| Author | Message | ||
     Bhillberg |
Not trying to start any wars here. Does anyone know a viable reason why Buell offers a 900cc version of their bikes? I mean the power isn't that much different, why not stick to one platform? | ||
| Brinnutz |
Why not? I really have no idea, but I love answering questions with questions. Can anyone answer both at the same time, in one sentence? (Message edited by brinnutz on January 08, 2009) | ||
| Danny_h__jesternut |
In 2003 Buell intoduced the first of the XB family. The all new power, no longer H.D. based XL motor for the new Xb's was a short stroke, snappier, higher reving motor. The bore stayed the same as the older motor but the shorter stroke decreased the new engine to 984cc. Now you know every one cried out for MORE motor so in 2004 the 1203cc version of the XB mill was introduced. So now Buell has two different engine cc's with different power deliveries. | ||
| Spiderman |
Go take a 9 for a ride in a twisty road where you won't get out of 3rd gear then take a 12 through the same road and you will have your answer | ||
| Skinstains |
I still like the 9's power delivery better than the 12's. My next bike will be a City X, hopefully they don't stop making them. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
Doesn't Buell offer only one bike with the 9 now, the City? They've slowly been phasing it out it seems to me. The 9 for an urban street fighter is perfect. | ||
| Gowindward |
IMHO it was and is about price point in the market. They had to make less margin on 9 models considering there is as much materials and labor in a 12, yet they have a higher retail price. | ||
| Aeholton |
Always thought it was some insurance industry reason. Don't rates increase at some magical 1000cc+ point? | ||
| Davegess |
The 984 came about pretty much directly as a developement of the Blast which was aimed at the 500cc single market. Power and economy targets were right for that market and the twin was a development of that engine. Thus it was much farther along in development a a natural for the XB line up. The 1200 took additional work to achieve the power and reliabilty numbers of the 9. Also IMHO the 9 is a much more fuin engine, I love the revs. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I believe there is an insurance break at the liter mark. I also have experience that there is (more importantly) a Parental Approval Bar that also usually sits somewhere under 1,000cc  We do get a lot of younger riders, and a sub-liter could be the difference between "not while you're in my house" and "I don't like it, but if you *have* to...". Regardless of why, the sub-liter range is a large market. How many UJM buyers think of a 1200cc as a "small" bike? Not many. They're used to 600, 650, 750cc's...1200's like a cruising bike to them. And, +100 on the snappy revving of the 984. Like the debate between a hot 360, or a 440. Smallblock, big block...both have their strong sides. They're *different*, but both very good in their own right. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
The nine is the shisznit. Go ask all the ULY riders why they are going to the Nine Primary gearing Theres HP, torque and then theres transfer to pavement (OR dirt, mud, trail, creekbed...) without a good matched gear box for your application , its all worthless. Go ahead, cancel the CityX, shoot yourself in the foot. I sold alot of them last year, more than all the other single models combined. Its the lightweight with the heavy hit, it is Buell's do all pinch hitter. I know I love mine, you can have it when you pry it from my cold dirty dead hands. | ||
| Rainman |
I really have no idea, but I love answering questions with questions. Can anyone answer both at the same time, in one sentence? Because. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
If you ever heard the music an XB9 with a race pipe plays at any speed over about 110, you would not ask "why". | ||
| Lazylion |
I know I test rode the XB9 a few times and was ready to grab one until I took the XB12STT out. The only real reason I went with the STT was due to the ergonomics and tank size, mostly the ergos. The wind just hit me better on the STT. I would likely love it even more than I do, which is a lot, if it had the 9 motor. I have seriously been looking at swapping the primary gearing. Instead I just keep it one gear lower than my brain wants it to be in. My other bike is an ElectraGlide and I am used to just letting it sort of lug along, even though I have found that I rev that higher than my various riding buddies. | ||
| Xbduck |
I love my '9' and I pay insurance by the cc's. | ||
| Ronbob43 |
I have only done test rides, but I crave an XB9SX. The reason I don't care for Monsters applies to the 1200s. They feel like a sledgehammer. The 9's power is softer but easier to use when working the chassis. I suppose I could get used to the bigger motor, but the 9 just feels right. | ||
| Honu |
Having owned both, I loved the 9 motor. | ||
| Froggy |
Last time I rode a 9 I had to get off and check to make sure I accidentally didn't take the Blast. |
