Bike Reviews and my thoughts from today

[StoneChucker]

VERY long, thanks if you read it all, piss off you lazy git if you don't ;) :lol:

Where to start! I've got so many thoughts going through my head, I'm quite confused!

VTWIN and I left for Wgtn Motorcycles (me in the cage grr!) and got there around 12, after battling hellish wgtn city traffic (surely roadworks in a cbd area are best left till after dark?). I test rode the Buell XB9S with Race Kit (Race exhaust, air filter and ECU - a faster version of just the standard bike), and VTWIN took a GSXR1000.

XB9S
For me, the enjoyment started with the first turn of the key. The sound that bike makes (mostly due to the race kit remember) is exactly like I want a bike I own to sound. It's smooth to ride in terms of pulling away and cruising at speed. It is however a little rough at slow "bumper to bumper" traffic, but my R1 is no better or worse really, so thats not a problem for me. The first thing I noticed is the length of the bike, or lack thereof! It's also a much more upright ride, but at the end of the day this is one of the things I loved about the bike. I later learned from VTWIN that you ride these bikes by using the torque in low to mid rev range, but even so this is one of the biggest differences I noticed, when compared to my R1. I found myself running out of rev's in every gear, almost like I felt forced to change up, where I've never been limited by that factor on the R1. But thats because I was trying to ride it using rpm, not the low down torque. Going up the Rimutakas I found that you just about have to change between 2nd and 3rd the whole way, where on my bike if I'm feeling the need to hoon it, I stay in second, and that covers me up to whatever speed I can muster.

Another BIG plus about this bike, is its wheelie capabilities. I've been practicing for ages on my bike, so obviously that played a huge part, but I found the Buell really easy to lift up in 1st and 2nd. The petrol tank turned out to be a little small, only holding $11.50 excluding reserve, so I reckon about $14 total, which is a whole $4 less than the R1 (convert to litres if you so wish). It is however heaps and heaps of fun, being a lot closer to the type of riding I enjoy, and the type of bike I enjoy. I think I was equally as quick, or possibly quicker up and down the hill on the Buell, as with my R1, and today was my first ride on it. It inspires confidence in the corners, and tips in very easily, allowing you to slide around on the seat if you so wish.

But, I did find it a little "Gutless" and am testriding the XB12S and XB12R tomorrow, since I've been told the 1200 is identical, just with more grunt. I prefer the R look, with fairings etc, but the rider position is different, and I feel very comfortable with the upright position of the S version. Time will tell, I hope the R is as ridable, as it looks better in my opinion. So, if my thoughts and premonitions are correct, I'll be getting a shiny new XB12R, black/yellow with Race Kit sometime in the future.

Suzuki GSXR1000
Now, since I own a similar bike, I wasn't expecting much. I was wrong. The main difference I felt was the Gixxer had all it's power available over ALL of the rpm range. This I learnt, while rolling in 1st at about 60kph, and then flooring it (which usually pulls a nice wheelie on my bike). The Gixxer's front wheel came up literally 1 cm and I rolled off straight away, knowing the power would have flipped me and the bike over in no time had I continued. My description is the Gixxer's engine, while delivering less power than the R1, is a LOT more "raw" than mine. On the R1, up to about 8000rpm, the power delivery is very verrrry smooth, and forgiving. Over 8K rpm it's as much a beast as the Gixxer. For this reason, I definitely prefer my bike, for the simple reason being that I am not a very proficient rider. I feel the Gixxer would eat me alive, spit me off and roll down the road looking for another victim! Apart from that, it's very similiar to mine, riding position, etc... The R1 does however have better front brakes. The Gixxer, as are the CBR1000RR, ZX10R and R1, is a great bike. I'd recommend the inexperienced who desperately want a SuperSport bike to choose the CBR1000RR or R1. The other two would be enjoyed much more in the hands of experienced riders. Either way, they all go fricken fasssst!!!

WhiteTrash, thanks for allowing us to take the bikes out for a good ride. I feel it's necessary when deciding to spend so much on a single item :scooter: I learnt something about the bike from start to finish, and I don't think it will be in vain for you either ;)
Blakamin, thanks for taking the pics, and very nice to finally see the Ducati! Only one gripe I have about your bike... The Suicide stand is truly, err, suicidal!!!
Sels1, good to ride with you again.

I'll post a SHORT write about about the XB12 R and S tomorrow, weather dependant.

