Buell City-X

[jeepinbanditrider]

Does anyone here have any experiece witht he City Cross??  I am very very interested in one however, I'm not sure about the options for luggage and windscreens.  If I get a bike it has to be able to do more than one thing well.  I travel in more than just the city but the ergos when I sat on that bike fit me like a glove.  It looks awesome to top it off.

Thanks for any help.

[xdbx]

I test rode one at MidOhio Vintage Days last year.  Coming from an SV1000S I thought it was extremely light, flickable and short (wheelbase and seatwise). I couldnt help but notice how easy it was to redline.  I mean, it felt like it was starting to kickin when it cut out.  I'm just used to jap stuff.

I had an accident not too long ago when i hit a crack and got death wobble (read tank slapper).  Ever since, when i test ride a bike, i feel for its likelyness to wobble.  This was the only bike i rode the entire day (including the new zx10r, that wobbled very badly, and didnt diminish as it went down the road, it just stayed constant.  it scared me. Howeer, it did wheelie, not tested by me, and it was overal a neat bike.  

thats my 2 cents, if you go for it, look into a steering damper.  You may not be as lucky as I

[jeepinbanditrider]

Yeah I have heard that they are extremley sensitive to improper suspension settings.  Because of the very compact dimensions and steering geometry.

[2DFlyer]

If you haven't been already check with the guys at BadWeb
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/.  

In general Buell offers soft bags which you can find on their website.  I don't know about AEM hard bags.  

I'm sure there are other but for screens see this thread:
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,6.msg22.html#msg22
and the bike below which is in a thread I can't find.

I've ridden a 9S and found it didn't pull as hard as the numbers might suggest.  But that's just me.  It goes plenty well but doesn't have that kick in the butt pull that I'm addicted to.  Now the 12 is a different story entirely.  

I don't know how much real difference there is between the SX and S ergos.  They both sit the same to me.  But if you like the look of the SX but want the 12 you should look at the new TT.

Now what was your question?  Oh, my bad.  Sorry, no experience with the City Cross

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

I have the Buell softbags for my X1 I just bought they seem pretty nice.

[Kootenanny]

Not a CityX, but I do ride a "9" engine XB, and I love it.  True, it doesn't have the immediate torque of the 12...but it does rev a bit higher, and allows me to keep up to almost anyone (as long as the road is twisty   ).  

Minimal weather protection, but there are a few guys making taller flyscreens and such.  Luggage, well I just use my generic soft bags, plus I have a Buell tank bag and tail bag (dunno if there's a tail bag for the Lightnings...).

[AngelDeville]

Local Tri dealer has an 05 xb9 for kinda cheap, and I'm thinking about it,

[tankhead]

I have one.  I bought it last April.  I searched for about a year before I pulled the trigger.  I rode it up to Lake Placid from Atlantic City in one day (8.5 hour day in the saddle including gas stops) 405 miles with a three month old shattered collarbone (Yes I am nuts).  I have the soft buell saddlebags, the trunk bag, and a cortech mini tankbag.  I just recently took a trip to WV in Dec 20th. I will print it but it is a long fun story.   I wanted a bike that I could have fun on.  Not a cruiser, not an enduro, not a chopper, but a athletic flickable bike that I could be comfortable on for many hours a day.  Yes it is naked.  But the wind in my chest really is not that big of a deal to me.  It lets me know I am alive and enjoying the ride. I looked long and hard at the wee strom but in the end I liked the City X.  I tested the Uly right along side the city x back to back for about an hour.  I did not think that 2500.oo schmeckles validated the couple more "claimed" horsepower.  No chain to adjust, no valve to worry about.  Just change the oil and tranny fluids every 5 grand and love it.  I do have the drummer exhaust from Kevin Drum (A great guy) the race ECM and the K+N filter.  It has caused a noticable increase in power across the rpm range.  I am getting ready to do my first 2007 tour down to West NC for the week after easter and can't wait........I met Erik at a meet in Rohway NJ at Liberty HD and Buell.  He is a very cool and accessible person.  Anyway I hope this helps:   Here is the jaunt down to WV  If you don't feel like reading it all I understand.


