Thanks all for your kind words.
First of all, let me just say that this bike is great! Wonderful really. Although it was a tad bit heart breaking to see the FZ6 being taken away, in the long run, I think that switching to the Buell was worth it. For me anyway.
What do I like about my new(ish) bike? Sit back, relax, and let me tell you.
Although this bike doesn't have the horsepower that the FZ6 has, it makes up for it in torque. And lots of it. With this bike, there is no 'When I get to 8,000 RPM's, this puppy's going to fly.' No, the XB9 has torque/power from the start. So much in fact that I'm having to be careful during this 'getting to know you' stage. Otherwise I'll be
a) constantly popping wheelies (which would be cool if I'd meant to);
b) be falling off every time I change gears; or
c) holding on for dear life and flying like Superman while screaming like a young girl. Even though it's shorter and weighs less than the FZ6, it feels like pure muscle.
How does it handle? Like a dream. Sure, at lower RPM's it vibrates substantially. However, I don't really think of it as vibrating, but throbbing with enthusiasm (I wish I could take credit for this quote. I got it from a Buell forum)
. Once you get around 2,000-3,000 RPM's, it smoothes out. Rumbly smooth, to be exact. Nice. Just the short bit that I was able to ride this evening, I have found that this bike gets around very well. Twisties and curves? The Buell cuts through them like butter. Not your plain-Jane butter. But like the silky smooth butter that you find at a gourmet restaurant. This bike is very responsive, and it almost seems to know where you are going before you do.
As for comfort, the seat and sitting position are comparable to the FZ6. Actually, I'd have to say that I like the Buell a wee-bit better in regards to the comfort of the seat. The sitting position of the XB9SX is also more upright than, say, the XB9R which sits more like a sports bike. For those of you who haven't been paying attention, I have the XB9SX. I didn't really pay attention to the miles that were put on it, but I did put a decent amount of time in for my first day on it. At no time did I feel any discomfort of fatigue. Based on this, I would guess that I could probably ride all day with no lingering effects.
I loved every day of riding my FZ6. I really did. But after I test rode the Buell, I realized that it was
personally a better bike for my needs. It's not for everyone, and I wouldn't expect it to be.
And to answer Nooj's question: Why not the XB12 as opposed the XB9? A couple of reasons really. First, price. The 2006 XB9SX was priced right, and within my range. Second, even though the XB12 has more horsepower than the XB9, I'm not a speed/power junkie. Sure, like most everyone, I do like power from time to time, but I think that the XB9 has exactly what I need. Overall, the XB9 looked right, felt right, rode right for me. Who knows, as time goes on, maybe I'll look into an XB12. Maybe.
Well, that's pretty much it. Sorry to have written a mini-novel. :Sport:
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