Riding Bikes | 2009 Buell Lightning Long XB12SS Test Ride - First Impression Review v503 

Agreed. I so wish Buell went on to make great bikes, still. Hopefully their electric venture succeeds.

They are certainly beautiful and intriguing machines. For sure.

@Ural Motorcyclist sounds like a brain dead rider to me. Mine slides right in every time. 👍

@Ural Motorcyclist Just gotta get the feel for it man. Sometimes it takes me a time or two to get it in, but I've only owned my X1 Lightning for a couple weeks. I'm already in love with the thing!

Adjust your clutch moron. I have 8. Buells, they all run stop and shift fine

@Ural Motorcyclist Is this your only criteria for a good motorcycle?

Yea the torque is something else on these. Changes your riding style.

Nice! What a beast this bike is. Shame I didn't get to really open it up, at all.

Ducati NYC Vlog Twisty roads are where they shine. rode my lightning n a buddys firebolt on tail of the Dragon on 2 different trips. other buddy s had a 690ktm 610 n 450 husky supermotos. they couldnt keep up n the dragon is a tight road. also nice monster buddy had a 750 dark back in the day was fun bike. Buells arent speed demons but 0to100 its a riot n they sound bad ass n corner better than anything ive ridden. Your buddy needs a D&D dual pipe on that biotch n the ebr ecm lol brahhhp!

@terratrekker2 how is the maintenance been? Reliable? I’m coming from a sport bike Looking at a 2009 Buell lighting

Thank you so very much! Hopefully the english subtitles help a bit :)

Thanks man! I'm glad you liked it. My bike def could use a bit of TLC and it would feel alot tighter. Need to tighten up front suspension a bit. Glad you didnt find it too slow after you fast machines. Naked bikes with V twins FTW indeed!

Ducati NYC Vlog I did t know you two knew each other lol

Yea its a real shame EBR is all done with. So much potential if he kept working at his crazy ideas. Could stare at that bike for hours and keep finding new things in the design and execution. Felt like it had lumps of power to give, I didnt even scratch the surface. I hope to ride it again soon. Thank you for watching my friend!

Most other riders suck anyway. I had a cbr900rr at 18. First bike. 40 now Had over 15 different liter bikes all the way to a zx14. Buddy had an xb12r in the smokey mtns and I loved it. Been into em since. Have a few harleys and buells now. 09 xb12s and a 2015 EBR1190sx. EBR is a beast. And those older XBs will still out corner most anything on the street idc what ANYONE says. And I just love the sound of the harley based engines. Just fun bike all around

Agreed all around - its a real shame Buell and EBR have such troubled history - could be one epic American bike co. Loved riding this thing.

Yea man, this bike is an experience, no if's about it. Some bikes you get on and ride and they don't really make you feel any way, they just move. This beast is a handful from the second you turn it on. I'm very much looking forward to riding it some more once its not below freezing out there.....

HD screwed up. Such poor management. Sad

It's a beast of a machine. I still haven't ridden it properly, gotta bug my friend about it.

You really think so? Well, thank you :)

Yea, I normally split here in NYC too.... but not on a beast of a bike I've never ridden in my life.

That bike is a beast! I got to ride it again in Canada and opened it up!

Eric Buell sure had a long up and down history with his bikes, finally over for good. Seating is completely different - it reminds me of the newer Monsters - my monster you can kind of tuck back, on this you are straight up and forward. Thank you so much for watching. I def would love to ride that bike again to get a true feel for it instead of this dinky traffic riding.

stirlingshire, Eric Buell is still building bikes. I believe under EBR (eric buell racing). I would love to have one of these lightnings. They can be had for about $3500 here in Kansas. But pretty hard to find at least where Ive looked. And Ive only seen one or two here in the last couple years.

Unfortunately EBR has gone the way of the dodo. Officially extinct. I tried to get a Lightning five years ago, but the resale prices in Canada are preposterous. If you do ever purchase one, try and get an '08, or later model. Avoid the 2007s like the plague. Bad year for self destructing motors.

stirlingshire yea, im looking at a 12ss on craigslist for 3700. Im trying to get started on a 1977 yamaha xs650 rebuild/project bike. So its either sell this mess and get something ridable, or get going on the rebuild. Im wanting to go cafe style, but depending on parts budget I may just go brat style. Its never going to compete with anything new, but should be fun.

