Need a new bike

[irishfootball]

Hi there, long time lurker, first time poster. First off I'd like to thank everybody for the various threads I've read on aftermarket advice and reviews. Here's the deal, in November my 2,400 mile 2008 1125R died young at the hands of a lady in a Toyota Prius who pulled out of a driveway in front of me when I was going about 45 mph. I spent about three weeks in the hospital and had some pretty serious brain swelling and a couple broken bones but luckily my helmet saved me. Sadly, my bike didn't have a helmet. Until just recently I really didn't think I'd be getting back in to bikes any time soon but with spring right around the corner I've got the itch again.

I wasn't sure which area to post this on but basically I'm looking for a new Buell. The 1125R was a great bike, I really loved it/miss it but its time for a change. I am really conflicted about whether to go with the XBR, S, or the Uylesses. I was hoping you guys could shed some light on the situation as owners of the three bikes mentioned. I live in the middle of nowhere OH and haven't seen any of them in person, but I've loved Buells since I first saw them in middle school (I'm 21).

I know all the basics on the three, but I figured some insider perspective on the little things each bring to the table would be great. I don't have a preferred ride style or anything like that. I'd like to just start over new. I realize this is a totally vague question, but I truly don't have exact questions to ask. I'd just like your opinions on the perks you got out your bike.

 

[stamen]

Glad to hear you were OK.. I have an 06 xb12 Ss which is basically the S but has a slightly longer frame and swing arm. I live right in the middle of Chicago and love having it for the city. If i was going to buy a sports bike I would not get a Buell (unless it was an 1190 .. but for a naked bike/street fighter Hell YEA!!! > Hope my comments helped.

 

[Hooker]

Cheers! I'm 21 as well, and i've been riding for three years now. I started on a Yamaha DT250, then moved to a blast, and now im riding an '03 XB9S. I've ridden a few buddies GSX-Rs at work, as well as a super glyde and a ninja 250 and 500. This isn't going to help you decide though. What i can tell you though is that i test drove an 1125 last april and it was a whole different animal from the lightning and firebolt series. You will be moving to a much slower bike, but they have just as many perks as downfalls. They seem to be much more reliable than the 1125s (from what i've read on this forum)

Now, about the XB series; I have ridden both the xb9 and xb12. you really don't feel that much of a difference as far as horsepower and top end are concerned, but the 12 does have a much wider powerband, but a lower redline RPM. I almost find the 9 to be more fun because you kind of have to romp it a little harder to get around and that engine sounds so rad at 7500rpm. The biggest selling point for me between the two was the price of insurance AND the overall price of the bike. You can find good 9s for around the 3-4k mark (got mine from a dealer with 14k miles for 3 grand) and 12s usually come at a slightly steeper price, seemingly around the 5k mark for one with average mileage. I also know that insurance raises drastically once you go over 1000cc

If you are looking for a good commuter, i highly suggest the lighting. It has a much more casual riding position and styling. either way, both are great bikes, no matter the engine size or the style. it's too bad that OH is a little bit of a drive for me (i'm in chicago) otherwise, i'd gladly let you test ride mine! good luck, and i hope you find exactly what you want!

 

[stamen]

Hooker where in Chicago are you?? Im there to..

 

[Theycallmecrash]

I think youll need to figure out what kibd of riding youll be doing. Canyon and track riding an R would be better, around town shits and giggles get a lightning, 9 or 12 what ever, i like my 12R im addicted to torque 2nd and 3rd gear coming out of turns is a rush!

 

[irishfootball]

Thanks for the help so far guys. I will say this... I hardly ever got the 1125R out of fourth gear and I really don't think I'll want to go any faster this time around. I heard the 1203 has a throatier sound to it than the rotax, is there any truth to that? My primary riding will be done around town. I was hoping to get put a nice aftermarket exhaust on this time around too. And as far as going with a different brand goes my brother has an '09 R1 and its just not for me. It's a really nice bike, and I can see why people like the Jap bikes, I have nothing against them. Its just something about the Buells that does it for me.

 

[iman501]

If your looking at the XB serries then honestly just pick which one looks better, it seems the guys with the R's try to make them more comfortable with better seat, better pegs, and some even go as far as better bars, the guys that ride the S's seem to get pegs, and bars that are a more racey position such as the R haha. I have no advice on a ULY however....

 

[Montie92]

Where in OH are you located? I'm in tuscarawas county. I have a 12 s you could have a look at and get a feel of the difference from the 1125, if you are close by.

 

[irishfootball]

I'm right on the state border in Williams Montie92, so I'm quite a ways away from you. Thanks for the consideration though I really appreciate it.

 

[d_adams]

http://www.buellxb.com/Buells-for-Sale/Other-Buells-for-Sale/2009-Buell-1125R-White-5500

Well maintained, I know the 2nd owner from NY, it was delivered at HC 2010 when Mike (MJR photography) got it. I've talked to Puzzled before, I think he's got a couple of 1125's. He's out in PA though.

 

[Hooker]

Hooker where in Chicago are you?? Im there to..

i lied. I tend to generalize when i say chicago, i really mean chicago land. HOWEVER, I live in a small town called "big rock" which is right outside (5min) of aurora which is about 40-45min from chicago. I was actually planning a ride or two into the city this spring/summer. I just got back from the auto show and realized how relatively easy travel in the city is. Not nearly as bad as people make it up to be (only been there 3 times in the last 5 years probably)

 

[deathandtexas]

I'm considering selling my 2005 XB9SX Hero Blue with ~9k miles with special ops exhaust, low seat, oberon bar-ends... and I'm in OH...

 

[xtreme]

PM Sent

 

[irishfootball]

Guys I appreciate all the offers and will take them in to consideration. I'll send you guys PMs in a few days. I think if all goes to plan though I will be pursuing xtreme's bike. At any rate, I'd at least like to check out everything else. Just figured I'd give a heads up out of respect for sellers. Puzzled and deathandtaxes I'll be sure and PM both of you.

 

[matt87951]

I'm in Maumee, OH - Let me know if you ever want to ride, we're not that far apart.

My experience has been with Firebolt's (first was a 2005 XB9R, and my current is a 2010 XB12R), and I also had a M2 Cyclone for a few months. Loved them all, miss the Cyclone and my XB9R, but my XB12R is awesome. I haven't put many miles on it yet, as I picked it up late last year. I have never ridden a lightning, so I cannot comment on them, but I will say my Cyclone was way more comfortable than either Firebolt.

To answer your question about the XB vs the 1125 exhaust tone - From all the bikes I've heard, you will certainly have a lot more "Harley" in the exhaust tone with the XB's. I personally don't care for the sound of the 1125, especially with the stock pipe. A few aftermarket ones would grow on me, but just reminds me of a jetski [smirk]

Good luck on your search for the new bike and glad to hear you're okay after the wreck!

-Matt

 

[Alien]

Get a Uly. To me it has all the best features of the Buell line-up and does everything well.

 

[buellbradski]

Sounds like you should be looking at lightnings. If your ride is more city vrs rural . It's just a touch more upright and leaves you more exposed to wind. They handle about the same as there only differance are seat position so that's more of a comfort issue . If I were in the market I'd be looking at a tuber frame Buell . There's just not as many around and the x1 just looks bad ass!

Really it comes down to your preferance. Kick a leg over a few see witch fits you better. As far as motor you can rev the 9 out higher and some prefer it others like the bottom end grunt of the 12. Good luck shopping