| Author | Message | ||
     Solocycles |
I started looking for a second bike to ride besides my metric cruiser and have been considering a Firebolt for awhile. Question is as follows: How much of a difference between the the xb9 and 12 as far as ridability? Or even the 1125 since the price seems really good on those? I'm 40 something and this bike will be used for short commuting and weekend riding and a few track days during the year. I have been riding for quite awhile but don't have a lot of time on sport bikes. Last one I owned was a 1987 GSXR750. Any input is appreciated. Marty (Message edited by solocycles on August 30, 2012) | ||
| Syonyk |
The world has changed since 1987. Anything modern will blow your mind compared to that.  I personally prefer the XB9 motor over the XB12 motor - it's a bit smoother, and winds up slightly higher. The XB12 has some insane low end grunt, though. And I'm not sure I'd recommend an 1125. I've got one, and I love it, but I'm a bit concerned about parts for it going forward. The XB motors are basically Sportster engines as far as parts go, so you're limited to the aftermarket Sportster market for parts - meaning there are only 15-20 suppliers for anything you'd need. Have you considered a Lightning? They're a bit more upright, but still quite sporty - more of a streetfighter than a pure sportbike. The Firebolt is not terribly comfortable as far as riding position goes, and if you're in your 40s, that's a factor worth considering. | ||
| Solocycles |
Ok thanks. That's just the stuff I'm looking for. Haven't really looked at the lightning but will do some more reading. Parts consideration makes perfect sense. Thanks, Marty | ||
| Andymnelson |
I have owned several Buells, and still own a Ulysses (12 motor) and a Lightning (with the 9 motor). I much prefer the 9 motor. It is down on power from the 12, but has 11% steeper primary gearing to compensate. I installed the steeper primary gearing in my Ulysses- giving me the higher power and steeper gearing...that's a sweet setup, but I still prefer the smoothness of the 9 motor. Be aware- while these bikes have plenty of power, they certainly do not have "too much" power. I would consider the Lightning as well if I were you....at least check it out. When I bought mine I had my heart set on Firebolt too....but once I rode the Lightning (hah!), I never looked back. MUCH better ergonomics, MUCH MUCH better ergos for a passenger, and looks that will suck you right in upon first glance. | ||
| Syonyk |
The XB9 Lightnings are awesome bikes. Enough power to have fun with, smooth enough that highway travel isn't overly draining, not enough power that you can *too* easily get into trouble (it's possible, but you have to work at it), awesome on pavement, pretty damned good on dirt... If I had to keep one of my motorcycles (1125R, XB9 Lightning, Blast), I'd keep the XB9 - no questions. The 1125R is a great touring bike, but isn't that great in town. The XB9 does everything quite well (not perfect at anything, but it'll do damned near anything and you'll have a blast trying it). Though your cruiser might not be happy with you if you get a Lightning. They're enough of a happy, eager little bike that you might not ride the cruiser much. | ||
| Syonyk |
I much prefer the 9 motor. It is down on power from the 12, but has 11% steeper primary gearing to compensate. This is another good point. There's perpetual argument about which is faster - the '9, or the '12. Until you get up to a point where the added power of the '12 motor (and the taller gearing) matters, the two engines are close enough that the rider makes the difference. In other words, don't get hung up over the "paper power difference" - go ride both and see what you prefer. Some people love the grunt of the '12 and don't mind the vibration. Some people prefer the smoother, higher revving '9. And then apparently some people think the '12 is lacking on torque & gear it down (though for a Ulysses being used offroad, that actually makes a ton of sense). | ||
| Solocycles |
Great points made by you guys and I appreciate it. I just assumed the larger displacement would be the way to go. My cruiser is a Yamaha Stratoliner with a 1900cc Vtwin and is a great bike. I just want something smaller for messing around on and have always thought the design features on the Buells were pretty cool. Any problem years I should try to avoid? Marty | ||
| Syonyk |
There really aren't any "problem years" - the 08s & later have a stronger crank and some other nice touches, but the older ones are just fine too. You will want the race ECU. It's awesome. | ||
| Carbonfibrebob |
How about a bob-tail Uly, or Uly hybrid, or?  | ||
| Solocycles |
That looks pretty slick. Did you just switch out the sub frame for the seat? Looks like a super motard on roids. | ||
| Carbonfibrebob |
It is a complete Lightning Long tail with all of the under seat components of the original Uly. It is in slightly different form now, but has been my daily commuter for over four years. I have loved every mile of the bike but I need to sell so I can build my new touring 1125. If you would like to know more and see current pics, email me at rowbilt at msn dot kahm Bob | ||
| Reepicheep |
The 9 is easier on tires as well, probably 20% longer life on the rear. Not a deal breaker, but a nice perk when a 5000 mile tire is $150+. I rode a 9 with 12's at mid ohio. The speed difference as we went wide open throttle from about 25 MPH up past 100 MPH was literally a normal walking pace. The 12's would "walk away" from my 9, at about the speed of a normal walk. Figure, what 5 seconds to go zero to 80 MPH (about the fastest you could practically go for any length of time as a street rider and keep your license)? So how far would you walk in 5 seconds? That's how far the 12 would be ahead of the 9 in a zero to 80 sprint. Not a big deal either way. For me, the reliability of the 9 is the real deal sealer. I think that the 9 motor is the perfectly designed motor, and it was "pushed things" to be the 12. They did a good job doing that, but the motor was really meant to be a 9. | ||
| Evojim |
57 yr. old firebolt rider here.heli modified bars and uly pegs and its a humaine riding position ona fun sport bike | ||
| Xbgeorge |
I'm 41 and usually ride my XB12R 100 miles a day to work and back. I don't have any complaints, but I'm in pretty good shape. The bike is compact, but not uncomfortable. I'm 6'1" and 195lb and it fits me well. It can feel cramped when two up. Good luck with your decision. I like them all, with the exception of the 12X with the yellow seat. That's just ugly. | ||
| Biffdotorg |
43 year old Uly owner here. I started on an XB12s and only bought the 12 as I got a better deal on it. It's a toss up as many have mentioned above. The 12s I bought had the factory race kit on it, so it sounded amazing. It was the perfect bike for my age when all my friends were buying chrome couches. I could put a couple hundred on a day with it, but it was a 100% perfect commuter bike. Since getting married and hauling a step-daughter, I moved to a Uly XT. Whatever you do, don't go ride one, you may let your Stratoliner collect dust! The Xt gives me the same engine as my 12s, but with much better ergos for all-day cruising. It's an even better commuter as I have storage now! I ride it to work daily other than golf days. My wife agrees that it is a great two-up bike as well when she is not driving her own bike. Go ride them if possible. You won't make a mistake with any of them. | ||
| Solocycles |
Thanks for all the good info guys. | ||
| Roycet4 |
52 yrs old, 6'4" XB12R owner (and a HD Ultra). I ride it work every Friday (Friday is fun day..) and I'm good for about 1.5 hours without a rest for my wrists.. though a LSL bar kit would make it much better. My son as a XB9 CityX I and like the grunt 1200 motor better. Its a keeper! | ||
| Livers |
61 and the same. | ||
| Noah918 |
Hey Solocycles.. Have a beautiful 2005 firebolt XB9R, Stratford CT, with your name on it. Check it out in the classified section. Let me know what you think....... | ||
| Swamp2 |
I have an '09 XB12Ss and an '03 XB9R. The ergos on the 12 are easier to take, but the XB9 is more fun, frankly. Between the faster revving motor, sporty ergos and the short wheelbase, the 9R is probably the most fun bike I've ever ridden. For relatively short distances, that is... |