Tough call. Something unique, that you built, would definitely be special, but a Buell XB1200ss would be a wild ride. Personally, I would do the build and see if the end result stirs the soul. Buells will always be available down the line.

Perfect bikes for the city/twisties. I really dont see the need for more .

I loved the riding experience - too late this fella sold his.

@@ducatinyc , he will eventually regret it, I'm pretty sure. You cannot find these.

@@captainamerica9353 This. I've been trying to find an XB9/XB12 so I can sell my Blast.

@@badlydrawncars6460 , I bought a Blast a few years back because it made a cheap flip. That overpowered front brake almost wiped me out when I test rode it, and it always sounded like it was gonna blow up when it started. But I only paid about $1,200 for mine. I have an 1125r now. You shouldn't have too much trouble getting an XB between Craig's and MarketPlace.

People were saying you can barely feel the difference between the long and regular. I haven't ridden both, care to share your experience?

Sure is a pure american beast. Its bizzare that the bike looks so sproty but vibrates and kind of feels like a Harley. What do you think about the new Buells?

@@ducatinyc the hammerhead looks great, but I wonder if the engine will keep its good vibes, its originality, its uniqueness. I'm afraid it will be more effective, at the cost of what made the appeal of older models. And for now, it's not even commercialized in Europe unfortunately. If it would, I would love to give it a try! Have you tried the hammerhead?

@@DeBarbellian I have not, but I would love to

Gotcha, yea, I didn't know and for some reason thought they were affordable, but you're right. Hopefully I'll ride this bike again soon, on more of an open road. Can't wait. Bike has so much to give.

Ducati NYC Vlog ..the xb is highly underrated in the USA... but in Japan it was totally loved, a real hardcore fanbase, it was very influencing on the newer japanese streetfighters..underslung exhausts and agressive naked looks really impressed the Japanese and those features started appearing on Japanese bikes. The Japanese are kinda bored with Japanese smoothness and perfection, the XB rawness was a macho visceral feeling the Japanese liked for street use. .. it feels much faster than its really going. Even at 50mph its fun to ride. . 145mph feels like 180mph.

I can see that. I think the rumble of the Twin helps with the sense of speed. I love the way you talk about this bike - lots of passion. Thank you for sharing man!

Ducati NYC Vlog ..well i got i think the number one viewed review on this bike, i slammed it up on my girlfriends channel about 4 years ago without thinking a out it and it got like 180,000 hits, just search for Buell XB review and i come up on a channel called Jenny Ashford, pkus i got a bunch of more technical videos of my bikes on this,channel here. The XB gives a visceral ride due to 3 main qualities, 1 exhaut note, 2 low end torgue 3 very short wheelbase, only 52 inches, thats unheard-of. ..makes it insanely flickable, the trade off is at high speeds its real hairy to ride... not dangerous or insanely unstable but hairy none the less.... if you come across one , pick it up.. any help you need just contact me or the other guys at buellxb.com. .. i recommend the xb12s over all other versions, its the best one in terms of wild ride. The 12SS version you are riding in this video has an extended wheelbase, its more like a standard japanese 600 on terms of handling characteristics, imagine that thing with a shorter frame and a shorter swingarm, about 4 inches shorter and steeper rake on the front end and thats a S model, talk about wicked handling. .. shorter wheelbase than even a ninja 250.

My 09 Ulysses was $12,500 in 2009. About like 17k now if new

Hell yes, sounds like you got Buells on your mind :) It was a fantastic bike to ride - loved it. Need to go somewhere to open it up - too damn cold for now. Love that sound.

Ducati NYC Vlog Smokey Mtns TN and NC. best riding ever.

Oh yes, been there a few times. Love that area.

@@ducatinyc just picked up an EBR 1190sx, Dean Adams exhaust, race ecm, and 4 up sprocket. It's a fukn beast!

Woah! 100k! That's a few!

100k huh. Happy to know my 23k xb12scg has some life left in her.

Good luck with it, amigo! :)

U buy it?

These are definitely one of a kind and so unique. I loved riding it

Right??! This whole bridge is sketchy as hell with all the bumps and potholes and those stupid metal plates and low railings. It's a mess.

It's indeed one hell of a machine!

