literally one of the easiest bikes to ride with the abundance of low end torque. I feel it was an excellent platform for me to learn on and recently move to the 1125r. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
+1 on the safety course. That is a MUST. The best $200 bucks you can spend as a new rider. | ||
| Bigredwood |
Good Starter Bike? . . . NO. My 2-wheeled endeavors have largely encompassed many rides and varying types of riding. I spent much of my time brappping a two-stroke through local trails, motocross tracks and occasional neighborhoods. I progressed into streetbikes with the early constant presence of my father. Since my mid-twenties I have ridden in WORCS, SCORE International and am an avid fan of track days. In the history of my riding I accepted several tidbits of knowledge to pass on to other riders. At my current age of thirty I rely on just a few incidents in my experience to pass forth in this discussion. -My first ride on a streetbike was in a controlled enviroment with constant supervision. The ride was a 1978 Honda CB750 with a bad attitude and purposely installed throttle stop. With the various differences in a streetbike and dirtbike . . . Pops said, " Pin the throttle and dump the clutch." "WHAT?" "Don't forget to hold on." -After living through the initial test of riding larger displaced four-stroke, I bought a crotch rocket from a friend. It was a masterpiece of handed-down crap and had 'character' scratched across every piece of plastic. (no fuel guage means occasional pushing) I learned to ride it quickly. Or better yet . . . FAST. With a lack of maturity, I ended up riding my wallet down an (uncommonly) empty piece of highway. In my inexperience, I grabbed the front brake when my bike had developed a bit of head-shake after the front tire hit a rock at 90+mph. -Most recently I bought a 2007 XB12STT. A dream bike in all respects. After riding motorcycles for more than half my life, I though I had it down. My past included bikes that all needed to be rev'd out to produce power. As I left the local HD stealership, I pulled onto the highway and opened my new bike up. Like all the other bikes I have owned I opened the throttle and gave it a limited amount 'hell.' To my excitement the front tire was past skyward in 2nd gear. New lesson . . . More torque at a low rpm. With all that I have endured, I smiled from ear to ear. Got the bike home and posted a note on the gauges -> NO Clutch = One Tire. I share these instances for educational insight. 1. The CB 750 I learned on couldn't 'Loop-Out' or over power me. Teaching me to control the few things that I can when I ride. 2. In dropping a bike on a highway, I learned I had more bike than I was capable of contolling. 3. When my STT wheeled-up I enjoyed the situation instead of panic. Used my experience to ride it out. It isn't your intelligence in riding smart to avoid situations that will always save you. It is the ability to ride your bike through a 'FUBAR' situation and being able to post about it. (From anywhere other than a hospital bed or funeral home.) A good starter bike is one that doesn't exceed your abilities to fix a bad situation. So this relies on the fact that each rider has his/ her own capablities. So in the spirit of this post I ask you . . . "When the shit hits the fan, can you ride your XB12SS through it, around or over it with out costing your life." Any bike that can raise the tire without clutch or any other uncontrolable high performance is . . . 'Not A Beginners Bike.' Sorry for the long-winded chat, but this is a topic close to my heart. I have lost friends to riding outside their capabilities. Some seasoned riders and some inexperience. (usually riding sportbikes/superbikes without ever putting in a track days) I find the comments encouraging this 'XB12S Good Starter Bike' information arrogant and irresponsible. A fundamentals class and riding dirt doesn't in any form make a 1203cc bike a starter bike. Implying that is wreckless and encouraging the wrong ideals in young riders. Buying a smaller bike will not make you a puss. It makes you continue to enjoy why you bought a bike . . . riding with your friends. Meant to Be Taken Personal, Justin D. (Message edited by bigredwood on June 11, 2008) | ||
| Maxo |
To every one who says that the XB12 is not a good beginner bike... I agree 100% 3 yrs ago an XB12s was my very first bike (only because I got it very cheap). Looking back now I actually think the XB12 was one of the worst choices I could've made. Believe me, riding scared on a cycle that doesn't inspire any confidence whatsoever is no fun at all... I have considered selling my XB so many times I lost count and actually considered giving up riding all together since it just wasn't all that enjoyable. Now after riding it for nearly 3 years I've gained a lot of experience but probably never acquired certain skills that I would've with a more beginner friendly bike. I'm finally starting to appreciate the XB for it's torque and other things. It gets great gas mileage and is easy to work on so I'll probably keep if for a while (or until it dies or I find something better). I'm not sure about the XB9 but, speaking from experience, the 12 is not a good beginner bike. | ||
