| Author | Message | ||
     Donatello |
Just a couple of quick questions in regards to engine performance: What are the major differences between the two? How much more horse power does the 12 make over the 9 in stock form? What are the advantages that the 12 would have over the 9 and vice versa? I know the 9 revs higher and that the 12 has more torque... | ||
| Reepicheep |
Forget torque, it will only confuse you. Just lay a horsepower versus RPM plots on top of each other. When people say they like the "torque" of a 12, what they are really saying is that they like the way the engine makes relatively high horsepower at even low RPMS. At any given RPM, the XB12 is making significantly more power then an XB12. The XB12 will run out of RPM and have to shift while the XB9 will keep revving and gaining power, but the gains of the 9 will only get up to around 78 HP stock, where the 12 was probably in the high 80's when it had to shift. The XB12 will need to shift sooner then the XB9, so for a curvy road where peak power is less important, you might be able to keep it in one gear with the 9 where you might have to shift the 12. But probably not... because the 12 is making more power everywhere anyway. The 12 will probably get better fuel economy as well (longer stroke). The 9 will probably rev faster. My XB9sx feels faster and more powerful then my 1200cc M2 (carb'd) was. I rode a Uly, and to be honest, didn't notice that much more power and did notice a lot more vibration, but that was a short demo and was not a broken in engine. The 12 is a "better" engine, but you should not dismiss a 9. Especially if you enjoy a revvier ride... I love the sound of a wound out XB9. | ||
| Jackelfox |
I'd say the 9 is the better engine. Smoother everywhere, friendlier, doesnt fuss. I believe thats why buell opened up with the 9. But as people whined about needing power, as they always have and will... the 12 comes along, which is a compromise in many ways, but it does produce more power. i've owned two 9's (sill own one) and i own a 12 also. While i only owned a 9 i wanted a 12. If there is any debate in your mind about power at ALL, buy a 12 otherwise you will always wish for it. | ||
| Jackelfox |
giving up power for smoothness or revs doesnt really make sense with these bikes, since neither is smooth or revs high when comparing it to any other sportbike anyway. | ||
| 1324 |
I was in the same situation a couple months ago and per the good advice I received on this forum, I test rode both. I bought a used xb9 and haven't looked back once...for several reasons. 1. I was happily surprised when I rode the 9 after the 12. It wasn't as drastic as I had envisioned in my mind. 2. Lower cost to buy/insure was a mild factor for my situation. 3. Some engine work will give me more than a stock 12, which is more than I need for the street. I'll eventually want more yet, but I'll get that from a dedicated track bike, which I have no problem doing. 4. Yes, the 9 definitely sounded cooler to me at redline...even with the stock exhaust and desnorkled airbox. Hope that helps. | ||
| Reepicheep |
The 12's are what, $1200 more? So which would you rather have... 10 more HP (not a bad deal), or a nine with aftermarket HID, GPS, heated grips, and an Aerostitch? Which of those combinations would make a better motorcycle for *you*? Both answers are reasonable... I know which I would choose. | ||
| 1324 |
I agree with Reepicheep. Although I would have bought a 12 for the same price as my 9 if I could, that wasn't going to happen. If you purchase used, you can save a bundle. I paid $4200 for my 03 which was in great condition. I couldn't get a 12 within reasonable distance for less than $5500, so I pocketed the $1300 which I have spent on heated grips, better mirrors, a full tune up, and crossroads bars. If memory serves me correctly, I still have about $1000 left to burn  | ||
| Djkaplan |
There's no replacement for displacement. Even with stock cams (or because of them), I can power by XB9's with my old 1203cc Cyclone once we're rolling. An XB9 may run faster at the strip, but once you're moving... the speed advantage is gone. I would imagine the difference is even more noticeable when comparing an XB12 to an XB9. | ||
| Bads1 |
I have both. The 12 smokes my 9. The 9 is smoother and some what more user friendly in the city. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
YES, but if you are dirt squirtin , the gearing on the 9 (at least on the 2006) is a lil broader ratio for lower speeds, 2nd & 3rd are your work horses. | ||
| Carbide |
For the money go for the 9. Cheaper to purchase and insure and still plenty quick. Mine is quicker than my old man's hotted up M2 and it's stock(so far)  | ||
| Buell_41 |
ftp://ftp.americansportbike.com/outgoing/XB_Exhaus t_Shootout_Test_Report.zip | ||
| Strato9r |
I love the 9, and it does sound gorgeous when ripping through the gears, but one thing that you will really notice is that a passenger on a 9 will make a way bigger difference than on a 12. | ||
| Xb9srider |
I love my 9 and plan to keep it, but, if I was going to replace due to a crash or something, it would be with a 12. Probably a bit "loftier" than my 9. What I would really like is a short stroke 12. I know, I know, I can make one, but I don't need to spend the money.  Never Give Up! PS. On second thought, I hear Buell has some sort of liquid cooled sled out. That may get a the nod.  |
