Buell XB12R vs Kawi Z1000 Help me Decide

[emperorjordan]

Hey guys (and girls), its been quite a while since I have posted on here....

Anyway, I had my KLR 250 last I posted on here I think... I sold that and got a DRZ400, and then moved into more street bikes, got a CBR600 for a while, sold that... now about to get a new bike, been throwing the idea around for a while... really want the BMW K12R, but dont want to spend more than 10k at the moment.

I was looking at the Buell XB12R Firebolts, and the 2007 Kawasaki Z1000. I test rode both of them, and I know they are different, but I dont know which I want, and I was looking for some input.

I think they both look awesome... I like the sound rumble of the buell much better than the screaming kawasaki... but the kawasaki is a lot faster. The buell cant even keep up with a 600 sport bike from what I hear. Although when I rode it, I loved the way it took the corners... way better than my CBR I thought.

The buell has worse resale should I decide to get rid of it....

Any input guys? The bike will be mostly for fun, maybe some long rides, no commuting....

My first choices were the KTM SuperDuke or the BMW K1200R, but both are a bit too rich for my blood at the moment. I REALLY like the sound and torq of twins... thats why I am leaning towards the buell.

Thanks,
Jordan

[Ninja Geoff]

I'd rather have the Z1000 on the longer rides myself. they're quite comfortable for me.

[The Doctor]

I own a Z1000 and I love it. It's a really nice bike with a lot of power. If you dont like the sound you can always get after-market pipes but I really like the look of those gold pipes.
good luck.

[Fast Eddy B]

Buell. no.

Kawi.

no.

Buell. hmm.

Kawi?

Hope that helps.

[jonnythan]

I like the sound rumble of the buell much better than the screaming kawasaki...I loved the way it took the corners... way better than my CBR I thought.

Any input guys? The bike will be mostly for fun, maybe some long rides, no commuting....

I REALLY like the sound and torq of twins... thats why I am leaning towards the buell.

Thanks,
Jordan

Sounds like you answered your own question to me.

Your only reservation seems to be that the Buell is too slow.. but with a 0-60 time of the same as a 600cc supersport, I don't think you'll be feeling that it's "too slow" when you're riding it. That's just a guess though.

[emperorjordan]

but its more money, has worse resale, and has a somewhat bad rep.

I am leaning kawasaki as of now... their financing is way better, and the bike is cheaper, and parts are cheaper....

any reason to stay away from the Kawi? I could just go ahead and get another 600 sport bike, but I wanted something different... and my cbr sucked for longer rides... and I wanted more torq down low without having to wind it out.

[Fast Eddy B]

I've liked Buells from the moment I saw a picture of one. The V-twin is real world useful, and while not a litre bike fast, who needs that anyway? the downsides are all practicalities. So, are you gonna go for 'safe' (Kawi, which is by no means safe) or one in a million?

There might be some 'live with it' problems too; ae you gonna pack soft luggage or a backpack? I'd look into tie down points on both. The pillion space on Buell's is quite small.


Ed

[crazypj]

Get the new 1125 Buell.
Best of both worlds.
Rotax engine (very similar to the Aprillia RSV1000???)
PJ

[Ninja Geoff]

Get the new 1125 Buell.
Best of both worlds.
Rotax engine (very similar to the Aprillia RSV1000???)
PJ

msrp of $12k, he's looking for something less....


On that note, +1 on the 1125R

[atom]

The Buell will be cheap to run and maintain. The Buell will sound better and age better. The Buell is easy to work on, maintain, and modify. The Buell is made in the USA.

The Z is none of these.

I would get the Buell. In fact I do plan on buying one in a few years.