Oh snap! Thats badass! Congrats! He loooooved that bike

@@ducatinyc why he sell it?! Those SS models are hard to find let alone the cherry bomb version

@@fvgc454ss honestly I don't know why he bought it (impulse buy because its such a cool bike) he really needed the scg model. the SS fits me well (I'm 6'1" 230lbs) the guy I got it from (who bought it from your buddy) didn't even come up to my chin....way too tall for him

shit, my bad.....just realized my nephew is logged in here (this is still Tom who bought the bike)haha

@@angrytogepi6488 yea SS has the bigger frame and taller suspension

A real shame indeed. I do hope something like this comes back around again, soon.

DJ MotoVlogs if u get a chance ride a xb1200 lightning. different animal ton of torque off the line. n they handle awesome. not a speed demon but not built for that.

It always is! :)

Twins, bro. Twins!

I agree. I don't understand why Buell/Harley cant deliver a nice, light, small, modern naked. They have all the tools and brains! And Livewire is expensive and weighs 800lbs. But electric bikes are the future.

Yea thats life.

I can only imagine :)

Yea it was one hell of a ride!

GOOD MAN.

Lovely bikes they are.

1990 awww. U know someone is insecure about their choices when they have to slander another bike brand. That being said - no fuckin way in hell ❤️❤️❤️

@@ducatinyc Are you serious. You think the Monster is better?

1990 variety is the spice of life, the world needs people who like all sorts of stuff. But yes, to ME and MY opinion the Monster is infinitely better in every way. Let me guess - YOUR opinion is different?

One hell of a machine :)

Yea man, they make all the right noises too.

Oh for sure. The roads are destroyed. But the bike is a masterpiece.

It appears to be. My buddy has one and I'm going to get to ride it soon. @@ducatinyc

“Real riders”??? How does one become one of those? 😂😂😂

@@ducatinyc 😄 you ride bikes in NYC traffic.

I had the pleasure of riding this bike for a few hours during my Canada trip and damn, this thing HAULS ASSSSSS in any gear. instant torque.

Im 45 now and have allwas ridden harleys since i was 16, i sold my last 1 ln 07 to get atvs for my son an myself, hes 18 now and i want another bike im sick of choppers and cruisers i want a sport bike and love the blend of sport bike and harley with buells and i love the look of KBs. There dirt cheap up here on craigslist in maine and NH also, as low as $2500 for 05 era good examples.! Only thing ive been pondering xb9 or xb12? Forums go both ways on which is better 1s revvy and sportier and 1s torquey and hauls... so? and do i need the ss/long where im 6'1" 215 or is the standard chassis ok? There not everywhere around my area so cant try any of them...

600 sport bikes make 45ftlbs torque 1200 Harley twin makes almost 90

Hp sells engines torque wins races

shaneweightman hehe. Watch some of my other videos ;) not too much traffic sitting in ny

Those are some beautiful and rare bikes

Resurgence Gear

No sir, im a Ducati nerd through and through. Only Ducatis for me for now....

@@ducatinyc I can’t afford Ducati , so it’s Buell for me but I would love to see a good race between Ducati and Buell.

What? A Harley engine - damn it, I been duped! :P :P

I just love how everyone is praising the Buell, but show them a Harley and they will bash it to the ground. Harleys are lazy, but "this will yank your arms off". And don't bite me, everyone are free to have their opinions, and I personally love both manufacturers.

Hey there. I will need to ask him. I know he does most of the maintenance myself. As far as I know its his personal friend who is a little bit upstate NY, does the work in his home garage, def not someone within the city - my friend takes it there for big jobs only. Sorry I can't really help :(

Absolutely. Amongst many other things.

The gas cap goes either way .

yea, it's a real real shame. and now HD is trying to release a street fighter and a adventure bike - when Buell already made those and they could have been perfected by now.

Ducati; Totally agree. Sheer inept drop-the-ball and fumble on Corporate HD's part when they were a yard from the goal-line. The Ulysses XB12's were a brilliant synthesis of American V-twin grunt and flattrack/enduro finesse, torquey muscle with competent can-do style. The essence of American have-fun and get-R-done ingenuity. What's not to love? Excellent platform for sport-cruising, adventure-touring, slinging mud & gravel, hillclimbs, dirt-roading, highway gliding, corner-slicing, and all-around Hell-YEAHING!, infinitely upgradable and modable to suit almost any flavor. NOBODY on an XB has to feel outgunned or underclassed in whatever 2/3-wheel mixed-company they're in. Cuz they know they got the smile-per-miles game BEAT! ~ Cheers!

