Buell or Ducati?

**Kiwi Carguy** · 26th June 2011, 18:15

Hey guys. Need some help here from people that have ridden the following. I've done a search and read lots of threads on the Buell XB12R. I'm currently considering buying one as a daily rider doing around 27km trip (54km return) and the odd weekend blast.

My past bike was a Ducati 750SS and I loved it but now I would prefer a more Cafe racer style bike. I love the look of the XB12R and have read mostly good things about them. The alternative would be a Ducati Monster (currently looking at a 620 dark).

The confusing thing about the Monsters is there is so many flippen variations. 600, 900, 620, 800ie, 1000ie etc etc. The other alternative is a Triumph Street Triple however I do prefer the v twin engines over in-lines.

So how do the three bikes compare.

* I appreciate the Monster and Triumph would have a more upright seating position would the XB12R be too hunched over?
* Is the pillion ride on a XB12R horrible compared to a Monster or Triumph?
* Like for like would the XB12R be cheaper to annually than the Monster or Triumph?
* Would a 620 dark feel slow compared to my older 750SS?

For those that say I really need to ride them to know what I prefer, I simple can't in my area as there is no XB12R's around for sale and to be honest I am so limited for time to do multiple test rides.

I'm probably leaning towards the XB12R as it has a larger engine, I like the styling, its differant/rarer and I would guess cheaper to run over a year. However i have always loved the Dukes.

Any other constructive comments you think may help?

Thanks guys

KCG

**Ocean1** · 26th June 2011, 18:26

Originally Posted by Kiwi Carguy

So how do the three bikes compare.

* I appreciate the Monster and Triumph would have a more upright seating position would the XB12R be too hunched over?
* Is the pillion ride on a XB12R horrible compared to a Monster or Triumph?
* Like for like would the XB12R be cheaper to annually than the Monster or Triumph?
* Would a 620 dark feel slow compared to my older 750SS?

* Depends, it's not as bad as most sports bikes.
* Not as comfortable, no, but again not as bad as some. If it's a deal breaker consider an XB12S.
* Yes.
* Haven't ridden a 750SS but the 620 is reasonably punchy for it's capacity. Nowhere near the torque of the other two though.

**Kiwi Carguy** · 26th June 2011, 18:45

Thanks thats really helpful.

Also anyone got a pic or link to a pic of a pillion on a XB12R. Done the Google search and cant find one in the images?

**MIXONE** · 26th June 2011, 18:52

I would go with the duck.The buell just feels bigger and not as easy to throw around.I commute about the same distance on a m750 and it's easier to ride through traffic.

**Kiwi Carguy** · 26th June 2011, 18:55

Thanks MIXONE. The commute is basically SH1 and bugger all traffic. Leave at 4am and return in the afternoon so not weaving through loads of cars. The Monster certainly looks a lot more chuckable. Just not so keen on the maintenance levels of the Duke.

**Ocean1** · 26th June 2011, 19:19

Originally Posted by Kiwi Carguy

Thanks MIXONE. The commute is basically SH1 and bugger all traffic. Leave at 4am and return in the afternoon so not weaving through loads of cars. The Monster certainly looks a lot more chuckable. Just not so keen on the maintenance levels of the Duke.

So a wee diversion through pauatahanui is on the cards of a nice crisp morning?

As for chuckability... the three you're looking at are all very good. The Duc possibly the more nimble, the Triumph quick and predictable, but in the tight the Buell is very hard to beat.

I'd think twice before puting myself at the mercy of Triumph NZ. Engines in the 620 are easier to live with than you might remember from the 750. The Buell has good local support in Wgt MCC, but in any given year they'll most likely see it just for tyres.

**jaffaonajappa** · 26th June 2011, 19:40

Are the Guzzi's ruled out?
Am thinking the cafe stye looks is fairly high on the need list.....along with avoiding Jappas.

V11's win.

**AllanB** · 26th June 2011, 19:54

Street is a hell of a lot of bike. Definitely worth a testy.

I'd go up cc on the Ducati as IMO the 620 is a wee bit 'lacking' and though a very nice ride it is a entry level Ducati. It is not a lot more $ for a bigger one.

**short-circuit** · 26th June 2011, 20:32

Originally Posted by AllanB

Street is a hell of a lot of bike. Definitely worth a testy.

I'd go up cc on the Ducati as IMO the 620 is a wee bit 'lacking' and though a very nice ride it is a entry level Ducati. It is not a lot more $ for a bigger one.

What he said. Oh look: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=381600178

**Laava** · 26th June 2011, 21:05

personally, the financial turmoil of Buell both past and present would prob put me off wanting one.
Also, if you are doing much 2-up then you are going to want 900cc plus.
Havent ridden a duc for a while or triumph but if you are looking V twin you could do a lot worse than a SV1000 or even VTR1000 bang for buck.

**Crasherfromwayback** · 26th June 2011, 21:38

Originally Posted by Kiwi Carguy

My past bike was a Ducati 750SS and I loved it but now I would prefer a more Cafe racer style bike. I love the look of the XB12R and have read mostly good things about them. The alternative would be a Ducati Monster (currently looking at a 620 dark).

KCG

Come in to Wellington Motorcycles and see me, I'll cut you loose on both of them for a ride.

Pete

**DrunkenMistake** · 26th June 2011, 21:42

What about something like this http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-383979508.htm ? has the whole cafe thing to it.. possibly a bit big though?

**jaffaonajappa** · 26th June 2011, 21:48

Originally Posted by DrunkenMistake

What about something like this http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-383979508.htm ? has the whole cafe thing to it.. possibly a bit big though?

Like the style....but CANNOT get over the rear shock on the thing. Its like......looks like its missing its buddy. or in the wrong position.

**slowpoke** · 26th June 2011, 21:54

Originally Posted by Crasherfromwayback

Come in to Wellington Motorcycles and see me, I'll cut you loose on both of them for a ride.

Pete

Crazy if ya don't mate.......in fact I'd love a crack on 'em both myself! Not so much the 620 Monster (I'll something a bit more in the testicular department thanks, Pete), but even as a diehard Ducati lover an XB12R is one bike I'd like to own at some stage.