 Left the house at 6:30 am Sat. morn. I drove west to Rt 40 in Southern New Jersey. It was dark outside and had my clear visor on my Vemar helmet. I thought I saw leaves falling on the ground but right when I couldn't see them anymore and figured that it wasn't leaves, a big owl was headed towards my helmet. It's wings grazed my helmet and I ducked without even a wobble on the bike. Scared sh!tless and feeling my heart in my throat, I continued west. Went over the Delaware Memorial Bridge. As I started on Rt 95, near the watershed area, a large raptor like bird was about twenty feet over head. As I looked up I saw a huge white head and orange beak. I quickly looked at the rear end of the bird and unmistakeably saw the white tail. I screamed in my helmet "Holy Sh!t!!!!!. A freakin' Bald Eagle. That was the second time I have seen one while on the bike. I continued to the Maryland House and stopped and got hot coffee, warmed up, changed my clear visor out for the smoke visor, and ate breakfast at the Big Boy. Continued west to 695 Baltimore area then picked up 70W. Went up to Harpers Ferry. Ate at some burger joint. Took out the "Motorcycling Guide Through the Appalachians". Noticed a route that the Author encourages. 671 to Harpers Ferry road. It was a pretty good route that dumped me about four miles back from where I started on 340. I got more gas and asked someone how long to Petersburg WV? He responded about at least three hours. I thought long and hard about getting a hotel in Harpers Ferry right then and there. Almost about 1:00 pm I decided to push it. I continued on 340 SW to 55 in Strasburg. This is where the fun began. I instantly had a great feeling when I got on 55. Tight rolling corners, beautiful scenery, cow pastures. Then it opens up to a huge VERY SCENIC Highway 55 (the new not the old). When I got into WV 55 new section the mountains where EVERYWHERE!!!!! I loved it and could only imagine what it would be like to see this during the fall folliage peak. It was starting to get tired and needed to rest and get a hotel. I stopped in Baker just to check the atlas and get some information about lodging in the area. I talked to a heavy dude in a military issued type HUMMER. He told me that Petersburg is about an hour away and Moorefield is about 20 minutes away. So I headed to Moorefield. Got a room at an Inn on the east side of town. Across the way was a restaraunt called Stray Cats Mexican food and Cantina. BINGO. Took a shower, got suited up in the armor to check out the town and drove through town to a road called Morgantown Rd. I have never been on such a hell of a good time road on a motorcycle before. I really thought it couln't get any better than that (little did I know what I was in store for the next day). I had to eventually turn back becausee it was getting dark and I didn't want to eat bambi with my City-x. I stopped at the Cantina and ordered a couple of coranas and a chimichanga, next thing you know about three other guys and I are yucking it up and just really having a great time. I made sure that I waited awhile before I got back on the bike. I was told that the officers in WV don't take to kindly to people in bars. I literally had about 100 yards to the hotel, most of that was the parking lot at the hotel, so I gatherd myself together and crossed the street, parked under the front exit and walked inside for the night with my trunk bag. Slept well. Little did I know that the next day would be the best motorcycle experience I have ridden to date since getting my license in April.

[tankhead]

