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Buell XB9S

Kook - 2/6/07 at 07:51 PM

See photo http://media.popularmechanics.com/images/tb_lightning009-lg.JPG

Am doing my bike test next week and have been really liking this bikes at the min have yet to look @ one in the flesh though.

Have done a lot of reading up on them they get great reviews of most bike mags in reviews and other peoples reviews who have driven one or own one.

But why is it that when you mention one to a biker that has not driven one or seen one they do not rate them ?

Am sort of worried as would love to buy one but then get put off by what others say.

StevieB - 2/6/07 at 07:53 PM

I rate them - just the style of bike I like!

I think they're quite the stunt machine though, so may not be good for people new to biking (and certainly won't be good for the insurance!)

Kook - 2/6/07 at 07:58 PM

There not to bad for Insurance Ł180 3rd f&f about Ł450 ish full comp.

There not that much of a stunt bike in fact its built for commuttin to work they are only about 85bhp and not got a great top end speed there meant to have more low down torque for city driving but also a bit of grunt when out on open roads.

StevieB - 2/6/07 at 08:10 PM

More low down torque for...

Pulling big wheelies!

That's pretty good going for insurance too - I'd struggle to get even a basic commuter bike for that sort of premium

Kook - 2/6/07 at 08:18 PM

Am 30 with 3 points on my license and 0 years bike license and 0 ncd on bike 5yrs on car.
I got the quote of these www.performancedirect.co.uk

I know things like R6 are over 1k but is surprising how cheap stuff like a triumph daytona T959 is.

StevieB - 2/6/07 at 08:22 PM

I've looked around previously and got reasonable quotes for things like Yamaha Thundercats etc. but anything vaguely sportier or bigger engined gets ridiculous. I'm 29 with 0 points.

No matter, because my good lady has all but banned me after going to see a friend race and fall off twice - I'd almost convinced her right up to that point that it's mainly bad press that makes you think bikes crash lots too!

Coose - 2/6/07 at 08:26 PM

I test-rode one last year and it was ok. The motor is obviously very agricultural being a Harley, but it was quite entertaining! I think that someone had been fiddling with the suspension as it needed more front ride-height as it was dropping into corners.....

I rode a Ulyesses afterwards which was much, much fitter, and sounded great with a Micron pipe!

ecosse - 2/6/07 at 09:04 PM

It might not help much, but I had the xb9's predecessor, the X1, a cracking bike, great fun, although very poor build quality, they take a bit of getting used to if you have only ridden metrics, but terrific on the twisty bits and they make a lovely noise with a race can on

Cheers

Alex

macdave69 - 3/6/07 at 06:26 AM

My partner rides an XB9, therefore making it a girls bike
Seriously though, I find it a little short for me, there is a BIG grin factor with the Buell. I use a TDM Yamaha for work and find that a more comfortable ride with the same performance but I'm not the one getting stopped by people to be asked about it. (and mine is Ratfirghtered, a foot shorter than standard and painted matt black)
The Buell does drop into corners due to the extreme steering angles. The Uylesses has more rake and is therefore better behaved.
Tank range is quite short, even tootling along. If you get one, get a Quill exhaust. They make it sound and perform better instantly.
The rim disc gets through pads in 3500 miles and cost @ Ł50 a set. Being a stonking V twin, the back tyre takes a hammering too. The Pirelli was completely shot after 4000 and Ruthy rides sensibly (as a rule)
Even now I am still amazed at the lateral thinking on this bike. Frame fuel tank, swinging arm oil tank, rim brakes, everywhere you look there is innovation. IF it was 40BHP more, there is no doubt I would buy a Buell (as long as it was a Firebolt)

macdave69 - 3/6/07 at 06:37 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Kook
I know things like R6 are over 1k but is surprising how cheap stuff like a triumph daytona T959 is.

AVOID AVOID
If you are just passing your test, the T595 955 etc are NOT the bikes to gain experience on. I have had 2 and Ruthy got one after she passed her test. They are very top heavy, very tall and also very bulky. They go like stink and sound great but the suspension isn't the best as standard and I would say that they need treating with respect. Respect is something you learn when sat on your ar$e working out what happened. Ruthy had just passed her test and took one 2000 miles around Europe, the experience set her riding back a year. Only now is riding with confidence (on the Buell). I bought a new T955 and found it a thoroughly disengaging experience when compared to the old T509. A R1 easily solved that problem

. But now that has gone in favour of the Roadster Blade

Kook - 4/6/07 at 05:08 PM

Cheers some good advice there.
I am only short myself 5.8 ish with short legs so do not think it being short will be a problem.

Do you think the Buell would make a good 1st bike then ?

chunkytfg - 5/6/07 at 07:02 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Kook
Cheers some good advice there.
I am only short myself 5.8 ish with short legs so do not think it being short will be a problem.

Do you think the Buell would make a good 1st bike then ?

Nope.

The extrewme geometry of the buell makes it very 'flighty' which IMO is not the best idea for a newbie. You need something a llittle more sensible to get a few miles under your belt.

If the Naked fighter look is what you are after then maybe look at the SV650N or the Hornet. They are both more than capable of scaring you sh!less but when you wind them down they are alot more subdued.

As for the somment earlier about the 4000mile tyre life because it's a V-twin. I wont deny that V-twins are alot more grunty so put alot more strain on the tyres but imo 4000 miles is pretty good. Admittedly i dont know what tyre it was but assuming somethign along the lines of a pirelli diablo thats is exactly what i'd expect no more.