| Author | Message | ||
     Gentleman_jon |
  Before -----------------------------------------------After Lil Blackie is my second Buell XB. While I spent about two years modifying my previous mount, Ol’ Yaller, a 2003 XB9S, I pretty much knew what I wanted to do with Blackie, and did the entire job in my spare time over the course of two months or so. I rescued her from a used car dealer in Syracuse, with 350 miles on her. The main differences between the two motorcycles are: 1. 1203 vs 983 cc motor 2. Firebolt v. Lightning tail section 3. long wheel base: 55.5 v 52 inches 4. Chain v. belt drive 5. Black v. yellow in color Since most of the other twenty something modifications have been previously discussed in posts about Ol’ Yaller, are available in the Knowledge Vault, and shown in my profile I will not discuss them here. Please feel free to ask about any detail. I thought there might be some interest in a comparison between the major differences between the bikes. 1. 1203 v. 983 motor. Both of the motors were similarly equipped with K+N air filter, Buell Race ECM, and Drummer mufflers. My impression of the different motors really does not vary from that reported by many others. The nine is sweeter, revier, easier to ride around town. The Twelve has more torque, better drive out of corners, faster, vibrates a bit more, but that's ok. 2.Firebolt v. Lighting Tail section The combination of the larger motor, longer R tail and the longer wheel base makes the Twelve seem like an entirely larger motorcycle, much like most other full size machines. The advantages are that I don’t look like a circus bear on a tricycle any more. I like that. In addition, I think it looks much nicer than the Lightning seat, which just looked much too short on this bike, especially with the longer wheelbase, even before the cheesegrater would have been removed. ( I am not a fan of the cheesegrater). Comfortwise, I liked the Buell Streefighter seat the best, the factory R seat is just about unusable, the Custom R seat is just ok. 3. Chain v. Belt I must say that I agree with Buell orthodoxy here. I do prefer the belt, even though I have changed to chain drive, especially since the new belts seem to be more resistant to breakage. The reasons I prefer belt is that I like the no maintenance, and cleanliness of the belt. The Chain needs adjustment, oiling, and the oil is slung off on to the wheel and sprockets. Most of the gear ratio change that I made can be done, on the Twelve at least, by changing the primary ratios. So why did I buy this bike instead of an XB12Ss? Mainly because it was a great deal less expensive. I have the primary ratios of the nine, and a 46/20 sprocket set up on the chain. The result is about 10 mph less theoretical top speed, and faster acceleration. 4. Long v. short. This is a tough call. I seem to prefer the bike I am on. Seriously, the short wheelbase is appropriate for the nine, especially in it’s CityX guise. The bike is more nimble in traffic. The long on the other hand is more stable, tracks long fast sweepers better, and feels more under control over washboard roads. A better choice for the heavier rider who enjoys aggressive riding, track days, and racing. If I were a younger, lighter, smoother, and better rider, I think the short wheel base might be faster. Alas, I am none of those, and not likely to ever be so. Curiously this bike has the short trail of the short wheelbase models, and the longer wheelbase of the long, the result is perhaps better than either: more stable than the short, faster turning than the long. 5. Black v. Yellow. Yes, as many Badguys have reported Black is indeed faster than yellow, especially if you remember to add the additional 13.4 cubic inches. Keeping it clean is quite another matter, which they never seem to mention  Thanks to all the Badwebbers who have contributed to this site, especially, Court, who keeps the Buell flame burning through fair weather and foul. Glitch for all his enthusiasm for every thing Buellistical. Brian (LoneXB), for installing his old Firebolt tail section in about two minutes flat . Kevin for the Drummer and sprocket guard. Matt for the cool air intakes. Daves for a constant stream of odd bits and pieces without which the whole project would have ground to a halt. Al for his support of Buell and the magnificent “ Great Muffler Shootout” Blake for keeping the site going: I consider BadWeb to be one of the very best parts of being a Buelligan. | ||
| Tommy_k |
Looks great man! I was totally going to ask you about the trail vs. wheelbase...thx. Have Fun, TK | ||
| Glitch |
Can't wait to ride with you again, and to get to see the new ride. Enjoy Chapter II! | ||
| Brineusaf |
Looks very nice, good job! | ||
| Firebolteric_ma |
 looks GREAT jon!!! and you are RIGHT....... BLACK is the FASTEST color |