Here is part II

Chapter II
I woke up the next morning fully rested at about 6:00. Checked the weather channel..32 degrees.  Huh!?!
High to be at about 67 degrees. YES!!  Jumped in the shower at about 7:00.  Started packing up the trunk bag, attached it to the saddlebags. Went back in the lobby and ate a couple bagels with cream cheese and coffee.  Now I started to remember talking to one of the local guys the night before about Morgantown road and how incredible it was.  He said that the road I was on before I turned on to Morgantown rd would take me to Petersburg also and it would be a much more enjoyable ride.  As I started the bike and let it warm up a tad I got out the BUELL atlas and started to refresh my memory about the route I planned to take.  The same guy made mention of "Upper Tract" and told me to make sure I take that rt and to go down that way get on Smoke Hole Rd back up and then go back down on 55 to Seneca Rocks.  I went and got gas at the SHEETZ and noticed that my dark visor kept fogging up because it was so cold.  I rode out of town and passed the right turn to take the local guys suggestion and at the last minute decided to stick with what I knew.  I had a feeling that this guy might not be right.
As I passed the road I noticed that within ten minutes of riding in 25 mph to 40 mph I was bone chilled.  I thougt that I would have to get warm in Petersburg.  I ended up getting to a bridge that joined with another road that skirtted a mountain.  It was the road that the guy had told me about.  I suddenly felt great that the guy was right about the road getting me to Petersburg and at the same time felt bad because I didn't trust him. I began the rolling sweepers, the banked turns, but soon noticied the tiny ponds in some of the properties close to the mountain were frozen and I began to think that I a breaking one of my rules.  Never ride when it is below freezing.  Although the roads seemed dry I frankly do not have enough experience to know if the roads have black ice and don't want to find out the hard way.  So even though the terrain, the landscape, and the road was awesome I decided that when I got to Petersburg that I would stop and get warm and wait for the temp to increase.  I stopped at the 7-11 and got a small coffee and just hung out. Called my mom, called the real estate place across the street to have them contact me about any properies for sale in area.   About a half hour later I decided that it had warmed up quite a bit and it was after 9:00 am.  I had alot of mileage to cover and it was getting late.  I made a right on to 220 and started what was the best day on a motorcycle.  I noticed the beautiful cow pastures with the hint of forests intermixed with a spit of rock formations here and there and the roads were constant turns. It was great for me to travel on the roads and thinking of the motrcycle books I have at my house about taking turns.  Slow entering; roll on the throttle out of the turn.  Get to the outside of the lane until you get to the apex and then turn.  I really "practiced" this on the first parts of 220 and then I noticed that it was just never ending.  A little ways down the road I saw a road and it had a "for sale' sign at the corner of a cow pasture and an arrow point towards the mountain range that was on my right.  I turned and follwed this road around some serious switchbacks.  All of a sudden I am on a single lane elevator.  It was climbing steeply and it was coated with fine pebbles that lined the sides of the pavement.  The road was simply amazing.  My speed was 40 max and around the turns sometimes as slow as ten-15 mph.  Around a few more switchbacks of forested excitement I saw the for sale sign.  It was a lower lot to the right and there was an old trailer (mobile home) on the property.  I continued up the mountain slowly and noticed a rather new cabin like house with the door open (no screen door) and then I noticed a man come to the door.  When he appeared, I had just stopped the bike and was going to turn around and get back on course.  I said the hell with it and pulled in the gravel driveway OFF CAMBER climb to his door.  I expected to see him appear with a shot gun but instead he was in his Sunday finest suit (three piece) that looked one size too small.  I tried to talk to him with the motor off but the fan on the Buell was going and was trying to take my helmet off and I also had my earplugs in.  I couldn't here one word he said except I think he said the property was being offered at $39,000 with two and a half acres.  I thanked him for his time, he walked back in the house with the front door open and I cautiously headed down the driveway locking the rear tire and sliding sideways here and there to the road.  I made good time back down that "Bethel Church Road" and again was traveling south on 220.  I kept thinking to myself  WOW that was great riding and I am really getting pretty good at the art of riding.  My Buell City-X just is the perfect bike for what I want in a motorcycle and I feel like it is connected to me.  The rest of the riding down 220 was simply gorgeous. I noticed that for the turns the speed limit around the turn was always about 12 miles an hour less than I was taking them and felt in control and good. "Slow in, excellerate out" was my mantra.  Push down on the outside handlebar, keep head level with ground.  I was also keeping the engine geared lower for instant power around through the turns.  And then out of nowhere I saw the bridge that the guy at the bar told me about and instantly knew where I was.  

