Commuter Buells

[rb70383]

If all goes well, I may have an increase in my commute for an undetermined set of time. It will be going from ~7 to ~100miles.
So got me to thinking about getting another XB just for commuting.


Who commutes >50 miles mainly by bike?


Having an EBR and a 9R, I like the upright for longer distance riding, duh! but don't need triple digit hp for a commuter, wait, there are a couple passing zones....Hmmm
Both my bikes have lowered pegs as well, that helps out a lot. 6' here.

Before I bought the EBR, I was set on getting a Zero DSR. Eventually I would still like to get one.


Some quick brainstorming, I think an SS or an Ulysses. Storage, rain gear, tools, etc.., upright riding and I would leave the 12 gearing, lower cruising rpm. Do the windshields help that much on a Uly? Never thought about it but is do Ulys get worse mileage? Also I think A Uly wears bags better then a Lightning. However I doubt I will ever take it off road as that was the reason for the DSR. Which brings up is there any advantage of a Uly for commuting if it never leaves the road? I think I a Uly isn't the best, but an SS with bags.

Not to start another 9 vs 12, but for commuting? Does a 9 have enough torque to pull 12 gearing?

On easy rides I've gotten as high as 50mpg on the XB. (03 XB9R)

Also what about tires for commuting? Just the "standard" sport touring are the only choices correct?

What's everyone's take on longer commuting on a bike in general?

Almost sounds like a ploy for an excuse to get another bike....:black_eyed:

 

[njloco]

You can see where I live, before retiring last year, I would commute into Hoboken Mon to Fri with my Ully, I have the racks on the back with soft bags plus a tank bag, I have Continental road tires on it. It's great on the roads which are mostly multi lane high speed highways, 55mph but they go 75 - 80+. Oddly, I have never been caught in the rain so, I have nothing to say about that. The bike handles great in traffic.

P.S. I'm 5'9", so I don't have a problem. Its about 75 miles round trip.

 

[rb70383]

How long of a commute? I had to get dropped pegs for my firebolt. Legs were too bunched up. Uly's have dropped pegs to begin with?

 

[loose1]

I'd get a s3t. Much better for communing in my opinion. I have a s2t

 

[rb70383]

Really a tuber? Hmmm What years were the S3T? Havent though about tubers.

 

[TapRoot]

Not sure about the 9 but I ride an 05 xb12r with lowered pegs, LSL riser kit eliminates clip ons and TKC 70’s on/ off road tires. I’m 41 and have done many 100 plus one way mile day trips. Though very doable all around as far as comfort goes I always where a back pack so have yet to try bags. I bet the 9 would be a great commuter, I guess it comes down to how much you need to carry.

 

[Cooter]

I rode a Cyclone M-2 for about 3500 miles in a month and a half all over the PNW and Canada. It had XB suspension and I thought it was the most comfortable bike I ever sat on. Still a carb bike too for simplistic repairs if that's your thing.

Then I recovered and padded an urban assault seat for the STT and I would feel confident to chase the IronButt riders for tens of thousands of miles. The cushy seat is perfect and the tall STT suspension makes for a a caddy ride that still corners confidently.

I'd think an S2T or S3T (I don't know the difference) would be a fine choice as well, a bit better wind protection and they look so nice with the bags on:angel:. Orange tubes and grey plastics FTW!

 

[loose1]

The s3t were built from 97 to 02 I'd buy a 99 or newer preferably 02 so you can have fuel injection.

 

[rb70383]

Orange with Grey!! Is the STT Uly high? I know nothing about the carb'd buells. I imagine easy to work on.
Was EFI only on the 02 Buell's? and there after of course.

I'd definitely need a new seat.

 

[Cooter]

The STT is high, maybe as tall as a Uly? With the padded seat my 36" inseam is almost straight with both feet flat:up: A lower seat is a 3"! difference.

Carb'd Buell's are stick-and-hammer simple. Upgrade to the same carb that upgrades a Sportster and it's even better.

I thought the X-1 was the First FI Buell? Man I need to learn more about tubers. I really like them, especially with XB suspension.
Custer Nat'l Park:

 

[loose1]

all '99 and newer buells, except the m2 and blast, were FI. A carbed or FI S3t would be a great bike. I prefer FI. I wouldn't get a '97. They have a few '97 only parts on them and are hard to find if you want to keep it "correct".
Matt

 

[The Bob]

I've commuted on a number of bikes including a Duc ST4s. I like my 08 Uly the best.

 

[rb70383]

Been researching the Tubers. I do like them. Seems to be the STT/Uly, or an S3T for commuting.

Any comparison between the Uly and a tuber? Comfort wise? I would need rain gear and cold weather gear storage.
Whats the mpg on a S3T or tuber in general? The XB gets high 40's and hits 50 occasionally. However with the R my wrists aren't happy after an hour.

Anyone wanna trade a SST/Uly, S3T for a 66 Barracuda?

 

[airbozo]

I commute daily about 80 miles RT. Half mountain twisties, half highway.

I have been riding my 09 Firebolt most of the time, but my 2000 S3T is way more comfortable. Once I finish all of the maintenance on the S3T I will probably ride it more. I just need to replace the exhaust hanger bolt (front), fork seals and all of the motor mounts (not failing or showing much wear, but want to replace them anyway).

The XB gets 45mpg and the S3T gets about 43mpg

 

[ocgreenmachine]

2009 XB 1250 as my daily commuter. Was commuting 60 miles a day, now 40 miles a day. It has been a great commuting bike.

 

[rb70383]

How many keep rain gear with all times? Being in Wa, I'll have to keep an eye on rain and drop in temps. It can be nice during the day, but too cold at night with the wind chill. I normally have a pack back, but side bags may be nice.

 

[TapRoot]

I also just carry a backpack on my 12r along with what I need for the trip and or destination but if I had bags I would absolutely carry Rain gear. Even if only some Frogg Toggs, lightweight and doesn’t take up much space.

 

[njloco]

Always on the Ully, never on the SS because, it doesn't go out in the rain.

 

[rb70383]

I can see me needing to carry cold weather and rain gear. Wont need it going to work but I will leaving, also seems rain gear packs down pretty good. I like those dry pak tail bags.

 

[rb70383]

The transfer is going through, I have to commute or relocate 100 miles north. I'll have to commute for a bit. Still looking for a bike as my needs have changed, plus its another reason to get another bike. We all need one of those.
I'm down to either the Uly or S3T. I'm leaning towards the S3T only because I don't have a tuber yet. :eagerness: Gotta get one with the bags. Found a nice grey with purple frame. Always when I'm low on funds....


I know this has been posted, but I've been referring to this a lot recently...

https://daviddreesen.blogspot.com/2015/01/buell-motorcycles-1983-2009.html