XB9 for first bike?

[mk3vdub]

Hi all,

I am shopping around for Naked VTwin bikes, out of all of the models I have seen. I love the xb9s and sx the best, the sound and styling is amazing. I am worried about finding parts and good service now that Buell has closed. Meaning I will have to always go to a HD dealer and not sure how welcoming that would be. I have seen some good deals out there....what is the service schedule like on the bikes? valve adjustments etc?

Also how are the controls and engine, shifting etc for welcoming a new/beginner rider? I am getting my permit on Wednesday and then signing up for a 15hour safety course (classroom and riding) that certifies me to get my license (PA).

Just need some beginner input on what to look for and if an xb9sx or s would be suitable for a first ride. I really don't want to get a very underpowered bike to start. I am 5'10" and 240lbs. The suzuki gladius is prob #2 on my list

 

[anrkizm95]

welcome to the forum.might as well get a 12 imo.not all dealers will work on buells.ive had nothing but problems from my dealer.

 

[Sirius815]

I got a 12 as my first bike and I'm 5'7" and a buck 30. No issues so far

 

[upthemaiden]

What part of PA are you in? I'm in Pittsburgh. I'm gonna try to take the MSF course again this spring. I took it 10 years ago, and figure I'm probably due for a refresher. Plus I think it'll be fun to ride around on those 250s again.

As far as the XB for a first bike. I'll start by saying one of the best parts about it is that you don't have to adjust the valves, ever. They have hydraulic lifters and self adjust. The belt drive means you don't have to keep up with it like you would with a chain. For the most part you change the oil every couple thousand miles and you're good to go. Finding a dealer to work on one is a pain. That would upset me, but I hate dealerships and would rather swear and fight my way through a complicated engine repair than take it back to a dealership. On the plus side, these bikes are super easy to work on seeing as how they're air cooled and only have 2 cylinders.

As far as it being your first bike. If you want to be responsible I'd say it's not a good first bike. If you're someone who refuses to ride an ex250, ninja 500, or gs500 for a while, I would highly recommend the XB9 over a cbr600 or anything like that. It's a much more manageable ride. I know you don't want anything too small for your size, but part of being a grown up is swallowing your pride for the sake of making good decisions, which in this case would be a bike with 40-60hp(I know nobody wants to hear that, but call your insurance company and tell them you're a first time rider and want a quote on a 1000cc sportbike and see what they tell you. If it was a good idea they wouldn't get away with raping people on insurance). The gladius is possibly an easier bike to learn on since the power is a little lower, but it's still the same style of bike. The controls, engine, shifting are all fine for a beginner. The engine and shifting aren't as smooth as a japanese bike, but if it's your first bike you won't know the difference anyway.

 

[mk3vdub]

I am in south central PA, near hanover, gettysburg, york etc. About 1hr from MD and 1.5 from WV.

The insurance on the xb9sx is $100 a month, I am not sure what the 12 would be. But on a 600cc it would only be around $40.

 

[jasonxb9]

I got my 07 xb9sx as my first bike, I rode my fiancée gs500 for about 2 weeks after I took my safety course, but I quickly realized that it was extremely underpowered and very small as I am 5'10 and 220lbs. I have not had any problems with the xb being too much, but I am also not a young kid and I am a bit of a wuss and I ride pretty conservatively. I personally say if you feel like you can be responsible with the larger bike, I say get it, if not than start with something smaller.

 

[thnd3r]

The 9 will be fine. Its really all in the wrist.

 

[kyle_dewald]

Get the xb9, it's a pretty good first bike as long as you don't act stupid. Also, the XB9 is a great platform for engine mods. It has a shorter stroke therefore it can rev higher and quicker than an XB12. Hell Erik Buell has an XB9 that has a big bore kit, as well as case boring and such and has 115+ rwhp. I've got an XB9R, I bought a blast because I got it so cheap ($1,000) then 2 months later I upgraded to the XB9R and I'm loving it even more now

 

[BuddhaBuell]

my humble suggestion when buying a first bike would be get the Buell..

 

[Juicehead]

Go for it!

Got the xb12Scg as my first bike. Seems to me, the way the bike is designed makes them very easy to handle. I've ridden mountainbikes for many years and funny thing was, the geometry was very close.

Just a few more horsies than my mountainbike is all...



Just don't act like a crazyman....

 

[BuddhaBuell]

Seems to me, the way the bike is designed makes them very easy to handle. I've ridden mountainbikes for many years and funny thing was, the geometry was very close.

try riding A-Line or Dirt Merchant @ Whistler on your XB and make sure to post a vid

 

[08levin]

You know you own general abilities better than anyone else. If you are unsure about riding in general, maybe an underpowered bike is the way to go. If you are comfortable riding, then it's just a matter of self restraint and thinking way ahead to prevent yourself from getting into a spot that has no way out.

