New buell XB12s owner. Tips or pointers needed

[DillonBuell]

Hey guys I'm Dillon I'm 23 and I just bought a 2008 XB12S!!! I love the thing. I paid $4200 for it and it's got 20k miles. I quickly realized after I took a 2 hour ride home on it then took a spin on my friends Kawasaki that was definitely way easier to ride on, that my bike wasn't a beginners bike. I rode dirt bikes as a kid for about 5 years before they got stolen out of my garage. This is my first bike and I want to join the community here and would appreciate some tips, pointers or anything to help me get started as I want to be as safe as possible since I'm riding in the heart of Los Angeles. Thanks!

 

[KevXB12S]

G'day Dillon, the XB's are a great bike but not very commute friendly. More designed for the open twisty roads and not stop start city driving in my opinion. I believe that you can change to the XB9 gearing fairly simply to make it more civilised at lower speeds. May be something to look into anyway.
Cheers, Kev.

 

[DillonBuell]

Thank you! It's not a daily rider and I have some canyon rides I'll be taking it on but I will look into it.

 

[BambamXB12r]

Welcome to BuellXB. I ride my XB12r and 1125 almost everyday in the traffic of Las Vegas and absolutely love it. It was a little rough at first but you definitely get used to it. If you don't have them already invest in these or some like it. https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/techspec-snake-skin-tank-pads-buell-xb12-lightning-ulysses
It will help you hold yourself up with your legs and not your arms making traffic much easier. My biggest complaint about the Buell when I first started to commute everyday was the heavy clutch compared to other bikes. After a few months I don't think I noticed much anymore. Also if you don't have one of these for summer it is also a must have. https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/bilt-cooling-waterproof-vest
If I have any advice for city riding it's ATGATT and ride as much as possible. Be safe and have fun.

 

[Cooter]

I'm in El Segundo and ride Angeles Crest or north in the mountains (Mulholland, Topanga, Los Virgines) almost every weekend. Lets Buell it up!

 

[DillonBuell]

Thanks I appreciate it!

 

[DillonBuell]

Wow small world i live in el segundo too! Let's definitely ride sometime! I work a lot so I'm usually only free to ride Sunday afternoons.