| Author | Message | ||
     Drummer |
I don't have either right now but I'm trying to decide my next move. Is there any reason other than cost that you would choose the 9 over the 12? I understand the XB9 revs a tad higher but 500 RPM doesn't seem to be that big a deal even in the twisties...which is where I do most of my riding. Thanks in advance. | ||
| Doerman |
If you have an opportunity, test ride them both and then decide. I have a XB9 and like it. I don't think the power differential is that much of a decision factor. It is more about what you like. The 500 additional rpms are more noticeable than you think. Whatever you choose, I believe you will be happy with Asbjorn | ||
| Cycleaddict |
it's not really about the 500 "extra" rpms , but it's how that power is delivered. the 12 has massive power right off the bottom ! the 9 seems like i have to run it 1000 rpms higher than the 12 to produce the same amout of "thrust". bear in mind this 1000 rpm differance is NOT a bad thing . because the 9 revs quicker! suits my riding style (?). | ||
| Rd3501 |
9 is cheaper insurance, costs less, doesnt chew up tires as fast, easier to ride in bad weather with less torque..more forgiving when you make a mistake...comes in better colors..lol I have had 12 and a 9 and perfer the 9.Seemed I was always shifting the 12 more. 12 shakes more, and produces more heat on hot days.. | ||
| Cgocifer |
The 12 to me is like having a big block Chevy vs. a small block Chevy. They both produce grunt, but the big block has more torque and off-the line juice whereas the small block revs higher and quicker. I like the sound of the 12 better and I love the high torque feeling of having my arms pulled out of my sockets. I also like the dark frame and other bits on the 12. Both good, whatever you choose.  | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
In my case the cityx only came with the 9. But after owning it for a while, I have grown to love the motor. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
I had bought a 12Ss brand spanking new, but had payments to my bank. An 03 9XBsl came up and I jumped on it. I was lucky enough to have the HD discount on the new 12, so when I sold it I actually made money. I'm pretty new to biking, odds are this bike will get some bumps and bruises, I opted out of payments and went with something I could afford. Yes, there's a torque difference between the 12 and 9, but to be honest, I don't need a bigger motor at this time. | ||
| Xbswede |
I thought about the 9 before going with the 12. But as everything else that I ever buy, I always seem to regret it when I don't get the most power full package available at the time. I have not once regretting getting the 12 or asked myself, would I have more power if I got the other XB model. When it comes down to it though only you can decide what you want. I use my bike for commuting to work 60 mile round trip/day through city traffic and mountain twisties and the low end grunt is blast on the 12. The only down side I have seen so far is that my 12 runs hotter then my buddies 9. The fan stay on longer and comes on sooner. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Having owned an XB9S for 13,000 miles and an XB12S for 6,000, I have come to the conclusion that there really is no "best" model. It seems to me, that it is really a matter of personal preference that depends on the riders skill, weight, where he rides, and how he rides. To pick two extremes, a small, quick rider living in the City would most likely prefer an XB9S. An older, more corpulent rider who enjoys touring might be better off with a Ulysses, with its longer wheelbase and bespoke luggage. As an older, larger rider who simply refuses to act his age, and still enjoys mixing it up in the twisties with the lads, I prefer my 12, because I find it easier to keep up with the group. I like the low end torque, and the greater horsepower helps compensate for my weight, 235# in gear. I have a longer wheelbase chain conversion and a steering damper to add stability. I did prefer the smoothness of the nine, but it is not really an issue once under way - it is really most noticeable at idle. I have not suffered from other problems often reported with the 12, namely pinging and overheating. That being said, the fastest Buelligan that I have seen close up, Hammer71, rides a 9, and he went past me so fast, sparks a-flying, that I thought I was going in the other direction! Bottom line: One might do well to consider several factors before picking a model, and be sure test ride the final candidates. | ||
| Reepicheep |
LOL. The fastest Bueller I have seen up close and personal blew by *me* on a Road King.  | ||
| Jandj_davis |
The 9 and the 12 are completely different bikes. They have different attitudes, different personalities. They may share some general things like a frame and engine configuration, but I have never ridden two bikes that are so alike and different at the same time. So, ride both and see for yourself. | ||
| Moondust |
Jandj, so whats your thoughts after riding both ? How different ? | ||
| Mesafirebolt |
I have the same set of responses as above. If I'm buying it I have come to learn to get the MOST I can, I wanted a litre bike and I liked the colors best too. Not to mention I would always buy a bigblock when available. The first Buell I ever saw for sure was an 05, Black and Amber, 8 months later, thats the kind I bought after falling hopelessly in love with it. Had to fly 5oo miles and ride it back in the dead of winter with my wife on the back. It was F U N I'm tellin ya. New Bike of my dreams, wife with me for the first adventure...anyway, I have rode both, I JUST liked the grunt and color options of the 12R | ||
