Considering a New Firebolt XB12R

[edjrwinnt]

The local dealership has a New 2009 XB12R for $6,999 and I was going offer them $6,000. I already have a 2003 R6, a 2003 749 Ducati with 924 bore kit, and a 2008 Honda CBR1000RR. I'm really enjoying V-Twin sport bikes since I got my Ducati at the end of riding season last year, and I really like the style and look of the XB12R. My question is will the XB12R feel much different than the Ducati 749?

My wife rides my R6 right now, and I think she may like the XB12R a little better because it's a couple inches shorter on the seat height.

 

[upthemaiden]

It'll definitely feel different, but that's always a good thing when you've got a couple bikes to pick from.

 

[edjrwinnt]

I definitely agree. When I first started riding a friend of a friend told me to ride as many different bikes as I could. I love all my bikes for different reasons. The jap bikes I have are almost too refined. The Duc has personality and that's what I think I'll get from the Buell.

I'm gonna see if they offer test rides at my local dealership.

 

[Alfatango1]

I went from a 916 to my Buell XB9R. They are similar in a few senses and very different in others. Chassis stiffness is greater in the Buell but not so much so. Low end torque is very similar, the 12 may be a bit stronger off the line but having the desmo valve system takes the Duc way up past the XB's red line. I really love my XB and really miss my 916 too. Setting up the Buell's suspension takes more work than the Duc, but then again I was doing track days back then and had a pretty aggressive setup on the 916.

I think you'll be very happy with a 12R.

 

[Ebeo1]

The local dealership has a New 2009 XB12R for $6,999 and I was going offer them $6,000

That is the same thing I did, the dealer had mine marked at $6600 I walked in with a bankers check for $6000 and came out with a new bike.

 

[kalifornia]

I never rode a 748, but like tango I had a 916. Imo the two share the same low center of gravity feeling when you're turning, and imo thats the greatest similiarity. Imo the Buell changes direction a tad easier and if I remember correctly the Buell can change its lines in a corner easier also, and I prefer the firebolts' suspension it has a ton more real world settings. The ducs position is a tad more aggressive. good luck

 

[canucklovingbrit]

I'm sure you'll love the XB12R as an addition to your stable of bikes. It's a real rider's bike, with a personality all its own. I love mine, because of all the differences between it and the ho-hum cookie cutter machines out there.

 

[edjrwinnt]

I really appreciate all the feedback guys. I'm definitely looking for another bike with personality. It would be cool to learn how to work on my own bike too, and this bike seems like a good bike to learn how to wrench on.

Also, I'm anxious to see if my wife likes the XB12R better then my R6. I think the 2 inch difference on the seat height will help her. She's a little tentative on the R6 even after a few hundred miles of saddle time. She's 5'6".

 

[vanson1200r]

People who like Buell like Buell. It's an aquired taste for sure and I love mine. My twin before my XB12R was a Triumph Thruxton. Unlike your 749 you wont have to adjust the valves every 6000 miles!

 

[DWix1]

I had a few ducati monsters before I bought my Buell. with my 2002 monster i had to fork over $700 every 6k miles, with my 2007 it was every 7.5k miles. Either way, it was $700 bucks/year (roughly). Ugg, too much $$ for the amount bike. Also, I'm really loving not having a chain to clean and lube all the time.

Asside from tightening down bolts and changing oil, there really isn't much to fidget around with. You can just ride. I'm loving that. And it is a seriously fun bike. ...i'm getting great gas mileage too

 

[DWix1]

$700 for valve adjustment