G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile

Buell Forum » XBoard » Archive through May 07, 2012 » Trying to decide: 09 XB9sx or 08 Street Triple » Archive through December 17, 2011 « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Epyx
Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - 09:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I am in the middle of making a decision before purchasing a new bike (trading in my Nightster). Both bikes cost the same at about $6.3K (give or take). The XB is basically new, only 1800 miles, Hero blue - bone stock. The Street has 13k on the clock, white, with Sargent seat, fly screen and full Arrow 3 into 1, new tires and 12k service complete. Both are at dealers.

I have always drooled over both bikes but give the nod on looks to the XB.

Im 5'7" so both bikes fit me fine. I have not yet ridden either. I have ridden a Uly for a few hours but never ridden any Triumph products.

My worries with the Buell are parts and potentially service. I know my way around a Sporty engine and figure I can learn the differences on the Buell but for serious stuff I'm worried about professional support. (I live in Pittsburgh if anyone knows a good indie) Parts are the big one.

Also - little concerned that the Buell is too small to carry a pillion. My wife does not ride often (almost never) but it is nice to take her every now and then. I found a video on Ytube and it looked kinda cramped. She is super little though. 5' and 100lbs.

I am mostly a city commuter. The CityX is basically perfect and tailor made for this task. I rarely ride the super slab but spend lots of time on back roads. Dont usually ride more than 3 hours in a day. I love that the XB gets really good fuel economy numbers - much better than the Street.

Any thoughts?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Epyx
Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - 09:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

...also the Buell is 5 hours away.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Panhead_dan
Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - 09:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You already know the answer.

Become one with the Buell. Your lady will love it.
and so will you.


Don't believe me? Check the maintanance intervals of that lovely Triumph as compared to the Buell.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cityxruss
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 02:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The CityX is a great city commuter bike. It's also good in the twisties if you go there. I use mine for commuting every day in heavy traffic. It's not going to be good for riding 2-up, but having a tiny 100 pound passenger is probably not too bad. If she enjoys riding with you then it will be okay even if it's a bit cramped.

I haven't ridden the Street Triple so I can't comment on it. I understand it's a very nice bike. Not a bad decision either way.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellblastrider
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 02:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I rather have a passenger on my lightning than on my firebolt or her gsxr. I love my lightning to no end. I think 6.3 is to much for a used xb when the 09s sold for 6500 new after the fire sale...that's what I got mine for anyway. Street tripples is a great bike to but sounds like you have all but convinced yourself to do the lightning.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Littlebuggles
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 03:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I was on the fence about Buell, Triumph (speed trip), and Ducati (monster) when I found an excellent deal on a Buell in Berkley. Had a loan secured on a SWEET Honda Superhawk at the time, then found the fuel economy report (on the Honda) and canceled that deal right off.

Service interval on the Duc turned me from those and I always loved that the Buell sounded so tough, had great performance, and excellent fuel mileage.

Borrowed dad's truck and went for that 8-10 hour drive. What a great decision! Still have that first Buell and also an XB to keep it company. I love how they ride, what they represent in being the only viable American sport bike, and the statement riding that American muscle bike makes.

Erik Buell is pretty cool too, and the riders and board members here are great; being a part of all that is Buell has been a great experience.

The CityX is a great bike, but the Street Triple is a pretty sweet bike too... tough decision, good luck!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Tony216
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 06:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Of the two you're looking at, the speed triple, hands down. Neither one is priced particularly well, but $6300 is about the highest price I've seen on a Buell since HD shut them down (except for a really nice Uly).

I bought my 08 Speed Triple, with the full Arrow 3-1, w/ map, mad doc taillight, sliders a plenty (R&G), lots of black powdercoating, Triumph accessory seat, a pitbull stand and a few more items for $6,400 in April of 2010, that's almost two years ago.

As far as the Buell goes, most of the motor parts are sportster parts and Harley seems to be sticking to their ten year commitment. I've had no problems ordering parts for mine.

Street riding experience with Buell XB's has been rather pleasant. The triumph has been very reliable. My friend has a 955i S3 with about 40k on it. No major issue with it to date.

I don't get to ride much, but when I ride the Triumph, my usual thought is, "I forgot how good this bike is." In all fairness, that's comparing it to an 01 Dyna, a scooter and a DRZ.

