N00b to bike world... just bought a xb12s!

[biffdotorg]

Welcome to the Buell world! As you will find out, Buell owners have bought these bikes for a number of reasons that all bikers buy bikes. But, we have all bought Buells because they were a bit different.

I have an 2004 XB12s as well. It was my second bike after taking a few years off from motorcycling. The previous owner sold me his with 900 miles on it and warned me, watch out for second gear.

I didn't quite understand what he meant until I started getting the RPM's up a bit and shifting a bit more aggressively. This bike will lift that front tire in 4 gears without issue. So please, take it easy. It is a forgiving engine, and will allow you to really take it mellow while you learn the basic handling of the bike.

Whatever you do, don't sit next to your buddies with the big, loud pipes trying to out-rev them at a stop light just to make noise. Letting that clutch out at 4000 rpm will put that front tire to the sky very easily!

All scare tactics aside, you will find this to be one of the funnest bikes you will ever own. Get your gear! Get your gear! If you get the bike first, wait for the brain bucket, gloves, jacket, jeans. Don't be one of the squids on the rice rockets running around in shorts and flip-flops. (when I was 18, I did it too) There are so many gear options for all weather. There is really no excuse not to have good protection.

Enjoy the bike and put the miles on. Watch all the forums and read, these are all great guys and gals. A few others to note are the bad weather bikers. http://www.badweatherbikers.com If you need parts, go to your local HD/Buell dealer or American Sportbike online.

Keep the rubber down (and at an angle that rips the chicken strips)

Mark Lawson
04 XB12s, Factory Race Kit
Fargo, ND

 

[gregg3gs]

safety course, safety course, safety course.

since this is your first bike I will tell you it has a lot of power and I would not suggest it for the first bike. However, since you have it, and it is a great bike, I will strongly suggest you exercise caution.
Also, take safety course, check out youtube for riding techniques, and safety instructions and especially turning and u-turning.

Please take the bike to the parking lot and practice figure eights and other maneuvers.

 

[FIDOSOL]

Protective Gear

Jacket - Long sleeve, either leather or kevlar bi-weave, heavy duty Denim like Icon sells is good too, look for something with elbow/shoulder/back pads/protectors.

Helmet - Get a skid lid- screw the decals and pretty pictures, find out which one's pass the european and american standards and go from there. DO NOT BUY A USED LID, if you do you're putting your life in danger. If you get a half shell instead of a full face shield, when you finally bite the concrete (Every rider knows it's not IF, it's WHEN) it's gonna hurt alot more..

Bottoms - Always wear pants! Denim or Leather chaps or whatever, DO NOT WEAR KhAkIs, if you do you're asking for trouble.

Footwear - LEATHER LEATHER LEATHER.....got it? Something over the ankle is preferred okay?

Gloves - ALWAYS wear full fingered "Riding" gloves, ask around you want something that is leather probably, I wear HATCH gloves, They aren't all leather, but I've seen the knuckle guard after stopping a 9mm and I must say, I was impressed.

Hey, just to put this out there, if you find yourself almost getting hit by cagers (car/truck drivers) then either go out and buy a REFLECTIVE riding vest or just a $10 REFLECTIVE BELT. I have to wear one per Army Regulation, but even if I didn't, I'd still wear it. I want every protection possible from those maniacs out there...

Hope I don't sound rude and I sincerely hope you take some of this advice to heart, good luck with your riding experience, enjoy your new work of engineering art. We hope to hear more from you on the forum.