| Author | Message | ||
     Bdechenzio |
Ok yall... I did a search, and didn't find this comparison, so sorry if it's been beat to death.... I'm looking at 4 bikes right now as my "play" bike, the new Suzuki M109R, the Warrior, or the XB9SX/XB12S/SS... can you all tell me just how much difference there is between the 9/12? I've read that the "powerband" is smoother on the 9 and it's more comfy, but everything I've seen says the 12 is way more torque and more fun, but the #'s appear to be within 10ftlbs? anyway, basically I'm looking for comparisons from folks who've ridden them both please. I'm coming in on leave the first half of May, going to try to get test rides on each of them, just would like feedback from people who ride them. thanks brad | ||
| 12r |
I rode them both before I made a decision and I’ve ridden them a number of times since. The initial revviness of the XB9 motor soon leaves me rather bored and the extra 500 rpm is no substitute for the thundering grunt of the 12. Sure the 9 fuels smoothly enough – perhaps actually better than the bigger motor – but there’s not enough in terms of ultimate rpm to keep you intrigued, nor is there anything like the drive off the throttle of the 12. The 12 is a very user-friendly bike and the smooth, creamy, widespread power delivery makes it a cinch to ride, especially on unfamiliar roads. In the same circumstances the 9 requires more effort and concentration to get the best out of it. | ||
| Adamcooney |
I've got a new XB12Ss. It's only got a .4" higher seat height but uses the Uly frame so it holds more fuel almost a gallon more! It looks very similar to the XB12 but has a longer swingarm for the 2" stretched wheelbase. This I thought was perfect as I wanted to get an extended swingarm but would have been a huge hassle plus I have some ideas for trying to fab up 12R seat rails on it for over the winter. =0D I love the thing. Only 390 miles on it so far cuz of the f'n rain but that should change tommorrow! | ||
| Elff |
My friend has a boulevard. It's not the M109R but it is a cruiser nonetheless and is a completely different bike than the Buells. You will not get the type of handling that you get on a buell with that bike. That aside, the boulevards are really nice cruisers and I would buy one of those waaaaay b4 even considering a Harley. So it's hard to compare it or the warrior to a Buell. They are designed for different purposes. That aside, I can speak about the buells. The 12s definately have more grunt. but it comes on fast and hard. The 9 doesnt have as much but it feels more like a rice rocket in the way it revs. So it depends on how you like your power delivered to you. With the cruisers you are looking at, I am guessing you would like the 12 more. | ||
| Kuuud |
12Ss | ||
| Drift |
Rice rocket!?!?! What the hell are you talking about. Have you actually ridden a 9s. I have had several rice rockets and my 9s feels nothing like any of them. No offense but, that is not at all the way that a 9 feels.  | ||
| Elff |
Drift This is my bike, so the answer is yes  The quote was "More like a Rice Rocket" and having owned nothing but rice rockets before the buell, that was the reason why I chose the 9 over the 12. I liked the gearing vs the grunt. | ||
| Lovematt |
I currently have a 9R and love this bike...I will likely keep it for some time. But I have had the opportunity to test ride a lot of bikes and I think if I were to get another Buell it woudl be a 12 next time. The 12 definitely pulls harder at the bottom RPM range compared to a 9 in stock trim. Between a 9 in "non-stock" trim and a 12 in stock trim things are a little closer together in my opinion. Otherwise for the past few years I have consistently felt I am drawn to bikes which are different from most (Ducati, Triumps, Moto Guzzi, Buell, etc). | ||
| Alanshouse |
The seat on your Cityx looks cool. | ||
| Buellistic |
When you start running with the JAP & Ducks bikes, you will find there is a "BIG" differance if you do not have an XB9R or a XB12R !!! | ||
| Spike |
Frankly, you just have to ride the two to understand. There's no question that the 12 puts up bigger numbers everywhere and has quite a bit more low end grunt. However, the 9 gets an extra ~700rpm up top, shorter gearing, and revs quicker. The performance between the two is very similar, the difference is in the power delivery. You'll have to ride each to understand. The bigger decision here is between a "power cruiser" and the XB line. The M109R and the Warrior are nice bikes, but they're worlds apart from an XB-S/SX/SS. Basically, if you don't much care for corners, get one of the cruisers. They offer similar performance in a straight line with a more relaxed riding position. However, if you like to wick it up a bit when you get to the corners you owe it to yourself to try an XB. Once you've gotten used to riding a proper handling bike through the twisties you'll wonder how you ever even considered a cruiser. | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
