Buell vs Ducati vs Aprilia

[dmulligan]

I'm looking for a "fun" naked bike to ride around the Texas Hill Country. I already have a cruiser. I'm comparing the Buell XB12Ss, Ducati Monster 1100 (expensive), and Aprilia Shiver 750 (small engine, cool bike). The Buell really interests me but they are VERY hard to find here in Texas.

How does the bike handle?
How hot does it get during summer rides? (what is sticky leg?)
Performance... how responsive is the engine?
Best thing about the bike (other than looks)?
How much should I pay for an 09 XB12Ss (out the door)?

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

 

[steve may]

Can't tell you anything about the Ducati or Aprilia. I think the Buells look better. I've lived in San Antonio and Austin, I think the Buell would most likely out torque them up some of the gnarlier hills. Try Alamo Harley Davidson.

 

[Stevenc150]

It's intuitive in it's cornering. Just a thought and very little effort and you're carving corners.

It's air-cooled so it does put out some heat, especially when waiting on traffic.

Responsive.....it's a torque monster, so I'd say if power is what you're after instead of speed; you've found you're match.

Other than looks? The character of an air-cooled V-twin and the uniqueness of a Buell (i.e. fuel-in-frame, oil in swingarm, perimeter front brake rotor, valve actuated exhaust, muffler under the frame, etc., etc.)

Cost....I'll let others weight in on that. I can say, you won't regret it unless all you're wanting is straight-line speed.

 

[dmulligan]

Thanks for the quick response guys. I'm definitely more interested in power than top end speed. Comfort and a nimble ride for the twisties is my priority. I'm just looking for a fun weekend ride.

I've checked with Alamo HD, Javelina HD, and Gruene HD... no XB12Ss or XB12Scg in stock... I had no idea Buell's were so hard to find.

 

[Stevenc150]

I'm definitely more interested in power than top end speed.

Then you have found "the end of the rainbow". Post up any more questions/concerns you may have and Good luck in your search D.

 

[dave_xb12r]

Did you mean the "stinky leg". Exhaust output is on one side, so when sitting at a light with your right foot on the rear break, your left leg gets exhaust blown on it. However, the 09 Ss has a longer exhaust output preventing this.

 

[steve may]

All I can think is maybe Houston has A large dealership.

 

[raz65man]

When I was looking for an 09 Ss there were none in Virginia to be found. I went to the dealer with a deposit and they had one there in 3 days. Don't know what the tax rate is in Texas but mine was a little over 11,500 OTD. By far it is the most responsive and stable bike I've ridden over the years. I absolutely love the permagrin it has inflicted me with. You won't be disappointed!!

 

[RyBuell]

I had a monster: It was expensive to maintain, fun to ride and something to show off to my buddies: but the Buell blows the monster away on every level.

 

[boreas]

Buy an American bike!Imports are boring and way over priced.You will get way more fun and attention out of the Buell! Hope you find a Buell in your area. I had to travel an hour to find the right one .Worth the time,and money.Good luck in your quest

 

[TechMagic]

I bought a used one off ebay, listed through a dealership. Cost me $500 to ship it from Florida to New York. Took about a month to get.

 

[Patchkit]

The bike handles like a razor. It really is just a thought to turn. That, along with the growl that the engine gives, was the big sale point for me.

It does get warm, but if you heat shield it a bit you will not even notice it.

~11.5 is what they are running here in NY too, and they are hard to find in a show room.

 

[myronman3]

search craigslist, there are plenty in your area. for a lot cheaper than new.

 

[Macbuell]

I am dying here. I bought my bike on St. Patty's day through ebay (04 xb12s) and paid him 3 days later. Great guy to deal with, but Haulbikes is taking FOR EVER to get me the bike. I signed the contract with haul bikes on the 19th last month. They picked up the bike on the 1st of this month in AL. Now it is somewhere in between AL and their hub in Wisconsin... They wont even estimate a delivery until they get it to their hub in WI sometime next week. Then it has to get on another truck and come to CO.

As long as the bike is safe I dont care but this is my 1st bike and the weather here in Denver is warming up! I just want to ride!

(all I have ever ridden was a 200cc bike in the riders safety course. very excited to move up to something bigger)

 

[Stevenc150]

Congrats to you Mac! Ride Safe bro.

 

[dmulligan]

Thanks everyone for the comments. This is a great site.

I found a used 2008 Ulysesses (2500 miles) at a HD dealership here. It was comfortable but the bags were a little bulky for me. They wanted $9K plus tax, title..etc but they were definitely willing to go lower. However, I don't think the Ulysesses is what I'm looking for.

I'm on a mission to find a XB12Ss as it would be nice to at least sit on one before I make a decision! I've found a few out of state...

 

[SeabeeBueller]

Mac, quick little bit of info, I highly recommend redoing the safety course with your Buell when you get it. It is night and day different to a 200. Doing the course will help you tremendously to learn your new bike and hopefully keep you safe in the long run. As Steven said "Ride safe bro".

 

[dmulligan]

When I was looking for an 09 Ss there were none in Virginia to be found. I went to the dealer with a deposit and they had one there in 3 days. Don't know what the tax rate is in Texas but mine was a little over 11,500 OTD. By far it is the most responsive and stable bike I've ridden over the years. I absolutely love the permagrin it has inflicted me with. You won't be disappointed!

Did you try one out somewhere before you put the deposit down or did you just go for it?

How "neutral" is the riding position? Is it more neutral or more towards a sport position?

 

[jsg]

Maybe you could look for a demo ride when they will come to a near by dealer.

 

[TechMagic]

I am dying here. I bought my bike on St. Patty's day through ebay (04 xb12s) and paid him 3 days later. Great guy to deal with, but Haulbikes is taking FOR EVER to get me the bike. I signed the contract with haul bikes on the 19th last month. They picked up the bike on the 1st of this month in AL. Now it is somewhere in between AL and their hub in Wisconsin... They wont even estimate a delivery until they get it to their hub in WI sometime next week. Then it has to get on another truck and come to CO.

Dude, sorry to hijack but you and me both!! Mine was from a dealer in Florida, HaulBikes picks it up in a couple days from now, same story, gotta get to MI then to western NY state...I'm sorry but they need to get their delivery time down to 2 weeks. 4-5 weeks is unreasonable.