new rider; xb9sx

[geish]

I'm wanting to start riding; never ridden before aside from a day of riding a dirt bike.

Here's the deal. My co-worker is wanting to sell me a 2005 XB9SX 9,000mi. for $2,000. I've beed doing a lot of research and I know it is favorable to start off with a smaller bike. Most of the 250cc bikes I've seen on sale cost more than what I'm being offered. The price and the fact that I know the person selling it to me is a major plus. That's why I'm considering buying the XB9.

Your opinions would be much appreciated. And hello. I'm new to the board.

 

[Chicknstripn]

Welcome!
I say go for it. A bike won't do anything that you don't make it do!
That being said, before riding on your own, take a MSF course. Look it up. A local community college in your area probably hosts the classes. The class is a weekend deal and they will walk you through everything you need to know about riding. They provide a bike for you to use and everything! All you need is a helmet, gloves, long sleeves, boots and pants!
If you successfully complete the course all you have to do is walk in to your local DMV with your course paperwork and pass the written exam. You walk out with a motorcycle endorsement!
I think you'll also get a 10% discount on your insurance for taking the course. A total win win!
Thats what I would do, if I had it all to do over again!
Back in the day when I first got the riding itch this would have saved me a
lot of embareassent, money and skin!

 

[eppt]

I agree with chicken, the classes offered are the way to go for new riders. I was one only a couple years ago and benefited from it greatly. Plus if the 9sx was taken care of that is a smoking deal for a great bike. Have fun and be safe.

 

[WokDisWey]

I bought my first bike last year and it is a XB12Scg. Rode dirt bikes as a kid. I took a riders course and took it easy as I got more comfortable. No need to go with a 250cc. Good luck on your purchase and ride safe.

 

[qurtrn10]

I always wanted a Buell, and bought my '03 xb9sl before I knew how to ride. I took the weekend class through my local Harley dealer, learned a bunch, and had a great time. Been riding now for a year, and absolutely love it.

The xb9 is a great starting bike.

 

[thrstrmech]

[up] to the advice on taking the motorcycle rider safety coarse...best habits learned there. do you also know the history on the bike? maintenance wise?

moving on, just so you know, if and when you get the bike...pics or it didn't happen

welcome to the forum

 

[Gloomshadow]

yeah.. the XB9 is a pretty good "first bike" but its a TERRIBLE "school bike"... learn on the bike at the course. After a few days of that little 250 they put you on, the XB9 wont be all the intimidating, you will be able to ride it around but go slow for the first year or so, let yourself develop skills naturally.
ALSO, the XB chassis has unforgiving geometry .. you better hit the books on how to adjust a suspension, how to adjust a clutch cable and what oil to use in one... a newbie can **** up a XB in a heartbeat if he doesn't know what hes doing with it.

 

[Kaelin]

Hi geish! My first bike was actually a 2005 XB9SX and it was perfectly fine for me to start out on and I had no riding experience apart from the rider course. Everyone is different thought and the XB can get you in trouble with the torque. But I've been riding it for a year and half now and can flick it around like nothing. I'm glad I got something with bigger CC's because I would have gotten bored of a 250 in a week!

I say go for it man just take your time with it the XB9SX is a great bike[up][up][up]

 

[geish]

Thank ya'll so much for your help. I'll definitely take all of yall's input in deciding whether or not to buy the bike. I will take the MSF course as planned. It's exciting thinking about getting a bike and taking trips with it. I love getting away and enjoying nature. A bike would be perfect for it. Thanks again.

John G.

 

[go cytocis]

Welcome! I agree completely with all above suggestions to take rider training, but I’ll also be the contrarian here & say that I think an XB9 is not a good choice for a beginner bike.

Can a new rider start out on a large bike (say 750cc & over)? Sure. Is it ideal? No. Here’s several reasons why:

- The object of taking up this sport is to enjoy it, stick with it, & grow as a rider. Many new riders scare, injure, or kill themselves on a bike that’s beyond their skill level before they’ve even got their first season under their belt, & then they decide, or are forced, to give up riding for good.

- New riders are forming habits & critical muscle-memory reactions that will stay with them their whole riding careers. Wrestling with the extra weight & power of a large bike, rather than focusing on developing technique, slows this process & risks implanting bad habits.

- Large bikes get out of control much faster than smaller bikes. Until a new rider knows where the limits are, it’s very easy to make the bike do something unintended.

- You’re probably gonna dump it, and that’s OK. It’s a sign you’re learning & pushing yourself. A smaller bike will be less likely to injure you when you crash, it will be easier to pick back up & it will be less costly to repair.

- Small & middle-weight bikes are fun. I’ve had litre bikes & ridden big 1800cc cruisers. None of them were as fun on the street as any of the 250-650cc bikes I’ve owned.

No disrespect to anyone who chose an XB as their first bike & developed themselves into a competent safe rider. I’m glad it’s worked out for you, but I’m confident you’d be an even better & more skilled rider today if you’d graduated from something smaller.

There’s a very good reason why rider training schools use bikes 500cc & under. It’s the same reason that clown college starts jugglers out with 2 balls instead of 12.