| Cgocifer |
Mesa, Hey, I grew up in Glendale/North Phoenix. Don't miss the Summers, but I miss the rest of the weather. We're still having snow storms up here in NH. | ||
| Gowindward |
I pick BLUE! Really both engines have nice power curves, but the 12 just has more of it and because there are only so many degrees of rotation to the throttle, you get more power with each degree of rotation with a 12 than you do a 9. I think that means you need to have a smoother throttle hand with a 12 than you do a 9 for the bike to feel smooth. And as the saying goes, "Smooth is fast, and fast is smooth". I have been lucky and had the chance to help out on two demo days with the local dealer. On both days I spent a lot of time hopping on a 12 then a 9 and back and fourth through out both days. They are both great engines with smooth power, but again there is just more there with the 12 through out the throttle rotation / power band. Since money is no object can I have the engine out of the XBRR.....please?????  | ||
| Thelumox |
the difference is: those with a 9 will tell you it's the best. those with a 12 will tell you it's the best. people don't like to think they have an inferior bike. ride'em both and buy what YOU like. | ||
| CJXB |
Is there any reason other than cost that you would choose the 9 over the 12? Nope, I bought a 9 thinking that's all the power this girl would need, traded up from a Blast, didn't take long I wished I gone for the 12, now I want a Firebolt too, oh well !! | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Black engine case  | ||
| Roc |
Is I was reading this I turned to the other guy that processes our dealerships warranty stuff and asked him if he could remember doing any warranty claims on the XB9's, he couldn't and neither can I. Most of the stuff that we have seen on the 1200's is minor but we couldn't think of anything with a 9. That being said I have a 9 and if I were to buy again I would probably get a 12. I like the torque. | ||
| Jandj_davis |
Moondust - I posted a freakin novel answering this question on the thread you started. Give that a read. In fact, here's a link: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=32777&post=864846#POST864846 | ||
| Moondust |
apologies Jandj!, I've been reading alot of stuff & lose track of the names sometimes. Cheers -  | ||
| Slaughter |
Well - since we're talking "money is no object" Take the XB9, bore it to 3 13/16 with new pistons/cylinders. Bumps you to 1169cc and gives you a short-stroke/quick-revving motor. Best of both worlds! | ||
| Mesafirebolt |
Cgocifer, I'm a transplant from South Texas. I'm used to the heat and the dry heat here is a welcome relief! If it gets too hot I can always fly somewhere cool for the week end! My opinion is bigger is USUALLY better (in this case it is)! Ride both, pick the one you like. | ||
| Jandj_davis |
Don't worry about it Moon. It can get really hard to keep track of conversations on this board. | ||
| Drummer |
Thanks guys for your input. I'm leaning toward the 12.. | ||
| Cgocifer |
"Cgocifer, I'm a transplant from South Texas. I'm used to the heat and the dry heat here is a welcome relief! If it gets too hot I can always fly somewhere cool for the week end! My opinion is bigger is USUALLY better (in this case it is)! Ride both, pick the one you like." Mesa, I lived in Corpus Christi for 3 years. Hated the humidity and the mosquitos! My brother has lived in Houston for 15 years. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
City X, definitely the City X http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG76ftSFOcg Watch for the next installment of "you cant do that on a street bike" soon | ||
| Metalstorm |
If money was really of no concern I'd have one of each. After riding a modified, arm wrenching Sporty for six years prior to my Buell I had gotten used to that off the line grunt so the 12 was what I yearned for. Having ridden a 9S & 9R a few times I can say the 9 is sweet and equally fun and if not for the Sporty influence, I would have been completely satisfied with a 9. (Message edited by metalstorm on April 17, 2007) | ||
| Olinxb12r |
City X, definitely the City X http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG76ftSFOcg Watch for the next installment of "you cant do that on a street bike" soon That is cool man, but I can't help thinking of when my Dad used to tell me that just because you can do something doesn't make it a good idea. Now I must admitt that I ride 3rd gear standups all over the place after saying that, so take it with a grain of salt. Wouldn't it be cheaper and really more fun to buy a kick around enduro than repair the Buell after dropping it on the gravel once? I'm not trying to bust your balls, but it would sure suck to get stranded out in BFE off the highway with a crack case or something. | ||
| Olinxb12r |
BTW, 12R all the way for me. I've ridden a couple 9s, and I'm happy with my purchase. I knew I would have always wondered about the bigger bike if I didn't get it, and I've been riding since I was 4 years old. It was a no brainer.  | ||
| Jlnance |
The fastest Bueller I have seen up close and personal blew by *me* on a Road King. You've ridden with Ferris? |
