HELP OUT A FUTURE BUELL BROTHER!!!

[THE_BUELL_FROG]

What's up guys I am a new rider and new to the forum. I am taking my riding course in a couple weeks and I am almost 100% set on a Buell but I do have a couple questions for anyone who's got time to share.

I love the look of the XB, I love the way they sound, and I love that they are American Built! My question though is are they good bikes and comfortable to ride on for a few hours? Who has had something different and come over to Buell and why?

Next, the XB9R is really what's in my price range right now for my first bike but I heard that they don't carry big guys well. I am 5'10'' about 270 and dropping. Would I be ok with the 9 or should I go for the 12?

I've got some more questions but I wanted to get a couple knocked out first. Thanks in advance for all the help.

 

[Buell_Cru]

1. First off I think the seat is much more comfortable than a traditional sportbike for 2 reasons. There is slightly more padding on the stock Buell seat than other sport bikes, also since the fuel is in the frame the airbox is a shorter length between the handle bars and the seat so when cruising on long rides you can sit in a more upright position. If you still need to tuck into the windscreen to take a corner hard it's very easy to change positions.

2. I bought the XB12R straight out of the box. I never had an XB9 but after riding my 12 for a couple months and then getting on my friends 9 I'm SOOOOOOOOOO glad I bought the 12. In my opinion the 12 screams in comparison to the 9 but I have always been a torque and speed junky.

Hope this helps. Also check out this page to see just how much you can do to these babies.

New Bueller Info Page

 

[only1reds]

Welcome to the Forum

are they good bikes

Yes

comfortable to ride on for a few hours?

Depends on which model you're referring to.

Seat & Handlebar setup plays a huge role in properly answering your question.

"Stock" Firebolts are more of a jap bike setup.

"Stock" Lightnings are a little more comfortable, and a little less like a jap feel as far as riding position.

Who has had something different and come over to Buell

I have had riden several bikes, and previously ONLY had jap bikes!!!

why?

It's unique design and reputation for great cornering

Would I be ok with the 9

Yes

should I go for the 12?

Depends on preference. XB9's are 984cc(could be modified upto 1203cc and beyond)

 

[veeemdoubleu]

go for the XB12R...just for sheer braggin right

 

[CoastieRider]

"BUY USED" -- Dave Ramsey, Financial Genius --

 

[Stevenc150]

"BUY USED" -- Dave Ramsey, Financial Genius --

I 2nd this, not only the Buy Used part, but also the Dave Ramsey part. About the buy used, hopefully the worst that you will ever do is drop it, but you WILL drop it, especially since it's your 1st bike. That's just how it goes.

You're a new rider, so you'll be fine with the riding position. You won't be accustomed to anything, so it's just a matter of your back & ab muscles getting used to it.

Everyone's got valid points for a 9 or the 12. I say go for the best deal. I was gunning for a 9 and happened on a 12 at a great deal. Had I got a 9 though, I know I would've been wondering about the 12.

Whatever happens, Welcome to the Forum. Wear the gear and ride safe. [up]

 

[Trill]

For a bigger buy like you, you might find the xb12ss a good fit

 

[Midnight82]

If you're going to buy used, you should really look over that bike with a fine tooth comb. I made the mistake of getting to friggin psyched about the bike I bought and overlooked SERIOUS red flags.

 

[maybebuell]

might want to take your time and look around your a big dude...you probably need more bike under you with more power...lot of bigger bikes out there for less money....taker your time and look around...make an appointment at a dealer to take a test ride

 

[loser54023]

i'm 6' 255lbs or so and i've got a xb9r works fine for me.

 

[Kole_DeWoody]

I have a xb12r and i have rode over 1000 miles in one trip. its not that un comfortable you get used to it.
I am 5'11 to 6' and about 200lbs and i feel ok on it,
Also i would not get a 9 you will get tired of it to soon you are a pretty heavy guy still so you on a 12 would be like someone in the 150lbs range on a 9 and of course when someone ask what you ride you can say a 1200

 

[midlifecrisis]

Go for the 12. I happen to know a good deal on an '06. just a tick over 5000 miles with the touring seats and extra Lightning pegs (1" lower for a little more comfort on longer rides) drop me a line [email protected]
Welcome, ride safe and enjoy.

 

[THE_BUELL_FROG]

So after reading all of these and talking with some of the sales guys at the local shops I think I am going to start with the xb9r. In my area they are easier to find and a lot cheaper...

My next question for you guys is: What am I looking for? I hear a lot of people say "go over a used bike with a fine comb" and "make sure you look at all the service records." Can any one give me some of the main things to look for on a bike.

I am thinking of taking a look at a used XB9R that is in my area. It is an 03 with the factory race ecm and exhaust. It says it has new brakes, tires and belts. It looks to be in really good condition but it says it has 14k miles, is that a lot for these bikes? I've seen others in the are with only like 3-5k. But the guy only wants $3500 and he says it has a clear title.

Thanks again for all the help fellas, it is much appreciated.

 

[Buell_Cru]

1. Ask them to remove the chin fairing and inspect the exhaust connections and mounts. While under there look for oil drip marks, cracks, anything out of the ordinary.

2. Check each cylinder head as best as you can for any oil dripping. If you see any there's a good indication that the rocker box gaskets are leaking.

3. If the exhaust is stock have him/her warm up the bike and then get on the throttle while you watch the servo open and close the butterfly valve that is on the top of the exhaust(right hand side).

4. Wipe your finger just under the fork seals and make sure there is not an excess of fluid on the forks. Look for any dust or dirt at the base of the forks that may have an oily residue as well.

5. Ride the bike and make sure all 5 gears are there up shifting and downshifting properly.

6. The bike should idle right around 1000rpm.

7. While riding the bike make sure the bike is stopping properly and there are no obvious defects with the braking including grinding, pulsing.

I'm sure there is more. That's just a few important ones.

 

[ROJO]

Hey Frog welcome to the forum. I will just put in my 2pennies. I bought a 2004 xb12s as my first street bike I have ever owned. I will admit,I was a little intimidated at first with the 1200. But, it did not take long to get the feel for it. I also think it would be a good plan to go with a used bike the first time around. What if you decide it's not for you? What if you drop it? You wont get beat up as bad with the auto-depreciation of a brand new one. If you decide to buy from a private party, I would ask him to bring it to your local dealer so they can check it out. Good luck man. Throw some pics on here when you get one.