| Author | Message | ||
     Clk92vette |
I have a friend who currently rides a Ninja 250 and she is interested in upgrading to a more powerful bike. She's on the small side at about 5'4" and 110 lbs. She doesn't want to get something that is too big or too powerful. That is why I was thinking the XB9R would make more sense for her. Any thoughts? | ||
| Rogue_biker |
The XB9R has performance that is similar to a Suzuki SV650S. Their riding positions are going to be similar too. Their performance make then great beginner's bike who are coming from 250cc bikes. The only concern may be seat height. The XB9R has a 31.5" seat height, which may be too tall for your friend. | ||
| 1_mike |
The "SGC" series has a lower seat and suspension height. Don't discount the 1200 either (the XB12SCG). The XB12__'s are just as nice. She still is the one controlling the throttle position.. They don't have THAT...much more power..! Double the quantity of bikes to find what you/she wants Mike | ||
| Froggy |
The XB9R and 12R are the exact same bike with different engine internals. (And a few other minor changes) The 9 and 12 are the same size and almost the same weight so if she is comfortable with one she will be fine with the other. The power difference is nothing major, both bikes will get you killed in a hurry if you don't respect it. That said, don't rule out the Lightning series. Same bike but with more relaxed egros and a wider variety of seat and suspension options. Also, you would get better responces if this was in the Xboard, if you like I can move this for you. | ||
| Blake |
XB12... STALLION! XB9... Gelding?   | ||
| Badlionsfan |
I like the extra reviness of the 9 myself. | ||
| Snackbar64 |
It will be somewhat more exhilarating to push the rev all the way up to its 7500 rpm recline, thus making the bike seem as if it is faster than an XB12. But like many have said here and in other threads, they are virtually the same bike. Its like comparing the 6 speed manual Camaro SS and an automatic version of the same car. One is supposedly faster but is less tolerable on the street. Either way you can't go wrong with either car and most owners aren't able to tell the difference driven back to back. | ||
| Duphuckincati |
Where the step in HP may be doable for her, the difference in torque at low revs will be a big change from a Ninja 250. Be sure she's away of this and has it in mind before she lets the clutch out on one. Tell her to hang the f on. | ||
| Ezblast |
09,10 - xb9 where 30.1 laden, and xb12r or s was 30.5 laden, same height unladen. An SCG seat could lower it a tad, and swap out for the scg suspension to get lower, the 9's are the tightest of the S bikes, and most overbuilt of the XB series, making them the most durable theoretically. EZ | ||
| Buellmojo |
An SCG seems to be the most reasonable choice for her height, in my opinion, but that was not one of the choices. Whichever is available (XB12R, XB9R), and the one she likes the best. | ||
| Clk92vette |
I appreciate the seat height issues. From what I can find the Kaw has a 30.5" unladen seat height which probably puts it around 1" higher than the SCG's 28.5" laden seat height. She does want a fairing though and I can't imagine getting much height out of an XB9 seat and maintaining any comfort. She certainly won't want to mess with the suspension change. But from what I can find, all the 600cc+ sport bikes are going to pose the same problem. I do think the extra torque of the XB12 will be too much for her to get comfortable with. Does anyone know of a lower seat option for the XB9R? Obviously the SCG seat is not a a bolt on for the XB9R. | ||
| Ljm |
The Mrs. has an xb9r and 1125r. She is 5'2", touches one foot at a time. But most of the time your feet are up, so not much of a factor. She didn't like the 12 (mine)so much, likes the 9 just fine and decided to keep it rather than trading it off. She says it is smoother, less twitchy. Must be something to it. BTW, she's the one that does track days so she didnt' keep the xb9 because it is slower. She likes the way it handles and runs on long runs. But it is tall for her, no doubt. | ||
| Whitetrashxb |
SCG or Lightning Low suspension can be swapped to a Firebolt, as well... | ||
| Azxb9r |
The main difference between the 9 and the 12 is the amount of torque available at lower RPMs. The 12 will pull hard at 2500 RPM while power delivery with the 9 is a bit soft in that range. At higher RPMs they are fairly similar. IMO the 9 is a "safer" step-up due to the softer power application at lower RPMs. If you get a bit ham-fisted with the throttle, it does not get too unruly. | ||
| Rogue_biker |
I would not say the power up top is similar! After all, the difference in horsepower is 20! I rode an XB9R before I bought my XB12R and I could definitely tell a big difference in top end power. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
I don't think there is much of a difference in terms of safety between the 9 and the 12. Both are predictable and linear in power delivery, unlike the masses' favorite starter bike--the 600cc IL4. I thought the 9 was a hulluva fun ride and I liked the revs. I don't think you can go wrong either way. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I know a lot of folks who prefer the 9. Mainly the ones who prefer smoothness over violent power. The 9s are geared lower, so acceleration light to light is damned near identical. The 12 has more grunt up top; the 9 flattens out. The 12 will pull harder when lugged; the 9 revs freer and happier. The curves are different, but with the gearing change...performance through say third gear is very similar overall. Big block / smallblock. | ||
| Rogue_biker |
Buell wanted the 1200 to have less stroke so it can be revved but H-D stepped in (as usual) and wanted the legacy displacement that fits the Sportster. Thus, we have a 1200 that can't be revved safely past 7,500 RPM in OEM trim without exceeding the durability limits of piston speed. Just another way H-D compromised Buell's designs. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Buell wanted the 1200 to have less stroke so it can be revved COrrect me if i am wrong, but isn't that what the 984 is? And yes you are right, EB was handcuffed in so many ways. Let's hope he gets his way in the near future and produces some bikes without compromise.} | ||
| Clk92vette |
The more research and thought I put into this I think the XB9S with the low seat is the best Buell for her. I am guessing that the firebolt fairing would bolt right on. Anyone know for sure? | ||
| Rpm4x4 |
It will bolt on. The fairing bracket is on the s frames as well. Ive been thinking about doing the same thing on my sx |