YOU DEFeNATELY NEED TO DRIVE THEM TO UNDERSTAND THEM. I DON'T KNOW..I THINK THE XB9 FEELS LIKE A SMALL BLOCK 302.(HIGH REVING MOTOR) THE XB12 FEELS LIKE THE BIG BLOCK 454.(LOW REVING BUT lots-o'-torgue) MY .02 | ||
| Elff |
Buellistic Im curious about what you mean? Why an R vs an S? | ||
| Mkenn |
My last bike was a 2001 ZRX1200 Kawasaki. I was worried that making the switch from that bike to a Buell was going to take some getting used to. I test rode a 12R with a race kit and was impressed with it. I was even more worried when I bought my XB9SX. I have not regretted my decision at all. I put a race kit on it and feel that the bike definitely needed it. I don't feel that the difference between the 12 and 9 is that significant that you will be "disappointed" with a 9. The two are just different beasts with pros and cons to each. My ultimate decision came down to looks. I think the XB9SX with the translucent bodywork and the black wheels looks cool. So far I am happy with it and think that it is the most fun bike I have ever owned. I agree with Firebolteric_ma with the V8 analogy. | ||
| Buellistic |
Elff: "i" am sure you have a buddy with a XB9R ... Know there are some excellent curvie roads in PA. Go on a day ride swaping bikes through the day ... At the end of the day you will understand ... | ||
| Mad_matt |
Ride the bike, I have owned 23 bikes all sports bikes including a yamaha R1 and a race prepared ducati 748. Last year, on the way to the kawasaki dealer ( to pick up a new z1000). i stopped at my local Hd shop and took a test ride on a xb9s. Came back with the cash and brought the bike that day. Still loving it today, the moral of the story is don't read into the horse-power specs too much, you just might miss your ride! Also thanks to Jon Domagala at Pravateers HD in Nova Scotia. | ||
| Cmm213 |
When you properly set up any of the XB models they are nasty on the street, I finally got my 9S to my liking and I have the most confidence I have ever had in corners. Of course these machines dont have huge numbers but as mad mat said above you dont need it to have a great time riding them. | ||
| Elff |
Buellistic My 9SX handles the twisties just as good as a 9R so I am still confused as to what you are getting at. Aside from the seat and front end, the bikes are the same engine and suspension. Furthermore, the CityX pirellies are definately better than the dunlops. | ||
| Pinball |
I ride my XB9S 90 kms. every day with over 16000kms put on it in just a year.I just rode a 12 last weekend and have to say,yes it is faster ,but for every day riding ,I`ll take my bike any day!It is smoother and flicks around better ,not only in the corners,but in traffic too! Man I wish I could have both though!! | ||
| Bdechenzio |
well.. shit.... thanks guys.... think I'm definately leaning toward the 12, trying to schedule a test ride on bothbut I still haven't heard back from my "local" Buell dealer, so I may have to look elsewhere for that.... as far as what I'm looking for, that's both easy... and hard... but it boils down to one word FUN, that's it, I have a 2 Up mile eater now (st1300), I've got a dirtbike/4wheeler, so I'm just looking for a bike for ME. Something I can rip around town on (course, towns not that big), and will be comfortable riding the twisties on. I'm not looking to race anybody on it (I generally ride by myself when I want to twist the throttle anyway), but I want them to wonder if they can take me, and maybe run a stoplight or two. I don't care WHAT kind of bike it is, I just want a powerful, fun bike, that's comfortable, and that I'm not going to see a hundred of running around. anyway, thanks for all the help yall... and if any of you know where I can get a test drive fairly close to Arkansas, I'd sure appreciate your input... thanks brad | ||
| Reepicheep |
Erik's answer to the question was that he liked the R bikes when he was on a road or track where he knows every inch of like the back of his hand and was trying to make the best time possible. He liked the S bikes for unfamiliar roads and general riding around. I could push my Cyclone pretty close to it's limits, and those are *nowhere near* the limits of my 9sx. I can't imagine pushing a 9sx to the limits, and I expect those are moderately below an R bike. The R's will give a little more corner clearance and put you a little further over the front wheel, but have you seen how much corner clearance is on even the S? Thats a TON of lean. The 9SX bikes are great around town... I can look right over the top of most minivans while in traffic. | ||
