| Author | Message | ||
     Madhatter |
Hello All, Quick question, I'm looking at the subject bikes this week to see if one is a more natural fit for my frame, but I thought I would see if any of you existing owners had any opinions, issues, or experiences that you might share, you can never have enough information  PS. I did a quick search (not exhaustive) of the archives for this topic, but did not find anything. Just in case I missed it I have my flame proof e-armor on, so flame away. Kind regards, .mh | ||
| Holling |
What kind of frame do you have? Age? How limber is your back? I'm 40ish and ride a XB9S because it has a more upright riding position which also puts less weight on my wrists than would an R model. | ||
| Madhatter |
Doh. I'm 5' 8", 200 pounds, 34 and am in "ok" shape. I can snowmobile all day with no pain in my back, so I guess it works still  I live in the North East US and in general will see more twistie roads going over mountains than I will see flat/straight roads. Typically if I drive more than 4 hours without stopping I will fall into the ocean or could have been abducted by my Canadian friends Thanks, .mh | ||
| Truk |
I have an XB9R with Buell touring seat, Buell touring grips, lower footpegs from the "S" model and Heli Bars. I am 52 years old, 6'1" 185 lbs and very comfortable on the bike. With the mods I have, it is one of the most comfortable sportbike riding position of any of the sportbikes I have owned. Feel like I am on a regular bicycle. The "R" has better wind protection. I have taken it on long trips and did just fine. How do you plan on using it.... If it was going to be used for strictly inner city stop and go travel would lean more to the "S" model. Which one do you like the looks of more... I have learned that when it comes to motorcycles don't compromise on your passion...greater chance for regrets latter when you didn't get the one you really lusted after | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
5'7" 180lbs. I chose an S model and switched over the R fairing and controls. I did this because the R seat ends right where the break in my right femur was and it tended to aggravate the area. I bought the S first, then bought the R for trackdays but later ended up selling the R due to that issue. Even half an hour on the R got painful. With the Streetfighter seat on my S I was often able to put in 500-800 mile days. I also chose to use Freespirit style adjustable footpegs. The S pegs were a bit low for my taste, and the R's though high enough tended to be a bit forward for my taste. I tend to ride with the ball of my foot on the pegs and back so most of my weight rests on my inner thighs. With the R bars in place and the fairing, wind blast made cruising at speed very nice and comfortable. With the S bars in place I found windblast to hit me right in the chest making me have to 'pull forward' against the wind. A lower CR bend aftermarket bar helped and the Crossroads bars helped even more if you don't want to go the full R conversion front. I do recommend with the Crossroads to go with the 0degree bars from Al at American Sport Bike. I had the initial bars before I went with the R front stuff. Drawbacks that affect both models with where I like my foot placement. The stock rear passenger brackets tended to pinch my heel and force me to twist my foot outward to fit. I swapped in the older 9R/S pegs off the '03 which sit about an inch higher. That was enough clearance and my passenger didn't notice a difference. | ||
| Diablobrian |
6'2" 210, 35yo with a bum leg. xb9r with corbin seat. The parts are interchangeable with minimal hassle. Get what grabs you. | ||
| Madhatter |
Thank you folks. Unfortunately, I like both bikes, fortunately there seems to be little to be concerned about from a "bad decision" perspective. Hopefully one catches my eye, or I find one more comfortable out of the gate. Certainly buying both would be bad for my wallet =) Sounds like most of the mods you guys have made are all bolt on and require very little effort to find the proper ergonomics, is that correct? Thanks again, .mh | ||
| Diablobrian |
Most dealerships will offer test rides so you can really get an idea of how the bikes fit you. Don't be afraid to ask. If they won't let you demo the bikes, try a different dealer. | ||
| Truk |
Heli-bars would have been the biggest time consuming modification on my XB9R. The pegs, seat, grips and Double Bubble windscreen are a piece of cake..talking about 15 -30 minutes per item. I like the looks of both bikes too. | ||
| Blackbelt |
See i have the same problem.. I am 6'2" and currently ride a 2002 X1, I plan on getting a new bike this summer, and I DIG the 12R but everyone says the 12Ss would be more comfy for me. What the problem is. I have had that style bike for the past 4-5 years. I really like the R style so that is what i will prolly get. It is all depends on what your personal preferences are. Just go w/ your first instinct and fly w/ it.. Oh yeah take each one for a test spin and see what lights your fire more. | ||
| Lpowel02 |
I'm with Diablobrian...take some test rides and see what works best That said, I'm 6'4", bout 190lbs and I love my 9R. The position is great (for me). I feel like the S sat me a little too upright and close to the bars. | ||
| Buellfirebolt31 |
I'm 16 and ride a Firebolt XB12R...a big step from what i was riding....a 500 Blast...I feel a little pressure in my wrist but i'm very athletic so i fit really well on it...i'm 5'11" and 185 lbs. |
