Newb here; intro and purchase questions...help!

[bmarshall1]

Hey all, I've been lurking for a while and decided it's time jump on the Buell bandwagon, I've been admiring these bikes for quite some time.

I've decided on an '07 or '08 XB12S or SS Long. I've read endless posts but they all seem to be geared toward the 6'+, 200+ lb individual. I'm 5'9" and about 160, is there REALLY that much of a difference between to the two as far as I would be concerned? I know the SS has a taller seat and the pegs seem further to the rear, but would this matter to someone my size? Also, would I accomplish the same increase in leg room as the SS offer by going with a 2" peg drop on the S model?

Also, which has the more comfortable seat, maybe not a big deal as I may be going for a Select Seat as I read a lot of good reviews (are they still available new?) Are there any major difference between the 07 and 08, I know there were ECM upgrades, but do they make a large difference. Lastly, I did test ride a Triumph Street Triple and felt the bike was short, nervous,and I was sitting on the front wheel. Can anone compare the two? I'm 47, currently have a VFR 750 and RD400, and will likely use this as a local, run around, fun bike. Sorry for the long post and any additional advice is appreciated, thanks!
[confused]

 

[dave_xb12r]

There are major differences between the 07 and 08. 08's got electrical upgrades and oil pump upgrades. I'd stick with a 06 or 07 is you can find one, but they are pretty hard to find.

As far as the model goes, I would look at the S, not the Ss. The Ss is a TALL bike, bigger frame, taller suspension, taller seat. It's for people that are 6'2" and taller. You'd see better handling on the S. It has the optimum geometry that the buell was designed around.

 

[50W]

I have a XB12S and like you also have a VF1000F, at first I thought the Buell felt wierd like it was too short a wheel base and I was too close to that front wheel, but that thought quickly passed, this bike handles amazing and is more comfortable than the VF, I put more miles on the Buell than on the other.

If you are concerned about seat height you can buy the Scg seat, they are still available for about $100.

 

[ATFIII]

Buy them both! grab life by the bars and flik that throttle! But in all seriousness, the 12S would be better. The other versions (SS, SCG, etc..) are adjusted for other riders, resulting in handling that was different from what Buell designed the bikes to be. Either one will handle great, but the S is where it's at!

 

[rockerphotographer]

I'm 5'10" with short legs/long torso, 250lbs and I have an 07 12Ss. Don't drive yourself crazy deciding on which one to get. Mine keeps up with the crotch rockets in the twisties with no problems. Spring preloads can be adjusted easily for your weight. Seat can be shaved down to give an extra inch if needed. I can almost flat foot it, my heel might be an inch off the ground. My suspension and seat are NOT modified.

Yes the bikes are different by the numbers but I've ridden both 12S and 12Ss and noticed little difference. They both feel a little squirly at high speed and carve the corners easily and sound amazing! You will be happy with either one. Buy the better bike for the money and enjoy!

 

[anrkizm95]

welcome to buellxb

 

[bmarshall1]

Thanks guys, these are the responses that I am looking for. I am not too worried about flat-footing while stopped, more concerned about the comfort while riding and making sure my legs aren't too folded up under me. It sounds like the S with with lowered pegs will fit the bill.


@ Dave, you mentioned the '08 was an upgrade but then said to buy the 06 or 07, in your opinion, why would one choose the older 06/07 model without the upgrades?

 

[dmp0001]

you mentioned the '08 was an upgrade but then said to buy the 06 or 07

A lot of people, especially those that like to self tune, don't care for the '08+ series ecu. I have an '08 and like the fueling compared to my '03. I would go for the newest you can afford. Plus the '08 and newer corrected a lot of the oil weak spots of older motors, it should run forever. Your tuning options are just less.

 

[bmarshall1]

So, are you saying you can, or can't tune an 08+, or is it just more difficult? I was under the impression the 08+ were 'self learning'. Do you reflash the 06/07 bikes then?[confused]

 

[user_deleted]

you probably already realize this but try and find an XB that has been reasonably ridden and maintained according to factory recommendations or by some fastidious owner. there seems to be plenty out there that have been abused and hammered into the ground by the tanktop/sandals riding crowd. i can guarantee you'll have problems with one of those bikes. maintenance and sensible riding seem to be the key to buell longevity...as with other bikes as well.

 

[Stevenc150]

Don't drive yourself crazy deciding on which one to get. Mine keeps up with the crotch rockets in the twisties with no problems.

[up] to this. The handling of the bike, regardless of which model Buell, depends mostly on the rider's input and experience. Rarely if ever are they ridden to their full potential on the Street anyway. Find one '06+ and make it yours.

 

[bmarshall1]

Thanks Steve and Lunatic,

It's more than likely a better bike than I am a rider, but I always want the best value I can afford, and you are right Lunatic, just find a clean example and go with it, unfortunately I missed out on a 750 mile 07 a few hours away, I'll keep looking.

Any other comments are welcome, especially on the S vs SS comfort issue.

Thanks for the welcome and the info!

 

[uly luigi]

08's and up are actually a little more tuner friendly, you just can't use ECMSPY, have to use TunerPro, the little things are a lot easier on 08+, TPS resets and the learning is a little better,

 

[brightbuell]

True! I would buy an 09 if I were you. Why an 09 you ask? The 09's are blacked out and only have one 02 sensor so your not stuck with the front one that is in my opinion an eye sore.. The 09's also have the Buell® ZTL2™ Black 8-Piston Front Caliper Brake system. The 06 and 07 only have the 6 piston. All you got to do is use tuner pro when swapping out maps. Its very easy if you have a laptop.