| Sflabuell |
Brad, Initially, you asked for only those who had ridden both bikes. there, i can't help, but I can tell you this, after Racing School, I couldn't wait to get my hands on an R. I have a tuber 2000 X1 1200 that is all Buell. Fun is it's first name. Stoplight or two it runs with the very best of the best, but it's got some serious money in the engine, also. My "new" R is a 9, and as far as flickability, and corner prowess, it is awesome. In a straight line contest, though, light to light, I can't imagine it as equal to much. It is significantly slower here, despite the best engine speed to gearing I have ever felt in a bike. So, based on your latter post of "fun" for yourself, I don't see how you could beat a 12 S model. 'Cept maybe with a tuber! Yeah, I'm old school at heart. but why not be? An awesome tuber X1 comes at around $5000 right now, and the smiles with them. Good luck and let us know which one you decide on... | ||
| Elff |
I like Erik's answer and after owning a CityX for a year now and doing some serious all day rides, it's been a great bike. In traffic it's amazing. Buellistic, Im not sure if youve seen Odie's video but it was quite an amazing long ride on S's. So I think the fun factor is present on both and still dont see the R being better than the S or the S being better than the R. It's all about rider comfort and confidence. Some people are better on one vs the other. | ||
| Kowpow225 |
I have a race kitted 9S and have ridden a 12R in stock trim. There are obvious differences in the two. The 12 gives a velvety smooth delivery of power throughout the revs with no 'powerband' sticking out. Its got power all over. 2K-6.8K. The 9, on the other hand, FEELS a little peakier but isn't by much. I love the happy puppy demeanor of the 9 and its revvy nature. I love the 12 and its brutal stump puller attitude. It really boils down to personal preference. As for the cruiser/buell debate... If you're a corner carving kind of guy the buell will satisfy that craving for a very long time. (you'll always wonder how much further you can push it and never be suprised) If you like to go riding for longer distances, a 109R might be better suited for your riding style. If you go cruiser, maybe consider a Kawasaki Mean Streak as well. Ridden one and loved it, but not ready to give up on the corners yet. Happy bike hunting. Kyle | ||
| Grlryder |
"I just want a powerful, fun bike, that's comfortable, and that I'm not going to see a hundred of running around." Yup, that's the 12S I've thought about riding a 9S...would probably be nice for those 5-20mph around the parking lot moments as the 12 just wants to pull right through}. That aside, my 12 is everything I want in a bike...and more. It's the muscle car I've always dreamed of: on 2 wheels!! | ||
| U4euh |
I own the S, I have briefly ridden the Warrior, and am in love with M109! But that is apples and oranges. What do you want? Cruise, or upright all around enjoyment? I am 5'10", and the Warrior would have to have different handlebars for me to be comfortable. The center of gravity of the back was very impressive, seemed to be right at the crotch area. I could imagine that if the bars were changed, I could ride it allday long and be ok. I have 2 different set ups for my 9S. Softbags, tailpack,CityX seat, and large fairing for extended trips, or two up riding. This way I have a long run version of a bike that can handle just about anything I encounter on the road. If I am going to be around home, stock seat, fairing removed, bags removed, and I have a street bike again. But like I said earlier, I love that M109, saw one in person last night and must say, if I can get one, I might have to do something with the luggage and fairing. The bike looks to have a VERY STRONG lean angle. The pegs are up high, with nothing else to drag. | ||
| Firefightergarcia |
I just bought a 12r and I also own a 9s. I wanna say I like the 12r but I have more fun on my 9s. The riding position on my 12r is the difference that attracts me more to my 9s. Which do I like better? Give me a 12ss, That's what I should have bought in place of my 12r. The riding position is better and you got the balls behind it. | ||
| Firefightergarcia |
here are both...  |
