Upgrading to a Buell

[axman789]

Hey so last season I started riding. I'm 24 and pretty responsible. I took a MSF rider course and picked up a used ninja 250. I put over 2000 miles on it before I packed it away for the season and feel I'm ready for a bigger bike.

I'm not terribly interested in any of the big 4 Jap bikes and I really have no use for going 160 mph. I've been doing alot of research on Buells and the engineering theories seem solid. The torque factor and manoeuvrability are what I'm mostly interested in. I'm pretty sure I'd like to pick one up next season. Would an xb12ss be too much or would the 9sx be a better choice or would both be a bad idea.

 

[ROJO]

I bought a Lightning XB12s as my first bike. I think it is fine. You say your pretty responsible, well that is the key. Just don't ride beyond the bike or your ability and you will be fine. Go for the 12.

 

[ADAMLEE]

Be aware of the factors that are involved with Buells. Almost no support from your local dealer, doesn't matter where you are, at least for most dealerships. Service is a B***H with these things. All in All i love my bike, and every minute I've spent on it.

If it's going to be a daily commuter then you might want to consider the Big 4. they run hard and long!

 

[EVLXB]

My XB9 was/is my first bike and I don't regret starting out on it. I would consider something with more fairings if i had a lot of highway miles on my commute. I ride 6 miles on the highway so it's not too bad. If I had to ride 20 miles I'd be looking for something else - but that might just be me.

 

[CANADAXB]

I'm a biker with 30 years of biking under my belt. 3 years ago I bought a Lightning XB 9 with a race kit already fitted. What a great bike. Lots of punch, different, and easy to ride. Don't let the steering rake angle fool you, I expected it to ride like a manic 125 racer....but it doen't twitch no matter how hard you ride. Go for the 9 or 12, you'll be fine. Also - the service is only as good as your Dealer - mine is great.

 

[Roccodart440]

I took the MSF course. My first bike was a XB9SX. There is very little difference between the 12's and the 9's power wise especially if you do a few mods to the 9. but an SS if i'm correct is different. Not sure of the frame, seating and suspension differences but I thinkk there are some.

The buell 9's and 12's are easy to ride and not too powerful. I think you will be happy with going from your ninja 250 to either of those bikes.

 

[Stevenc150]

XB12S was my first bike after the MSF course. Just respect the torque and go at your own pace. It corners like a dream. No big diff. between the 9 or 12, just whatever you can get a better deal on. Also I ride mine 35 miles each way to work and back, have no complaints. Good luck with whatever you decide and ride safe.

 

[dave_xb12r]

XB12R, first bike, no MSF, bought in April. I put about 6000 miles on it already. I'm fine and have no regrets. Hopefully you'll be a new member of the Buell family! You'll love it!

 

[okey]

I love my XB12SS and would recommend it to anyone that would like something different.Sure it is not in the power stakes of the jap inline 4's but i had an absolute blast on the thing today.I think that you have to respect all bikes and dont overstep your experience and knowledge.

 

[axman789]

Hey thanks alot guys. I appreciate your input. It'll help alot in making my decision.