Hmm, I'm still grinning. Go USA :yeah: (and yes, I'll still wave to all ya Jappas)

[Blakamin]

Good reveiw!!!... glad you enjoyed it too.....
wont say "I told ya so" so you can ignore the fact I just typed it!!!
ya gotta love the sound of a twin!!!!

the speeds I saw the gixxer do.... wow, I had to look to make sure I wasn't parked!!! and I wasnt!!!! (onya VTWIN)

hope you told WT about it bleeding.....

[James Deuce]

Blah blah blah.

Blah blaaah blu blah.

:angry2: :baby:

[Skunk]

Everyone I've spoken too finds the XB9R "gutless" too... :mellow:

[riffer]

Everyone I spoken too finds the XB9R "gutless" too... :mellow:


Nah. It's not gutless. It's just a totally different way of riding. Just remember you can carry a whole lot more speed through the corners.

Speed's not just about straight line acceleration.

[James Deuce]

Everyone I spoken too finds the XB9R "gutless" too... :mellow:

They aren't gutless. The people who ride them and complain about a lack of power are indicating their preference for far more HP than you can realistically use in NZ without risking license or jail time.

A moderately skilled rider on an XB9 would make some of the people on here feel a bit slow on only a moderately twisty road.

[Pwalo]

Interesting comments on the Buell, and GSXR. Most of the magazine reviews say pretty much the same things - must be some sort of conspiracy.

I think I like the look of the Buells and I'd be interested to see what you think about the 1200. I'd still be a bit concerned about the reliability, and finish issues though.

[matthewt]

A moderately skilled rider on an XB9 would make some of the people on here feel a bit slow on only a moderately twisty road.

A moderately skilled rider on any bike would make some of the people on here feel a bit slow on only a moderately twisty road.

A moderately twisty road, like this one ????

[Blakamin]

I think I like the look of the Buells and I'd be interested to see what you think about the 1200. I'd still be a bit concerned about the reliability, and finish issues though.

Funny you should say that... it DID have a certain H-D issue....... :shutup:

[Bonez]

Not everyone likes Buells. A lot of people like Suzukis. Why do I get the impression review this is just a sales pitch? I mean which bike has more bang for your buck?

[Blakamin]

Not everyone likes Buells. A lot of people like Suzukis. Why do I get the impression review this is just a sales pitch? I mean which bike has more bang for your buck?
but he's got an R1 and wants to change... why would he buy a gixxer??????
so how can that be a sales pitch????? he wasnt even the one looking at buying the suzuki... it was there for other reasons

[Bonez]

so how can that be a sales pitch?????
Just call me a cynical old bastard. Hope things bode well with his purchase.

[mini_hooks_]

A moderately skilled rider on any bike would make some of the people on here feel a bit slow on only a moderately twisty road.

A moderately twisty road, like this one ????

ooohhhhh...that would be a great ride...also a great way to clear the head of any cob :banana: :rockon: webs

[ching_ching]

But, I did find it a little "Gutless" and am testriding the XB12S and XB12R tomorrow, since I've been told the 1200 is identical, just with more grunt. I prefer the R look, with fairings etc, but the rider position is different, and I feel very comfortable with the upright position of the S version. Time will tell, I hope the R is as ridable, as it looks better in my opinion. So, if my thoughts and premonitions are correct, I'll be getting a shiny new XB12R, black/yellow with Race Kit sometime in the future.

Hmm, I'm still grinning. Go USA :yeah: (and yes, I'll still wave to all ya Jappas)

Come over to the dark side Luke. I know you want to. Come tarry with Uncle Ching and let us ride into the sunset... :lol: :headbang:

[StoneChucker]

cynical old bastard

hahahahaha ;)

[mini_hooks_]

well well well...looks like we had some fun today , aye you two,do you think you will get the xb9r coz after reading that, it does sound like a nice bike, dad and i had a look on the wellington motorcycles web site, it sure does look nice......infact it was jaw dropping :gob: ...

[Bonez]

cynical old bastard

hahahahaha ;)
Thank you.

[White trash]

Not everyone likes Buells. A lot of people like Suzukis. Why do I get the impression review this is just a sales pitch? I mean which bike has more bang for your buck?

I'm the fucken salesman here pal, not SC. V-Twin wanted to experiance a Gixxer, SC's genuinly interested in a Buell.

SC wouldn't buy the Suzuki even if he was in the market for a litre class bike, he said that.

[Bonez]

I'm the fucken salesman here pal, not SC. So you are.

