Test drove an XB12s today!

[dcoffey48]

I've been looking to upgrade from my Suzuki GS500e. I've done the research and decided that for the kind of riding I do the XB12s looks like the bike for me. As of today I had not actually seen an XB in person yet. I had the chance to vist the Buell dealer today (50 miles away) Truthfully all I was hoping for was to sit on the bike and see if it fit me right. When the sales guy said "would you like to take it for a spin?" my eyes light up! I tried to maintain some composer as i calmly said "Sure."

All I can say is that bike was AWESOME!!! It handles as easy (if not easier than) my gs500e. The feel of the bike rumbling under me at idle is indescribable. I suppose you either love it or hate it. (I loved it!) I took it out for about 15 minutes and then came back and tried it with a passenger (my teenage son). I was throughly impressed with the handling of the bike. The cornering, the low speed maneuvering, and the Incredible power! I resisted the urge to really gun it (I really didn't have the space for it anyway) but I did give it just a little throttle in second gear just to get a feel for it. WOW! I'm hooked! I have found my next bike.


Anyone interested in a straight across trade for a gs500? LOL

Dave.

 

[jeffgre_6163]

I have had my new XB12ss for two weeks now and love it.
I will say one thing though....
"Incredible power" ?????
If you think a Buell XB12 goes when you gun it in second gear, go for a ride on a modern jap liter bike, GSXR 1K, R1 etc etc and try it, then see if you think a Buell is fast
One thing Buell's aren't is fast, not when compared to any Jap sport bike over 600cc.
Buell XB12 = 85RWHP
Jap liter sport bike = 150+ RWHP

Remember that scene in Star Wars when the Millenium Falcon goes to light speed? Well thats what a Japanese 1000cc sport bike feels like when you twist the throttle with the tach at anything over 8K.

I aren't dumping on Buell's, hell, I just bought a brand new one, All I'm saying is that Buells aren't really that fast in sports bike terms.
If I had wanted to go that fast I would still own my 2003 Yamaha R1

But damn are they fun to ride!!!

 

[speedybuell]

your ss must not be tuned right if you feel that way!

 

[LeFox]

"Incredible power" ?????
If you think a Buell XB12 goes when you gun it in second gear, go for a ride on a modern jap liter bike, GSXR 1K, R1 etc etc and try it, then see if you think a Buell is fast
One thing Buell's aren't is fast, not when compared to any Jap sport bike over 600cc.
Buell XB12 = 85RWHP
Jap liter sport bike = 150+ RWHP

oh boy...here we go again.
i think dcoffey48 is talking about the torque he's feeling when turning the throttle

what use is 150hp if you only get that at 11000rpm? in order to use that you don't need 6gears on a japper, you only need 2, a town gear and a highway gear.
it's not about going fast, it's about feeling & using the torque.
torque is fun, hp is useless.

don't compare a 4liner with a vtwin...

 

[midlifecrisis]

Additionally, my insurance company considers my XB12R as a standard! Less than $500/yr full coverage compared to say $1900 for a ZX-14.

 

[jeffgre_6163]

oh boy...here we go again.
i think dcoffey48 is talking about the torque he's feeling when turning the throttle

what use is 150hp if you only get that at 11000rpm? in order to use that you don't need 6gears on a japper, you only need 2, a town gear and a highway gear.
it's not about going fast, it's about feeling & using the torque.
torque is fun, hp is useless.

don't compare a 4liner with a vtwin...

I Know all that, and I knew that I would get these sorts of comments when I posted my reply.
Why do you think I bought a brand new 08XB12Ss after many years and 1/2 dozen Jap liter 4's and 1000cc twin?
It was because I love the way the Buell engine produces what power it does put out.
However, I stick by my comment.
When you are talking about straight out speed, acceleration and power a Buell IS NOT fast when compared to almost any Jap bike V twin or 4 Cyl.
My last bike was a Cagiva Rator 1000 powered by Suzuki's TL1000 1000cc water cooled V twin.
110 RWHP, it would stomp all over the XB in any straight line power or speed contest.
But ask we what the build quality was like or the way it handled and then you will understand why I bought the Buell.

Nobody buys a Buell because they are powerfull and fast if they have ever riden a Jap V twinn or 4 Cyl.