[dagwood]

I owned an 05 CityX for about 10 months.  I put a little over 12K on it before it granaded.  The wiring harness had to be replaced due to wires chaffing through near the steering head.  It was a fun bike when it was running, though. YMMV

[MrVvrroomm]

I can recommend a CityX NOT to buy.  LOL  I rented this one down in Tucson last year.



I didn't ride it any differently than the '03 XB9S I owned at the same time.  I spent one whole day ripping up and down Mt. Lemmon.  

[Mastros2]

I couldn't find hard luggage for any Buell other than the Ulysses and possibly in the near future, the Long.  There are a ton of soft saddle bags that will fit.  Check out any of the on-line stores or PM me and I'll send you a few with suggestions.

I rode a cross this past weekend at a Demo day along with a TT.  The cross was a blast, very easy to get comfortable with and push it's limits.  I would be buying one but my wife wants to start touring with me and the seat is too small for a passenger.  

[jeepinbanditrider]

Well I put the Bandito up for sale so I'm back in the market for a CityX again now.  Hopefully I can find one locally used.  I am going to try to get a test ride from the local HD dealership.

[DogBoy]

Cool. Let us know what you think after the test ride.

[turboderek]

Get the test ride.  I love the thought of the cityx but hated the twitchiness.  I did ride the Lightning Super TT XB12STT and loved that bike.  

[Bueller]

thats my 2 cents, if you go for it, look into a steering damper.  You may not be as lucky as I

Hi xdbx,

I originally thought that my steering was light and that I could use a steering damper,  but I've never believed it would go to tank slappers.  I am used to the feel now, but I would like to know anything you can tell about how you induced the wobble. Was it braking from high speed or hard out of a corner?  How hard were you pushing it?

[Kootenanny]

if you go for it, look into a steering damper.  You may not be as lucky as I

A few comments.

First, there is now an Ohlins damper available for Buell XBs, through Buell (it's an aftermarket "race-only" part).

Secondly, I've now been riding my XB9R Firebolt for several years, and have yet to experience any instability at all--it is rock-solid and planted, quite the opposite of "wobbly," and in fact the steering feels a bit heavy (I understand the Lightnings are a bit less so, but still).  In fact, I hit a rock on the road at speed earlier this year, and the bike just gave one strong headshake and continued on.  

So, yeah consider a steering damper if you want, but I wouldn't say the bike needs one any more than any other.

[scraperman1]

I own a City-X and love it, but it has to be the bike you want. It won't give you top end or high speed like an inline four will. But it does have low end and great handling. I have all the Buell soft bags and have toured and commute with same. They are good quality and have served me well. My two cents, since you asked for it, is this: Sit on all the Lightnings and ride them if they let you. Pick the Lightning that gives you what you want don't just be looking at the City X. Once the warranty is used up, I would DEFINITELY get aftermarket exhaust and intake with a remapped ECM. I got the Buell Pro-
series kit put on my bike and it made a huge difference. The bike ran cooler, more power and 3-5 MPG better mileage. You can't get the Pro series kit any more so go to the aftermarket for your stuff. I am currently getting ready to sell my Buell because my wife wants to ride with me and it's kinda small for two. If she didn't want to ride I'd be keeping the Buell. 21,000 miles and no problems. Best wishes to you,

[Bueller]

I am still interested to know where I may encounter tank slappers.

I originally felt that the steering was too easy because of the amount of countersteer I was using.  I have since found that it perfectly normal for the geometry of the bike.

The hardest I have pushed it is from a rolling start in second using full throttle to up-change at 6,000 rpm and then a bit more to 150kph (95 mph) in third.  I am unlikely to use more thrust than this.  The bike felt absolutely stable and rode the surface as well as would expect of any bike.

My cornering is far from extreme.  The cornering on the Buell is easy and sure, but I haven't pushed it to the limit.

