Which Buell is for me? :)

[IanT720]

Hey everyone!!! Basically I’ve been dying to get a Buell, I’ve owned several bikes, a old school Honda chopper, a ZX6r, and a older Yamaha Cafe Racer... basically I would like just a nice bike that is actually worth something lol. I think the Buell XB fits the bill for what I want. A great all around bike. So the question is.... I need model recommendations...
I’m 23 years old, 5’10 180lbs.
I want the ability to ride 2Up that’s comfy for her 5’8 130lbs.
I have a naked bike now and honestly it’s not fun long distance on the highway, does that rule out the lightning?
I want a 2006-2008 XB12 right? Best years?
Does anyone know if they made a Red Bike with Gold wheels these years??? They seem very hard to find.
So the “S” is a Lightning, the “R” is a Firebolt, the SS is long, but what the heck is a X or SCG? Lol
Thanks for the help everyone!!

 

[TPEHAK]

Best year is 2010

 

[user_deleted]

i'm 2 inches taller and 10 lbs. heavier than you. my opinions are as follows:
1-R is firebolt. punishing ergonomics for most but stylish aesthetics
2-you'll be incredibly cramped and uncomfortable 2-up on a firebolt or standard lightning.
3-SCG is a lightning with lowered stock suspension, shorter side stand, lower seat. called the L model 2003 only. it's short, low, squatty and stubby but popular.
4-and X is a ulysses....an XT is in essence a ulysses but set up for touring. factory luggage is outstanding. does NOT have front beek fender...standard lightning fender. very popular, roomy, comfy and wonderful ergonomics.
5-generally speaking the Ss which is a lightning but lengthened, the Stt which is an Ss with dumb looking number plates and other quasi-isle of man garbage on it, the X and the XT are the roomiest and most comfy. the Ss, Stt, X and XT all have lengthened frames and larger cockpit area.
6-the basic parts on all buell XB models interchange such as motors, wheels, brake parts, wiring, cosmetics, internals, you name it. parts extremely plentiful and always will be. aftermarket support outstanding....dealer support now getting non-existent.
7-2008 saw across-the-board sweeping changes to the EFI system...sensor system...oiling system....suspension....host of other changes and upgrades. 2010 is last year....few made...odd-balls to some degree but great bikes. easily spotted by an O2 sensor on the front header tube.
8-stay the hell away from turds, beaters, junkers, questionable titles, owners bragging up 1/4mile speeds, ones needing major work. they're not worth it and technically challenging for the novice. board members occasionally offer their steeds for sale and generally are pretty good bikes.
lastly, don't know where you're located but board member kenny/NJloco has a friend with a like new 2007 Stt up for sale. almost no miles, flawless as i recall, and around $4000 as memory serves. outstanding price for a very nice bike that you might like. perhaps reach out for him. he's southern NJ.
here's a link to view. wonderful stats, pics, info that will help.

http://daviddreesen.blogspot.com/2015/01/buell-motorcycles-1983-2009.html

 

[IanT720]

THANK YOU!!!! That is a wealth of information!!

 

[Silverrider]

Welcome !! ,,, If you are doing a lot of 2 up ? A Uly is best , IMO

 

[njloco]

Sorry, my friends Cherry STT sold, but I don't think it would have fit you for two up riding, the Ulysses is the one you want to look for as all it would need is a Madstad fairing and you would be good to go, 2008-2010 or XT model.

 

[Cooter]

IMHO any long framed bike Ss, STT, or Uly would be fine with a touring seat. At 5'10" you'll want to get drop pegs and you can find whatever handle bars you like if the stockers aren't right.

2008 and up saw some good improvements, and although I think it's worth the slight increase in price for the Thunderstorm engine, they all are pretty bulletproof. I would have no problem on a '03-'07 without worry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3BcMKN-2Nk&t=236s

 

[BuellyBagger]

Welcome !! ,,, If you are doing a lot of 2 up ? A Uly is best , IMO

If you're doing any 2up...uly! My wife actually prefers it over my Harley. Nice wide thick seat, tons of suspension, good visibility, nice rear peg placement and the stock luggage holds a ton of stuff

 

[Subarubrat]

If Buell does not make the exact bike you want you can just build it from the available factory and aftermarket parts. I always liked the Firebolt back half but thought the front looked like it had a goofy overbite, and I liked the Lightning front half but thought the back half looked like a bug you would find on your screen door, so my solution was to buy all carbon aftermarket parts and build a LightningBolt; Lightning in the front, Firebolt in the rear. For me, the combination of the Lightning front with regular bars and the Firebolt with it's single deeper seat is a great combo.

 

[IanT720]

If Buell does not make the exact bike you want you can just build it from the available factory and aftermarket parts. I always liked the Firebolt back half but thought the front looked like it had a goofy overbite, and I liked the Lightning front half but thought the back half looked like a bug you would find on your screen door, so my solution was to buy all carbon aftermarket parts and build a LightningBolt; Lightning in the front, Firebolt in the rear. For me, the combination of the Lightning front with regular bars and the Firebolt with it's single deeper seat is a great combo.

I realized that... These bikes are rare!!! 2008-10 XB12SS's are damn near impossible to find, so when I do find one, I know it will probably be the wrong colors lol

 

[GregoXB]

You forgot to mention one major plus of the Ss, STT, and the Uly...... 4.4 gallon fuel tank.... we are talking about 180 mile range or more.

 

[34nineteen]

Here is an 2010 XB12SS for sale. I think $4000 is a fair asking price for all parties involved. The nice thing about an XB is that its not that hard to change colors, or pick up a spare set of body panels and have them painted. I sold a set of plastics to midway on here and he had them painted a sharp looking green (believe it or not!) color.

https://offerup.com/item/detail/469114402/



I've owned a few different naked bikes, and *in my experience* the Lightning is not more fun than any other naked bike on the highway. The Lightning definitely has the cool factor and don't get one if you don't like answering questions about your bike. I felt my XB's always put me a bit more in the wind blast than other naked bikes.

Strangely enough, the 1125CR which has a tiny flyscreen does seem to have a "clean air" area right where you sit as a rider. I don't know if its some aerodynamic trick... or if its just me, but that bike was the probably the naked bike with the least amount of wind blast on the highway.

 

[IanT720]

Alright guys.... Game on! I'm approved for a loan.... Lets find an XB12SS

https://www.buellxb.com/forum/showt...SS-Will-award-finders-fee&p=602179#post602179

 

[TPEHAK]

Loan? I would newer take loan for Buell, only cash if you have free money. You will be disappointed pumping last money in this motorcycle fixing different issues popping here and there.

 

[Cooter]

What 8 year old niche bike would you recommend? I've never known a bike almost a decade old to be without some 'character'. Frankly if it didn't, I wouldn't own it:angel:

To the OP, that 2010SS in Mesa looks like a ridiculously good deal. I love the white, but plastics are cheap and easy if you don't. One note of caution about the mileage. It's perfect on that one. These are stupid simple for maintenance (or lack of). I would worry much more about a bike with less than 1500 miles a year. IMHO.

 

[34nineteen]

What 8 year old niche bike would you recommend? I've never known a bike almost a decade old to be without some 'character'. Frankly if it didn't, I wouldn't own it:angel:

To the OP, that 2010SS in Mesa looks like a ridiculously good deal. I love the white, but plastics are cheap and easy if you don't. One note of caution about the mileage. It's perfect on that one. These are stupid simple for maintenance (or lack of). I would worry much more about a bike with less than 1500 miles a year. IMHO.

Are you cutting in on my finders fee?