Honestly, if the Buell was cheaper and had aftermarket parts that I liked, there's a good chance, I'd say go for the Buell. I usually buy used bikes when I can find a good deal with things I want already done to them. That's the number one reason I think the trumpet is a better deal.

(Message edited by Tony216 on December 15, 2011)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Terrys1980
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 08:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It's going to be hard to find a '09 Buell for less than $6k these days. Their value has actually gone up some since the 1190RS went into production.

The torque alone on the Street Triple should push you away from it. It's barely pushing 45 ft lbs. The XB9 has close to 70 ft lbs.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Reepicheep
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 09:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I wouldn't worry about parts... I think they will be plentiful for as long as you need them. Ironically, Harley seems to be doing much better with parts after shutting down Buell. A few parts take longer now (color matched airbox cover for example), but they are still made.

Also the occasional 2 up is no problem on the 9sx. I'm 6'2" and not skinny, and my wife would ride with me occasionally. She loved the upgrade to the Uly seat, but for short fun rides to a movie or something, she had no problem with the 9sx seat.

I'd consider another option if I were you... find a clean 9sx with higher milage. Those 9 motors seem ridiculously reliable, its the sweet spot in the entire Harley line. They just run forever without any drama. I had 30k+ on my 05 with very few problems. I sold it for like $3k or something, and it was perfect when I helped the buyer roll it on the trailer. So a $4k 9sx and $2k worth of really nice gear or track days would be pretty nice.

The new oiling system (oil pump on the cam cover) and bigger crank bearing was necessary for the 12 bikes... so paying up for one of those later ones is worth it. I don't think it was necessary for the 9 bikes though... they were fine unless you were racing.

So for your first question, speed triple versus 9sx. I would say you can't answer it without riding both bikes. Both are fantastic bikes, but pretty different. It's an emotional purchase, see which pushes the most of your buttons.

The triumph probably will cost more to maintain, just in the valve adjustments and chain drive alone.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Epyx
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 09:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

All great information everyone, thanks for being so un-biased. I am really surprised at all the open minded replies.

I have noticed that, as a buyer, there appears to be lots of interest in the 09 Buells (and I assume 10s as well) and few are available for sale. Even being the start of winter, I am never the only person interested in the Buell’s, and they have all sold quickly. Conversely, the XR1200s I looked at with 0 interests from others and were sitting unsold for a LONG time and are ALL currently still available (I started looking back in AUG). Some new 09s are even still available and honestly under close scrutiny, I think HD may have missed the mark, good in a vacuum not so good under examination with the competition. The Triumphs are really popular, or at least rare, and seem to sell very quickly, I’ve missed out on two by not acting quickly enough.

I must say my major concern with the XB is the pillion accommodations. Is there any way to extend the tail section on a SX if it does present a problem? I know the SS has the larger frame so I assume the tail is not an easy swap, correct? Are there aftermarket grab rails available? My wife - tolerates - my love of motorcycles and I think the level of toleration would go down if she became totally excluded from participating. I guess that is a fairly stupid decision factor considering I ride solo 99% of the time, but it is a concern if only for perception. Usually, such problems can be fixed with the aftermarket or being creative so hoping this is true here as well.

The other hard part is I can’t test ride the Buell to compare. If I drive 5 hours to see it, I'm buying it (unless it is a total turd, which is unlikely with only 1800 miles). I'm pretty confident I'll like it. I loved the Uly and would have bought one last year had my feet been able to touch the ground.

I'll probably go look at the Triumph this weekend. I'm actually hoping I hate it!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Epyx
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 09:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks Reepicheep,
I didnt see your post until after I posted mine. Good to see that the SX can be modded if needed regarding the seat. Good info there as well with the motor. All confidence inspiring.

(Message edited by Epyx on December 15, 2011)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Treefrog
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 10:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Maybe you should take a peek at an XT. Little shorter than a Uly (I'm 5'7 and no worries about holding it up). If you like the Uly, the XT may be just what you need and you can find them in that price range all day long.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Reepicheep
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 12:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Well, the way I modded the Uly seat to fit on the 9sx was to sell the 9sx and buy a Uly. So it's a pretty expensive mod. ; )

The 9sx seat (at least the 05 seat on mine, which I think is called the skyline seat) was the best that a 9sx will ever get. Like I said, it is good enough for a date night, but probably wouldn't cut the mustard for a day of riding.

