| Author | Message | ||
     Wademan |
I know this has probably been discussed a thousand times but I am getting lost in the jumble of information in the search function and cant find what I am looking for. I have test ridden a xb12r and a xb12s. Both had <700 miles. I am for sure on wanting a 'R', I do alot of highway riding and the wind blast is insane on the 's'. My dealer didnt have a 9 available to test so I am curious about the major differences between the 9 and 12. My initial impressions of the 12 were good, but I didnt like the surgeyness of it below 3000 rpm. However good power and tons of torque. Its weird coming off a jap bike and riding a bike that has an engine with heavy internals. The buell just wanted to jump if I didnt rev match or shifted to quickly. Not a bad thing just something I would have to learn how to be smooth with. So anyways.... any info would be great, links to old discussions, whatever. Thanks for any info. | ||
| Wambo |
Wademan, Regarding the S and R, for what it's worth both are good. Just depends on the type of riding you do. As far as the difference between the 12 and 9 (my experience only) is that the 9 is smoother but the 12 has a better response and rush. This all changes with mods, as the 9 gets quicker but so does the 12. If money is an initial concern, get the 9 and you really won't be sorry. If you gotta have the rush, get the 12. In my estimate it's really hard to lose with either I guess.  (Message edited by Wambo on May 24, 2006) | ||
| Lovematt |
I own a 9R but was given a chance to do a long test ride on a 12R before I bought it. It is really a matter of where you want the power to occur...the 9 being more up top around 4500-6500 RPMs while the 12 is down around 3000-6000. For highway riding you will be at around 4000 RPMs most of the time. The 12 takes off quick like you found out but the 9 comes on with the power higher in the revs. If I decide to get another Buell I will try the 12 again and see if I want to go with the bigger bike next time. I have a feeling I will want a less performance modded bike but start out with a bigger powerplant...possibly quieter too. I agree it would be a tough choice if you weren't sure...you can't go wrong with either. You may want to consider the insurance costs....in some areas going over 1000cc really makes a difference. | ||
| Wademan |
I guess my biggest concern is what one will I enjoy more in the twisties? I am coming off of a Bandit 1200 if that helps any. Also in the back of my head... there is no doubt I will pipe it, it seems the 12 has better support for pipes than the 9... Is that true? | ||
| Wademan |
Beautiful bike by the way matt. I love the hero blue on silver frame. | ||
| Sik_s |
If you stay stock you will quickly become unhappy with a 9, not so much the case with a 12. Oh btw, a 12R doesn't like going less than 15-20 mph in first, and it doesn't like getting lugged at 3k RPM or below. You've seen how many 9 owners have an inferiority complex and land up adding power adders to the bike (stroking, nos, turbo, etc.). Go with the 12 and be happy. | ||
| M1combat |
My 12 doesn't seem to mind being run about 1800 in first and second, but above that I try to keep it above 2K. Mine puts along nicely at 12-1300 RPM in first with a Drummer. | ||
| Sik_s |
Try doing a couple of MSF courses in 2nd gear at idle. That is because they want you to do 15-18 mph in 2nd. That is for first gear not second, the bike doesn't like it. I have a couple of mods to my bike though. | ||
| 12r |
Good call on the Firebolt. The extra 500 rpm of the 9 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. | ||
| Rubberdown |
I've had both. Both are nice. I give the nod to the 9. It's just more fun to thrash. | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
i LOVE my 12r and i have the mods to go with it also. if i had a nine i would have turbo/nitrous etc. the thing by now. it doesn't have that stump pulling torque that i love off idle.(the jap bikes hate when i pull away from them at lights) that doesn't mean nitrous isn't in my near future plans.  the grunt of my 12 keeps me happy. i'll take the bottom end torque of the 12 over the high rev's of the 9. just my .02 | ||
| Daves |
Come on over to Appleton WI this Fri or Sat and you can demo both! I have the Buell demo fleet coming. I have ridden both a 9R(for one year) and then a 12R for the last 2 1/2 years. I'm still not sure which one I prefer, I like them both | ||
| Tleighbell |
I just got a 9s with race kit. Very happy with it. Nothing lacking as far as I am concerned, although you just have to accept with either bike that you won't have the top end power to challenge the I4 sport bikes. I rode a 12 briefly last fall and although that makes them difficult to compare, I still have no complaint with the 9. I might feel different if my bike was an R where the riding position makes you want to go faster. | ||
| Wademan |
I think I just need to go test ride one. I am leaning towards a nine though. After having the Bandit I realized 100hp is more than enough for me. A nine with a pipe wont quite have the same amount of power as the bandit but it will be close, sound bad ass, and be more fun to flog on. Not to mention handle like a dream. I just hope the nine is smother at lower revs and is less surgey. | ||
| Teddagreek |
I have a 9SX... What ever you end up getting Race ECM, Intake and Pipe Really wakes these bikes up.. Once a Marine always a Marine! | ||
| Eboos |
"Try doing a couple of MSF courses in 2nd gear at idle. That is because they want you to do 15-18 mph in 2nd. That is for first gear not second, the bike doesn't like it. I have a couple of mods to my bike though." The same thing happened when I took my course. After explaining the situation, I did the rest of the course in first gear, and was much smoother. | ||
| Jimmy |
Buying used or Brand-new? Like to tinker or just Ride? How much do you really wanna spend? Know a GREAT mechanic who wont hate your Buell for not being what the dumb-Ars calls NOT a real Harley? 2 options the way I see it. 1. Buy the 12 and be happy and Ride like you stole it. 2. Buy a 9 (especially a lady owned - didn't ride it sub 1000 miler) and get cheaper Insurance. THEN go git that Wondermous 90" kit jug set and have the Baddest throw-down street killer 1345cc or something like it and don't tell a sole what you did. Especially the 12 owners you will someday ride with. I personally love love love the '03 white ones. If I could I would buy that BRAND-new never ridden one over in Mississippi and Build my little sleeper. Yellow or blue are Kuell too.  |
