How dumb am i?

[Daydream]

New to bikes, no experience....been saying I was going get one for the last six years...kept putting it off...now I have a chance to get a 93 xb9s with a lot of miles..20,000 for real cheap. Two questions...I think im going to know what the answers are going to be....
1) Can i learn on this bike? Is it forgiving? If I get it, what should I look out for? Im 6 foot 205.

2) What are the prospects of a 20,000 mile 93 xb9s running for another good 5,000 miles, relativly problem free. Lets assume the bike is in decent shape. All replies welcome...I have been wanting a Buell for 4 or 5 years now....should I do it?

 

[J_Undisputed]

You sure you mean 93?

 

[Daydream]

I believe so...thats what it says...

 

[MotoX6]

I'm the same height an close in weight so their great bikes. But I bet your looking at a 03 and it's a typo.....instead of 93 maybe? Good luck!

 

[Zeroflat24]

my buddy bought a wrecked xb9r with like 27k miles on it. fixed the plastics and has been riding ever since with no problems what so ever. that was 2 years ago. he rides like 50 miles round trip to work. i say go for it and good luck.

 

[upthemaiden]

Do you have a link to an ad, or where did you find the bike? The XB series started in 2003, everything before that were tube framed models, and 1203cc at that. 20,000 miles isn't a big deal assuming it was taken care of. There's not all that much that goes wrong with these bikes. You could handle it ok for a first bike if you're decently responsible and aren't prone to hurting yourself. The bike itself is decently forgiving for a full sized sportbike. The front wheel is decently planted on the ground and the small size makes it easy to handle. The XBs are small bikes. I think it's sized just right for my 5'8 self, might be a little small for someone who's 6'0 but there's plenty of guys here who are taller and love their bikes just the same. Post up a picture of it or something of that sort and we'll tell you what it is and how it looks.

 

[wolfo68]

20k miles is fine, I put 20k miles last year and didn't have an issue til someone tipped it, that being said, if you have some sort of mechanical skills they are easy to fix. for a first bike just remember these things have torque and you need to learn throttle control and clutch control.. any questions you have while you're learning you can ask on the site and I'm sure you'll get the answer you're looking for from someone on here. if you're new to the site something I've noticed is that if you respect the members like family they'll give it right back, if you act like an *ss they'll dish it right back.

just saying that last bit so you know why some people react a certain way to members that I'm not going to name

cheers and the bike has my vote[up]

 

[Daydream]

thanks...peeps...appreciate it...going to check it out tommorow after [email protected] are right...meant to say 03...here is a pic of the bike..

 

[Thaloc]

XB is a great bike to learn on IMO. Very linear and forgiving power band, but more power than any sane person can outgrow for street use. One of kind, if the price is right jump of it.

 

[squidbuellie]

don't talk "do it"

 

[henri66]

No doubt.

I started on an XB12 as my first bike and love it.

Any bike could give you troubles. Does it have any maintenance history?
Ask also for all original parts as many of us enjoy to personalize our beloved.

Price for a second hand is probably just due to the crisis. Everyone complains about it. This time use it to your advantage!

Just get it and fulfill your dream. You can not loose.

 

[j4nn3]

Really nice looking bike, Daydream! Gotta love all-black w/ polished wheels.

Like everyone else said; go for it! In the beginning, just be careful with the throttle and front brake

 

[RDuncan]

Go for it man, and good luck. You will be hooked once you ride that first time. Take it slow and learn the bike. Ride safe.

 

[marko138]

That's a gorgeous bike! It looks well cared for! Take someone who knows motorcycles with you to give it the once over.

 

[captain chaos]

Is a Corvette a good 1st car? That's pretty close to the performance level of that 9. Although they are not the most powerful bike out there their no toy either.
That being said, the XB's are VERY forgiving as fas as sportbikes go. With some common sense and a lot of self control they can be a newbie friendly bike. Use your head and treat it right and it'll treat you right (and not throw you off of the back or over the bars).

20k mi is NOTHING on a well cared for bike. There are many many bikes, sportbikes included, that are running strong at 100,000mi+. Just do the maintenece and they will keep going for a VERY long time. The 20k and their used up thing is just a myth. i'm not sure how it survived this long.

The XB's are solid bikes but there are a couple of things to look for on an 03.
-The drive belts aren't as strong as the later models and are more prone to breaking. Easy fix but annoying if one breaks on you.
-The rear wheel bearings weren't the greatest. At 20k I'd imagine the PO has already addressed this issue.
Other than that, like I said, pretty solid bikes.

I'd HIGHLY reccommend getting a set of frame pucks if it doesn't already have them. 1st bikes have a tendency to be dropped, often more than once. Those $50 pucks could save you a very expensive frame replacement.

I also HIGHLY reccommend taking the MSF (Motorcycle Saftey Foundation) course. They'll teach you more in one weekend than you'd learn in a year on the street. Well worth the cost.

 

[Daydream]

Thanks folks....appreciate the time u all took to reply to my post...suks for me...the guy sold the bike before I could get there....s[mad] pissed!

Im still looking....doesnt seem like there are two many of these close to NYC for sale...especially around the price he was selling for...3200...if any of you know of one...keep me posted...I would really appreciate it...trying not to get something im not really as crazy for...this is what I want...xb/firebolt...etc..

Again, thanks!