| Author | Message | ||
     Coastie |
When I left NH and moved to NY I sold my old bike. It was an FZR similar to the one pictured here  I enjoy the thrill of a sportbike, but hate the riding position. The position is even more of an issue now that I have back problems. So today I went looking at a more streetable bike, the XB9S.  The last 1000cc V-Twin was the late TL-1000 which had more torque and horsepower. The XB9S was fun, but I was expecting a little more from the engine. It felt stronger then my FZR (which I felt was underpowered), but it did not spool as quick. Plenty of power, but not enough all at once to power the front wheel off the ground like the sport twins do. (Power, not bump or jerk) The power was there and manageable even at full throttle. Not throw you off power, but definitely hang on power. I did like the handling, very nice steering, and if I decide to grab one, I'll seriously consider the more powerful XB12S. I still like the looks of sportbikes better, and after my ride I went next door to ride a CBR1000, or R1. As soon as I got on, I said no way, not again. Instant tension in my hands and back. Getting old sucks :lol (Message edited by coastie on July 13, 2006) | ||
| Metalstorm |
I think you'd absolutely love a 12S with race ecm, filter & any of the fine after market exhausts that are available. If you get a chance to demo a 12S or 12Ss at a dealer please do. | ||
| Coastie |
I had been reading the XB Exhaust Shootout, and really liked the look of the dual tip models (D&D, Micron, Latus) but after my test ride today I think I’d stick with a single tip. I noticed if I put my left foot down, I could feel the exhaust gases pulsing into my leg/foot. That bugged me. Since I usually leave my left foot on the pegs at a light, it is not always an issue. I think I’d like to leave the right side exhaust free. I also was not fond of the heat coming up from the pipes, from reading here it looks like that can be taped to reduce the heat. The fan noise was also annoying at times. It was about 90 degrees here today. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
I found that changing my habits a little as far as where I put the foot down helped. I don't know if this is a realistic fix for you or not, but you might want to try it once. Hope it helps! | ||
| Coastie |
I have been doing some reading on the XB12S, and from what I can gather there may be 2 main differences between the 9 and 12. Can those who have ridden both please answer the following. Does the 12 vibrate more at idle/low RPM more then the 9 Does the 12 rev slower then the 9 As I noted in my above impression, I thought the 9 spooled up rather slowly, if it is even worse on the 12, that could be a problem. The vibration on the 9 was manageable, but I would not want to accept much more then that.}} |
