New Buell XB12S rider - need advice ...

[rpatt1]

Just got a 2007 XB12S a couple weeks ago. West Portland Oregon greater metro area. Rode to the coast over Labor day weekend - very scary at speed. Highway 26 to the coast is mostly 2 lane - that part was fine playing follow the leader and mostly only 45mph(boring even). Scary was on the four lane sections when trying to pass and check next lane for clear landing spot. Since the XB12S has no windshield, when I turned my head to check the lane next to me, my ICON helmet goes from super aero mode to super drag mode. Pulls my head and then my torso sideways - very bad, scared me so bad I rolled off the throttle which was also very bad in heavy high speed traffic. Leaning further forward does not help much and in some ways worse - as my face is in front of my bar end mirrors, so they become useless too, and it puts the top of my helmet over into the wind shear off the tiny headlight screen.

How do the rest of you deal with the massive wind effect on your person at high speeds on these things?

Right now - I think I am going to try a windshield of some type.

 

[NVBuell]

Not to steal your post rpatt1, interested to hear some input on that as well, and you could probably benefit from this as well. Considering an 08 XB12Scg with 1000miles on it. Whats some of the mods and problems that should be looked for on this bike? Heard that the rear wheel bearings are a problem. Cures? Any input?

 

[fireinxb]

It's a naked bike. You will grow some neck muscles and your upper body will strengthen. You can get a bigger wind screen, but again - naked bike.

I have a firebolt, but its really not -much- better than my brothers lightning. neither of them feel scary to turn my head at legal speeds. Above 100 i wouldn't be looking anywhere but mostly in front of me, or where I'm going anyways.

 

[Macbuell]

Maybe it is because I am on the larger end, but 80-100 the wind cant push my neck. Never tried past 100, usually looking straight...

 

[owlmeat]

I try to avoid shoulder movements that change my torso drag when Im on the highway. This has a tendancy to move me around the lane. I turn my head while I keep my shoulders square. Also, try changing your chin position when turning your head. Try keeping your chin tucked like an MMA fighter so wind doesnt get under your helment and try to rip it off.

 

[08levin]

All I can say is you'll get used to it. I have a laminar lip screen extender deal, and it helps deflect wind from your torso, but does nothing for getting your head out of the wind.

 

[thrstrmech]

welcome to the forum, 1st course of business, pics of the bike are a must...we're a visual crowd on BuellXB
I lean a bit forward on mine...

 

[rpatt1]

Thanks for all the responses gentlemen!

As I examine my ICON helmet, I actually think that the helmet is the problem(came free with the bike). It has 3 flattened "fins" on top - the large outer 2 "fins" culminate in a large spoiler sticking out on the back of the helmet. I have some older mostly smooth motocross helmets. I am going to test one (removing the visor and wearing goggles)and see what it feels like sideways at 80mph(helmet not the bike).

I haven't figured out how to upload pics yet - I will soon.

 

[rpatt1]

pic of bike and helm added.

 

[jaimz]

I've got a 12s with an R front end, I don't really feel any change when I look around. But then again, I'm pretty anal about putting my mirrors in just the right spot to see what's around me. if I lean forward a bit I can look farther back in my mirrors.

I don't usually turn my head to see what's around, I use my mirrors 99% of the time.

sometimes when I'm on a two lane road and a truck is coming, I'll kind of lay down a bit on my airbox and it makes a considerable difference. I can feel the air from the truck hit the top rear portion of my helmet. If I don't lean down I get full impact of the wind off the truck or whatever.

 

[CowboyKS]

Wind twisting and tearing body parts off the bike at speed is what naked bikes are all about.

I swapped out the "cool" bar end mirrors back to stock so I could get a better rear view. Vibration is much worse with stock, but at least you can pick out hemi's, minivans and other potential lane conflicts.

PS - I have the same bike but an '08. I'm convinced I need a set of highway wheels. Shopping for a Triumph Sprint for the open road.

 

[thrstrmech]

rpatt1: with those mirrors you should have a broad view of what's coming up behind or besides you...do they vibrate badly? I always check my six before lane changing regardless of having only one bar end mirror mounted. The more you ride, you'll figure out what's comfortable and work's in the manner you look back at traffic. On the off chance, is the fitment of your helmet a bit on the large size for your nugget Some helmets, though the same size fit differently due to shape and interior padding, strap cinching mechanism (D -rings and or Buckle)...for instance my old HJC, forgot model, had a very round shape compared to the Sparks I currently use. It fits like a glove so to speak, also half the weight, and more narrow (looking at it from the front/back) in comparison. Wind noise also cut by half due to how the interior finish wraps around my nugget just my 2 cents on that aspect...good luck

 

[MrFantastic22]

Get used to it.

 

[rpatt1]

ok guys - It was the helmet! I tested my old 'naked' motocross helmet at 80mph today - MUCH better! No where near the wind drag effect of the "finned & spoilered" ICON helmet. Much nicer when turning my head for checking scenery to the left or right. I also noticed that the old helmet allows much better peripheral vision even without turning your head in the first place! Darn thing sure was noisy with goggles though! Really should have used ear plugs.

So now I guess I am shopping for a new smooth shaped full face helmet. No wind channels or spoilers for me.

Thanks,
Rusty

 

[rpatt1]

PS - about those mirrors. They were on the bike - and they are worthless - vibrate so bad I can't see squat ever. The left one kept coming loose and interfering with the end of the clutch lever, sometimes holding the lever tight with the clutch fully disengaged! I ended up filing down and reshaping the ball on the end of the lever to clear the mirror bracket. The previous owner lost or got rid of all the stock stuff (signals / tail/ cheese grater / mirrors). Thinking of trying some bicycle bar end mirrors maybe.
Later,Rusty