| Author | Message | ||
     Flick |
I bring this up in the dead of winter just as a philosophical diversion to keep my brain from rusting out until spring. If you all feel its just nitpicking or a total waste of response time, don’t follow it up. I just read the February issue of Cycle Canada (this is, without a doubt, one of the BEST motorcycle magazines on the planet)...great test on the XB12S. But, the way they start the article gives anyone who purchased the ‘03 model pause and a slight sinking feeling...read on... “Where would we be without the early adopters, those brave enthusiasts who rush to embrace innovative designs? Erik Buell was counting on them, to be sure, when he introduced the XB9R Firebolt and XB9S Lightning models two years ago...The result was an intriguing and sometimes baffling sport bike, which had some curious habits, yet undeniable competence. Ultimately, though, the most disappointing thing about the new design was not its chassis idiosyncrasies, but a simple lack of guts from the 984cc pushrod V-twin. The premise of a Buell sport bike has been massive torque in a lightweight chassis, but the 984cc engine didn’t quite deliver...It was never quite clear how Buell settled on this smaller displacement for the new design, and it’s even more puzzling now that the XB12 models have arrived with a lengthier stroke that boosts displacement to 1203cc, a size that had been expected in the first place. We wouldn’t like to be in the shoes of a dealer explaining to purchasers of the XB9 why a more powerful version has arrived at a lower price than the original, while those same earlier models have had their prices slashed by $2,500. Er, thanks for your support guys. Enjoy your collector’s item. Some of that price reduction is the result of a stronger Canadian dollar, but there’s no doubt that a bigger Buell is better.” (end quote) To this, as we all know, the ‘04 Buells come with a one-year longer warranty. I am not in the least dissatisfied with my XB9S, but when you view things from Cycle Canada’s perspective...well... When I got wind of the new 12's coming out in the fall of ‘03, and the fact Buell was now offering a 2 year factory warranty, and in light of my voltage regulator crapping out (possibly self-induced, but I have pressure washed - very carefully - every other motorcycle I have ever owned - quite a few! - and have never suffered an electrical meltdown before), I wrote a letter to Buell suggesting that in light of the “new deal” for ‘04's, maybe they would like to extend the same offer to “those brave enthusiasts who rush to embrace innovative designs” (I did not actually use this stolen quote in the original letter...wish I had it then!). I received a prompt response by post a few weeks later with the terse answer that no such extension of warranty would be offered to ‘03 purchasers - excuse...”Corporate decision”. End of issue! Or is it? Does Buell really believe that customers won’t retain this snub until their next purchase decision? Of course, come spring, when the SNOW finally vacates, I will instantly sign up for a test ride on the XB12S. But the GIGANTIC hit in depreciation exacerbated by the much lower suggested retail price for an ‘04 XB9S ($12,999.00 Cdn.-) probably leaves me hung out to dry! I think in Edmonton, I own the only ‘03 9S. Exclusivity has it’s price! I suppose some of this is just sour grapes! As I said, the 9S suits me just fine, but way down in the pit of my stomach, I feel just a little ripped off! Questions: Why would Buell be reluctant to extend the warranties for the ‘03 models? Is there some inherent problems they cured with the '04's? Why would Buell significantly drop the price for the new models? Why would anyone, after reading the latest tests, even dream of buying a 9S? How long before the 9S’s are discontinued? If anyone thinks it’s worth a response, I’m listening! | ||
| Boulderbiker |
Why in the world would someone buy gsxr-600 instead of a gsxr-1000? Cause its cheaper... | ||
| Lothodon |
something i found out, being the very first one to ride a 12s at my dealer (wasn't even a demo bike, shhhh) is that i PREFER my 9. here's my reason. after riding for a full year on my 9 (and riding hard) i find that the rev limit of the 12 sucks ass. it accelerates quicker than the 9 and slams into the rev limiter too quick for my taste. so, with that in mind, i did some minor upgrades to my 9 and will be a happy early adopter until something better than the 12 comes out. | ||
| Honu |
