| Author | Message | ||
     Duckbuell |
Howdy! I am debating between purchasing a new 2006 XB9R or XB12R. I am 45 years old and been riding since I was a teenager, and even used to roadrace 600 I4s in the 1980s. I have been on classic bikes for the last 10 years, and now want a modern bike that will keep up with my Brother's X1 Lightning. To me the Pros to the XB9R are: a. Smoother motor b. Easier in-town riding c. Higher gas mileage d. Lower purchase price e. Safer for me to ride it fast because a more forgiving motor f. I could upgrade the pipe and ecm later, if I wanted more pep g. Should help to keep my speeds down a bit. Cons of the XB9R: I may out-grow the motor as I regain my riding skills and not as good for long distance touring with luggage. XB12R Pros: a. Lots more tourque b. Not likely to ever get bored with the motor c. Less shifting to stay in the power-band d. More relaxing at higher speeds and better for longer trips. XB12R Cons: a. More vibration b. More expensive purchase price c. Have to be more careful while leaned over in the turns, not to high-side I expect to have the bike for about 10 years. I do all my own repairs and maintenance. Do you think I should purchase a XB12R, because it will be such a long-term ownership? PS: Our 2003 Ducati 620 Monster is feeling a bit underpowered at times. Any advice is appreciated!  | ||
| Suprman12r |
12r especially if u think the duc 620 feels underpowered | ||
| M1combat |
12R. It doesn't have so much more power that you'll need to worry any more about a high side. The broad power curve makes it a great ride in town and out of town. I think that the real reason to get a nine would be for a track bike so you get a shorter stroke and have more RPM. You can get a different stroke for a 12 too though, so it's a wash for the most part. I think the 12 is the way to go. Both bikes are pretty much equally quick in the canyons (and they are both VERY fast in the canyons). | ||
| Tunes |
I second M1combat's comments. Take them both for a test ride. That would be my barameter. I've ridden both myself. Yes, they are different (but not that different) and yes, the biggest dif is the extra grunt of the 12. Which Buell to buy... not a bad position to be in! | ||
| Molly_hatchet |
if i had the chance i would go with the 12 now for sure...i was in the same position but didnt really know much about buells....hadnt ridden in a while thought the 9 would be the smart thing to do...i wish id of gone with the 12...i love my 9 but a little more oof would be dandy. | ||
| Lenb |
I've owned a 9R and now own a 12R. I haven't noticed that the 12 vibrates more than the 9. I think this is an urban myth and/or wishful thinking by 9 owners. I also don't notice the "lower revving" engine of the 12. The lower redline of the 12 compared to the 9 is really not an issue. Look at it this way: The 9 has a powerband 3500rpm wide from 4000-7500. The 12 has a powerband 3800rpm wide from 3000-6800. The upshot is the 12 actually has a more usable rev range. In truth there isn't really a huge difference in performance between the 9 and the 12. Some people on this forum worry about the extra torque of the 12 being too much for them to handle - but for an experienced rider the difference is minimal. Sure, the 12 makes 20% more torque than the 9 on paper but it doesn't feel like it at the rear wheel. The taller gearing of the 12 reduces that torque advantage to only 7.4% - which is about how much stronger the 12 feels than the 9. (As an aside: This is why I fitted a 9 primary drive to my 12 to really unleash all of that extra torque!). In conclusion, a race-kitted 9 is not that far behind a stock 12 (but still behind). The 12 is the bike the 9 should have been from the start. (And a race-kitted 12 with a 9 primary drive is an animal!) | ||
| Kootenay |
Well, I rode both, and purchased a 9 (for various reasons)--and I've been extremely happy with it. And it tours pretty good, too--at least if you leave the kitchen sink at home! I just throw on some soft bags and hit the road. | ||
| 04xb12s |
I went from owning a 2000 750 Monster to a 12s and wow, no comparison. I think that newer 620 of yours has the same power that my 750 had. My monster was a real head turner with its Termignoni pipes, but it just got boring fast, definitely underpowered. I ended up buying the 12s over the 9s just to have the extra power in hope I wouldn't get bored again. I don't think I'll ever get bored of my 12s. I say go with the 12r if you can afford the extra cash. | ||
| Jerseybuell |
I, too, looked at the 9 and the 12. I also keep my motorcycles for a long time and went with the a race-kitted 12. You won't regret the 12 and will never wonder if you should have bought the 12 instead. | ||
| Blake |
I think the 12 actually achieves better fuel efficiency, most likely due to its lower engine speed at cruise. Ride 'em both and decide. Both will have gobs more power than a Ducati 620. | ||
| Sakuc |
If you are ever going to do any serious tune-up all the cash you save on 9 vs 12 can be spent on hop up parts  | ||
| Kurosawa |
The 12R vibrates a whole lot less than any bike I've owned. Those rubber mounts are flat amazing. To save a pile of money, I recommend getting an '04 or later (when they put in the rubber mounts) used, or at least at clearance. | ||
| M1combat |
They've always been mounted the same way with the XB line. They do vibrate a bit at idle, but really just enough to make the blinkers flop around a bit. Once you pick it up off the floor though they smooth right out. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Ninaud, You really seem to have a good grip on the difference between the bikes. In fact, you have written the best description of the differences between them that I can remember. Having owned both, I think perhaps the best route is to start with the Nine, then race kit it, then go to the twelve after a year or two. However, since you plan to keep the bike for 10 years, and plan on taking long trips, I would probably recommend the Twelve. Personally, I think the longer wheelbase models handle more easily, and that has been confirmed by Trojan, who races the bike. Therefore I would look at the 2007's before making a decision, they may come out with a Long wheelbase XB12R, (just a guess on my part). If not, I would seriously consider the XB12Ss with maybe some lower bars if you feel that is necessary. | ||
| Duckbuell |
WOW! Thank you all very much for your advice! You have helped me firm-up my choice - the XB12R. Mainly because it will be such a long-term ownership - it will be a keeper! Cheers | ||
| Daves |
Could I interest you in a trip to Wisconsin?  |
