Fatbiker

I’ve had my CityX for almost a month now and have done 700 miles on it already. I can now provide a reasonably informed opinion on this bike and how its gonna work out for me over the coming years…Lets get the bad bits out of the way first.

1. Its a very wet bike. I mean really wet. On a recent commute in the rain, I reckon I had more spray coming off the rear wheel that I did rain hitting the front of me. This is down to the bikes style for sure so will never be completely resolved. Some owners block off the holes in or completely replace the so called tea strainer in the rear mudguard. I’ve been advised that doing this will help matters so thats a job to be done before the winter.
2. Wind protection… Again, this is down to the style of the bike so it goes with the territory. You either live with it or get another bike. I have replaced the standard screen with a Zero Gravity screen and this has done a really good job at removing the worst of the blast when cruising at speed.
3. Storage. There isn’t any form of onboard storage at all. There are no hard luggage options neither. Again, its a street bike so get over it. I have purchased a Kriega R25 and can wear this ruck sack loaded up with my stuff for ages in total comfort on the bike so its not a problem for me…

Now to the plusses…

1. What a total blast of a bike to ride. Even though its the smaller, less powerful of the Lightnings available, I can confirm that its got more than enough grunt to have some real fun on. I’ve performed the so called “white wire mod”. This is a wire that goes into the ECU that controls emissions and exhaust volume around the 3000rpm mark. Iv you are a CityX owner, do it and do it fast. It really opens up the engine.
2. Fuel economy. Yep thats right, fuel economy! The worst I’ve had out of the bike so far is 51 on local rides. On a longer run I got 63mpg out of it and that included 1 hour of slow running in traffic in central London. I was originally a bit concerned about tank range having been told that the light would come on at 85 miles. I have not seen it on before 120 and still go another 30 before filling up. Well pleased
3. Weight. The CityX is just so light. I notice it at a stand still and when turning fast. Its so light and well balanced that I can stop at a junction, look left & right without putting a foot down and then pull away super quick. Its also great flicking through bends when going some. Again, well pleased…
4. Accessories. One minor complaint and I mean minor about my old Guzzi was that I could never buy any presents for it. No companies were making bolt on’s for it at the time of my ownership. The Buell is different all together. I can buy all sorts of things for it. The limiting factor is now the missus and how loud she shouts when she see’s the bank statement…
5. Build quality. The Guzzi was good but the Buell is amazing. I look at the quality of the metals used, the hoses and the electrics and I’m really impressed. They have even stuck small rubber patches here and there where hoses or wires might chaff on other moving parts. The only negative to the quality will be the exhaust. Buell exhausts always rot. Mine’s not started yet but come winter time it’ll be covered in rust…
6. suspension. I’ve softened the suspension slightly when compared to the factory recommended settings. This has made the ride very comfortable AND has removed the slightly skittish behaviour I was experiencing beforehand. Trial and error is required for someone like me that has no previous experience when it comes to tweaking suspension.
7. Fun factor. I was cruising at 90 KPH! yesterday and went over the brow of a slight hill. As I hit the top I managed to get the front to lift slightly. Yee frikking Haa! You should have seen this sucker go…

All in all, its been a good move for me. I was sad to see the 1200 Sport go but the Buell is a very good replacement for me. I have my eye on another Guzzi for next year as a 2nd bike so watch this space…

Tags: CityX Review