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Thursday, 18 September 2003 |
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Page 2 of 4
| Dual Citizenship |
2003 Buell XB9S |
| Pressing the go button introduces one to all sorts of rattles and vibes that could shock the unwary. This bike has a unique feel (literally) as well as a unique look. The 984cc V-Twin is wedged into a stubby frame using a Uniplaner vibration isolation system (a what?) The bike is phenomenally short in length verging on err, stubby. It looked like a Pitbull and when underway and has the urgency of that same dog looking for a mailbox to pee on. |
Looks comfortable and was
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With only a 52-inch wheelbase and a 21-degree trail this thing is agile, pulling away it's immediately apparent that you can turn on the proverbial dime, and turn right now. Cross-town traffic is a minor hindrance when you can turn this quick and squirt from light to light. Helping up front is a set of three-way adjustable Showa's complimenting the three-way adjustabubble rear unit. |
| Torque is the name of this hound rather than high horsepower and with 68ftlbs to dig from, you're never in the wrong gear at the wrong time - just gas it my bearded friend! |
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Check your oil sir?
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The footpegs are a tad lower than a typical Buell (I'm told) they felt right to me regardless. Weight, gassed up, is the wrong side of 400lbs, but due to its low center of gravity, didn't feel it. Whilst on the subject of gas, it's no secret that it's in the frame and the oil is in the swingarm. Technilogical marvel or Mr Buell showing off? You decide.
The Clocks were visible and in the right place, two trip meters aided trip metering and it had a useful low fuel light to boot.
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I took this bike with me to a tire intro at Buttonwillow. I half expected to be jumping straight off of this bike onto the first available Supersport or similar as quickly as my bowlegs would carry me. I didn't - The bike was so much fun and with an attitude that totally amazed me. I could run rings around quite a few other so-called sport only bikes and spent most of the day chasing after a couple of 998's with (d)illusions of grandeur.
The chassis was very composed; I had to take off the feeler pegs after a lap or four because I was catching both sides here and there, and here again. On its ear, it felt extremely stable and fun to thrash around. |
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