Having bought my XB9R mid Dec 03 with a 04 XB12R & S model sitting next to it and having researched and read all info I could find on Buell's. I can honestly say I am very satisfied with my 9. Granted I have never been interrested in the fastest or newest model available. Yes price did play a part in my decision also.  | ||
| Prof_stack |
I test rode the XB12R and S and enjoyed the stronger torque but didn't like the louder motor and rougher feel compared to my XB9S. Remember that the moto mag writers all seem to want "more power". Often they can't appreciate a smaller displacement bike. Very satisfied is how I describe my experience with the 9S. Less is more... Don't feel low. Feel lucky to have a great bike! | ||
| Buckinfubba |
well the canuck press has a few things wrong and obvious small penis syndrome. the 12 cost $10995 us the 9's were $9995 us so school sytem in canada let the reviewer down his math sucks. so what if you have a 2 year warranty...if it is never used whats the deal if it is well then it matters. what did all the honda cbr 900 folks think when the 929 came then the 954 then 1000. christ its the business......big woop. and the quote of a bigger buell is better is just not true for everybody. it depends on what you want. the gxsr 6 is better than the gsxr1k in my opinon and all the jap 6's are better than there big brothers in my eyes. handling better is my game. I wouldn't worry about what a journalist says...just another guy with an opinion...just like you. so if you are happy be happy if your not cry a lil and then get on your bad motorscooter and ride | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
Brian the pricing system in Canada doesn't always just follow the exchange rate. My GF decided to look into an XB after she saw mine and flipped at the price difference. It worked out to be cheaper for her to have me "Buy" her one down here, do the break in for her, then "sell" it back to her and pay the fees then it was to simply buy one up there in Canada....And no the new 9 I bought is not for her  its MINE! MINE! MINE! MINE! ALL MINE!cause I am a GREEEEDY little mizer... | ||
| Buckinfubba |
well then I feel sorry for our brothers up north. I figured that was the case | ||
| Spike |
Flick, I understand where you're coming from. With the bigger motor, longer warranty, and bolder colors, the 12s seem like dramatically superior bikes. On the other hand, there are quite a few reasons to pick the 9 over a 12. The biggest is the higher redline. It's a full 700rpm higher, and there's no soft-rev limiter to keep you from spending too much time above 6200rpm. The extra over-rev makes a big difference when you're exiting a corner on the throttle and don't want to upset the chassis with shift while the bike is still leaned over. Also, the 9's lower torque actually makes it easier to get on the throttle earlier and be smooth about it. On a twisty road, it's actually easier to go fast on a 9. Another thing, the 9 still has lower gearing. I'll bet when you're really wringing the two out the 9 isn't all that much slower. Just ask Bubba about CasterTroy's test ride. If you want another opinion on the 9 vs the 12, go read anything John Burns ever wrote about the XB9. Then compare that with Motorcyclist's recent review of the XB12S. Mike L. | ||
| Buckinfubba |
spike Yeah caster was sure he needed a 12 after riding them both he had changed his mind. to me its all preferance as to what you want. plus some of us do love our blue and silver. | ||
| Darthane |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=32777&post=179811#POS T179811 My thoughts on the subject, originally posted last summer. | ||
| Glitch |
We wouldn’t like to be in the shoes of a dealer explaining to purchasers of the XB9... I've not heard of anyone having this problem. And they'll not have me to worry about it from me either.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words. It's a good thing too, 'cause I can't put it into words anyway... | ||
| Dynarider |
the gxsr 6 is better than the gsxr1k in my opinon Brian, if you had said this about the CBR600 vs the 954 or the kawi 636 vs the 12 you could argue your case. But in suzukis case, their 600 sucks. The 1000 is an all around better bike than the 600. Questions: Why would Buell be reluctant to extend the warranties for the ‘03 models? Is there some inherent problems they cured with the '04's? I asked the same question & never got an answer. If its a new bike & there were no changes except for the belts & pulleys...& that may the reason they wont give an 03 the 2 year warranty...why not do it to help unload the leftovers? | ||
