| Author | Message | ||
     Macbuell |
I'm thinking of trading my XB9S for a 12R and I am looking for opinions on the 12R. How does it compare to the 9 in power, etc.? Any opinions from anyone that has actually made this change would be greatly appreciated. I already have the crossroad clip-ons on my 9 so I don't think the riding position will change too much. Is this true? Thanks for the help. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Perhaps the brothers could comment more meaningfully if they knew what you hoped to achieve by the switch? The riding position will actually change quite a bit as the R bars are lower and more forward than the Crossroads, the seat is harder, and the pegs are higher. As far as motor is concerned, the general consensus is that there is not a helluva lot of difference. The nine revs a bit more, has less torque, is easier to ride in town. The twelve has more drive out of a corner, especially if you are in the wrong gear, vibrates more, has some reported pinging problems. Of course it is a bit faster. Might be best if you took a demo ride on the 12R, so you could judge for yourself. I might also recommend a look at the XB12Ss. I like this model best of all the current Buells because of the stability offered by the longer wheelbase. As I weight 235# in gear and am 6-2, I feel I am perhaps a bit big for the short wheelbase models. Your mileage may vary.  | ||
| Macbuell |
Basically I am looking for something with a little more power that would be completely happy on the street and the track. I like the look of the R's and it looks like it would be more comfortable for a passenger for the occasional ride and provide better wind protection. I'm going to take an R for a ride as soon as I can. Can you elaborate on the pinging problems? Is that something I should be wary of on the 12's? Is that problem only with certain models? Thanks for the help. | ||
| Buellisti |
MacBuell, My 12R pinged a bit prior to the 5k maintenance. A TPS reset and gapping the new plugs correctly took care of ping. The pinging was most likely a plug gap issue as I have not pinged since. | ||
| Beachbuell |
Hey MacBuell, I own a 12R and my better half owns a 12S (formerly she had a 9 CityX with race kit). I can tell you that the torque delivery is a world of difference form the 9 to 12. My 12R pulls like a freakin freight train, wheelies 1,2,3 gears just redlining. The 9 was fair as far as power delivery, even with a race kit. We both run Pirellis on our rides and they handle awesome, very grippy. Lots of power and torque for cornering. But, you could also ride in like 2 or 3 gear all day if you wanted to. The R has more wind protection compared to the S. Believe it or not that little piece of front fairing makes a huge difference when highway riding. Have not experienced the crossroads bars, so no comment there. The R is a very racey feeling motorcycle in all aspects. I've owned several sportbikes, including a Ducati and never felt tourque like this. | ||
| Macbuell |
Thanks for all the help and opinions. One last question, does the twelve cost a lot more to insure than the 9. Thanks again. | ||
| Kurosawa |
I would happily have ridden either a 9 or 12, but as it was, a 12 was up on eBay not too far from where I live. However, ergos are an incredible pain for me. The R position was perfection for my build, but I got butt burn from the seat. I tried the custom seat and it jacked me up in the air a good bit, enough to stretch the reach to the bars where I was putting my weight on my hands and they were going to sleep, plus I now had a death grip, bad deal. Either the Heli top clamp or the Corbin seat might restore my ergos. I decided to ask Dave if he handled Corbin and as luck would have it he had one in stock (plus 10% off for being on BWB, I forgot to ask but he remembered I was a BWBer). If that doesn't work I'll get the Heli and try different combinations. You get the pic. If your seating is perfect, maybe you'll give trading bikes a second thought. | ||
| Xb12rider |
I own a short wheelbase xb12r 05 was last year of the short wheelbase bikes.Every other bike has the new frame dimensions and and increased fuel capacity. So a tame xb this is not, but a great ride it is. I learned how to ride on my 12r SOO I am not a good perspective on the quirks of the bike. I just know that the thing goes like stink,and MAC the 12 is a bigger rush in the torque department it makes all the diffrerence from a move up to stand point the 12 is an exercise in restraint try to keep from ringing it out when you get the bike home. | ||
| Brad_buell |
Hey Macbuell- I am in a Very similar situation. I currently have a 9S with the Crossroad clip-ons. But I am looking to trade into a 12R myself. I really like the look and feel of the Firebolt. Putting the Crossroads bars on was my first clue that I really wanted a Firebolt. Then when I started to consider swapping the rear and front end, I decided to just look into getting a Firebolt. As far as pegs are concerned, I can always put the S pegs on the R if it's uncomfortable. I have Dairyland Insurance and they quoted me almost the same price for the 12R as opposed to my 9S. Actually, the price was Cheaper by a few dollars???? And I even had them double check the quote. So, this Summer I will make the trade/purchase. I really can't wait!!! I hope that you're able to do the same. -Brad | ||
| Metalstorm |
06 12R. 12S & 9SX are same frame dimensions & wheelbase as 05 & earlier. Only difference is the 06 has air entering directly into outer airbox cover rather than through the frame hence giving the 06 models an extra bit of fuel since there's no longer a passage running through the frame. On Edit: other differences are a different stiffer swingarm & the new improved tranny. Only the 12Ss & Uly have the (wider?) frame & longer wheelbase. (Message edited by metalstorm on May 28, 2006) This is the earliest I've ever been late! | ||
| Xb_mick |
Macbuell,in my state (NY) the insurance is nearly double after 1100 cc.I would check with insurers in your state,but I'd bet it's similar.I did have great luck with Harley Davidson insurance,and they checked 4 different carriers and got me what I thought was a good rate. ...Mick | ||
| Metalstorm |
On insurance, all I can say is that in my area it is about $400 a year less to insure a 12S than a 9R. I never bothered to ask what a 12R would cost. For some reason, if a bike has a fairing & clip on bars the price goes way up. Again this is in my area where there is a serious sportbike wreck nearly every weekend on Hwy 1. This is the earliest I've ever been late! | ||
| Firefightergarcia |
I'm truly lucky I have both. I truly like my 9S better. But you should try the 12R then decide  | ||
| Macbuell |
Thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to check with my insurance provider on Tuesday. Much of my decision will be based on what he tells me. I don't want my insurance premiums to go up considerably. Besides that consideration, I've decided to go ahead and make the change. | ||
| Diablobrian |
From the insurance stand point my 9 with "extensive modifications" (1250) Is cheaper to insure than it would be to insure it as a 1250. I talked to my insurance agent about this and we ran it both ways to see. Since the VIN comes up as a 9 he agreed it was better to do it how we did with the noted modifications. We decided it was no different than bolting on 3k worth of custom chrome accessories. Just make sure to get all of your modifications documented "just in case" Just a thought. BDWD......... Biker Dads With Daughters est.2006 defending our sweet little girls from those bad bad boys. You're not one of THEM are you? |
