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Which model to get?

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rkb58

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Joined
May 12, 2013
Messages
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Hello all, thinking about getting an XB12, need a little help with the various models. I am 6-2,250lb (too much beer!), but am fairly comfortable on my X1 now. I have sat on an XB12Ss that seemed pretty comfortable. I do plan to take the bike to track days in the future.

So, How much handling difference is there in the normal vs long vs cg? Is the Firebolt riding position significantly better for the track? (Have done 300 car track days, but never on a bike).

Price is probably a little more important to me than cosmetics.
 
couldn't say which is best, you may have to just try 'em all on before making a final decision. best if you get input from the guys who have taking their bikes on the track to sort the pros and cons of which model is suited for what you want to do. good luck to ya
 
I'm 5'10" & I ride an ScG. I'm fairly comfortable but I'd say that at 6'2", you might be a lil scrunched up on one. I've never rode a different Buell so I can't attest to any of those but I do know that an S & SS model sits a bit higher than mine.
 
The Ss will certainly fit your frame better, and it'll handle track speeds better too.

The standard wheelbase models are unusually short with extremely steep steering geometry. Consequentially, they compromise on high speed stability and front-end cornering confidence. They are also tougher to keep the front end down off the line.

The Ss is more inherently stable and better suited to triple-digit track speeds.
 
I've owned both the 9S, the 12S, and now the 12SS. I'm 6'0", 200#, and love the way the SS feels vs. the S. With my slightly larger size, I feel more stable on the long. I'm liking the bigger gas tank too...At nearly 50mpg, it definitely gives me a bit more seat time before I need to fill up. I actually feel like I can lean into the turns about more on the SS. I don't do anything crazy or run on a track, so I can't speak to that, but I love the feel of the long model. Good luck!
 
Think the Ss would physically fit you better.

My Ss is rock solid through the corners and at all speeds. Haven't had a chance to get it on the track yet, but all I ride are canyons.(don't always play nice)

I've read a bunch of posts about needing a steering stabilizer on the S/R models for more aggressive riding.
 
i'm exactly same size as riverotter and concur 100% with his opinion. owning a lightning, a lightning long, a firebolt, and a ulysses i can tell you that the long and the ulysses.....to me...are the most comfortable and feel very stable at speed. no track info to share but that's been my riding experience on all 4 models.
 
At 5'11" my TT is perfect. Basicly an SS but some styling differences. I guess if an xt and a as had offspring it would look like a stt :p
 
I have an STT. It has plenty of size, handling may be slightly less sharp than an scg, but i think you realy would have to push near the limits to notice. I have seen a couple of videos of people on stt at the track looking pretty sharp. Best of luck
Her name is BEA
15909_20130209235359_L.jpg
:D
 
11700_20130705092009_L.jpg
. Here us my STT. With the white air box and hero blue badging. Awesome ride, probably most fun bike I have owned. Had an RZ350 that was pretty cool back in 85. Wished I had kept it for sure!
 
Here us my STT...probably most fun bike I have owned. 
Click to expand...
The STT was Buell's version of a Su-Mo, but ultimately it's too big & heavy to be a real Motard.
HD, if you're into smaller fun bikes like the RZ350, you ought to try a real 'tard if you haven't already. I discovered this category a few years ago after owning many larger more powerful bikes. I have now had a little KLX250sf & a G660x, and both have been a total fucking riot to blast around on!
 
Get a Uly. It's practical, utilitarian, bad-ass, do-all awesomeness. You can easily make it look like the various models but being a big guy, you'll appreciate its size. And having the ability to cruise a gravel road at $65 mph is a real treat at times.

It's the one you'll have no regrets and wants about. It'll please you.

Get a Uly.

GET A ULY.
 
All,

Thanks for the good input, just what I was looking for. Please continue to post any additional info, still looking.
 

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