New rider–need insight.

[yelofevr]

I'm completely new to the world of street bikes, but I have been doing a lot of reading and it looks like a Buell might be the bike for me someday. I'm not looking for the fastest, baddest bike – just something fun and unique to ride.

With that said, I do not have experience on bikes but I am going to be taking a riding safety course next month in hopes to be on my own bike by this time next year. I am very responsible and don't push my limits with new things, but I do realize that responsibility does not make up for inexperience.

From your experiences, do you think a used 9 or 12 would be a decent bike for a green rider like myself? I'd like to stay away Japanese wind-up toys if I can, but if that'd be a safer route, then maybe I should do it. Plus I'd like to add an American bike to my stable...

THANKS!
Matt

 

[Bordsnbikes]

Deffinately a Lightning or a Firebolt. The 9 has plenty of power for you so you won't outgrow it when you get better. I also understand that the 9 has more potential for horsepower for cheaper than the 12 does, so that being said, it can grow with you. You can even get them in yellow to match the Vette!

 

[yelofevr]

That's good to know. I stopped by the local Buell dealer and saddled up on a new 12 and I must say, it felt like a good fit! The 12 and 9 are pretty much the same platform, right?

 

[His_and_Her_Buells]

With a good head on your shoulder either the 9 or the 12 is fine. I would suggest doing a Buel demo day and riding both, after you get your liscence, to decide which is more suited to you. Also consider a used Blast or something similar in size to gain some experience. You can pick up one for cheap and after you outgrow it you can sell it for about the same.

 

[Stevenc150]

Coming from a "green" rider myself, been riding less than a year. My opinion is to get the Buell Blast for a while. The 900 & 1200 Buells are a GIANT leap from a 125 or 250 Rider's Course Bike, especially for new riders. Whatever you do, take things at your own comfortable pace, one that builds you're confidence. Over-confidence can be a killer......literally.

On the Bright side, there's nothing like riding a motorcycle. After getting the rides under you're belt, especially on a Buell, there'll be a smile under your helmet that you can't wipe off. Ride Safe

 

[dave_xb12r]

You'll grow out of a blast in about a month. You'll be safer on a 9 or a 12 than a jap bike. I think you should get the bike that you want. I did and I'm still alive.

 

[Frank]

I just got my first bike. I just went ahead and went with the 12R, I figured that 200cc more cant hurt. I'm used to the torque from my YZ450.

 

[squiers007]

I was new to motorcycles completely when I got my 9 and have never regretted it for a second. Would have gotten a 12 if I could have found one first.

 

[ophawk]

My first street bike was the same 1998 Buell S3 I have today, and I have been riding it for 8 years now. Take the Rider Course, Pay attention, Keep your head on a swivel, The Cage Drivers, "Are Out to Get You". The one thing my father ever said, when I told him I wanted a Bike, I mentioned I was looking at a 600-750's, "Get what fits you. You can be Killed just as easily on a small bike as the large one" Be sure you are comfortable, don't over ride your abilities, and have fun. I don't regret it for a minute.
Later

 

[LeFox]

My first street bike was the same 1998 Buell S3 I have today, and I have been riding it for 8 years now. Take the Rider Course, Pay attention, Keep your head on a swivel, The Cage Drivers, "Are Out to Get You". The one thing my father ever said, when I told him I wanted a Bike, I mentioned I was looking at a 600-750's, "Get what fits you. You can be Killed just as easily on a small bike as the large one" Be sure you are comfortable, don't over ride your abilities, and have fun. I don't regret it for a minute.
Later

you got a smart dad, ophawk [up]

 

[yelofevr]

Thanks for your thoughts, guys. I'm thinking that attending one of the Buell test days and see what fits me best. I just don't want to have any regrets when I buy my first bike.

Thankfully, I live in Amish country, so the only obstacles I need to look out for are buggies and horse crap.

 

[Thaloc]

Man, get what makes u wanna ride the most. Id definetly say a 9 or 12. The main question is Lightning or Firebolt. With responsibility and common sense you'll be fine, plus already coming off the american monster shown in your pic im sure you have a respect for power, torque, and speed. Good luck in your purchase!

 

[FIDOSOL]

Hey when you get a bike, let a friend race you at the drag strip, I wanna know if the stockish corvettes running around here all have bad drivers, or just really can't keep up with my little 9...

I know apples to oranges, "not fair for the car" and all that nonsense. Cracks me up people that drive "fast" cars and get mad when somebody that only spent 10-15k just blows their doors off...

Oh, and get what you want, 9 or 12, when I got mine the 9 was a better fit but I'll be back at the Buell Dealership when I get the chance to see if I want a 12S or the CR

 

[Poohspot18]

I got a 12 firebolt for my first bike, the first week was a bit awkward having ridden the 125 at the MSF Basic Rider Course, but the bike is solid, and it performs great no matter how far you want to push yourself. it isn't like " You gotta be able to knee drag to hold a stable lean" or anything like that. as you get more comfortable the bike lets you keep feeling out the next progression in skill. I have a friend who has a 9 and he's taller than me, he didn't have any complaints about it until he sat on mine, and the rider position is slightly different. so he's looking for a 12 that will fit him better. the less you have to think about being uncomfortable the more you can think about the road adn everything else. I've only been riding since June, adn I've been to 4 training courses including the Kieth Code Superbike school. everything is baby steps, and build good habits from the beginning. after you get your liscense ride a few bikes, after riding some rice rockets get on a lightning or firebolt. you'll never get off. instead of being built fast and affordable they are designed for the rider adn the experience. It's amazing.

 

[Sayjackb]

DUDE YOUR GETTING A BUELL!
My first bike was is an 07 XB12Scg i went with the 12 (Striclty because there was no 9 available, and i wanted a bike) The 12 definently has the power, but if your sane enough to not push your limits you will be fine. And if you do make a mistake you will learn from it very quick.... I don't think you need to start small. It's already a big investment, just go for what you want. Grow with it.

Just like hooking up with a girl, You don't start off by shooting low for practice you go after what you want regardless...

 

[yelofevr]

Ugh, it KILLS me to see how cheap it is to mod motorcycles compared to my money pit of a C5 lol.

 

[FIDOSOL]

LOL, cheap? You must be making a WHOLE LOT more than me or you wouldn't say that...

hmm only about $29K a year, that is including benefits and everything. Pay is shit being a Soldier. But for all of you making the good money, congratulations.

 

[yelofevr]

Noooo...I said it's cheap COMPARED to a C5.
Modifying anything with an engine isn't cheap. I ran out of mods that cost less than 1g for my car.