New to bikes . Looking at xb9 or xb12. Advice ?

[SOUTHSTAR]

Thanks everyone. Great advice. Sounds like I can't go wrong with either one. I will be very respectful of any bike I get. No crazy stuff for me. I'm not intirested in doing wheelies or going crazy fast. Just have fun zipping around town mostly.

Dallasb: I'm curious what you meant about the xb12 feeling like it had a 50lb flywheel. Do you mean the throttle feels sluggish when reving compaired to the xb9

[upthemaiden]

I'm also curious about the 50lb flywheel thing. I've heard that before but never really been sure what it meant.

My son's first motorcycle will have to be a cruiser with forward controls. He is too tall for a crotch rocket.

I started on a 20 year old yamaha xt550 dual sport when I was 17. It would probably have been an ok bike for your son, as it was way too big for me being only 5'7. Just another option if he's not too into cruisers.

[fishgutz]

@ UTM, Yes, a Dualsport would fit too. The Kaw 650 is a good example. He is turns 15 next month. 6'3" and still growing.

[ronmetzler]

Taught my wife this past year how to ride. Started out on a 150CC scooter, then 2 weeks later she was on a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R. She had never drove/rode any kind of manual transmission before, and within a week was very good at it, even downshifting properly. After a month she was riding my 2009 Buell XB12Scg occasionally without any problems. She understands the torque and just takes it easy on the Buell. So I think anyone could start on a Buell XB12 and be fine as long as you know the basics.