Looking into getting a lightning soon

[mattmy]

So i have recently pretty much decided that i really want lightning. I have had a couple r6's in the past and recently wrecked my last one and have now turned it into a trackbike. I have always liked the styling of the lightnings but have never gotten to ride one. I have also heard great things about the handling and torque output and that they are just really fun to ride. I know that the power band will be quite different than my Japanese inline 4's have been. I was really wanting something that i can take out on the weekends or around town not necessarily needing a lot of muscle but still something that is pretty nimble and has to be somewhat quick. I was thinking that the xb9s would work out nicely for what I am considering. I am worried that I may regret not getting the xb12 though.

What do you guys/gals think about this?

any input would be appreciated.

 

[mattmy]

i see there is another thread that i missed on this same subject.

anything you want to add is still appreciated.

 

[GatorBuell]

If your used to the R6 I would go with the 12, power wise its close, different but close.

 

[flaya564]

If you have the opportunity to test ride a few, I would. I have the 9s and I'm happy. Both will be fun to ride but since you already have a track bike for speed, I think price may end up being the factor.

 

[mattmy]

thanks for the responses... so is it normal for buell/harley dealerships to offer test rides i know ducatis do but im not used to this with the Japanese bike dealerships

 

[xtremelow]

Some HD dealers offer test rides but may limit it to a Firebolt not a Lightning or a Lighning and not a Firebolt, you get the idea.

Try to see if they can offer a 9 and a 12 either Lightning or Firebolt just to get the feel of the drive train.

Keep open minded to the ride styles as the Lightning and Firebolt have completely different stances and feels to them due to their handlebars. Just focus on the feel of the engine and handling.

 

[Joe Deasy]

I tried about a dozen HD dealers in NJ looking for an XB12S to test ride or "demo" and they were all offering the 1125R or CR as a demo. I think they only keep one bike for test rides and dont want to put miles on the others. I knew exactly what I wanted when I went to Long Branch HD, but wanted to test ride it before making a deal. I met the owner Jeff over there and he saw that I was serious. He agreed to let me ride it for about 5 miles on one of their "demo days".

 

[flaya564]

Another option would be to find someone local on here or another forum(preferable here, we are more reasonable and understanding) to see if they would let you try theirs.

Of course you may need to sign some sort of waiver and promise to pay for any damages forms but that could be an option. If you are near the eastern shore of Maryland or Delaware I'd be willing to let you ride mine.

Of course signing your life away at the same time, Lol.

 

[mattmy]

yeah im gonna go by my local dealership this weekend and try one out. hopefully If this quarter is good to me ill have a bike by the end of it

on another note i just got a ticket in the mail for my wreck on my r6 "failure to drive in a single lane" didnt know i was getting a ticket this is bullsh*t

 

[jeff m]

Not sure where you live, but I just bought a XB12Scg from Downtown Harley in Renton, WA. The only model that they don't allow test rides on is the 1125.

I rode the Lightning and Firebolt.

 

[ROJO]

Get the 12 bro!!

 

[ROJO]

sorry, I ffdd up!! You have ridden jap bikes, so I think you would be well suited for the 12. I have a lightning XB12s as my first bike. IMO, you regret not going for the 12. Good luck