[mini_hooks_]

So you are.

be careful you dont want to get on his bad side.....he might just give you a dental allignment
:bash: :bash:

[Bonez]

be careful you dont want to get on his bad side.....he might just give you a dental allignment
:bash: :bash:The dentists haven't managed to do it. So I dought it.
Thank's for the concern.

[mini_hooks_]

The dentists haven't managed to do it. So I dought it.
Thank's for the concern.

thats fine... ;)

[White trash]

So you are.

Not a particularly good one, mind. Can't seem to sell many in this shithouse weather.

[Marknz]

I'm the fucken salesman here pal,

Who told you that? Let me have a word with the boss will ya!?

[White trash]

Who told you that? Let me have a word with the boss will ya!?

Buddy! Where you at?

Time for the funday on Saturday, you ready?

[sels1]

Sels1, good to ride with you again.


You too SC.

How did you find the noise factor? It was bloody loud riding behind/beside yr
- would get headache/need airplugs if I did it for any length of time

[StoneChucker]

Looks like the XB12S and XB12R will have to wait till next weekend...

[StoneChucker]

I'd have to get ear plugs or something, when I got to Martinborough I could feel my ears had been pounded the whole way there... But HELL, whadda way to go deaf!!! :niceone:

[Bonez]

I'd have to get ear plugs or something, when I got to Martinborough I could feel my ears had been pounded the whole way there... But HELL, whadda way to go deaf!!! :niceone:
There comes a time when loud is just way too much on a long trip. Another thing to loose concentration with while riding [turns up hearing aid].

[sels1]

I'd have to get ear plugs or something, when I got to Martinborough I could feel my ears had been pounded the whole way there... But HELL, whadda way to go deaf!!! :niceone:

Speaking of health...(Salmonella) Campabacta was the word I couldnt remember in our conversation yesterday....

[Zapf]

hay SC no reason not to get a set of leathers now since you ride a HD :love2: :doh:

[2_SL0]

Speaking of health...(Salmonella) Campabacta was the word I couldnt remember in our conversation yesterday....
Dude did you have that, ooooooooooah, me bro had it not long ago, I have had a very very graphic description already, NOT PLEASANT. It went something like this :shake: :sick: :puke: :shake: :shake: :shake:

[Sensei]

Hey Stonechucker/ VTwin must have just missed you Guy's as WT had said you had just gone for a blast . Brought new Tyre for the GSXR. Thank's for great price WT .Good to hear you had a try on the GSXR1000 .Now you know why people rave about their motor's . Never got to do 296 on the R1 I took for a blast but I hear they have better top end then the GSXR . No good if the GSXR is all ready there waiting :scooter: LOL . Hope to hook up next time down your way . SENSEI

[StoneChucker]

Firstly, I was wondering what happened to you Sensei, and yes, Next time for sure. Sels1, thanks for that info. On further investigation I confirmed what I thought, and it's Campylobacter, but I'm not spelling obsessed, so I'll let you off :D

Now, I don't ride the Buell yet, and I think making up my mind is going to be near impossible, because I'd be selling an :love2: R1 :love2: . Now that just seems silly to me...
What I might do is, wait a few months, and buy the Buell as a second bike

[Blakamin]

S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R S4R

[marty]

speaking of HD reliabilty, has anyone else seen the 'making of the v-rod' doco? no wonder it costs $40000

[James Deuce]

hay SC no reason not to get a set of leathers now since you ride a HD :love2: :doh:

Yeah good point!

If you're going to spend the better part of $20K on a bike, buy some f__king gear.

I'm sick of paying compulsory health insurance premiums for people who don't want to take responsibility for themselves. I thought your little bingle would have been enough to wake you up.

All meant in the best possible taste, of course. ;)

[onearmedbandit]

Best of both worlds SC, 'powerful' R1 for mind bashing fun, comparatively 'gutless' Buell for more mundane, but just as fast if not faster twisties. And thats the key word to those who defended the charge against the 9, 'comparative'.

[Sensei]

Sweet as SC The Ducati S4R verus Buell would be like the GSXR motor against the other's . Having owned Ducati's I'd have to say I would go with the Buell for that rawness the Duke's lack . Excellent bike's but have riden a couple of Buell's & if the new XB12R's are better than the other's on offer then it would be a done deal >
SENSEI

[sels1]

and it's Campylobacter, but I'm not spelling obsessed, so I'll let you off :D

Right you are. Actually I copy/pasted it from google so I'm not the only one!

