| Author | Message | ||
     Swampdog225 |
Hey guys, I am thinking of trading in my 05 XB9SX for an 05 XB12R. I know many of you will ask why. The primary reasoning is one that has been well documented here on BW. MORE POWER!!! I've looked at a lot of different aftermarket modifications for my CityX for boosting overall performance from bottom to top. And I've talked to several of the sponsors about the types of modifications that I want to do. They range in price from $1200 to $4500. I guess, when I originally brought the bike, I wanted more of an upright riding position and was a little scared of having a 984cc engine in such a small bike. My assumptions about the power to weight ratio were way off. As soon as I got the bike broken in and out onto the open road I realized that I had made an error in judgement. Don't get me wrong, I love my CityX, but now feel the need for more power and a more agressive riding stance. So guys give me your best stuff. Aftermarket mods... Pros/Cons... or just an opinion. I'm excited and am trying to not loose my nerve. Here is a pick of the new bike.  | ||
| Exitlandrew |
I love my 12r, I Havent ridden an sx though. I rode an 05 9r and an 03 9s. I have to say I like the power delivery of the 12r better. Not any real noticable difference in power, just at what rpm and how long you had it before you had to shift, Im pretty sure it because of the final drive ratio of the 9. But the 12 just seemed smoother and more power throughout the rpm range. There also seemed to be alot more potential with the 12. You definetly need exhaust, air filter and a race ecm. I recommend Jardine for the exhaust. Alot lighter than the race kit, looks cooler and alot louder. | ||
| Exitlandrew |
This is mine, 04 Xb12R.  | ||
| Swampdog225 |
I was thinking maybe of adding a Micron Serpent Exhaust with the DL re-mapped ECM & K&N | ||
| Jak |
I purchased a 12R at the end of last season and have enjoyed the last few months with it. The dealership included the race kit and as far as other true performance mods go, I could n't imagine needing anything else for the street. I actually wouldn't mind an even more aggressive riding stance. Although, I did go on a 430 mile ride through the mountains last weekend and with riding position as is, I could have done another 430 miles. And, although I have not taken a ride on any of the 900cc bikes and I don't always believe bigger is better, I would have to say go for it. You will not be disappointed. | ||
| Bikertrash05 |
Sounds like me! I am keeping my '05 CityX til warranty runs out, then I want a 12R, possibly as a 2nd bike (if I can afford it). Though I want it a all black R, like lonexb's. If you can, wait to see what '07 brings (I don't know, just hoping). | ||
| Exitlandrew |
I wanted mine all black too, But I got this one as a leftover and got too good a deal on it to pass it up. Im probably gonna paint it all flat black next winter. With a smoked windscreen and gloss black wheels. | ||
| Daves |
Could I interest you in a trip to Appleton Wisconsin?  | ||
| Swampdog225 |
Dave, I know you would strike me a sweet deal. Currently, they have the 05' XB12R listed at $9,350.00. I'm not sure what they will give me on trade in. Looking for Pro-Series Race Kit or Micron setup w/K&N, DL remapped stock ECM, & American Sport Bike Open Air Box Kit. I'm sure we can work something out. Just out of curiousity, how far is Appleton from Chi-Town? | ||
| Cataract2 |
The Black XB12R is faster.  | ||
| Lonexb |
Troy if you really want a 12R, then get one. i have ridden every model that buell currently makes. power wise between the 9 and 12. if you do the race kit on the 9 it is very close to the 12. the only reason i got the 12 was because of the frame color. other wise i would have gotten a 9, and saved a couple of $$$. all though i have to agree with Ryan(Cataract2 )... black is the fastest color there is!! brian (lonexb)  | ||
| Fcbuell |
I have a cityX - Not to say I've ridden the 12 a lot.. only once actually... but I agree with lonexb.. if you put the basic mods on a 9 its close to a 12, and in fact I enjoy the higher revs and smoothness of the 9. My $.02  | ||
| Elff |
I rode all of the Buells at a Demo Day. Once I was done, I was happy to get back on my Race Kitted CityX. The power delivery is just very smooth. I personally dont need more and I like the gearing of the 9 better than the 12. The other thing I noticed was that I really HATE Dunlop tires. The Scorpions on the CityX, IMHO, are waaaay better. So that is something I would immediately change for any firebolt. Once the Scorpions wear out, I am going with the Diablo Corsas. I like the fact that I can choose the agressiveness of my riding position. Also, for some reason, I feel more nimble with the CityX handlebars than clips ons. | ||
| Metalstorm |
