new member, Buell owner soon I expect, a little input?

[bykemike]

Hi All!,

I am a long time bike owner, currently have a nice BMW R1200GS (09) and an 04 R1150R BMW, had my share of Ducati's, Moto Guzzis, even some conventional
Harleys, (even a Sporty!)

I was casting about for the last few months for a new bike, a new experience so to speak. I was looking at RC51's, other Ducatis, I don't know, whatever hit the button but nothing was quite doing it.

I was in the parking lot of a local Dollar General the other day and a guy was there with an XB1200R Buell (kinda beat looking but that made it better for some reason) and, as soon as he hit the key I was half hooked, when he pulled out of the lot and pulled a little mini wheelie I was 100% hooked.

I caught up with him at the McD's next door and we talked Buells for a while , he offered to sell me his but was a little high priced I thought.

I went right back to my shop and got on eBay and Craigslist and am now totally confused , so many models! I only know to stay away from the Blast, and, for me, stay away from the Uly (too much like my GS)

I am seeing 9's and 12's, and there is a very cherry M2 1200 Cyclone right near me , carbs, with a conventional frame...I don't know

Any input is very appreciated, looking for light, I am not concerned about the HP difference between 9 and 12, I am an old guy and would be happy with 80 hp, just like good usable performance, good exhaust note and something 400 lbs or less.

Mike in Florida

 

[d_adams]

XB9, rev it a little higher, beat on it more. XB12, little more grunt off the bottom, happier at lower rpm, still makes good power though. Lightning model for more upright (typically) seating position, Firebolt (or R model) for more leaned forward seating. 08+ year model for the better motor, power is essentially the same across the years. If you're height challenged, the SCG (low) model would probably do you well.

 

[bykemike]

Great answer, concise. I like it. There are no shortage of 12 Lightning models around. What is high mileage for one of these? I realize this is maintenance dependent but assume average care. I am seeing bikes with 8k to 20 k for sale.

Oh, and, what is a "long"

 

[lancruza]

XB9 is 984cc. XB12 is 1203. A lightning long or SS has a wheelbase that is 2 inches longer than an S. It also has a slightly larger fuel capacity. Here is a copy and past from another thread.








Buell Motorcycle Guides

2010-Buell-LightningXB12Ss = The Lightning® Long XB12Ss delivers true classic American brute performance and the bold, edgy look of the original Lightning XB12S, with stretched chassis dimensions and ergonomics for more size, comfort and convenience. Supermoto-inspired long-travel suspension, aggressive streetfighter styling and American V-Twin muscle earn top marks for handling.

Dimensions =

Overall Length2 81.9 in. (2,080 mm)
Seat Height, Laden3 30.6 in. (777 mm)
Seat Height, Unladen 33.2 in. (843 mm)
Overall Width without mirrors4 29.7 in. (754 mm)
Ground Clearance, Unladen2 5.5 in. (140 mm)
Rake (Steering Head Angle) at Ride Height (degrees) 23.1
Fork Angle at Ride Height (degrees) 21.6
Trail at Ride Height 4.7 in. (119 mm)
Wheelbase, Unladen 53.7 in. (1,364 mm)
Fuel Capacity, Total 4.4 gal. (16.7 l)
Fuel Capacity 0.83 gal. (3.1 l)
Oil Capacity5 2.5 qt. (2.4 l)
Dry Weight 400 lb. (181 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 850 lb. (386 kg)
Load Carrying Capacity 373 lb. (169 kg)


.................................................. .........


2010-Buell-LightningXB12Scg.htm = The XB12Scg features a lowered suspension and seat for a lower center of gravity and a shorter reach to the ground with no compromise to handling or performance. Streetfighter styling and potent American V-Twin power keeps the aggression mean and low.

Dimensions =

Overall Length2 76.8 in. (1,951 mm)
Seat Height, Laden3 28.6 in. (726 mm)
Seat Height, Unladen 29.9 in. (759 mm)
Overall Width without mirrors4 29.7 in. (754 mm)
Ground Clearance, Unladen2 3.55 in. (90 mm)
Rake (Steering Head Angle) at Ride Height (degrees) 21
Fork Angle at Ride Height (degrees) 21
Trail at Ride Height 3.3 in. (84 mm)
Wheelbase, Unladen 51.8 in. (1,316 mm)
Fuel Capacity, Total 3.82 gal. (14.5 l)
Fuel Capacity 0.75 gal. (2.8 l)
Oil Capacity5 2.5 qt. (2.4 l)
Dry Weight 395 lb. (179 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 850 lb. (386 kg)
Load Carrying Capacity 386 lb. (175 kg)


.................................................. ..............


2010-Buell-LightningCityX-XB9SX = The Lightning® CityX is an urban streetfighter designed to handle whatever the big city throws your way. The quick-revving Buell® Thunderstorm® 984cc V-Twin engine offers broad power to pull through traffic, while an upright rider position, wide Supermoto-style handlebars and intuitive handling help the CityX scat around potholes and dodge through back alleys.

