Triumphrat

AndyB · 05-18-2009, 07:36 PM

As some of you may or may not know, I'm in the process of selling my beloved, but somewhat unwieldy Dyna and eventually (I won't bore you with the tacky whys and wherefores) replace with something a bit lighter and more flickable. So far a 2009 Bonnie is top of the list having testridden and been mightily impressed by it's smoothness and eager throttle response. There's still one other bike in the running which is the Buell XB12Scg with the cg standing for 'lower' basically. Buell advertise this machine's seat height as 726mm which is 25mm lower than the Bonnie's 751mm or roughly an inch in old money. With me so far? OK

Well I went to the local HD/Buell dealer, and when I could finally gain his attention, the sales guy very kindly allowed me to sit on a XB12scg machine even tho' this particular example was sold. Now I was wearing totally flat soled trainers which probably lose nearly an inch in comparison to my normal bike boots, but it felt much higher than the Bonnie even given this. Further, I struggled to reach the sidestand lug. Now I'm short ok, but I would expect to be able to tippy toe at least both sides on a bike with a seat height of 726mm, a very slim bike too, not one of your fat old HDs. In fact once I was on it, it felt very light and easy to manage despite the elevated to me perch. The sales guy, did advise me that the sidestand issue was easily solvable by simply reversing the lug on it to stick out a bit more. Fine, but the question is 'How is this possible? when I can easily manage a bike with a seat height ostensibly an inch higher than the Buell's and also do manufacturers also lie about seat heights as they do about other statistics? Perhaps Buell test their bikes with a 400lb gorilla aboard, and the suspension on it's softest setting I don't know. Anyone got any ideas???

Anyway, I'm hopefully giving their next bike in a short test run which will confirm or deny whether it will stand against the Bonnie.

Thanks

Andy

BikerEm · 05-18-2009, 09:28 PM

AndyB: Which Bonneville are you comparing the Buell XB12Scg with? You may be aware but in case not, don't forget that the T100 is the tallest of the current 2009 Bonnevilles.

Also how is the suspension set up? My Kawasaki, is quite a bit taller on the next to highest setting that I use for riding two up with my wife.

I've never knowingly seen a Buell XB12Scg but don't forget that a different apparent height may be due to the width of the bike. The Bonneville has relatively narrow seat which helps. I can get the balls of my feet on the ground sitting on my T100 and simply love the bike.

wabill · 05-18-2009, 11:13 PM

Forget the Buell and go with a Speed Triple. You'll not regret it.

lewilewi · 05-19-2009, 05:31 PM

Hi andy

May be a case that this Buell is set up differently to default factory settings ? Also I'am guessing you know that the new 09 se is a full 25mm lower than a T100 / 08 bonne.

Cheers lewi

AndyB · 05-19-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewilewi

Hi andy

May be a case that this Buell is set up differently to default factory settings ? Also I'am guessing you know that the new 09 se is a full 25mm lower than a T100 / 08 bonne.

Cheers lewi

Thanks Lewi. That may well be the case. I'll see what it is set up for when I throw a leg over it.

wabill · 05-19-2009, 11:53 PM

AndyB
Here's a link to a almost decent discussion of Buells.. It's not focused on seat height but I hope you find it a helpful read. These guys are in my neck of the woods.
http://pnwriders.com/general-discuss...-question.html

Bill20850 · 05-20-2009, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyB

Anyway, I'm hopefully giving their next bike in a short test run which will confirm or deny whether it will stand against the Bonnie.

Thanks

Andy

Andy
The T100 has an adjustment on the shocks. It is possible the setting at the showroom may have been on the middle setting and the lowest setting will help. Adjustment is quick and easy and from highest to lowest makes a fair difference in bike height, but it may not make enough difference for you. I will tell you at 6'4'', I got the bonnie because the upright ride style seems to fit taller folks.

Jeffs900s · 05-20-2009, 03:29 PM

Andy,

Buell publishes "laden" seat heights. That is, with the Buell the published seat height factors in the suspension sag from a rider. I think they spec. a 160 lb rider. So the real-world seat height is higher than the published number would make it seem.

I loved my Buell. One of the few bikes that I wish I could "un-sell".

Good luck.