| Author | Message | ||
     J0hn0tt0 |
Hey, all. I've always wanted a Buell for their character, community, and performance. I love the XB12X's features and accommodations, but I'm also intrigued by the XB9SX's motor. So, I did some thinking and thought an awesome bike would be the Ulysses with an XB9SX motor. Since it would be very expensive and requires skill beyond my knowledge, I've ruled out buying an XB12X and transplanting an XB9 engine. So, I have a couple of questions: 1) Can one change the XB9SX seating area to the XB12X seating area? Are the frames similar enough that it's a straight bolt-on job? What would this co$t? Would aftermarket Ulysses luggage be compatible? 2) If I felt the need to (I live in NYC, so many potholes), how difficult/possible would it be to install XB12X forks and rear shock to an XB9 frame. 3) Does the 9 produce more/less heat than the 12? Since I commute into/out of Manhattan to work, less heat would be welcome. 4) Is the Ulysses fairing a straight fit? I've heard the Buell line of bikes referred to as "legos" before, since so many parts are interchangeable between models. I hope that's true. | ||
| Tq_freak |
Hate to break it to you but the 9SX and 12X don't share the same frame so the real sections won't swap with ease, the 12X is larger and holds more fuel and is common with the 12SS and 12TT. So the seats wont swap, the suspension wont be direct swap (you may be able to do the forks and trees but the rear wont work) But you should be able to swap out the front screen / speed-o module Yes these are "lego" bikes in a large aspect but the MOCO threw a bogie in there when they changed the frame for the X/SS/TT bikes If you search for what Froggy has done, he has converted a SS to an X. Also Cityxslicker might chime in and will prove that a 9SX can do just about anything a 12X can do | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
Look in the classifieds. There was recently a sx sold with a few x mods. I don't think the x tail was used but check it out.. May be helpful. | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/21/ 424310.html?1235654500 The first archive page of this link has pics of the "sx+x" | ||
| Froggy |
The X tail will not fit on the SX. The X suspension will not fit on the SX. Heat output is about the same. The Ulysses fairing will bolt right on, you just need to get all the brackets. They are lego bikes, but the changes you want can't be done without custom fabrication. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
The cityX has reasonable off road capabilities... it really needs the travel and clearance of the 9. Your best bet is to get an XB12Stt. They should be cheap as hell cuz nobody knew what niche they fit. put the 9 primary in it, and ride the livin hell out of it. Note if Buell had the XB12Stt when I bought... that is the bike that would be in my garage. | ||
| Cadhopper |
OK people, back away from the SX/Uly hybrid that Chrisrogers3 is selling.  It's mine, all mine  . | ||
| Froggy |
Better move your ass and pick it up  | ||
| Pkforbes87 |
Cadhopper - that is an awesome bike. THE bike that I have been looking for the past few months. I would have jumped at the opportunity when it went up for sale if I didn't have my current X1 rebuild sucking up all available funds. Oh well, now I know what work to do to the first XB I get my hands on  | ||
| Jraice |
What is it about the 9 engine that makes you want the XB12SX with the 9's engine? Some say they are similar but from what I have understood (and can say in more detail after it warms up and I ride one of each!) is that the 9 is fine for around city but does lack some power, the 12 is said to be a rocket compared to the 9 but the 12 is just as managable as the 9. Also I have heard (and is backed up by numbers) that the 9 is very revy for its power, almost more like an I4 (well, more like a smaller twin like the SV) and needs to be high in the rev's for aggressive riding. This is obvious (figures are close, cant recall exact numbers) in fact that HP is only like 15-17 percent less then 12, but torque is down 25 percent. They gave up low/mid range power for higher top end to get the high HP numbers. The 12 on the other hand rev's less (by 500rpm) but has gobs of torque from idle on up and just feels like a big twin should. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
buy a pre '08 X. Call up Hals and get a lightened and balanced '08 crank assembly. Add xb9 primary sprockets/chain. Use ECM spy to raise redline to 7200. Best of all worlds IMHO | ||
| J0hn0tt0 |
Thanks for all the info, guys! I thought of doing this in the first place after seeing all the really cheap XB9SXs laying around. I'd really prefer the power of the 12 motor, but thought that it would make fiscal sense to get the 9. Too bad it can't be done, anyway. Anyway, that XB12STT has REALLY sparked my interest now. The only problem with it is that my girlfriend rides with me frequently, but it's a 1-up bike due to the padding only in the rider area on the seat and the lack of passenger pegs. An XB12STT with the "Super TT Two Up Seat Kit" and a Uly fairing equipped with a windshield would be ideal. All that would probably cost more than an '06 Uly, though. | ||
| Diablobrian |
The SS seat fits right on the STT. You would just have to get a set of rear pegs and the mounts for an ss and you'd be in business. The other option is to swap the rear bridge between the rear subframe rails, lights and wiring harness from a Uly and you could put on a Uly seat. | ||
| Arcticktm |
Maybe I am missing something. Why not just get the Uly XB12X or XB12XT? Only thing you lose is that they are taller. It you can handle that, you get a much better 2-up bike, long travel suspension, and a much better view of the road. Riding my Uly puts me at 4WD SUV/Truck ride height, which I find is a great plus in looking ahead and over cars in front of you that are about to do something stupid. | ||
| J0hn0tt0 |
Maybe I am missing something. Why not just get the Uly XB12X or XB12XT? The Uly is, definitely, my first and foremost desire. The only issue is the affordability. There is currently one that I can afford(FT_BSTRD's), only after I sell my current bike (Husqvarna SM610). I'm just choosing a second route in case FT_BSTD's sells before I can buy it. I should have explained that better, before. Sorry. (Message edited by j0hn0tt0 on March 04, 2009) | ||
| Longdog_cymru |
Hate to break it to you but the 9SX and 12X don't share the same frame so the real sections won't swap with ease, the 12X is larger and holds more fuel and is common with the 12SS and 12TT. So the fork legs and rear shocks should be a straight swap between the XB12X and the XB12SS? | ||
| Froggy |
Yep. Only thing to note the SS and STT do not have the preload adjustment knob, so you still got to adjust it with the wrenchy tool. | ||
| Cadhopper |
Better move your ass and pick it up Done, I'm now a Buell owner again.  | ||
| J0hn0tt0 |
So, let's say I were to buy an XB12STT. Where could I get parts to convert it to an XB12X in terms of seating, triple tail, fairing, and brake light other than ebay and the classifieds here. Is there a website with kits or a parts fiche that I can pick and choose parts from? | ||
| Froggy |
There is a XB12SS in the classifieds that has a Uly tail and two hard bags. Other than ebay and the classifieds, you will need to get them from a dealer. I bought the Uly parts book that way it was easy to look up what I would need. | ||
| Cadhopper |
As popular as this modification is I think Buell should put together a kit and list it on the accessories page of their website. Maybe Court can get them to move in that direction. PS; You might want to contact Appletons in the parts and accessories section of the forum and see if they already have a list. When Dave was there he put together several kits together for people on this website. Maybe he passed the list on to his predecessor. (Message edited by cadhopper on March 08, 2009) |
