I really want one

[nisfro98]

New user here. Started looking into upgrading and really want a buell XB. These bikes are damn good looking. I really like the XBs and the 1125's aside from the big side air intakes. They just dont look right but the full fairing kits are a big improvement aesthetically. Looking for a little guidance on which one to go for. Im leaning towards an XB9r or 12r but will consider am 1125. A little history about myself - I got my cherry popped on buddy's rebel 250 and later bought a vt600 as my first ride. Put a few thousand miles on it then moved to a v-star 1100 custom which I love. A few weeks later I bought a Ninja 250. Only reason I bought it is my girlfriend bought a VTR250 and wanted something to keep up with her on the back roads. I was new to the sport scene and wasnt comfortable jumping into a 600. Now I think Im ready to move up. I'm considering offering to trade both bikes for a buell but not entirely sure if I can part with the 1100 yet. However, I've never rode any buell. Is there a big difference between a 9 and 12r or even an 1125? Also I heard the early 2000 models were crap and newer ones are a lot better. Are the late model XB's more mechanically sound than the earlier models? Any input would be much appreciated. I dont care about going fast, just having fun on the back roads and maybe commute back and forth to work on nice days.

 

[go cytocis]

I really like the XBs and the 1125's aside from the big side air intakes. They just dont look right but the full fairing kits are a big improvement aesthetically. 

There's a lot more to riding a bike than how it looks. I'd recommend getting some more saddle time to figure out how you like to ride before deciding. You may find you prefer carving canyons, riding off slab, drag racing, or just parking in front of coffee shops to attract conversation, before you find the right bike for you...

 

[Theycallmecrash]

Upgrading... Thats more of a personal opinion and what you wanna do with riding.

XBs arent fast, 1125s are very fast, old tubers are Badass looking and show pieces (opinion), what is it you wanna do?

 

[thrstrmech]

Also I heard the early 2000 models were crap and newer ones are a lot better.

wrong...the first xb year model was just improved on over the years, refined if you will. but wouldn't trade my '03 9s that I've owned for over 7 years now and 64k miles later.

welcome to the forum, sit back and hold on...you're in for the ride of your life, literally...

 

[nisfro98]

I know there's a lot more to riding than looks. If I based it on that I would have already bought one and not even bothered with this post. I didn't come here to ask which one looks the best. Besides, looks is a factor in most everyone's decision when buying something they're going to be seen in whether its a car, truck, shoes, sunglasses, or motorcycle. I think I've been riding long enough to know what I want. I like cruising on my 1100 and riding on the back roads going a little faster. I don't care about how fast I can go straight. I'm not going to be racing. Just something I can have fun with around town and on the back roads.

Thanks for the response thrstmech. Much appreciated.

 

[snrusnak]

the 1125 and the xb are pretty similar other than the engine. They are almost the same exact bike otherwise. The big difference is the xb is quick, and the 1125 hauls ars. The 1125 also requires more maintenance, though.

 

[go cytocis]

I think I've been riding long enough to know what I want.

Sorry nisfro, didn't mean to offend you by suggesting you're inexperienced.
I do however read your post as stating that you have graduated quickly through some 250s 600s and cruisers, correct? And that you're soliciting any input, right? And that you really like how the Buells look, yes?

What I meant to convey is that the XBs & 1125s are quite different animals from one another, and certainly from most other bikes out there, and the decision to buy either should be based on an analysis of *how* you ride, rather than on how they look. No offense meant.

Based on your description of commuting, back-roads, and moderate speeds, I'd say the 9, with it's lower gearing, will meet your requirements best.

Welcome, and hope you find whatever suits you best, Buell or not!

 

[heagachongoose]

In the hands of an inexperienced rider an 1125 is dangerous and in some instances downright scary. The 1125 is comparable to a Honda rc51 or an aprillia milli except with more balls. Think more ducati 1098 performance range.

I strongly suggest a bike from the xb series. Honestly the most fun and user friendly bike ive ever been on. Plenty of usable realistic power coupled with a torquey engine and short wheelbase makes these bikes a unique andrenaline machine. As far as power delivery goes the xb will also be more like what you're accustomed to based on your post.
Plus xb's have hydraulic lifters and require minimal maintenance.

The 1125 feels like an alien abducted and modified bastard child of an xb and an r1. If that makes sense to you lol.

Ride safe and welcome to Buel.

 

[Gloomshadow]

I have both the XB12R and the XB9SX, as a first Buell I would take the "S" or the "SX" model as first choice. Its a lot more fun to ride in town than the "R".. although the "R" is good too... I just find the "S" to be more , I don't know... "Macho?" ... is that right word for it?? "[confused] :[up]

Think of the "S" models kinda like a Ducati Monster built by Jim Goose from"Mad Max" and there it is...

 

[Neal98]

OK, I'm in the same boat as nisfro98. I have always liked the looks/engeneering of the Buells, but an torn between the 12R and the 1125. I have raced bikes for years, and my current bike is a Kawasaki ZRX 1200. I don't race any longer, but still enjoy a bike with some grunt. I am leaning more toward the XB12 Firebolt, but am a little worried it might not have enough power, while the 1125 might be more then what I need for commuting to work (and like nisfro98, I also HATE the big air ducts in the 1125)! Anybody have any input on the power if the XB12? can they be modded for some more output?

 

[heagachongoose]

If youve never seen an 1125 im person dont be so quick to judge. They look completely different than the pictures.

 

[snrusnak]

the 1125cr doesn't look as weird as the 1125r. still, the xb's look better. But it's a give/take on power and maintenance mainly.

 

[nisfro98]

No problem go cytocis. Its all good.

I originally was leaning towards a 9. I think thats what Im going for. Now I just have to find one.

 

[Gloomshadow]

The 9's are much easier to find and cheaper to get. All the 12's can accept the same mods so, in modified form they are the same as far as output. Coming off a ZRX they are going to be down on power but you have to consider that a "S" model is smaller than a Ninja300, Imagine a BMX bike with 103hp at the crank and 84 lbs of torque.. Its a wild ride! Its real agile and stable with the right suspension settings and once you got it set up the way you like it but at 120 through 140mph it feels REAL SMALL .. like one of those clown bikes. Flicks like crazy.. nothing else like it. Fantastic around town an real good in the twisties. Its its own animal.. youll see

any of those 12's are way fast enough for their size though. they don't really "feel" down on power, they feel like they have all the power they can handle actually, even though the 1125 has a lot more. Ive never ridden the 1125, it must be a friggin monster ..too fast for me, no thanks Ill get into trouble on one of those..

 

[pm8675309]

Get an RC-51.

 

[Gloomshadow]

...yeah get a RC-51... a man's bike.. (still not a 'Busa though..)

 

[pm8675309]

Wish I would have. XB12R is......okay. Clunky. Heavy. Throttle sensitive. Hot.

 

[Gloomshadow]

HEAVY?? what bike you riding?

 

[Neal98]

"Wish I would have. XB12R is......okay. Clunky. Heavy. Throttle sensitive. Hot"
Is this true? Hot, I get... My ZRX throws out a ton of heat when the cooling fan comes on...kinda nice on a cold norning, but sucks when it's 80+ outside!
I get that the XB 12R is not going to pass my REX, but it would be nice to know that it at least has enough torque to lift the ft end on hard acel in the lower gears. I keep hearing about a "racing ECU" for this bike....what's that about, and does it help, and where can one be had?

 

[Neal98]

RC-51.... I would rather just keep my ZRX! Nice bike, but they look like every other crotch rocket. Thats why I'm looking at the Buell.... It's unique and has soul!