You might want to add a Uly to your list of bikes to check as well. Or maybe an XT if you want a lower seat height. Its a killer commuter bike. The 9sx will split a dime in terms of handling, any line, any time. It's fantastic. The XB12X with its extra suspension handle more like a dual sport, so not quite so precise, but still handles just as well... I can probably put both bikes around a track just as fast, but if I had to put the tire precisely on a pre-painted 1" wide track and keep it there at speed, I could do it on the 9sx, but the Uly would be back and forth on it a bit.

The speed triple is supposed to be great as well, but my impression is they vary a lot between years. All good, but some big leaps forward. So a year may mean a lot.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Papachristou
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 12:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

i can chime in a little here. i have a daytona 675 which has the same engine as the striple. it has more torque than a jap bike but definitely not as much as the buell. It's a very streetable bike, versatile and comfy too. But 12k miles versus 2k. no brainer for me there.

ive had to order some parts for my xb9r and didnt have any issues. Dealer even had a few in stock.

you cant go wrong either way. triumph dealers usually have a demo bike so if you want to go by and get a ride in, you should be able to.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Terrible1one3
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 12:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My wife is bigger than yours. She hated riding on my sportster, and LOVED riding on my '04 XB12S.

I wouldn't worry about passenger riding at all if all she knows is a Sporty.

Now if she was on the back of the Ulysses while you were riding it she might be a bit spoiled cause it's night and day better on back then any other Buell.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Epyx
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 01:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ok thanks all! Great advice. I have decided to go with the XB "IF" the dealer comes down somewhere near KBB and NADA value. They started at $6,700 which seems crazy to me but it is essentially new so maybe they think the market is better than book or they overpaid on a trade. I dont begrudge them but it may keep me from buying it. KBB and NADA both list retail at $5,600. Thats where I'd like to be give or take. If I come off and total it, insurance is only going to cover the book value so I dont want to have negative equity the day I buy it. You expect that with a new bike, not a used one. The Triumph guy came down to $5,999 (a little under book) but I think Im going to pass on that particular bike. It has all the right farkels but 13K miles seems more than I'll find if I wait.

(Message edited by Epyx on December 15, 2011)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Terrible1one3
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 01:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I don't know Triumphs that well but if 13k is high for that model then I wouldn't buy one in the first place. 13k generally isn't much for a bike. I think age effects bikes more then mileage WHEN the bike is properly maintained.

I'd highly advise against buying a bike over blue book, if you are financing you might have issues doing that anyway. Tell them you want the BB out the door.

Gotta deal hard but like you said '09 and '10's are a bit more sought after so it's a risk not snatching it up at that time. You have to be the judge of that.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Epyx
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 01:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

XTs are really rare around me. I was looking for one last year when I almost bought an X. I have a 30" inseam so I think the XT could still be too tall but I think my toes would touch with the 33" seat.

And yes, my wife only knows the back of a Sporty. Most recently the back of a Nightster with all of 1.5" of shock travel. Its pretty small as well. Her size 5s are always in the way with the mid controls. I'll have to look but I bet the pillion space is about the same on both bikes. The longest she has ever ridden with me has been an hour before stopping anyway - its not like we are touring. I think as long as i get some sort of grab rail or back rack to lean on she will be fine.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rockerphotographer
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 04:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Don't forget about the XBss long. It has the same frame as Uly and XT...Oh look! there's one for sale in the classifieds. : )

I think corbin makes a seat that has a back rest for it too.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Tony216
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 05:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I just re-read that, I was thinking SPEED triple when you posted that. I'd definitely take the Buell over the street triple. Speed triple is a different story.

Like I said, $6500 should easily get you on an 08-10 speed triple.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bads1
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 05:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Speed Triple...ummm 132 hp?? I'd say ride both then make the choice. Both fun I've ridden both and owned the 9.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Littlebuggles
Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2011 - 11:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Naw Dana, he's looking at the Street Triple, 675. Cool bike either way, and I'll bet it's a blast as a commuter and back road bike... put some handguards on it and heated grips, hmmm...

