Greetings & Questions

[OldGeezer]

Hi,

Just wanted to introduce myself, I am a new Buell XB12R owner, so new I haven't even picked up the '04 Firebolt I just bought

I am getting back into bikes after many years away from them. I took a Blast for a ride a couple of weeks ago and was bitten by the bug again. My last bike was a BMW R60/5. I've ridden Hondas, Triumphs (my first bike was a Tiger Cub), Nortons and a Virago.

I was attracted to the Buell by its styling, the engineering and motor. Based on its wheelbase, trail and rake angle it should be a very nimble bike, but some of the reviews that I've been reading say it is not steering neutral in a corner, tries to stand up if braked in a turn and bump steers.

Any truth to these claims? Makes no difference to me, I'd just like to know what to expect when I start riding it. As long as the handling is predictable it is no biggie. I imagine that adjusting the suspension parameters and choosing the right tires can go a long way to moderating some of these handling characteristics anyway.

Again, greetings and thanks for any comments you might care to make

 

[50dro]

Welcome to your new family Geezer! I'm glad the bug bit you again! Lots of good people and info here. Make sure you post some pics once you get your new addiction in your possession.

If you decide on axle sliders or an updated front pulley cover for your bike, please look me up and don't forget to support all the other vendors here (links to the right).

Enjoy your new bike!

5-0dro
www.5-0dro.comwww.5-0dro.com

 

[OldGeezer]

Thanks 5-Odro,

I've already been looking at what you offer I'll definitely be in touch once I pick it up. Sliders and a pulley cover are definitely in the plans as is some CF if it lightens things up any.

I pick it up on the 10th as part of a road trip I'm making. It is black and I'll definitely post some pics.

Cheers
G

 

[buellbradski]

If you panic and grab a handfull of brake they can do this but when your going into a turn and pick the right gear you should be fine maybee if your coming in to hot and dont know the road to well this may pose a problem but all and all these bikes are pretty well balanced and stable in the turns. conrats on the new bike and welcome to the forum.

 

[Kuntreeboy]

Welcome Geezer great family/board here!!!! Jakestolar is selling some carbon fiber items right now if you are looking for some!

 

[50dro]

Thanks 5-Odro,

I've already been looking at what you offer I'll definitely be in touch once I pick it up. Sliders and a pulley cover are definitely in the plans as is some CF if it lightens things up any.

You're very welcome! I'm offering a 10% off Fall special through October when you buy 2 items plus $5 off with "buellxb" coupon code. I'll be here and ready when you are.

Enjoy your new toy!

 

[OldGeezer]

Thanks for the answer buellbradski. Driving rear engine, rear drive open wheel cars taught me not to brake in turns, but to power on & through, slow in, fast out was my instructors motto - so I'm not real prone to braking in a turn anyway, but really good to know. Thanks again. I gather the bump steer concern is overstated as well?

Hey Kuntreeboy, thanks for the welcome and the info about Jakestolar's stuff. I will definitely check it out.

I am really looking forward to my new toy
G

 

[PwrHse]

Hello and welcome . These bikes handle very well in turns , I believe they are neutral in feel . Like any bike , they will want to rise at slow speed , but normal speed , the handling will impress you .

 

[OldGeezer]

Thanks PwrHse, I'm glad to hear that. I'm getting the impression that the guy who wrote the article just liked Ducatis and had to run the Buells down in order to make the Dukes sound better… Thanks for the reply, I am looking forward to finding out for myself

 

[Whiteboy12r]

I got my swingarm sliders and fork sliders from www.knightdesignllc.com front and backs for 89.95 and 11 to ship. They are very solid and i couldn't ask for a better set. He has different designs and colors

 

[Whiteboy12r]

If your in the market for an aftermarket dashboard try www.xbdashboards.com he is in the UK i believe but ships fast and has great customer servise and free shipping. Think i only paid 27$ for mine and has no flaws

 

[ct1200]

There are more than one of us here that have had our bolts on the track and I have never had any handling issues, really just the opposite.
But proper suspension setup, tire choice and pressure can have a lot of effect on handling once your approaching the limits.

But these bike on a tight track really show what they can do, with the right rider of course.
I'm still learning.

Oh and a very belated welcome!!!

 

[OldGeezer]

Thanks Whiteboy12r, I followed the links on the right side of the screen and found xbdashboards and xblights, got one of each

ct1200 thanks for the welcome, I have been riding my bike every occasion I get, though the 12" of snow over the past few days may have put an end to that for a while It is a nice bike, handles way better than some of the articles I read suggest; like I suspected they were written by people that were fans of other makes - no prob but no need to run perectly good bikes down for no reason either :-(

I haven't reset my suspension yet, I know I need to as the guy I bought it from weighs 25 to 35 Lbs more than I do, but I wanted to get a feel for it the way it was before I started changing things. He had it set pretty stiff on the preloads, 4 front and 7 rear. I think it will handle way better with softer preloads and different damping settings.

I was about to reset to factory for my weight and start tuning the suspension, but that will have to wait till the spring now.

I am running Metzelers (that is what was on it) front & back at 38psi. They are both new, so I will live with them for now. They seem like a good tire, but I have always liked the Michelin sport pilots on my cars and I will run either Michelins or Pirellis when the Metzelers need replacing.

One thing I do know, the bike has way more to give than my rusty abilities can take advantage of at present.

I do find it has a long shift throw, compared to other bikes I have ridden, but then it is not a japanese tranny either. I improved the shifting ergonomics by adjusting the position of the lever, maybe I'll adjust it down a bit more, but I like to make only one small change at a time and ride with it for a bit.

Sorry for the long post, just wanted to give some first impressions and say that it is really a great bike, the limits of which I am a long way from approaching yet.