I got a couple of wobbles up on my 250, but I've not had a problem on the 5 sports bikes that I've had since then.  It's probably the way I ride within my limits.

Anyway if anyone has news on where the handling of my bike is going to let me down, I'd appreciate some knowledge in advance.

[Rogue]

I had an accident not too long ago when i hit a crack and got death wobble (read tank slapper).  Ever since, when i test ride a bike, i feel for its likelyness to wobble.  This was the only bike i rode the entire day (including the new zx10r, that wobbled very badly, and didnt diminish as it went down the road, it just stayed constant.  it scared me. Howeer, it did wheelie, not tested by me, and it was overal a neat bike.  

thats my 2 cents, if you go for it, look into a steering damper.  You may not be as lucky as I

I have put over 10k miles on my Firebolt.  I have also ridden my friend's Lightning Long.  Neither bike has ever exhibited ANY tendency to tank slap or wobble even when negotiating bumpy corners.  As a matter of fact, on one ride not long ago, I hit a sand bar on the road in the middle of a corner.  The front slipped baddly and I thought for sure I was going down.  But the front exited the sand bar and caught traction at a pretty steep steering angle.  This surely was a recipe for a massive tank slapper.  But the Firebolt recovered with a massive wobble and wiggle for just a moment, then stood straight up and went down the road like nothing happened.  This is without a steering damper either!  Thus, I would have to conclude that even with the short wheelbase and steep steering angle, the XB chassis is probably the least prone chassis to a tank slapper.  

In any case, any bike can be induced into a tank slapper.  But absent any documented evidence to show that XB's are repeatedly prone to it, I would say your experience with your test ride was a fluke.

[jeepinbanditrider]

I own a City-X and love it, but it has to be the bike you want. It won't give you top end or high speed like an inline four will. But it does have low end and great handling. I have all the Buell soft bags and have toured and commute with same. They are good quality and have served me well. My two cents, since you asked for it, is this: Sit on all the Lightnings and ride them if they let you. Pick the Lightning that gives you what you want don't just be looking at the City X. Once the warranty is used up, I would DEFINITELY get aftermarket exhaust and intake with a remapped ECM. I got the Buell Pro-
series kit put on my bike and it made a huge difference. The bike ran cooler, more power and 3-5 MPG better mileage. You can't get the Pro series kit any more so go to the aftermarket for your stuff. I am currently getting ready to sell my Buell because my wife wants to ride with me and it's kinda small for two. If she didn't want to ride I'd be keeping the Buell. 21,000 miles and no problems. Best wishes to you,

Where do you live I might be intersted in it.

I almost had an 03 lightning (9) lined up but the guy sold it before I was able to get ahold of him.  4300 asking price with 7k miles on it.  Now I'm back on the hunt.  I'm thinking used for the price savings.  But new for the warranty and financing.

[scott-sts]

IMO, once you get the suspension sorted, the front end of the City X is pretty solid.  I think this could be a problem with test rides; Buell's are sensitive to proper suspension set up.  I rode a ZRX once that absolutely sucked and the Kawi rep wouldn't let me touch the suspension.
The only time I experienced some headshake on my Buell was coming out of a corner and deflecting off of a rock in the road.  To be honest, I think pretty much every other bike i've ever owned would have "Handled" the situation better than the Buell so I guess the potential is there for some tank slappers.   All that being said, my Falco was an ill mannered sack of crap compared to the Buell, at least until I threw an Ohlins shock on it.

[scraperman1]

Where do you live I might be intersted in it.

I almost had an 03 lightning (9) lined up but the guy sold it before I was able to get ahold of him.  4300 asking price with 7k miles on it.  Now I'm back on the hunt.  I'm thinking used for the price savings.  But new for the warranty and financing.

I live in South Eastern Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. I am looking to sell the bike in the end of December, but will likely trade it. Let me know if you are still interested,

[Bueller]

The only time I experienced some headshake on my Buell was coming out of a corner and deflecting off of a rock in the road.  To be honest, I think pretty much every other bike I've ever owned would have "Handled" the situation better than the Buell so I guess the potential is there for some tank slappers.