@@starmanskye - ha! very well put! the platform description made me laugh :)

Buell tried a few times…. They are trying again now

@@ducatinyc I truly hope they succeed.

It's a real shame indeed - I never understood why this platform was not developed upon- imagine the Buells of today if the progress kept going. Some Indian brand ended up buying Ducati - so we are safe :)

Thats good news about Ducati. Yes Eric was going to develop the bike further at H-D. It would have been one cool machine today. Thanks again DNYC nice Vlog. 👍🏼👍🏼

There ya go. The bike to fight them streeeets.

I'm 5-9/10 and 180lbs, fits me perfect :)

flat foot all day.

It sure is :)

Simple - its a cheap 2$ mic from amazon but its tucked in behind my cheeckpad of the helmet :)

@@ducatinyc can you please send the link. thanks

I wish I knew more about Buell Bikes. I've only riden this one and only twice - so, hard to tell.

Yep, this is my friend's bike and he had issues with the stator and all sorts of electrical issues as well :(

Ducati NYC Vlog One of the electrical issues ibe had on mine wer wires in the stock looms getting to hot in high heat. wrap in better insulation n relocated away from cylinder and the battery terminal ends on the stock power wires sometimes have bad crimps and are lose. Bikes just vibrate alot so its piddly shit. usually an easy fix.

it def feels like a sportbike, for sure. Just with a harley sound. Pretty wicked, i wish I could open it up.

It feels like a Buell.....and nothing else feels like a Buell. Love my Buells!!!

hahaha obviously.

This is in NYC. Riding from borough of Brooklyn to Manhattan

Thank you very much! :)

Hi there. Unfortunately this is my friends bike - I do not know anything about Buells.

Oh yea, thats def a bit different. My buddy on his Buell and I rode to Nova Scotia last year. That was a hoot. Of course his rear bearing shit the bed so we had to get a bearing from a TRACTOR - and it fit.

Yea rules i crazy. I usually pass through anyway but its illegal

Glad you're enjoying the upstate roads. I'm lucky to have a house in the Catskills and in NYC so - best of both worlds, no need to limit yourself :)

Yea, I'd have issues w that as well but neither one of these babies was new :)

@@ducatinyc very true

Good question, no idea. I'm guessing one is longer and one is shorter :P :)

The long is 2” longer wheel base and 1cm taller seat height than the short.

@@jayvincent5963 Thanks 👍🏼

Thank you!

DR. Smith than a ducati? We all have problems 😂

Yea, its a real real shame. Unaccaptable, really.

I hope I get to ride a Buell again one of these days. Such a trhill.

Sean Wright not sure what u were referring to but im guessing i was talking some random shit?

@@ducatinyc "Can't be a Savage all the time, ya know?" Why not? Lol.

Sean Wright ha! Ask my license 😜😜

I was scared of that bike. Way more power than I'm used to - twice as fast as my bike :)

Are you ok? hahaha

Ha! It is pretty tiny bike. I like them small.

Thank you much for watching the vlog! Will def check out your vids :)

Ha! Yea, Buells are not for everyone.

#facts

You sound like a miserable person with the worst outlook on life ever. I feel sorry for you.

Yea, there is alot going on there, pretty interesting machines.

Thats funny, mine..a 2003 XB9S at 35k miles had no problems taking me from Dallas to LA in a 1 1/2 days. Rode for 15+ hours, 1,000 miles in one day only stopping for gas. I stopped for 3 days, then turned around and road 1 1/2 days back.

Jim V ..bullshit, i got two Buell XBs you can see them in my videos. The motors are rock solid reliable, the rest of the bike is the same as any other bike ive owned, if you know how to take care of a bike you have no problems out of a Buell..

Done a lot of miles on my last xb12x no problems whatsoever, just got another 09 with 370 miles on it hoping for more of the same 👍

I think you gotta do what you gotta do but as long as you leave some room on the side for the little guys.

@@ducatinyc what's key is making sure the driver sees you before you try squeezing past.