XB12SS- Looking into it. Great Bike? Tell me.

[TRUK]

Hello xb riders,
I've been a big fan of Buells since I first took notice sometime a year and a half ago, and finally took a ride on a CG a few weeks ago.

Anyway, I currently ride a '07 Suzuki Vstrom 650, which is an all-around great bike, but I'm itching for something a little more interesting and fun to ride. I'm definitely into the unique Buell engineering and the overall look of the bikes, so the SS has been on my list as a replacement. The XT is great, too, but still a little pricey for me. The questions, though, how well can I use an SS as a commuter and distance traveler?

I'm 6'2", and the upright riding position and ergonomics on the Strom are a good fit for me. However, I have yet to find an SS to check out and ride. The stretched dimensions and seat height sound ok to me, and if I can mod it up with a screen, luggage, and wrapped pipes, then perhaps we're good.

So, take a moment and tell me what you like or dislike about the SS as an overall commuter and sometime sport tourer. I think I saw someone on here with a nicely set up SS with a screen, new mirrors, soft luggage, etc. It was black and sunset orange (picture saved somewhere...). Any pics are appreciated.

Thanks

 

[fahren]

I ride an Ss but am nowhere near your height (5'-6"), so you will just have to try the ride for yourself to see if it feels right. I don't think there's really any other way to know about the fit. Having said that, though, there are plenty of folks your hgt. who ride an Ss and are happy with it.

As to the commuter/occasional sport tourer, my first thought would be for you to go back and look again at the Uly. By the time you fit out the Ss as you want, how much of a price diff would there really be?

There's no question the uly seat would be better for any two-up riding you may do. Any non-paved or badly-paved surfaces would be better with the Uly.
The luggage is already thought out, but can come off if you don't need it most of the time. The height might be better for you (personal taste/feeling - again, gotta try them both).

If the commute side of things matters more than the occasional trip, then you can surely get by w/ the Ss. I have Buell saddlebags (came with bike from PO), and I use a messenger bag when I carry my laptop - it's all good. If I really wanted to go solo on a tour, I would probably get the rear top-bag that hooks into the saddlebags, then strap extra stuff over top, and even get a tank bag if I needed it. Less secure and less waterproof than the Uly setup, but for very occasional trips, you can make it work.

So try both the Uly and the Ss for comfort and fit, and be confident either one would do what you need, as long as you love the fit of the bike for you. Where are you located? Buellers are all around, maybe you can hook up w/ someone to try out the rides, and then also get to a dealership to get the feel of both bikes (if they have them both in stock - ha ha ha).

 

[TRUK]

Yeah, I like both he Ully X and XT, though I probably wouldn't do all that much off road to really need all the X's suspension. As far as price goes, I can probably find an '06 Ully, but have to switch out the super high original seat.

I'm a sucker for the cherry bomb or sunest orange colored wheels and overall look of the SS, however.

 

[BennyGca]

I am your height and the Ss was the only way to go... I stand flat-footed with the stock seat.

For commuting I have a 35 liter hiking pack, not so big that I get blown away, but still big enough to carry anything I could need.

Not sure how well the larger windshields work, I have zero windshield and did find the constant wind a little tiring on longer (8 hour) rides.

All in all, I LOVE MY Ss!

 

[raz65man]

I too was torn between the Ss and XT. I'm 5'9" 200lbs so I'm not sure if the Uly would fit you better, but it was definatly too tall for me. It takes a little more effort but you can pack it up for a trip.

Edit: Pic placement

 

[kokomochandler]

im 6'3 and 260 ive had all the jap bikes. cbr,gsxr,yzf. and an sv1k to be comparable to your vstrom kinda. ive got a 2005 xb12scg. i didnt know it was a cg till i looked at the vin. the dealer had it listed as a xb12s. my seat has the xb12s regular seat though. and its the best and most comfortable bike ive ever had.

 

[TRUK]

Nice pics, Raz. Not much room left on that rig!

Does anyone make a rack that sits above the rear fender behind the seat? What about switching out X or XT handlebars?

 

[fahren]

Ventura luggage: http://www.ventura-bike.com/fitments.aspx?modelid=86
this is link to the Ss model. Huge amounts of capacity; also converts to just a low, passenger grab bar type setup, as well as a rear rack that might just be perfect for your commuting needs.

 

[fahren]

raz, what is that red padded bar above your handlebars?

 

[raz65man]

That would be my flyrod tube. Those pictures are from an overnight trout fishing trip in Dickenson county VA. On the bike is all my fishing gear plus a bed roll,one person bivy,sleeping bag, and a change of clothes. Razman

 

[TRUK]

I thought that looked like my home state! I'm in Richmond. Any chance you are in the area, Raz?

 

[raz65man]

I'm in Lynchburg and ride the Parkway,Rt 501, and Rt 60 on a regular basis.Been working a ton of OT lately but that should slow down toward the end of this month until hunting season starts. If you are interested in going for a ride just let me know at [email protected]. Take it easy & ride safe, Razman