Dimensions =

Overall Length2 78.2 in. (1,986 mm)
Seat Height, Laden3 30.1 in. (765 mm)
Seat Height, Unladen 32 in. (813 mm)
Overall Width without mirrors4 32.7 in. (831 mm)
Ground Clearance, Unladen2 4.35 in. (110 mm)
Rake (Steering Head Angle) at Ride Height (degrees) 21
Fork Angle at Ride Height (degrees) 21
Trail at Ride Height 3.3 in. (84 mm)
Wheelbase, Unladen 52 in. (1,321 mm)
Fuel Capacity, Total 3.82 gal. (14.5 l)
Fuel Capacity 0.75 gal. (2.8 l)
Oil Capacity5 2.5 qt. (2.4 l)
Dry Weight 390 lb. (177 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 850 lb. (386 kg)
Load Carrying Capacity 391 lb. (177 kg)


.................................................. .................................................. ...........



2008models-Buell-LightningXB12S = A direct descendent of the notorious 1996 Buell S1 Lightning, the XB12S is ready to unleash any rider's inner hooligan nature. The tire-twisting torque of a Thunderstorm 1203 V-Twin is paired with the athletic reflexes of the Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC), a combination of throttle response, handling and sexy naked styling that is simply irresistible.

Dimensions
Overall Length6 76.20 in. (1935.48 mm)
Overall Width8 29.70 in. (754.38 mm)
Seat Height7 30.10 in. (764.54 mm)
Ground Clearance6 4.35 in. (110.49 mm)
Rake7 (steering head) 21°
Fork Angle7 21°
Lean Angle9:
Soft Contact, Right - 42°
Soft Contact, Left - 42°
Hard Contact, Right - 50°
Hard Contact, Left - 48°
Trail7 3.30 in. (83.82 mm)
Wheelbase6 52 in. (1320.80 mm)
Tires4 (Pirelli ®):
Front - 120/70 ZR-17
Rear - 180/55 ZR-17
Fuel Capacity 3.82 gal. (14.46 L)
Reserve Fuel Capacity 0.75 gal. (2.84 L)
Fuel Economy2
(EPA urban/highway test)
48/65 mpg (4.90/3.62 L/100 km)
Weight:
Dry Weight 395 lbs. (179.17 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 850 lbs. (385.55 kg)
Load Capacity 391 lbs. (177.35 kg)


.................................................. .................................................. ............




2008 -Buell-LightningSuperTT XB12STT = The Lightning Super TT brings Supermoto-inspired styling and performance to the street. A narrow-and-flat solo seat makes it easy to move and set up for the next turn. Wide, flat handlebars provide outstanding leverage and centered foot peg placement puts the rider in an athletic position. The clipped, black cast-aluminum tail section shows off the 180 mm rear tire. White number plate side panels and flyscreen add a competition look, and are designed to be personalized and are easy to change. Fork slider protectors, handlebar deflectors, cosmetic frame protectors, a high front fender and headlight grille protect the Super TT from the abuse of the street. The 54-inch wheelbase gives the rider room to work, but retains that trademark Buell agility, while 6.25 inches of suspension travel keeps the Super TT well-planted on rough pavement.

Dimensions
Overall Length6 81.90 in. (2080.26 mm)
Overall Width8 32.30 in. (820.42 mm)
Seat Height7 31.40 in. (797.56 mm)
Ground Clearance6 5.50 in. (139.70 mm)
Rake7 (steering head) 23.1°
Fork Angle7 21.6°
Lean Angle9:
Soft Contact, Right - 44°
Soft Contact, Left - 44°
Hard Contact, Right - 53°
Hard Contact, Left - 46°
Trail7 4.70 in. (119.38 mm)
Wheelbase6 54 in. (1371.60 mm)
Tires4 (Scorpion Sync):
Front - 120/70 ZR-17
Rear - 180/55 ZR-17
Fuel Capacity 4.4 gal. (16.66 L)
Reserve Fuel Capacity 0.83 gal. (3.14 L)
Fuel Economy2
(EPA urban/highway test)
48/65 mpg (4.90/3.62 L/100 km)
Weight:
Dry Weight 400 lbs. (181.44 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 850 lbs. (385.55 kg)
Load Capacity 380 lbs. (172.37 kg)

 

[onetuford]

Any input is very appreciated, looking for light, I am not concerned about the HP difference between 9 and 12, I am an old guy and would be happy with 80 hp, just like good usable performance, good exhaust note and something 400 lbs or less.

Hey Mike in Florida (I'm jealous of that, snow on the ground at my place!), you made a good first decision in joining this forum, great people, great resource. I had an XB9R, and it would absolutely fit the bill. If your looking for a bit more comfort though, I would def. go with a lightning. Buells are quirky and unique and up here in the snowy north can be picked up for a song this time of year. I got plenty of confused looks rolling up to watch my kids soccer game on a screaming loud v-twin powered what the heck is that sort of motorcycle. Plus they're made in the good ol' US of A, which I admire.

Ps., My new used 1125R is pretty amazing compared to my old XB9...

 

[HighwayHum72]

Great answer, concise. I like it. There are no shortage of 12 Lightning models around. What is high mileage for one of these? I realize this is maintenance dependent but assume average care. I am seeing bikes with 8k to 20 k for sale.

Oh, and, what is a "long"

I think that the XB bikes are very reliable machines that will last many many miles if maintained well. Just like a well maintained car engine, really. You could ride a Buell XB motorcycle for well over 100k miles. I have put close to 6k miles on my 2004 xb12 since summer time and I just keep a close eye on oil level, clean filter, and clean synthetic Lucas 20-50 every 3-5k miles. I have close to 30k miles and the plugs look clean too. I once saw a video where Harley Davidson ran the engines non-stop at max rpm's for weeks on end during development. The Buell is a very strong motor.