KTM 950SM vs. Buell Firebolt XB12R

[ezerhoden14]

I was curious if anyone has ridden both of these bikes and could compare them respectively. I have a 06 950SM currently, love the bike, but have this urge to make a switch. I've called a few Buell dealers to find one for a demo but they only have the Lightning available, which will give a feel for the motor but not much more of the Firebolt.

All opinions will be helpful!

Thanks!

 

[Buell_Rider]

Can't give a comparison, but can give you some basic info; if you don't already know it:
Engine: Air/oil/fan-cooled 1203cc Thunderstorm V-Twin
HORSEPOWER = 103 HP @ 6800 RPM
TORQUE = 84 ft. lbs. @ 6000 RPM

Here's a link detailing all of the features for the XB12R:

http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/sportbike/XB12R/features.asp

 

[velvetpants57]

the 950sm is a much better bike. i have a xb12r and have ridden several friends 950sm and 950 enduros. the ktm is WAY faster and the sm is much quicker around tight roads. just my 2 cents

 

[Ls2_Xb9r]

IT might be faster and quicker around turns, but it doesn't help the fact that it is super UGLY!

Haha

 

[dave_xb12r]

yup

 

[hula Buell]

Have both ?

 

[onelogue]

I ride KTM Dirt bikes and I wont ride anything else, but seriously that KTM is ugly as hell compared to a XB12R!!! The Rc8 is the only other KTM you should even compare to a Buell.

 

[NOMORE4s4ME]

The KTM certainly isnt ugly. But it also isnt head and shoulders above the Buell in speed or handling. I would say build quality may be better. But a statement that it is faster would be wrong in my opinion. They are two different rides. Both have strengths and weaknesses.

 

[Fock347]

as i see it a bikes a bike who cares what you ride.

 

[morehpforme]

the ktm is WAY faster and the sm is much quicker around tight roads

That's definitely an opinion and a preference. I know that me personally would do much better on a sportbike than on a super moto around tight roads. AND, the super moto riders that I've ridden with have never been able to keep up, not even close.

If you're a sportbiker, get the Buell.
If you're a dirtbiker/standard rider, keep your SM.

 

[LeFox]

2 different bikes!

you are better off comparing a lightning with the sm, since the riding position is more or less the same.

 

[driftingswiftly]

I think that KTM is sexy. I love what those guys do with their styling.

 

[taildraggin]

Don't know that I'd make the change if I already had the KTM.

I've been stuck comparing the KTMs and Buells for the past couple of weeks. I think the comparison is a very good one - the engineering behind the two are very close and I think they're fighting for the same (street) riders with the bigger models - folks that can afford a quality sporty ride that's edgier than what BMW offers. Their 'styling' is similarly iconic and odd.

The only way to decide is to try both a 1125R and an XB12. I had absolutely zero interest in Buells until I rode one.