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In Reply to: RE: as long as you... posted by gluca on February 21, 2009 at 10:41:31
imo are pure americana... a true icon in the motorcycling world...I love the 02-03 883R's....
see for yourself...
MSL
Builder of MagneQuest™ & Peerless™ transformers since 1989
Edits: 03/03/09
Nice puppy indeed. I like XR even more. Sportsters are the most sold HD's here.
But price makes me wonder, I mean XR1200 is sold at 12000 euro here in Italy. With the same money or even less I can buy Ducati's GT1000 or any other bike in that class: they typically offer better performance, lower weight and blah blah blah. Mah! Do not allow brain take decisions on the subject.
Ciao
G
If I remember right--- the new XR was made available in the US as a limited edition. It had originally been designed for the European market--- hence it has greater "sporting" credentials.
A sporty cannot possibly compare--- in terms of power, weight, handling and etc with many of the finer European examples--- if your looking for a sport bike.
the sporty's calling card is moreso aimed at the "cruiser" market. If you want a sport bike profile with a HD sportster derived engine--- then you would want to look at the Buell's.
I always look at and view the sportster as a putt-putt bike--- if you don't kill your ears with drag pipes--- but instead retain the exhaust
of the XR or 883R (or 1200R) then I think you have a nice classic Americana machine that is suitable for day trips to the Poconos or the Smokey Mountains--- but, obviously, not the knee dragging jaunts that some youngsters might prefer.
Have you looked at the buell lineup?
MSL
Builder of MagneQuest™ & Peerless™ transformers since 1989
> Have you looked at the buell lineup?
I have. I will have a test ride this weekend. They are sharp, but I am on the impression they are not so comfortable for day trips as you said.
You are right, the XR was designed and developed here in Europe by HD and made available to USA recently. It offers many sport extras (two front brakes, larger tyres, extra power, sport fenders etc...) but, reading the magazines, it fails on stupid details like no locking key for seat and tank, quality of nuts, minor rust on exhaust pipes.
As I'd like to go around and see places in USA I think I'll get myself a more relaxed bike like the Iron 883 or the XR that still offer quite a plucky look.
Wastly OT!
Ciao
Gianluca
Hi Gianluca:When I was saying perhaps comfortable for day trips I had in mind the Sportster not the Buell.
I've ridden the Buell XB9R--- it's just exactly the opposite of a relaxed, laid back, cruiser mannered machine--- that 52" wheelbase requires full time attention and alertness--- actually was one of the most skittish bikes I've ever ridden. If you pay full attention and get into the Johnny Roadracer zen--- the XB9R would be an interesting "tool" (this term used deliberately). It's strong, strong motor (92 hp) that still vibrates like hell and that is coupled to a very short wheelbase with clip-ons. If your in tune with the machine--- and learn it--- it could be a fun bike--- but not that laid back ride up to the mountains for a leisurely day trip.
I think the 883R would loan itself to that day long mountain trip much more than the Buell.
Let us know what you ride and what your impressions are. If your in Ohio this summer you should check out the AMA mid-ohio vintage days. I'm going to try to make it there this year.
MSL
Builder of MagneQuest™ & Peerless™ transformers since 1989
Edits: 03/07/09
I rode XB9SX, the smallest. I'd say I am quite (positively) surprised. I was prepared to an uncomfortable ride but uh! oh! that funny bike is good also for day trips. Seat is OK, you stay very upright and wrists won't get tired so much. Easy is the most appropriate word to describe the XB9SX. Somehow it is hard to lie down in turns but handling is really good. And somehow I felt it a bit unstable at higher speeds, anyway there is no protection against the wind so max speed is limited to 140-150kmh for short period, 100-110kmh are OK for longer runs. Gearshifts are smooth and clutch is not hard at all. Braking is very effective but I was not driving fast (I never do) so i don't know if they suffer after intense use, I believe they don't.
What I liked:
-the style, so cute
-light weight and comfort (!)
-the engine is a piece of cake and smooth (a drawback for someone?). Good torque.
What I didn't like
-Hey! where is the 6th gear?
-Sometime you need more power and the bike seems lazy when you open wide the throttle fast. You hit often the limiter. OK there is the 1200.
-Unstable at higher speed (front wheel seemed very light).
Funny funny, I liked it. A bike I might buy. Not the bigger brother 1200, I prefer to stay on the low power side, but the lil cute short 900.
I'll have a 2nd ride tomorrow :-)
So, see you in OH? I am having problems with the visa (takiiiing soooo looooong), hope to get it within march.
Gianluca
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