After buying an XB12 for my first bike, it was the general riding, dealing with traffic and being very aware of blind spots that was the biggest learning curve. The power of the bike was a known thing going in, so I controlled my wrist appropriately.

Insurance costs hurt for the first year, but dropped significantly after that. I always recommend to friends that are thinking about riding to get thier license first, then wait a year and get a bike.

Overall, I love the bike, and haven't had the feeling that I needed to upgrade. I sometimes wish I did have a beater to throw around without worrying about dropping it though.

 

[upthemaiden]

I sometimes wish I did have a beater to throw around without worrying about dropping it though.

I've dropped every bike I've owned a couple times up until I got the buell. Haven't dropped it yet, and definitely don't want to considering the first thing to hit the ground would be the frame. That's one thing to consider when buying a new bike. You might feel comfortable handling the HP, but you buy a nice shiny new bike and it just hurts that much more the first time you try to make a sharp u-turn in a parking lot and can't get your foot down in time when you feel it tipping. I highly recommend something you don't mine beating on a little bit until you get used to the weight and balance.

 

[Xb12sLt]

You will love the 9, mined you...it wont do 354 miles an hour and go bwing bwing scareeeeam. The power delivery and the ridability speak for itself. As for shops and dealers, I just looked around until I found an indi shop that I trusted to do any work on my bike. As for controls, the brakes are good, I dont know about the 9 but on my 12s I gotta hit the shifter with some respect to shift into second sometimes, but other than that it's the best bike I've ridden. And welcome to the forum

 

[njdevils1990]

I'm in the process of looking for a bike I'm looking for an xb12 but depending on the price ill go for a 9. I've gotten quotes from multiple companies and average is 600/year for liability and 1900/year for full coverage. I got my license last year after taking a rider ed class and road my uncles 2003 softtail for a couple months until I found out his insurance only covered riders over 35...so I haven't riden since then but I say go for it you'll be happy. I've test road an xb12s and love the torque, ergonomics, that v-twin all american rumble and let's not forget the big smile you instantly get once you start her up.

 

[BuellSki]

I got a 2003 xb9s for my first bike. I'm 20 years old and weigh 160. It's very fast. As long as you are responsible and watch other drivers you will be good to go. You will find out that it's a different ride than those little 250's. I took the safety course when I was 17 and I bought my first bike 3 weeks ago. So it's been awhile since I've ridden. I dumped it going around a turn after 15 minutes of owning it. As your first bike I wouldn't buy one in pristine condition. Just for that reason. As for insurance. I pay $23 a month for liability. And I've got 9 points on my license. I think it was $75 for comprehension which still isn't bad and $123 for full coverage. I personally love the bike. I plan on keeping it for a very long time. I hope this has helped.

 

[J_Undisputed]

My 12r is my first bike. I had it fall into my lap before I completed the MSF course and got my waiver. I noticed the difference right away from the low 250 they have you run the exercises on and being perched up high on top of firebolt. Crank the throttle and she'll definitely let you know who's boss... It made me a little nervous at first. The more I ride, the more I realize its the rider what I want to get out of the ride, than it is the bike. So as people have said, its all in the control and riding responsibly.

The support issue does ask you how much of yourself you plan to give to the bike, though. As a right of passage, working on my bike became a necessity (not much support in NYC), then a labor of love, then a passion. Theres a wealth of knowledge and support here for the taking... and sometimes I'd rather take my life into my own hands, instead of putting it in the hands of someone who gets paid regardless of whether or not I make it home in one piece.

The insurance company doesn't care and progressive reamed me for 7 and change on liability. I expected it as a single, first time rider on a 1200 cc bike and no kids.

 

[Maser7c]

My xb12ss is my first bike aside from a pedal bike. I had never ridden any sort of motorcycle/dirt bike, and I haven't had any problems so far.

Not to sound like annoying parents, but you have to be responsible and just know your limits. Ive rode snowmobiles and quads my whole life, but had never been on a motorcycle. I did a lot of time in the parking lot before going out on the rode or any busy places.

BE RESPONSIBLE and a XB9 will be a great first bike for you.

 

[mk3vdub]

Thanks for the all the great advice. I am responsible and I have a good sense of knowing restraint and control. I was waiting until after 25 to get a better insurance rate so now that i am 26 its game on [cool]

I have allstate and they quoted me $100/month for full coverage. I plan on getting something used also. Unless I can't find an XB and i have to opt for a gladius

 

[njdevils1990]

like i have been told on this forum many times....don't be afraid to drive a bit to find your bike check craigslist, cycletrader local papers? ive been looking for a bike for the past 6 months and if it werent for the fact that i just HAD to buy a new computer and camera i would be riding now BUT!! I take it as a good thing that I waited so long because in that time i have been able to really hone down on what i want and what i expect to pay and even what to look for when buying a bike. Just use common sense when looking at a bike because there are people out there who will try to screw you over (especially on craigslist). Good luck