| Author | Message | ||
     Js_buell |
Ok guys I did a search but didn't find my answer. I have already test rode both a 9s and a 12s twice for the 12, the first time I was on the 12 it had some kind of problem and wasn't reacting very well at low rpm so I didn't get to enjoy my ride. The same day I also tried a 9s and it felt more powerfull then the 12 witch is weird. Let me explain what I mean, when I was on the 9 shifting from the first to second without being very aggressive the front started to go up( i wasn't even trying) and it was great, same thing never happened with the 12 even if I tried. My second ride on a 12 was better since it wasn't on a demo day, the dealer landed me the bike for about 1 hour, so no guide with me I was free to test it like I wanted too. It felt way better then the first time but I never got that big torque feeling I had on the 9 when I shifted to second. Don't get me wrong the 12 pulled like a beast. So here my question I'm 5'10" and around 220lbs, ride most of the time on the street, i use to do track days when I had jap's bikes but I'm not sure I'll put my buell (when i get one) on the track. Witch of the 2 bikes the 9 or the 12 should I go with, I know it a personal preference but I'm scared of making the wrong choice. Deep inside me I think the 12 would be great but after my test rides I'm not sure anymore. | ||
| Smokescreen |
I say go with a 9, all those 12's seem to get pissed when you pass 'em!  | ||
| Tunes |
To me the decision is based on riding style... how do you like to run your engine? Low to mid rpm or do you like to rev yer engine? The 9 likes to rev to make power... the 12 has more torque. Also, there are more 12 models than 9. 9 - CityCross or R. 12 - R, S, Ss, & Uly. Either way, I think you'll be happy with whatever bike you purchase. Enjoy! | ||
| Brineusaf |
all those 12's seem to get pissed when you pass 'em Can't wait to ride with more Buell's I seem to be missing this experience. | ||
| Js_buell |
Well for reving part either way I'll have to adjust myself because even with my current bike, a drz400sm, I never really rode something with a rev limiter at 7k or lower and every time I tried a buell I got surprise by it. For the model well the only one interesting me are the S or Ss. I'm pretty much set on the 12 but I'm just not sure it's the best way to go. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
If you look at the specs, there really isn't much difference in the raw numbers. There is only about 11hp, and 14 ft/lbs of torque difference between the 9 and the 12. The peak in HP comes later with the 9. The torque peak comes a little earlier with the 9. I am considering adding a 9R to the stable just for the variety. | ||
| Josh_cox |
Unless you plan on doing a big bore and want the shorter stroke, the 12 is my pick for a street bike. | ||
| Bads1 |
I have both in the garage and there both fun but the 12 has the power over it and has my nod. | ||
| Js_buell |
Thx everyone it look like it will be a 12 unless I find a very good deal on a 9s(I'm not really into the city x transparent bodywork) up here in Canada. My only problem is I don't know when I'll be able to afford it or should I say allowed to buy it. | ||
| Bake |
The 9 is a tad less expensive if money is an issue, I sure like mine! | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
The 9 is a smoother running engine and doesn't have the heat issues that the 12's have(pinging). I have both motors and prefer the 9(power is not that far apart).....Charlie | ||
| Tleighbell |
I had a 9S with race kit all this summer until I crashed it on the August long weekend. Before riding it I wasn't sure if I would regret not having bought the 12, but as soon as I rode it I had no regrets at all. I have now ridden 4 XB12's all S models and the experience seems to be a little different each time. You can really feel the extra torque, especially in the lower range, but it doesn't seem to keep building the way it does with the 9. It almost feels like it is running out of steam but it is still faster than the 9. (I am also comparing the race kitted 9 to the stock 12) There is also definitely more vibration. The 9 seems surprisingly modern and refined but the 12 definitely feels like you would expect a Harley to feel. From what little I know of engineering, this may come from the change to the reduced ratio of rod length to stroke (creates a more acute angle in the rod between bdc and tdc, less dwell at tdc). The 9 is a sweet running motor which encouraged fast cornering because throttle control was good and power easy to use. On Motorcycle Online, Sean Alexander described the City X as easily the best bike made by Buell for the real world, partly because of these engine characteristics. Heat is another factor mentioned on MO and I noticed it as well. I just bought the last 12 I rode. Haven't been able to do any extensive riding on the road yet. I am hoping I'll get used to it and enjoy it as much as the 9. I would say that if max power and torque are more important to you than the overall balance and feel go for the 12. If not you probably won't be disappointed with the 9. But if I were getting a 9 I would definitely modify to intake and exhaust to get the thrill level up. It is a little too tame in stock format. | ||