| Mr2shim |
I think XB9 is a decent beginner bike. At least for myself. I only recall being scared the first time I went down the road. Now when I hop on it feels like it's part of me. I don't think any bike with well over 1200cc's is a good beginner. Whether it be a 4 banger or V-twin. | ||
| Firebolt32 |
My first street bike was/is my 9r. I got cocky too soon and slapped the asphalt. Won't do that again. It's all in the mentality of the rider IMO. | ||
| Rainman |
If you haven't bought it, I'd suggest something else to begin with. If you have bought it and have extra cash on hand, get a Blast to ride a lot and take the 12 out early on Saturday or Sundays. If you bought and don't have extra cash, remember that the bike has more capability than you do and don't write checks your experience level or training cannot cash. Don't ask me how I know about bouncing checks. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
"I'm not sure about the XB9 but, speaking from experience, the 12 is not a good beginner bike." I dunno if that's any better. The 9 revs differently than a 12, if you let go of the clutch too quickly, you'll be on your back watching birds fly before you know what happened. | ||
| Nik |
Isn't it interesting how the only people saying its a good first bike, got one as their first bike? Newbs teaching newbs You don't buy pants that are too big in anticipation of developing a beer gut, don't buy a bike that you have to grow into, buy one that fits. The whizbang bikes of your dreams will still be there when you're ready. Any in production Buell is not a once in a lifetime opportunity, you can wait. And if you do it right, starting on a smaller bike and trading up will cost less, so money isn't an excuse either. There's no rational reason to get a big bike as a starter, just emotional want. And while a big part of riding is emotional, that's the part that can get you in trouble, be it overconfidence, complacency or fear. How can anyone argue using maturity and having one's brain outweigh their wrist to avoid these, while giving into lust and desire? Avoid these and start with a rational choice. | ||
| Boltrider |
Some of the scenarios being described here.... What guarantee is there that a Blast would even help? And if you die on a bike, does it matter whether it's a Blast or a Firebolt? Dead is dead. And what if the Blast (or nameless 250 whatever) gives the rider a false sense of security? Riding with a bit of an edge is what's going to save me if I ever encounter a tight spot. There's so many "what ifs" in this argument that we could go in circles forever. | ||
| G234146 |
Moto control: It's all in the wrist.  Seriously though, wanted to buy my first bike. Went to a shop looking at R1's (how original of me!) Guy threw me out with a scolding. First bike: Honda Rebel 450. Used bike, didn't hurt my pride or wallet when I dropped it. outgrew it in a year. sold!  | ||
| Jrockne |
Time for this thread to die..  | ||
| Mr2shim |
Please. | ||
| Vanvideo |
How many times has this question came up? The answer is NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NOOOOO! | ||
| Brazenbuck |
This has been an interesting thread to read. Are there bikes that are easier to learn on than an XB? Sure. Can someone learn to ride on an XB? Again, sure. The idea that everyone who buys an XB does so on some wild emotion to set the world on fire is not based in reality. Can someone who feels otherwise please answer me this - Assuming one is serious about learning how to ride, and dedicates themselves to continuous education, practice and improvement, what essential motorcycling skills can one simply not learn on an XB? | ||
| Buelltroll |
This is a retarded thread if your not a COMPLETE MORON you can LEARN on ANYTHING bunch o tards | ||
| Vanvideo |
Brazen, it's not the skills that you can or cannot learn on an XB , it's the skills beginners DON'T HAVE that concerns me. Things like proper throttle control, braking, handling. The XB line does not suffer fools lightly. If you're not used to instant, strong torque, this bike will surely teach you, in no uncertain terms. In my opinion, its short wheelbase makes the XB's handling more twitchy than other sport bikes. It commands respect, and I believe the surer and more learned a rider you are, the better you can manage these bikes. I would recommend a Shadow 600, a V-Star 650, a Blast, an SV650, a Ninja 250 or 500 to a beginner. I would never recommend these bikes to a beginner. No way, no how. | ||
| Buelltroll |
thats just dumb |
