as green as can be. . .

[janix44]

okay, i'm brand new. at all of this. i've never ridden motorcycle, let alone passed my test. BUT, i've done ridiculous amounts of research, talked to several people i know personally who ride, even been a passenger a few times. bottom line, i want a bike. BAD. have for a long time. and it finally seems that in the next 6 months or so my bank account will be agreeable enough to let that happen. question is, would you recommend an XB12S to someone as green as me? i've got a wife and kids to worry about so i don't need a lecture about taking it slow and taking my time learning. i'm quite aware of the level of responsibility i'll be taking on by getting ANY motorcycle. just wondering what your take is on an XB as a first bike. any input is appreciated.

 

[Stevenc150]

Short answer, Take a Rider's Safety course and Yes, the XB12S would be fine as a starter bike DEPENDING on Maturity. As long as you take it slow (cause Buells are Torque monsters), wear Full gear, and realize you're NOT invincible....it's a YES.

Long answer, as well as with anything else, it's always best to start out small and work your way up. But in today's uncertain financial times, that isn't always an option. So that's why I say.... [reference to Short answer above]

Whatever you choose, Ride safe and be sure you're there for your family. [up]

 

[dave_xb12r]

Although my XB12R wasn't technically my first bike, I feel I did all of my street learning on it. There are a lot of people who have started on XB12's and are doing fine. The thing that is great about buells is they are the lazy mans bike. They practically ride themselves! They are soo easy to flick around and they don't require shifting every other second like every other bike does. I think you'll be fine.

Oh and welcome to the forums!

 

[ShawnB]

I was the same as you janix, I was green went and took the MSF course, and then picked up an XB9R. It has been by far my best purchase of my lifetime. As the other guys say, if you wear your gear, respect the machine it has the power, as long as you are aware you will be fine.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[1001yos]

Green? Yes. The two valves per cylinder layout allow greater turbulance across the valve opening greatly increasing the speed of the incomming gasses allowing for a cleaner and more complete burn. Also, one of the only bikes to pass California emmisions without a catalytic converter or air pump. (edit: four cyl) Bikes of half the displacement don't get this great of fuel milage.
Definately a green choice as far as sport bikes are concerned.

BTW when the bike is at idle, you KNOW you're on a harley (vibration) Just something to consider

 

[onelogue]

WELCOME!!

 

[thunderXB]

novice should not start on an xb-12....

 

[sk8ace]

My xb12s was my very first street bike. (I'v ridden a few quads and dirtbikes but never a street bike) Shifting was never a problem for me being that I learned way back on quads. The only problem that I had (still not the greatest after 2 months riding) was slow, sharp turns pulling out in first gear. I can not seem to keep it in tight.. It tends to drift towards the centerline. I don't know if I am just not leaning enough or what. Feels like its going to fall over going that slow (plus the bike is not the smoothest in those low RPM's, jumps around a lot like an old muscle car that wants to go fast )

Other than that I have been having a great time! The feeling is like nothing else I have ever been on. I will keep this bike forever

 

[gdb4_scg]

I second what Stevenc150 suggested - take the safety course. Besides the benefit of getting you out of taking the driving part of your license test (at least that's how it is in Texas), you will find yourself applying things you learn in the course every time you ride. And it's a great first step toward gradually building up your confidence. XB should be fine if you respect it and don't get crazy with it right away.

 

[Stevenc150]

I don't know if I am just not leaning enough or what. Feels like its going to fall over going that slow

Are you counter-leaning enough? (leaning to Outside of turn). Slow speed leaning is opposite of At-speed leaning.

 

[sk8ace]

I am going out for a ride today and pratice on this. I think I am usually inline with the bike. (or slightly leaning outside of the turn) I will throw in some more counter lean and see what results I come up with. I really appreciate the tips! (Sorry if this is off-toppic)

Good luck with your bike searching janix!

 

[ROJO]

My XB12s was my first bike I have ever owned. I am 36, and I felt I was finally mature enough to handle a "big boy" bike. Take the rider safety course first, and it you feel comfortable enough, DO IT!!!!!

 

[Nuage420b]

Janix. I'm buying my XB12 tomorrow. First Bike ever. ridden quads but always auto matics. I'll let you know how i fair. So far most people have not dissuaded me from buying the bike. Unfortunately i only have two weeks to enjoy at home before i go back to iraq and don't haev time to take safety course. but i will be taking it as soon as i return from my tour. but my friend who is in his 9th year of riding is teaching me the basics and will be mentoring me through my first rides.

 

[janix44]

wow, thanks for the warm welcome! all of your answers are informative and very encouraging! i'll tell you i wasn't expecting quite such a supportive response. glad to hear it's not too much bike for the (intelligent, mature, restrained) beginner. i'm even more excited now knowing i've made a good choice. time to start saving up! Nuage420b - look forward to hearing how it goes for you.

 

[samiam901]

Welcome to the show

 

[theoctopus]

I'm going to agree with thunderXB in saying that an XB12 is not an appropriate beginners bike. No matter what everyone else says, it's a lot of weight and a lot of power for a beginner. You will not regret with starting with something smaller and then moving up when it's appropriate. If you treat your bike well, and choose appropriately, you'll be able to resell the bike at near to the same cost as you purchased it, and THEN pick up the xb12.

 

[JES1680]

I would say start smaller and cheaper. I know it's hard to wait to get the cool bike. I used to keep a 78 Yamaha XS400 around just to teach friends to ride and let them take their test on.
If for no other reason than there is a really good chance that you will drop the bike as you are learining. I'd rather drop a cheap smaller bike than an XB12.

 

[Supermanrider]

i would start with a smaller bike something a little older; might have to do a little work get your hands dirty, but thats half the fun of riding sometimes knowing you put blood and sweat into it and the ride is the reward.

also you can pay cash for it and get cheap insurance ride till you get comfortable on the streets

 

[joser]

janix44 I was in the same boat as you are. I went ahead and did the MSF course and got me an 09 xb12Scg. I dropped it once (thats what insurance is for, right?) dusted myself off and kept on riding...no mishaps or problems yet. just so you no it not "if" you drop your bike, its "when" keep that in mind and you'll do ok.

 

[Stevenc150]

New Rider = Frame Pucks are a Must [up]