| Author | Message | ||
     Builtbyted |
My local Harley Dealer has a new 04 XB12S in stock as well as the new 05 City XB9SX. I can have either bike for the same price. I've never owned a Buell and I just sold my Suzuki SV650s because it ran like crap in the rain. Both the 12 and the 9 have my attention. It seems like a no-brainer to buy the bigger bike at the same price, but I'm not sure. I like the looks, power and the seat on the 12 better, but am more interested in feedback on performance and maintenance. At the same price, is there any reason to buy the '05 9 instead of the '04 12? Any advice? Which would you buy? | ||
| Jeremyh |
INSURANCE IS A BIG ENOUGH REASON. I would have paid 4 times the amount of insurance for the extra cc's if i bought a 12r | ||
| Builtbyted |
Yeah, you are right. That may make the decision for me. I haven't gotten my quote back yet. Are you happy with the 9? | ||
| BadS1 |
Both good bikes Ted but if you want the power its the 12.My thoughts are go ride both then make the choice you may like the 9 better.There are many here that do.And it is also fact that many like the 12 better.Its your choice so go ride them both.Welcome to the BadWeb. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
It really depends on yoru riding style Ted. I didn't like the 9's delivery for the street but love the 12's. I don't like the 12's delivery for the track but loved the 9's. The seat can be changed out. As a matter of fact I have a stock Lighting seat in the classifieds right now that has very low milage on it that I would be very willing to trade with you for the SX seat if you did go that route. | ||
| Jeremyh |
Love the 9, haven't even ridden a 12 though. I refuse to test ride or drive something i know i wont pay the insurance on. | ||
| Builtbyted |
Well, I did ride both today, but couldn't get an accurate read... it seems that the 12 had a fouled plug, so power deliver was not very smooth. For that reason, the 9 is the better choice. But I'm not about to make the decision over a fouled plug. They have another 12 in the showroom that is the exact same bike, but they aren't letting people test it (I guess they want to keep the one all spiffed up in case someone decides to buy). | ||
| Nick |
I rode both. The 9 was much cheaper, but I started out wanting a 12, so the price was less of an issue. Insurance was only £50 different too in the UK, so not an issue. The 12 felt more powerful for sure, maybe even a little harsh. But the 9, I really liked the CityX. I liked the riding position more, a lot more, and I liked the spec too. OK, not too many changes (forks bigger, crank lighter, seat, bars, bodywork), but must have made a difference judging by what the guys here say, and the way they're selling. As has been said, you have to make your own choice, but you should probably try and forget the extra 200cc and just ride them to see which feels best. Good luck, which ever you pick I'm sure you'll be really pleased. I got the CityX. | ||
| BadS1 |
The bars aren't different at all between the 12 and the new nine.They painted then black and welded a x-bar in.same bars though.The seating is really different though. | ||
| Builtbyted |
Are there any differences between the '04 12 and the '05 12 (aside from colors)? | ||
| BadS1 |
Just a little bit bigger fork tube. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I noticed my CityX bars are not magnetic... aluminum perhaps? Is that true of the non MX bars on the normal XB lightnings? | ||
| Glitch |
Mine (03) will hold a magnet. | ||
| Buell_zen |
One advantage that the 12 has is the stock muffler. If you plan to keep the stock exhaust then the 12 would have an advantage. If you plan to get an accessory muffler then that advantage disappears. | ||
| Fullpower |
one disadvantage to the 12 is the stock muffler, but if you are planning to change the exhaust disregard. if you can get a good price take the 12, cant see any reason not to have the long stroke version. | ||
| Dale |
If I were going to buy a buell today, I think I would get the city. Better tires, looks cool. The more torque of the 12 is reduced buy the gear change. Less power by the 9 might make the lower end last longer. | ||
| Dale |
Also you get the 43MM shocks. | ||
| Fullpower |
my 12S gets 55mpg highway, and has gotten 60mpg at steady 65mph | ||
| Shred |
I think the 05' XB9R has the same fork tube as the 12 now and also throttle body!!!The 12 has extra bottom end torque but the revs. are a bit higher on the 9'.Bike Ins.?????Not sure but if you can ride? You should keep up with the Big boys!! Always someone faster but for most of the average riders you shouldn't have a problem.It's fun to ride with big boys with the big bikes and then while talking to some of the guys later the first question is (HOW MUCH HP AT THE REAR WHEEL)??????Then they some times act like there bike isn't running good or something.They are usually pretty open minded, and nod O.K !!Had my old 9R around 5500-6500RPM'S for a good part of the day!!!Many days!!!Hit the rev. limiter many times!!!!!It's totaled now had about 28000 miles only one issue!!!Rotor problem but fixed!!!The new bike should be here late Nov. to Dec 1.By the way It's anther 9R!!!Hope to see every one soon!!!Ride safe!!!! | ||
| Daves |
Could I interest you in a trip to Wisconsin? Dave daves@h-dappleton.com | ||
| Gowindward |
For insurance the 04' is now a year old according to Geico. Makes for a cheaper rate. |
