|
Thursday, 18 September 2003 |
|
Page 3 of 4
| Dual Citizenship |
2003 Buell XB9S |
|
|
Due to its relatively low rev ceiling, 8000rpm instead of the usual race rep 14K, I shook hands with the rev limiter more than a couple of times. But once into short-shift mode my progress was uninhibited in every way. The gearshift was reasonably slick and I only lost my way once or twice, The XB reminded a bit like a fussy Italian bike, if you treat the shift firmly - forward momentum is unrestrained.
I must admit that I expected the bike to be puking its guts out after the thrashing I gave it. It wasn't, it gave me that "is that the best you got" look. No groans, warning lights or anything - How embarrassing. |
All the right parts are in the right place, even if it took me a couple of minutes to find the ignition key. Fit and finish was more than reasonable, with a minor foo-far being the edge of the faux gas tank, which was a little jagged. Brakes were good and top notch.
As mentioned, nothing leaked, broke or fell off - go figure? |
|
|
|
The front brake takes a different approach to the norm with its funky perimeter style rotor. I had to adjust my riding style accordingly.
Head for the nearest corner brake, release and turn. Got it? Don't be trying that trail braking stuff with this bike… |
| Trail braking's for cissies so get off those brakes and turn it in, if you try to trail brake, the bike resists turn in and you won't. I had to learn this quick once I hit the canyons, mid corner braking shenanigans would have this bike standing up and heading in directions uncharted. This was a minor irritation and just reminded me of the right way to set up a corner anyway. On the track I never noticed this at all. |
|
I dyno'd the bike at Orange County Harley Davidson and had a chance to further quell any preconceived opinions of the Harley lifestyle too. I turned up to Dyno the bike and ended leaving it for them to squeeze onto the dyno the very next day. I didn't attend when I should have and I ended up picking the bike up when the service was closed, good luck said one wag (it was a Sunday). No fear, Orange County Harley Davidson went out of their way to get this bike back to me, clean and all.
Top shop too with proper Harley pricing, a big thanks to Richard Hodges and all in the service department - I really was the worst kind of demanding customer and they dealt with me superbly. Your mileage may vary, but this was definitely a great American Iron service experience. |
|
