| Author | Message | ||
     Gazoobla |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/131418.html?1141132316 The above link was very helpful. Any more thoughts on XB9CityX vs XB12? A riding buddy of mine is saying I won't miss the power of the '06 XB12Ss that I am also looking at. I passed on the used untitled '04 XB12S (they wanted $8,600), and will be going for an '06 model with the improvements that come with all '06 models, including improved transmission and more fuel in frame. I dislike the gold wheels, and am wondering if I can get the dealer to swap them with the black wheels that come with the CityX, if I go with the 12Ss. I got information regarding RPM at 65mph for XB12Ss being 3440 at 65mph. What do the XB9's turn at that speed? | ||
| Holling |
I believe my XB9S turns about the same rpm at 65mph. A lot of people prefer the higher reving XB9 engine to that of the XB12. I have never ridden a 12 so I don't know. Good luck getting the dealer to trade wheels. You could always trade them with someone here on the board in the classified section. Good luck. | ||
| Gazoobla |
Thanks, Holling. http://motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/122_0507_buell/ This article suggests that the motor is quite relaxed at legal highway speeds, saying that the XB9Sx is quite a bit below it's power band at 70 mph, and a downshift is required to accelerate hard. Not a bad thing, in my opinion, as I like the motor beneath me to be relaxed on those days when I'm on the interstate for hours, during my long travel to the better roads in southern OH. | ||
| Olinxb12r |
Call around to different dealers and see what prices you can find. I got my 04 12R in July of 04 for $8,900, but it was under the agreement that I would also buy the extended warranty. I ended up paying about MSRP after taxes and the warranty. You should be able to do at least that well on an 05, or close to that on an 06. As for the diff between a 9 and a 12, it is just a diff in the way the engine revs. The 9 has some great top end and a higher rev limiter, but the 12 has a lot of grunt and a lower rev limit. It's all personal preference, but I went with a 12. | ||
| Daves |
Could I interest you in a trip to Wisconsin?  | ||
| Gazoobla |
I'm thinkin' Dave would get a few items sold to me if I bought the 12Ss, as I'll want those handguards, pucks, and grill on it. Can any photoshop users here black out the wheels for me on the XB12Ss, and maybe that gold sticker on the tank as well? | ||
| Spike |
As said elsewhere, it's all about the power delivery. The 9 is down on power compared to the 12, but it gets shorter gearing and more RPM to play with. The 12 feels faster because of the low end grunt, but in anything other than a straight line a good rider can probably go just as fast on the 9. I like the power delivery of the 12 better because it lets me be lazy. I can short shift it and still go plenty fast. I can also get away with running a gear higher and still have enough grunt to just roll on the throttle. It's great for backroads when you're not wringing it out or maybe you're carrying a passenger. You can go faster without trying as hard. Also, the taller primary ratio of the 12s have them turning less RPM on the interstate. I couldn't give you exact numbers, but on my XB12 at 80mph the bike is turning just under 4k rpm where the XB9s are turning over 4k rpm. | ||
| Gazoobla |
No replacement for displacement, I guess. I think I need (desire) that low end grunt, and will probably go for the XB12Ss. Until just an hour ago, I did not realize that the seat on the 12Ss is bigger. Will be nice for those rare occasions that the wife rides with me. And, that low end grunt will mean less helmet kisses. Anybody ever get the dealer to swap wheels on purchase? I'm going to want the Villain Black rims, or possibly go with the red 12Ss, as I like the matching rims on that model. | ||
| Olinxb12r |
I doubt you'll get them to trade you for the black ones. If you get the 12Ss I believe it comes with the sunset orange wheels anyway. If black is really what you desire just take them to a powdercoater. You should be able to get the coating done for about $100 and then you need new bearings and your tires taken off, put back on and then balanced. I believe the total cost is about $200-$250 for both wheels. Not to bad when the villian black wheels are $300 a piece. |
