What Year Lightning Should I be Looking at to Purchase?

[njloco]

In these days, is there something wrong with a monkey doing it to a foot ball ?

 

[cap1]

After looking up dimensions the XB12S is longer, wider and taller than my previous bike so I don't have concerns with comfort. As far as how I "look" I don't do things for other people or their perceptions, I do them for my own pleasure.

 

[Silverrider]

In these days, is there something wrong with a monkey doing it to a foot ball ?

 

[Cooter]

cap1: If you're comfortable on a 600 Gixxer, you'll be OK on an SS. Keep in mind the frame on these Buell's gets really wide in front of your knees. At 38" inseam you knees will be where the frame pucks are on an S.

 

[yellowcarbon]

I'm 6'3" and 300# after a diet. I ride a 2004 XB-12S and am comfortable on it, particularly around town. I also ride a Suzuki Bandit 1200S and a Suzuki DR650. The Bandit has a similar riding position and the DR is spread out. I do look like a gorilla trying to hump a football, but I truly don't have anything to give. I'm all out of F@#K's or S*&t's, and I haven't even back ordered them.

With that said, if I had the option, I would look into the longer framed bike if possible. I'd also buy the newest one possible, but condition trumps age. I'd love to have an STT model, as I love the way the look. But I'll roll with what I got. A clean, well kept bike is what you are looking for. Also consider spending a tad more to get exactly what you wanted.

When I bought mine (2004 XB-12S), It was listed for $3000 back in 2014. I was able to trade about some firearms (which I has $1200 into) and $1200 cash for it. So it was a no brainer for me. But there was a 2008 XB-12STT for $3500 that I passed on as it would be all cash out of pocket. In hind sight, I should have bought the STT and sold my firearms to make up the difference. I thought the XB would be a short term fling and I would sell it in a year or two, so I wanted the one that made the most money sense. Now I love my Buell and have kept it as long as any other bike I have ever had.

The bike has been as reliable as anything else I have owned. It has required less maintenance than most. No valve lash clearance to check and no chain to adjust every so often. Just change the oil and inspect the bike.

Before the Buell, it has always been Japanese bikes (Honda VFR & CBR1100xx, Yamaha FZ-1, etc). So I'm used to reliability and easy maintenance. When I bought my Buell it was cheap, but abused (had been low sided on both sides). So once I got that fixed up (replaced swing arm), it has been reliable ever since. I did replace the fuel pump (although a rebuild would have done it) at 35,000 miles, a head light 'S' shaped mounting bracket ($12 part that cost $15 to ship), a rear brake switch, and fixed a pinched headlight wire. Very minor things that I have done on bikes in the past. In fact, I have spent less time on repair & maintenance than on any bike before.

 

[34nineteen]

Honda VFR & CBR1100xx,.

Both droolworthy bikes. I'd always wanted a Super Blackbird.

 

[34nineteen]

cap1: If you're comfortable on a 600 Gixxer, you'll be OK on an SS. Keep in mind the frame on these Buell's gets really wide in front of your knees. At 38" inseam you knees will be where the frame pucks are on an S.

For reference: At 5'10 and 32" inseam, my knees would hit just behind the pucks.

The STT model used a "1up only" seat that will probably give you more seating wiggle room. Also, the STT's sat a bit taller on their suspension than the SS (especially the earlier ones). This comes in handy when looking a dropped pegs.

And pics or it didnt happen! Welcome!

 

[Lusiphur]

Tall people have so many issues!!!


5'5" 29" inseam, perfect fit on an XB

 

[njloco]

Go ahead, rub it in !

Silver, I knew you'd come up with a picture of a monkey doing it to a football

 

[keithd]

So,

I used to be a Buell owner a LOOONG time ago around 2009-2010. It was a real dark day when Erik posted the video about Buell Motorcycles shutting down. Back then I rode a 2004 XB12S in Japan while I was stationed there. Loved the contrast of an American sportbike powered by an archaic motor in Japan!

Anyway, I've caught the bike bug again and I saw this thread.

I want to get another 2004 XB12S - the really uncompromising wheelbase and steering angle appeals to me as Erik modeled the specs after a GP250 bike. I've never ridden another Buell, so I have no idea how the other XB12 (SS, Scg, etc) bikes compare. Anyone care to weigh in on SS vs S as far as riding experience goes? Most of my riding would be a short commute to work and quick de-stress rides. Omaha doesn't have much for twisty roads.

I looked at a Ducati Streetfighter or Diavel, but the expense is more than I'm willing to put up with. I've always loved the Buell quirkyness, especially the air cooled Buells.

 

[njloco]

As a good second pick, that is if you can't find your 04 Buell, XSR900 Yamaha !

 

[Cooter]

All the S (and R) frame Buells have identical rake/trail and wheelbase. Scg's will be a minuscule shorter because it's lower on the same rake. Your in-seam will dictate what you should buy.

A Ss or STT is on a long frame/ swingarm like a ULY. I doubt anyone besides a pro racer could tell the difference in handling, but it's nice to stretch out if you're a taller person.

 

[njloco]

Yes all true but, doesn't the SS have a shorter turning stop ? It seems like it compared to my Ully !