| Flick |
Thanks guys...feelin' MUCH better! Especially thanks to Darthane...read your last summer's posting and the others that followed...collectively, you guys give better therapy than most shrinks! (and you cost a lot less!) Still wouldn't say "no" if Buell upped the warranty by 1 year (in Canada, a one year warranty is really only 6 months, what with all the snow, so a 2 year warranty would really only be 1 year - subtle logic at play here!) | ||
| Buckinfubba |
thats the thing dyna...its preference...I like the 6 compared to the 1000...I truely don't like all the power in 1000. not arguing just stating my weirdo preference. | ||
| Gonen60 |
It's the old saying " We all want what we don't have" I bought My XB9 about a month are two before the 12s were unveiled. Do I wish I would have known? yes I do..I would have like to at least have the choice, between the 9 and the 12.would I have waited for the 12s to arrive, most likely not. Several reasons, Price, not that big a bump in HP and the AMBER color choice. I love My black and silver to no end. Is somebody on a 12 going to be able to rip away from me, No. If Buell would have come out with 140 HP power house, then I would be feeling slighted. The 9s offer everything you need on a High Performance street bike. Lots of torque and rumble, plenty of speed and razor sharp handling...Long Live the 9s | ||
| Nevco1 |
Bubba...Weird Preference. LMAO I must be some Neanderthal in that department. I prefer my X1 to either Zook and all the other Buells. | ||
| Freyke |
Hey, I ponied up the $9750.00 because I was happy to be the first XB9S in the Hampton Roads, VA area to have the privilege to own one.... I had a 98 S3 (brand new previous bike -17,000Mi) and loved the crap outta the thing... The 98 had some issues, and I did not buy the extended warranty; long story short, I never had any major issues (like some folks) but it did have some “niggling” items. Most of witch dealt with creaking and squeaking issues (especially by the brake light – I could never get that to stop squeaking and lord knows I tried), intake gaskets, electrical issues (lights, ignition switch, directionals), and the numerous shock recalls in addition to the “shaky” front rotor;… Wait a minute, that thing was a maintenance “nightmare”…. Thank the good graces though, I was mechanically able to handle the majority of issues along with a committed dealership (Southside HD/Buell); but it never left me stranded… Where was I, Oh! yeah… The XB9S (mine) has been damn near “flawless”. The only problem has been the wheel bearing replacements, and leaky oil cooler fittings upon delivery, which was cured by simply snugging up the oil line fittings (my bike is serno 260)… Simply put, Its worth the money not to be a “sheep”… | ||
| Johnnyxb9 |
I felt slighted because after I bought my xb9s Buell dropped msrp $1000.00. Ive ridden a 12 and dont feel that it is worth taking the beating on my 9 and besides I felt it didnt rev like my 9 and I did miss the extra 700 RPM.I work for a dealership and I know people who have paid less than I did at dealers just looking to unload XBs seemingly regardless of profit. What more do I need I already smoke local 600cc jap stuff nearly every weekend.WOULD LIKE MAYBE A LITTLE MORE POWER, BUT DOESN'T EVERYONE????? | ||
| Stoobr2 |
I love my 9s,I brought it 2days before the 1st 12's hit the UK showrooms (Aug 03),I got a free "race" kit & £500 cashback from BUK,so not to bad a deal  That aside,I would'nt swop my 9,love it to bits,great handling,more than enough power to have fun in the twistys,without the bike tying it's self in knots,excellent grip with now I've ditched the OE 207's & set the bike up as per Shawn Higbees guide. I got to try a "race" kitted 12's the otherday,it was nice,bit smoother,nicer gear change,more linear power,but I could'nt get on with the lower rev limit. I for 1 will be sticking with my 9,if I wanted something special i'd go and buy an S1! | ||
| Noface |
""I for 1 will be sticking with my 9,if I wanted something special i'd go and buy an S1!"" amen bro. That's in my plan when the note's done on the 9R. | ||
| Paulson |
My XB9SL is my first Buell. I couldn't be happier. I am now interested in older model Buell's - like the White Lightning.... But I don't think it'd replace my XB as my fav. And the XB12's don't 'do' it for me. Still grinning from ear to ear. |
