Well, I just got back from test riding the XB12S Buell. It was definitely different. I wheelied the **** out it and it could corner like a biatcch. The torque was unbelieveable, but it wasn't my R1 for sure.


Results after Test Ride

Likes
-Torque
-Wheelies
-Set-up
-Still American Made

Dislikes
-Fan still runs if real hot after shutting off
-Sounds a little like a Harley
-Does lack the hi-tech feel of a newer Jap bike
-My new screen name would have to be "XB12XS_Dude"

I'm not sure on a decision yet, going to test ride the Firebolt tomorrow.

 

I've owned and stunted a '96 Buell S1 (old motor), and competed at Starboyz Stuntfest '04 on an XB12S (got 4th in longest stoppie - amatuer 187ft), so I think I'm fairly well qualified to speak to this matter.....unlike most of the people on here who are quick to criticize something they've never ridden.

So here's my opinion...........

The NEW Buell's are 100% better than the older, tube-frame Buells. The older bikes used 1203cc motors right outta the Sportsters (with high performance bits), and they had all sorts of problems. The new Buells ('03+) have ALL NEW motors. Although they have the same displacement, they are NOT the same motors. The new 1203's are 100% new from the ground up, and are built to rev a good 1,500rpm higher than the old ones. The top end rush of the new 1203's is incredible when compared to the old 1203's.

For basic wheelies and stoppies, the new Buells are great. They don't like prolonged highway wheelies, but you'll have no problems riding out 1-2 miles. They AWESOME for stoppies. The front brake is incredible, and the detents in the tank really allow you to grip the tank with your knees! Because they're belt driven, no gearing is available. And to convert to chain drive on the new Buells requires a new oil-carrying swingarm that costs about $3k (unlike the old Buell's, which were easy to convert). There are no cages or 12 bars available, and the sliders that are out there suck. So basically, they're good for recreational stunting, but nothing more serious than that.

I like the Buell line-up because they're so much different than everything else out there. I've owned 7 different Japanese bikes (from an '92 F2 to an '02 R1, and my current '98 RR Streetfighter), and I wanted something that stood out. I liked it when I'd pull into a stunt spot and people would be like "what's he doing on THAT thing"...and then I'd roll 150ft stoppies at 'em and impress them a bit. I just liked showing my skills on a different type of bike. When you do a stand-up on a GSXR1K, everyone's like "Well ****...that ***** has 150hp...no doubt he can wheelie it!". But when you crack a Buell up on the highway, everyone's like "DAMN!".

BUT...after getting back onto a 900RR from that Buell, I gotta say I won't look back. My riding style is just too aggressive for that bike. I drop my bike, and the parts for the Buell really are too expensive and too hard to get. Again though, if you're not going to stunt it hard, this probably won't be an issue. I also love the high rpm's that I get with my 900RR. The Buell revs out at like 8k, which means you've got fewer rpms to work with, and you've gotta be smoother, more precise and more deliberate with what you're doing with the throttle. There's a smaller operating window to work with (rev-wise), and you just don't have that top end horsepower to help compensate.

BUT....Colbert is rockin' THE **** outta Buell's these days (sponsored or not), and Craig Jones did hold the world stoppie distance record on one (factory prepped or not), so they have some credibility in my book.

Hope that helps you some. I just wanted to share my actual experiences with you, since there aren't that many Buell RIDERS in here (even if I'm now an ex-Buell rider).

- Jason

 

That's for the info.

 

Dan is the gayest man that ever lived if you get that bike. Even Matt got rid of his.

 

^^^ +1

Flip

 

sounds like an 03 or newer isnt a bad choice dan.but its a shame youll pay more than you can get for your bike to switch.is it really worth it?that 02 of yours is still a real looker.

 

sounds like an 03 or newer isnt a bad choice dan.but its a shame youll pay more than you can get for your bike to switch.is it really worth it?that 02 of yours is still a real looker.

 

No, your ghey for moving. When is a good day to have a get together. I'll have it at my house, drink, swim and all the shiatt. Invite the normal rid'n buds. yet me know punk.

 

this sat night?

 

The site is talking about pre 2002 Buells and specifically the Buell blast which is just a beginer bike. You can find a site like that about any product you can buy, someone that had bad luck or mis-treated a product and want's the company to buy them a new one and won't. All warranty data from 2002 is great and that's what Eric Buell had promised he was going to focus on. I'm still undecided on buying one or not, but reliability doesn't seem to be a factory anymore.

 

dan do those bikes have a drive belt or chain i was just wondering If there was a noticable difference between the 2

 

Belt, specially designed by Goodyear with Kevlar. Service life is 100K, no adjustments, grease or slack in the chain. I actually like that part. I'm sure if your were going to race or stunt for a living the chain is much stronger. the other good thing is how light the belt is. A lot less unsprung weight, I believe 1 lb belt and chain is about 5 lb. I might wait until next year and get the 06.......an all new transmission and rear swing arm. Then again maybe I'll just get a new R1.

 

i dunno man r1 is pretty sweeeeeeeetttttttt go with your gut

 

Yeah, the belts never need adjustment because there is a built-in automatic tensioner (right behind the right rider footpeg), so that is a big benefit in my book.

Also, my old Buell had polished PM wheels on it, and they stayed SO MUCH cleaner with that belt. No chain lube flying around.

The belts are very, very quiet too, which is nice. The lightweight of the belt also goes along with Buell's lightweight and mass centralization theme.

What sucks is that they're not as flexible as a chain, in regards to adding or removing length, and if they break (due to something getting caught between the belt and the pulley, or any other crazy reason....someone snips it), they're hell (and $$$$) to replace. I had to remove the swingarm from my old Buell to replace the belt, and it sucked...but I only had to do it 1 time in the 36,000 miles I put on the bike.

Just my $.02.

- Jason

P.S. Here's a pic of my current 900RR. I carried the Buell streetfighter theme over, but I'm lovin' being back on an inline 4.

 

I've read that goodyear even improved the belt in the last year, they show a video of them putting a handfull of small rocks in the belt and pully and it didn't phase it. 36K on your buell, that's some rid'n there. I just want something different. I'm not a pro stunter, just like doing highway wheelies, tank wheelies, stoppies and such so I'm not worried about after marked shiatt that much.

Plus I'm sick of riding bikes made in other country's dammit. I live here, want to keep jobs here and support this place before I have to learn Chinese to live here.

 

My friend is selling an XB9 for a pretty good price.

 

Thanks Niner, Heart is set on the XB12 if I buy one..........about 14 more HP. Have you rode it.

 

Thats it Dan is gay. Its a Hardly and will cause nothing but problems with the ones that love you the most. US.

 

Your Jealous that I'll be stunt'n that biatcch better than your F4I. Your opinion don't count cause your leaving. I am surprised that the vote is more like it than don't, I though it would get bashed.