Buell XB12scg Comparison

[mini_me]

Handling and performance wise the are equal. Maybe not on a track but certainly on public roads.
There is now a V4 Tuono so the gen1 Tuono is now 2 generations old. Not a problem if you dont mind.

I would say the gen1 is a little more reliable as they have less complicated electronics and a better generator setup. Having said that, that certainly would not stop me from
buying a gen2 Tuono.

From what I understand the gen1 is a bit more comfortable.

[stunva]

If you decide on a Gen 2 find a good factory version with the right suspension or you will be spending money to upgrade the R sooner.

I've owned an XB9R, GSXR1000K5 and Gen 2, I got the GSXR because the buell was too slow, got the T because the GSXR was too fast (for roads), love the Tuono, but have spent plenty on it getting it to go as good as a jap bike. I'm a short arse so simply dropped the forks down to the 4th ring and got used to being on my tippy toes.

I ride long straight highways and twisties and take the Tuono drag racing, the drag strip is the only place I look for a better bike. Once tuned to your riding style the Tuono is an exceptionally good bike. Electrics can be annoying, stator / reg problems occur, mine also chews the batteries up every 9 - 12 months. Just get the suspension sused early and the handling is good, the stock R handling is poor, probably similar to the buells. Recently installed a PCV and autotune and this has also cleaned up the fueling on highway speed (50 - 70mph). Wind will keep you under 100mph after an hour or so, the stock screen does little but higher screens are better. Handles luggage ok too, although saddle bags are likely to foul on the cans.

[GreaseSnake]

Well, again, this is from my own experience and I can't promise you that this is the truth for everyone;

Gen1 has better wind protection (obvious? well, at least for my height)
Gen2 is a bit lighter, as a different seat position making it a bit more "on the bike" thank "In the bike" kind of feeling

Whatever you choose, choose a Factory or Racing (1st gen Tuonos with high spec suspension are called both racing and factory depending on year/country of origin..)
Just the lighter wheels are worth the few extra $$ on a used bike.

If I decide not to get a V4R Factory I'm absolutely complementing my "collection" with a 2003-2005 Tuono Racing/Factory! (I think it has a wee bit more looks, said by a guy who has to 2nd gen T:s....)

[eronlaw]

Thanks, mate. I would love to get the V4R, but who has that kind of money. Here in the states, we just got them last week. I doubt they are selling for anything less than MSRP. Over there I imagine you can already find them used, eh?

[norcolmille]

IMO:

The Tuono is;

A; More maneuverable, lighter and has a better more agile chassis
B; Has a very wide range of power, from around 4000 to 9500 it pulls just fine
C; Wheelies, thanks to the good grunt and nice handling it's easy-peasy and doesn't scare your socks of landing it a bit on the edge.. For stoppies.. well.. the Brembo radials are a real gem!

I use mine for both track and long runs. Last season I took it on a 500mile sprint in one day heading for my cabin up north, and I wasn't really tired. Took approx 10hrs including the stops for fuel and food.

I can't really say I miss anything, but as I'm as tall as a new mowed lawn it is a bit "roomy" for my size, however I am not complaining!

Concluding; It's like comparing a Chevy Impala to a Corvette C6.

Ditto- have ridden multiple Buells and still have one in the garage. Loved the XB12SG but it is like comparing a porsche ( Tuono) to an old 1970's corvette ( Buell)
and has anyone not loved their Tuono ? Gen 1 or Gen2 ? Anyone?

[GreaseSnake]

Thanks, mate. I would love to get the V4R, but who has that kind of money. Here in the states, we just got them last week. I doubt they are selling for anything less than MSRP. Over there I imagine you can already find them used, eh?

Yep, we had 'em for almost a year now. New $23k, used around $17k (aprc-versions) We are often a $1k+ above your msrp due to taxes and other c**p..

We are already awaiting the Euro '13 Tuono V4R Factory (Do I have to say that that is on my wish list for Christmas '12??)

[rayrey]

I have a second gen T and have done a few track days. I think you lose a little front end feel compared to a race bike, also I find it harder to lean off the bike with the handle bars.

[eronlaw]

Checking back in. Bought an 07 (below). Love it. Absolutely what I was looking for. Sportier than the Buell without sacrificing comfort. Better handling at speed and better engine. Doesn't have that crazy uniqueness with the mean grumble, but hey--now I can proudly say "It's Italian!"

[randy]

A little late for feedback but for what it's worth, I had a Multistrada S (the one with Ohlins) and a Ulysses. Back-to-back riding on the same twisty roads the Duc had much better feedback and overall feeling, especially during hard braking. The Buell, however was faster almost everywhere, but numb, so it lacked the confidence inspiring nature of the Duc. This means that on an unfamiliar road, the Duc was king, but on a well known road, the nod went to the Buell. That being said, the Tuono is by far the better handling of the group.

Randy

PS: beautiful bike, congratulations!

[bloodnutt]

Checking back in. Bought an 07 (below). Love it. Absolutely what I was looking for. Sportier than the Buell without sacrificing comfort. Better handling at speed and better engine. Doesn't have that crazy uniqueness with the mean grumble, but hey--now I can proudly say "It's Italian!"

That looks nice. What are the cans & seats. Oh and make sure the restrictor is removed from the air box. You gain 5hp.

[eronlaw]

That looks nice. What are the cans & seats. Oh and make sure the restrictor is removed from the air box. You gain 5hp.

Seat is a custom Corbin. Cans are Delkevic. I'll look into the airbox issue. Is there a string on here about how to remove it?

[catch2otwo]

take the air box out and its in the frame.

[eronlaw]

So the airflow restrictor is underneath the airbox? I don't follow. Should be in the airbox around the intake, no? Mine doesn't seem to have one--think it's been removed.

[mini_me]

The restricted airbox has an insert with a big round hole at the spot where the airbox intake touches the frame.

Without the restrictor you should have a square hole.

[eronlaw]

So, just to follow up on the whole point of this thread, I took the T to the track last week. While I have enjoyed owning the T so far, I must admit that there was more to like about the Buell as a street bike. But I bought the T because I wanted to ride track with my street bike. So, freshly shod with Q2's, my buddy and I spent a day at Hallett (Jennings, OK). And.... Holy fireworks, Batman! If you are not riding your T on the track, please excuse me but I think you are missing the whole point of this bike. It was insane. As for one of the earlier comments about leaning off the bike, I had no problems there. Having shredded my left knee puck, I began to scrape the leather of my suit. Unsatisfied, I started hitting the kickstand (I am a track novice and now realize why everyone else had their bikes on stands--they didn't have kick stands!) Anywho, this bike was a riot. I can tell you two things. First, I'll be back! Second, there is absolutely no question that the T is a phenomenal track bike. This is why I bought it, and there is simply no question that it was the right call. No comparison to the Buell in this regard. Thanks everyone for the feedback. (P.S.--Q2's are the BOMB!!!)