For the price of the Buell you would think they would throw in a free set of leathers or something eh?

[sels1]

Dude did you have that, ooooooooooah, me bro had it not long ago, I have had a very very graphic description already, NOT PLEASANT. It went something like this :shake: :sick: :puke: :shake: :shake: :shake:

Not me - a family member had it a while back - wasnt pretty

[StoneChucker]

Hehe Jim, I know what you mean, and I will get some gear. But, I pay ACC too, so it's not like you're paying, and I'm living it up...

Someone needs to design a bike that sounds like a HD, feels like a Buell and goes like an R1.
I'll let things simmer for a while* before I make a choice.

*an undefined period of time which terminates with me acting on a whim, which may or may not be totally unsensible so long as it is stupidly enjoyable

[Blakamin]

Someone needs to design a bike that sounds like a HD, feels like a Buell and goes like an R1.

They went one better and stuck the 996 superbike engine in a Monster
Sounds like a Duc, feels like a Monster and goes like a superbike!!!

S4R... 117hp, 99.1Nm

ask Lynda!!!!

[James Deuce]

Hehe Jim, I know what you mean, and I will get some gear. But, I pay ACC too, so it's not like you're paying, and I'm living it up...



No, that's not what I'm saying at all. Thanks to the actions of a few, a system that was put in place to avoid a litigious society, has become a "right" to pay for the clean up when people don't behave in a responsible manner in the first place. Thanks to this approach we now have the OSH Nazis making sure the untrustworthy children are meeting safety requirements.

Yes, I've paid twice at times, and at one time when it was being deducted from your pay to cover employer contributions I was paying 3 times.

Burns cost more than bones to fix. Just because we call friction burns "grazes" doesn't make them something other than a 2nd or 3rd degree burn.

[Hitcher]

A moderately skilled rider on any bike would make some of the people on here feel a bit slow on only a moderately twisty road.

A moderately twisty road, like this one ????
LOOL!

I'm guessing... Highway 38?

[matthewt]

LOOL!

I'm guessing... Highway 38?

Keep guessing.....

[Velox]

Now, I don't ride the Buell yet, and I think making up my mind is going to be near impossible, because I'd be selling an :love2: R1 :love2: . Now that just seems silly to me...
What I might do is, wait a few months, and buy the Buell as a second bike
Dave, I really sympathise with you mate - it must be a really hard time for you. If you want (and don't feel like you're putting me out too much or anything) I could look after the R1 for a while for you. Then you wouldn't need to sell it and you could still get the Buell. You wouldn't need to feel like you owe me anything - just take it as a generous offer to help out a friend in need.

[Hitcher]

Keep guessing.....
If it's not the road around East Cape then I pass!

[matthewt]

If it's not the road around East Cape then I pass!

It's SH4, heading south about to enter the parapara's (from Raetihi to Wanganui)

[Sparky Bills]

Dave, I really sympathise with you mate - it must be a really hard time for you. If you want (and don't feel like you're putting me out too much or anything) I could look after the R1 for a while for you. Then you wouldn't need to sell it and you could still get the Buell. You wouldn't need to feel like you owe me anything - just take it as a generous offer to help out a friend in need.


HA! :Oi:
Im first!! :2thumbsup
ME ME ME!!
I bags being first!! :ar15:

[Hitcher]

It's SH4, heading south about to enter the parapara's (from Raetihi to Wanganui)
Cheers! Wouldn't have guessed that (for a while).

[StoneChucker]

My bike is NOT a carnival ride :sly:
But sometimes I look like a clown riding it :banana:

[Skunk]

They aren't gutless. The people who ride them and complain about a lack of power are indicating their preference for far more HP than you can realistically use in NZ without risking license or jail time.

A moderately skilled rider on an XB9 would make some of the people on here feel a bit slow on only a moderately twisty road.To clarify (I lost the thread for a few days!): I was told this by a Buell X1 rider, he was comparing the two. On that note I would say the 12 would be the better machine.

I've riden the X1 and found it nice handling, comfortable with good power. But I hate twins, as in it's not in my taste.

Has anyone got an RSV I can try to see if I hate that too? :shifty:

[bungbung]

HA! :Oi:
Im first!! :2thumbsup
ME ME ME!!
I bags being first!! :ar15:

Don't you already have a R1?

[Velox]

Don't you already have a R1?
Yep - looks like it's settled then.
(The vultures have landed eh.)

[Nutter34]

How about going for a Kawasaki Z1000? Naked, upright riding position and quite different....