You've convinced me.  I had the same experience a couple of months back, and you're the third person to recount a similar experience.  I would have called it a shudder rather than a head shake, but since it was a snake of 4 or 5 quick ripples, and I had to break the line I was steering to control it maybe I will call it a head shake.  It was nothing like tank slappers, and it certainly was diminishing.

At the time it was just ugly.  I didn't see what I hit so I don't know what or how big. I had a look the following evening, and all I could see was that the white centre line was raised and crumbling away.  Maybe I hit that and broke a piece off.  I agree Scott, I've never owned a bike that has reacted to hitting a bit of debris like this before. Maybe a kick off line but never a shudder.

I have tried without success to find an Ohlins steering damper for the Firebolt.  I can get an Ohlins with a fork strap, but then I would need to make the frame bracket.  Looking on the net, I have found a pretty neat looking unit for the Firebolt, but I have never heard of LSL, and I don't know how well it will work.  I've started a thread to see if anyone in cyberspace has tried one.


Ah by the way, related to this tread, anyone thinking of buying a Buell for the first time may be interested in a post I put on BadWeb a couple of months ago.  I love my bike, but it is quirky and perhaps before you buy you'd like to know.

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/3842/286656.html

[panther289]

Just a quick question about touring on the City. What kind of mpg /tank range does it get/have? I'm kinda leaning towards the Kawi 650r, but have considered the City or a used XB9S. Any help will be appreciated.

[Bueller]

Just a quick question about touring on the City. What kind of mpg /tank range does it get/have? I'm kinda leaning towards the Kawi 650r, but have considered the City or a used XB9S. Any help will be appreciated.

I get about 265 km (165 miles) to reserve on the highway with my Firebolt (XB12R) since it was run in. (Variation is 230km to 280 km.)  City driving is around the 200km (120 miles).  (Last week I only got 170 km but that is exceptionally low.) Reserve is 11.8 litres (3.1 US gallons), and I have 2.5 litres to go on reserve after this.  When I change to a performance airfilter I am told I'll get a bit better.

I'd recommend a look at the Lightning Long (XB12SS).  16.7 litre fuel tank which should take you further than you can stay seated.

[panther289]

I get about 265 km (165 miles) to reserve on the highway with my Firebolt (XB12R) since it was run in. (Variation is 230km to 280 km.)  City driving is around the 200km (120 miles).  (Last week I only got 170 km but that is exceptionally low.) Reserve is 11.8 litres (3.1 US gallons), and I have 2.5 litres to go on reserve after this.  When I change to a performance airfilter I am told I'll get a bit better.

I'd recommend a look at the Lightning Long (XB12SS).  16.7 litre fuel tank which should take you further than you can stay seated.

Thanks Bueller, That is about the same range that Grainbelt got on 650r as posted in his Ride Report.

[badweatherbiker]

Here's mine!

[Bueller]

Here's mine!

I love the airbox covers on these.  Non standard tail light? And mmm the rear plate is a bit discrete.

[badweatherbiker]

The tail-light is a Clear Alternatives integrated LED turn/taillight, the tailsection I chopped myself and mounted the tag on the underside with the stock plate light. I added the LED plate surround thingie just because I had it lying around.
Some of these parts may be for sale since I am seling the bike.
Ken

[Bueller]

First, there is now an Ohlins damper available for Buell XBs, through Buell (it's an aftermarket "race-only" part).

I finally found that Ohlins damper c/o Kedo on BadWeb.  He said I could use his pics, so I'll put some up.

This is neat.  Tidy like the LSL but without potential clearance issue.  Instead of attaching to the isolator bolt, it attaches to the frame mount used to hold the instrument cluster.  It is too bad Buell and Ohlins couldn't find this for me a few months ago.

[horse1200s]

a buddy's