| Author | Message | ||
     Cajunrph |
I tried to find the answer to this question with the search function but was unable. I am going to purchase a Buell in the near future. I currently ride a Suzuki Bandit 1200S. This bike as awesome power but I can never use it on the street because it is all above 9000RPM. I'm thinking that the Buell will be faster on the street than my Bandit because of the more user friendly power band. I like the way the City X looks as well as the firebolts. For the street, is the 1200 engine vastly superior to the 900 or should I save my money (I'm told I am a squeaker) and get the xb9. There is a $1600.00 difference between the engines at 06 prices. | ||
| Dana P. |
What are you after in a bike?? | ||
| Cajunrph |
I will use it mainly for commuting back and forth to work, not much in the way of twisty roads around here that aren't an on ramp to the freeway. It will mostly be ridden in town use with an occasional track day or two. I like the acceleration most in a bike. My initial bike was purchased to replace my need for speed when the long arm of the law persuaded me to sell my 300ZX many years ago. My 1200 Bandit has great acceleration but all of it is above 7000 rpm. Also I want to get an American product when ever possible. | ||
| Jedwele |
You should get the 12. If you were coming off from a 250 ninja or something I would say get the 9. | ||
| Dana P. |
I have both in my garage.Both are great bikes.If you want more torque and bike that pulls harder the 12 is for you.The 9 is a very smooth bike and fun and revs fast.Myself though I like my 12 better. | ||
| Brad_buell |
I love my XB9, but I can't compare. Trust Dana's insight on both bikes. Ask him specific questions about what you're looking for in a bike, if you want a truthful answer. He has both and can give you an accurate assessment. | ||
| Metalstorm |
This is only from my own experience. Bikes will vary so this is based only on the 9R, 9S & 12S that I have ridden. The 9 is smoother at low rpms (such as in traffic) but doesn't have as much grunt as a 12. A 9 with the race kit is smoother than a 12 at low rpm (such as in traffic) and is almost as fast as a stock 12. Ya know what? Don't take my word for it. Please, please, please test ride them both. And as M1 will tell ya and I have to agree, don't compare the 12's handling to the cityX cause the tires make a huge difference. The CityX has the nice Scorpion Syncs & the 12R & S have the just ok Dunlops. Just compare the power differences to see which you like best. | ||
| Cajunrph |
Dana, what are the acceleration differences between the two bikes? Do they handle differently? Is the mpg vastly different? Why do you like the 12 better? Are you able to smoke most cars and bikes with both? I hope this is not too many questions this late at night. | ||
| Dana P. |
Top speed of both bike are really identical.Does the 12 accelerate harder yes....on the account of the torque and yeah some HP.Don't disregard the 9 in any way though its quite the capable weapon I have a blast on both. | ||
| Cajunrph |
In the big picture of things $1600 over the life of the bike is not that much. Is the City X very different that the XB12 or is it only the tires. I like the idea of telling the local preacher that my bike color is kick ash.  | ||
| Dana P. |
MPG are real close but I think the 9 gets the 12 in that department.Smoke most cars OH YEAH!!!Most bikes??If your into dragging your gonna get your butt handed to you by alot of inlines but the XB'S are about realistic usable real word power and a bike that handles like a sharp scalpel in the right hands. | ||
| Dana P. |
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| Xring |
I like and bought the 9 for the most shallow of reasons...I like the way it looks (color scheme) better than the 12. Bill | ||
| Cajunrph |
I'm not in to drag racing other than at stop lights. I am always keeping an eye out for officer not so friendly. I do appreciate all the info I can get. Which one do you ride the most? Any particular situations you choose one over the other? | ||
| Brad_buell |
I love the Black rims on the CityX. Plus I think the CityX has the better stock tires. | ||
| Njbuell |
As a technician at a local harley/buell dealership i get to spend alot of time with all of them and after lots of seat time i bout myself a 9. let me explain why. i like a bike where i can use all of the power if i want to. i also like the fact that the 9 revs faster and higher, it enables you to pull out of a turn faster, bring the rpms all the way up and coast into the next turn and do it all over again. also, you have to ask yourself if the insurance difference is worth it. | ||
| Njbuell |
oh yeah, if you get the cityx you are ok...if not, get rid of the junk dunlop tires, makes a HUGE difference | ||
| Metalstorm |
Basically, if you like the way the CityX handles but like the looks or power of the 12, Just put those tires on the 12 & viola. They'll all handle the same if they're all sporting the same shoes. You just gotta be a little more aware of "throttle control" on the 12. One can always buy the clear plastic for the 12S too. | ||
| Dana P. |
Its funny you ask which I ride the most.LOL The 9 is actually my wifes so the 12 I ride the most but I find myself on the 9 having just as much fun.You should go and demo all the XB's at your closest dealer and make that decsion.You'll be happier after you have done that.All your questions will be answered then.I like both. | ||
| Cajunrph |
I'm feeling a little schizo here fellas. I keep going back and forth between the two. Will the race make it as fast (almost) as the 12 as metal has indicated? How much does the race kit cost? | ||
| Metalstorm |
Insurance wise, I discovered that where I live (rates seem to vary by location) a 9R Firebolt is about $600 more a year than a 12S Lightning for full coverage. I guess they think a fairing & low bars spell certain accident. Something you might want to check out if you're debating between an R and an S | ||
| Cajunrph |
Wife's bike, that explains how you ended up with two. Now if I could only get my wife to talk to me may be I could get both like you did. | ||
| Cajunrph |
Or if she leaves I will have enough money saved to get both.(after a few years) | ||
| Brad_buell |
The race Kit is $600 Plus install. You might be able to swing a discount deal at purchase. | ||
| Captjim |
The best part of this problem is the solution. Demo rides! Most Buell dealers have demo bikes. It shouldn't be to hard to try out each of the bikes your interested in. Thats one of the best things about shopping for Buells. I did this, got down to the CityX and a 12R. Picked the 12 for the grunt, real fun on the street. But every time I see a City I regret not getting it. That's it, light bulb, Dana has the answer, you need both  | ||
| Cajunrph |
Talk to my wife for me CaptJim, or find me a good lawyer. | ||
| Metalstorm |
In a perfect world, my black 12Scg would have a blue 12R & a Kick Ash CityX to keep it company. The 12S for bad boy antics. The CityX for getting from point A to point B at the speed of thought. A 12R for raping & pillaging the twisties. | ||
| Dana P. |
Njbuell posted the 9 enables you to pull out of turn faster??? I'd say that is opinion and also means that you probably feel a smoother rider on the 9.Its does not mean the 9 accel's in any one area. | ||
| Njbuell |
Dana...that is not opinion, the 9 is geared lower to accomodate the smaller engine. when you decelerate then roll on to accelerate the gearing is simple physics...the lower gearing allows the bike to roll on faster. | ||
| Metalstorm |
I think the less torque allows the 9 to roll on faster. I gotta agree with Dana on this one. It sounds like it's a matter of "feel". |