| Lovematt |
I also have a DRZ400SM...they are fun bikes. I am about 5'10" too but weigh 250 and ride a 9R. Stock it might have been a little down on power for me but after adding the Race ECM, Drummer, and K&N filter it pulls much better...especially in the low and midrange areas. Also consider differences for insurance. Sometimes tipping over that 1000 or 1200 CC mark makes the cost go up quite a bit. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
On the other hand............... You don't necessarily buy one Buell for life. I have had a Blast, ( for a month), an XB9S race kitted, ( for two years), and now an XB12S also with race kit, plus chain drive. There might be something to be said for this graduated approach. I don't think I would appreciate my Twelve, or ride it as confidently, if I had not started on the less powerful models, learning how they work, how to set them up, and how they handle. Since preowned Buells are widely available, and very attractively priced, you might want to think of starting with a Nine, and then move to a Twelve when you feel you have accomplished everything you wanted to on your Nine. Just my .02¢ PS. I think too many people may over look the Twelve Long. Because of it's longer wheelbase, relaxed fork angle and lower gearing, I believe it is the best Buell for the widest range of riders. | ||
| 147db |
After my first XB9S and a 12S I'm back on a 9SX! The 984 engine is IMHO the right one for the XB chassis (and brakes, battery, suspensions, starter, transmission etc.)  | ||
| Aldaytona |
I've got lots of seat time on both. You CAN'T make the wrong choice.  | ||
| Js_buell |
The funny part for the insurance is here in B-C Canada if I go with the 12 it will be a bit, I say A BIT, cheaper then the 9. I know it's sound weird but it's the way our stupid insurance work here, the brackets are from 0 to 400, 400 to 750, 750 to 1200 and over 1200, since the 12 is actually a 1203 it's in the last one and for this one it goes down a bit because they look at the jap's liter bikes and they are all around 900 to 1200 except now the zx14 and the busa but I guess they don't care about those 2. Like I said it will all depend on what I find when the boss give me the ok for an other toy. But all the info you guys gave me help for my choice, thx again guys. | ||
| Js_buell |
Yeah I forgot the problem with used one is I can't find many of them here in Canada. Right now Deeley's got 2 but one is a low and the other one is an 04 with a dint on the exhaust and they ask almost as much as they were for brand new left over last summer. | ||
| Ulendo |
JS - make sure ICBC were giving you insurance quotes for the 12s, or 12R - the Uly is supposedly a lower rate based on bike type. also, stick an alarm on asap, and go with a 3rd party for everything except your minimum coverage, cause the ICBC rates are terrible. also FYI,Kamloops HD had a couple of older demo bikes at reduced prices earlier this year, an SCG, and a black '05 Uly, IIRC. they have a website, and respond passably to email. Pure opinion - I've heard from a couple of sources that the '9's might be better for cold starts ( sub freezing) no idea how true that is, and I wanted the Cityx, so it didnt effect me, but $0.02 to keep in mind. | ||
| Pinball |
I`ve got a 9S and in the curvy Okanagan valley and towns I find this bike a little easier to ride in the corners and in town ,it`s fast and flickable and smoother! Now with that being said ,I will never sell this bike ,but my wife is learning how to ride (DR 200 s) and I `m not overly religious ,but I pray she likes my bike and that I can get a 12S to compliment the 9 in the garage! As far as the insurance goes, I finance mine on monthly payments, that way I can end the insurance when the weather goes bad and I don`t have to try and predict that in the spring ! | ||
| Js_buell |
I'm on the Island so the cold weather doesn't affect me a lot  but thx for the insurance info, that will help. | ||
| Tleighbell |
JS I imported both of mine from the US. I bought used from a reputable Harley dealer. Paid a little more than I might have on a private deal but it was still a little bit less than I would have paid to buy one in Ontario. I didn't do it for the price so much as the selection. Go to riv.ca for the how to. It really isn't complicated. Re: insurance, one company here charges a 90% "sportbike" surcharge on the 12 over the 9. The other doesn't insure imported bikes. I know ICBC is a different system but you might want to check it out first. BTW, I called your wife and she said go right ahead. |