Ride 'em. Then decide. Once I'd ridden a couple Buells my heart was set.

Corbin does make a seat for the Ss with the backrest(I've been wanting it for my STT, to help keep my kid on the back). Or you could send your stock seat, or a second seat off to Sargent or Baldwin to add some foam to the pillion. Maybe just a 1/4-3/8" of closed cell foam would add a fair bit of comfort too, and not leave the seat looking huge...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cityxruss
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2011 - 02:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

13K miles shouldn't be high mileage for any properly maintained bike.

Epyx, it's interesting that you mentioned the XR1200. I am seriously considering buying an XR1200X (in addition to my XB9SX) so I can ride 2-up with my wife. I'm 6' tall and 200 lbs and my wife is ... well let's just say she's not 120 lbs anymore. We just won't fit comfortably on the XB9SX but she would love to go on some rides with me. I would also like to have another bike to split up my annual 20 - 25K motorcycle miles.

I'm surprised that the HD XR1200X is not selling better than it does. It's sorta like the Buell - it's the red-headed step-child in the HD line up. Most Harley dudes don't like it and would never buy it. People like me who are interested in it (but are living outside the HD lifestyle) are looking at other options.

Good luck on your decision. Let us know what you get.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Epyx
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2011 - 09:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

CityXruss - Will do, hopefully I will hear something about the XB today. If they come down to book value, I'll put down a CC deposit and be on my way to Detroit after Christmas.

The XR1200x is a nice bike but about $3K too expensive to be competitive on a larger sense. It’s hard to justify spending over $12K for the XR1200X when something like the Street Triple R is $9.5K (that’s like 40K miles worth of valve adjustments in cost difference). Even Ducati is more competitive regarding price. Quantitatively, the less expensive bikes best the XR in performance and value. HD cant just rely on its brand in this class like it does when someone like Victory does the same thing. The Euro brands hold more brand cache and the HD name may even be a detriment (for example resentful Buell owners). Just seems like a very hard bike to sell. It is slick looking and fun to ride but HD priced it into a niche.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buewulf
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2011 - 11:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

In my opinion, the engine in the Street Triple is hands down better than the XB9. Forget about the 45 ft-lbs peak. The motor makes usable power everywhere and has a very refreshing top-end punch. I have only spent a good deal of time on the Street Triple R, and I feel the suspension and brakes are better than the XB too. So I can't really comment on the standard Street Triple if that is what you are looking at. Also, I don't think anything sounds better than a triple at WOT, but again that's just me.

I don't have any 2-up experience on either machine, but I imagine they would both suck equally at the task.

If you are looking at the R model, I wouldn't hesitate to get it over the CityX. I have grown to love adjustable suspensions, though, and I would have a much tougher time deciding between a City X and a regular Street Triple.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ridesinnm
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2011 - 11:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I would second the idea of having Baldwin seats build you a two up seat. I have an 09 XB12SS and the stock seat was not very passenger friendly. The foam out toward the edges was not adequate and the seat sloped down towards the front. She was constantly sliding into me. I bought another seat that had a tear in it, and sent it to Baldwin. It has made a huge difference, probably the biggest thing I could have done to improve our experience riding together (without buying a Goldwing). I have ridden the Street Triple. I liked it, but I think I like the low end power of the Buell for the riding that I do. I would like the higher redline of the Triumph for trackdays, but the rest of the time the Buell is just perfect. And no valve adjustments.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Firemanjim
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2011 - 04:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I am on my 4th Triumph and have had zero issues with any of them. They make great power and torque, rev past what an XB will do, and are tractable way down low. Fuel economy is great as well.Street triple is sweet!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Brumbear
Posted on Friday, December 16, 2011 - 04:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I love the CityX but the triple is a better buy
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cityxruss
Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2011 - 11:18 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The best motorcycle to buy is not always the one with the best performance numbers or the one you get the best deal on.

The best motorcycle to buy is the one that you are the most interested in. It's the one that has you going back into the garage just to look at it. That should be the top priority.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cityxruss
Posted on Saturday, December 17, 2011 - 11:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sorry Brumbear, my post wasn't a response to your post. It was just something I thought of while thinking about my next motorcycle, and how there are better choices out there than what I'm planning to buy.
« Previous Next »

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration