Need a little help deceiding on a bike.

[SegaNerd]

New to the site needless to say...

I really like Buell in general they're pretty unique and that's what has drawn me to them. I have been around bikes my whole life and just got my motorcycle liscense.(At 23) I'm looking into the XB12s. Is there any qwerks or typical problem areas I should know about before I make my decision. Is there any websites I should visit that would be really helpful. Any info that would be important would be greatly appreciated.

 

[onelogue]

Search no more!! You are at the right web site. [up]
Just give it a day or two and the pros will give you some advice

 

[Buell_Cru]

Ask yourself a couple questions...

Do I want to go fast in a straight line at blinding speeds?

Do I want to be like everyone else?

Do I want to buy aftermarket parts thinking I'm going to be unique and then find out that everyone else that owns a bike like mine has the same stuff?

OR

Do I want to be unique by owning something that can outperform most bikes in the corners, kill them in a short straight line once out of the corner due to the unbelievable torque, has people asking what kind of bike that is and still being able to be creative because there are not a million aftermarket parts available?

I say Buell!!![up][up]

 

[Stevenc150]

Yeah, I had similar questions before I got the Buell. Best I could tell, there were no re-occuring problems. Actually there's not a lot of problems period that aren't fixed with simple solutions.

Now, since having my Buell, I couldn't have made a better choice. I wanted something Awesome on the street and could've cared less about top speed. It is very intuitive to ride, very little input to get it to corner, and you feel like you're a part of the bike because of it.

Biggest problems I've had with my bike have been which mods to do and the finances to do them. Good luck with your search.

Edit: And like Cru eluded to, I love the individuality aspect of it - the stares, questions, etc.

 

[xtremelow]

Either way Lightning or Firebolt you will be happy.

In many ways I wish I had a Lightning but with as many highway miles I ride I am very greatful to have a Firebolt.

As far as aftermarket stuff it is hard to get just what you want but well worth it when you ride around and are able to stand out with ease.

Brandon

 

[SegaNerd]

What are the differences between the xbr xbs scg etc etc. I'm having a hard time finding info on this. Thanks for the help so far

 

[Stevenc150]

Awesome site with good info, pics, links to manufacturers, etc. Total Motorcycles

Also the Buell Homesite has a lot of info, but the previous link shows pics of all year models. Buell Motorcycles

 

[jsg]

xbr is the firebolt small fairing look more like a sport bike, scg same frame and geometry as the r but the naked version and lower to the ground by near 2", 1" lower seat and near 1" lower suspension. Ss longer frame and swing arm 2" extra wheel base and more fuel capacity; also longer travel suspension on the 09 and a less radical geometry than the 2 other ones. To me and thats my opinion only the scg tail look better then the Ss, there isn't much of a diff but for picky sob like me it makes a diff.

 

[monkeyn9ne]

I really like the uniqueness of my lightning. I get asked frequently, "what kind of bike is that?" granted ive removed all the emblems, but its still sweet. o yeah and it rides f@*$&ing sweet!

 

[racepro716]

xtremelow... A couple of questions, what do you mean by "many highway miles"? I just got my firebolt and I do a couple of 1000-2000 km over trips a year. Usually over 3-4 days. Is this bike gonna kill me spending 5-6 hours a day on it? Any mods ya think will help?

Thanks, Wayne

 

[SegaNerd]

Yea, I def like the Lightning over the firebolt. XB12Ss is just a gorgeous looking bike! How is the comfort on these bikes? Is it good for cruising? etc etc

 

[rider1086]

Your in the right direction! I love the attention i get with my firebolt, people look at it and think its a rice rocket, then i start it. Those same people come back and ask me what it is. Ever since i knew of such a bike i knew i had to get one. You will love a Buell. If I may make an observation about the lightening, you sit more upright rather than leaning forward on a firebolt. I would think the upright position would be better for cruising. [up]

 

[Stevenc150]

Yeah, I got an '06 Lightning; drive about an hour each way to work and back and have to say there's no comfort issues I have to complain about......actually find myself wishing it was a longer commute.

 

[jsg]

My only complaint on my 09scg is the low susoension, because I'm a bit heavy at 220+ so on our very bad road here on hard breaking it will bottom sometimes and when I miss my wheelies landings but thats my fault. So basically it's all good I just wish they would have still made the regular S in 09.

 

[Trill]

The only complaint I have towards buell is that it is too much fun to ride. I always have to continue riding and forget about plans I made and become late more and more often! There is no such thing as the long way home anymore. And almost anytime you see another Buell on the road it is going the opposite direction. I have only ridden with 2 other buells, and I met those guys on one of the forums around here. Traveled 3 hours away for a nice weekend of cruising. We def. stood out and got alot of questions and comments throughout the weekend.

other than that, the lack of wind protection on the ss model kinda strains the neck after long highway/freeway speed trips, and you feel funny in a full tuck on this model. I will stop rambling now Good luck in your quest

 

[horseplay]

Ive had inline sport bikes and a Suzuki full on VTwin sportbike. I really loved my TL1000R for the some of the same reasons I love the XB12S. VTwin torque being the leading reason. The looks you get when starting a twin that looks like this is the best thing ever.... I used to have people ask me where I bought the exhaust on my TL...only because they wanted thier inline to sound like that ..lmao

SOoo...Getting to the point. Yes the inlines scream more...tons more RPM and horsepower...but low end torque is definitely lacking. Unless your pinned all the time they get old quick.
A Jap or Italian Twin makes gobs of horsepower and loads of torque and still redline around 11000 RPM (which is sweet sweet music btw) but they lack the feel of the Buell and the excellent long distance ergonomics...as well as some of the excellent cutting edge features like the rim mounted brake..fuel in frame /oil in swingarm. The other twins are physically larger and "feel" much heavier as well(at least the TLR and the RC51 do)

Im new to the Buell myself so I cant give a ton of advice on that alone..but I can give advice on the VTwin/Inline debate. Think... a hopped up Lancer EVO VS true american fire breathing muscle. .. As badass as EVO's are...the handling..the speed etc...they still just give me a squid/yuppie/cookie cutter/metrosexual vibe. And they sound like sh!t

 

[SegaNerd]

Yea, I def dont want an import... The Buell is sounding better and better.

 

[cmekillu]

I have been looking at buells for around 5 years since I seen my very first firebolt. I have a yamaha yzf600r right now. I have put alot of blood and sweat in her but man I can't the buells out of my system. I am looking for a good used 04-05 xb12s. Makes my mouth water thinking about them!!

 

[Knoxbuell]

cme- I am with you all of the way. I have been researching the Buell's for several years now. I believe recent and future success in the AMA road racing circuit will open a lot of peoples' eyes to Erik's creations. Plus, nothing beats the sound of an air-cooled V-twin.

 

[warren peace]

Its great to read some of these posts...the passion from some of them...and some with passion and dont even own a Buell...AWESOME...