The wider bars of the S are definitely better for throwing the bike around on the real squiggly roads. I would love to have a blue 12R but I won't give up my 12S to get one. Of the two bikes I think the S is the most versatile. | ||
| Cataract2 |
Damn Lone, couldn't see it very well at night, but those blacked out headers look sweet. Really completes the bike. (Message edited by cataract2 on April 07, 2006) | ||
| Swampdog225 |
OK guys, I convinced my wife that trading in the CityX was a good idea. So I went out to the dealership this past weekend. I am picking the 12R on Thursday. They are basically giving it to me at invoice. Which is profoundly strange. The only assumption that I can make is that they are making room for new inventory. Either way, I've got an extreme woody and can't wait until Thursday. Given that the weather is finally starting to change here in Chi-Town, and were expecting great weather for the next week or so. So I'll let you guys know how it rides. | ||
| Ratyson |
Swampdog, I would be interested in hearing what kind of deal they did on your trade in.. Did they do you right? Sounds like you got a great deal on the price of the 12. | ||
| Swampdog225 |
The trade-in value on CityX sucks. I basically took a 3K loss. The KBB is about 4500 on an 05' in good condition. They gave me a little better than KBB. The only downside is because of the great deal I wasn't able to get any freebies, like say a Pro-Series Race Kit. That would have made this deal perfect, but I'm satisfied with the outcome. The bad part of it is, that today is the best weather we've had in Chicago all year(Clear Blue Skies and 70), and I can't ride. Oh well, hopefully, it'll hold up until Thursday. I'm gonna take a vacation day for this. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Congratulations on your new ride. One thing you might want to consider is changing out the original Dulflops for Pirelli or Michelins when it is in for the 1000 mi check up. The Dunny's will be half gone anyway. That and the race kit are the least expensive and most effective way to enhance your enjoyment of your new scooter. Needless to say, you will have the suspension properly set up and the shop manual ordered, am I right? | ||
| Reducati |
hey swamp, make it a city xbr, and you cant go wrong with il harley.  | ||
| Crazy_col |
 Hey swampy..i have an 04 12r.. race ecm, race exhaust ,+ k&n.. all standard must haves really.. i have ridden the city ..and after riding the 12r.. so was not gonna go for the city after that.. or even the 9 r or s for that matter. in my opinion the 12r (in red is faster)!! is the best of all of them.. i may be biased cos i have one... actually yes i am very biased.. i love the 12r in red.. me thinks it beats em all up!!.. but then im english.. what do i know?  Good luck on your first ride ..have fun.. i know you will.. colin.. | ||
| Olinxb12r |
Congrats Swamp. I'm sure the 12R will be everything you are hoping. Take a look at the Jardine pipe since you weren't able to get any freebies and you had to take a hit on the CityX. To bad I'm not in Chi anymore, or we could go out riding sometime. I moved back to Kansas City last August. Check out www.chicagoriders.com . There are some really cool people there to ride with. They meet out in Villa Park every Tuesday for bike night. They usually head down to the city and go out for a pretty fun ride. I used to ride my 12R with them, so don't worry about the sportbikers giving you a bunch of crap. | ||
| Swampdog225 |
Thanks for all of the input guys. Your suggestions were great. I'm definitely going to be swapping out the Dunlops. I've grown accustomed to the feel of the Diablos, so I'm really wondering how different the handling will be on the 12r over time as compared to the Diablos on the CityX. As for exhasut enhancements, I'm torn. If I could actually find a XB12 race kit I would get it today. But the mad scramble is on to find em. So, I'm torn between doing a Micron Serpent, Drummer or D&D. I really haven't had a chance to look at the Jardine yet to even know enough to make an informed decision. As for a CityXBR wouldn't be a bad idea only if I could find a racing red translucent airbox. The Hero Blue on the Red bike will probably look strange. Definitely would be an eye catcher though. I'll keep you guys posted on my progress. | ||
| Lonexb |
Troy i am glad you got what you wanted. nothing like the feeling of satisfaction.(or a new bike) brian | ||
| Elff |
Reducati, You need to photoshop in a Blue windscreen for the front Fairing. | ||
| Swampdog225 |
OK guys. Good news. I picked it up today from the dealership. Man this thing rocks. I can't wait until I get it broken in some. It's hard to not want to crank it up a bit. Thanks a lot for all of your input. Now I can start thinking about the mods. |
