| Author | Message | ||
     Rhinowerx |
This past weekend, the wife test rode a XB12Scg at the Long Beach Motorcycle Show, and guess what...  After some discussion, and, on the assumption that the low seat offered by Buell will fit either bike (wife is 5' 4"), the decision was made to not go for the Scg, instead, choose between the 06 XB9SX or 06 XB12S Here are some considerations; Cindy's one-day riding limit is around 250 miles She is a spirited rider, often preferring to ride with da boyz She really liked the XB12 engine, but has not had the opportunity to ride an XB9 Between the two bikes, she prefers the look of the CityX (black) She is not that interested in moding the bike, although she does very much like the sound of the Drummer on my Uly  A little history; Her current bike is an 04 SV650 (which she feels is under-powered) The bike before that was a 98 BMW R1100R - which she loved, but struggled with maneuvering it herself (heavy bike). Anyway, I'm glad she likes the Buell - it'll be nice for the Uly to have a friend.  Please share with us your comments, suggestions, tips, and or additional points to consider that might help make her (us) make a better, more informed choice. TIA Cheers -Jack | ||
| Imonabuss |
Both bikes are great, but do be aware that the 9SX even with low seat will be an inch taller than the 12Scg, because the suspension is taller on the SX. I am sure she would be delighted with either, but the 12 does have more grunt...and the parts to switch looks are pretty inexpensive, and often traded as well! | ||
| Fresnobuell |
I will have to say that the Cityx is a relatively tall ride--esp with the stock seat. I am probably a tad over 5-9 with riding boots & I am pretty much on my tiptoes (I have short legs tho, longer torso). It doesn't bother me a whole lot as I can comfortably rest on my right foot with the left on the peg. It does make it hard to push back into a parking stall. That would be the worst part about having little 2 foot contact with the ground. I love the bike other than that part--my favorite style of Buell and just a plain fun ride. Definitely have her sit on the CityX before making a decision. The Select seat will drop about 1.5 inches off the height from what I hear. | ||
| Metalstorm |
I say go for the 12Scg & put a Buell Select seat on it. I reckon that'd be about the same height as the SX sporting a low seat & it'd be 100x more comfortable. The low seat is the most comfortable board I've ever sat on but after 100 miles it feels.. well..like a board.  | ||
| Ginzero |
I say go for the XB9SX in kick ash and either the select or low seat. Since I'm assuming she'll be riding with you a lot the 9 will have power to keep up with (or pass) you..  | ||
| Dagwood |
If she thinks the SV is underpowered then she will be disappointed in the 9. | ||
| Blake |
"If she thinks the SV is underpowered then she will be disappointed in the 9." Not necessarily, in fact I doubt it. The XB9 provides a good 7% more peak power and it does so at significantly lower engine speeds. At 5,400 rpm, the XB9 is putting down 61rwhp, in excess of 50% more power than the SV650 at just 40 rwhp. At 6,100 rpm the Buell is making 70 rwhp, 43% more than the SV650 at just 49 rwhp. See http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mccompare/03_Mini_Nakeds/03_Naked_Dyno.jpg for the source of that info. The difference in character between the two bikes is HUGE. I'm thinking that if she liked the '98 R1100R, the XB9 CityX will be MUCH appreciated as the '98 R1100R weighed in at more than 100LBs heavier than the XB9 and with about ten less HP. What the venerable boxer did provide was good low-end performance. Heck, the best thing would be for her to take an XB9 CityX for a test ride and decide for herself. (Message edited by blake on December 13, 2005) | ||
| Blake |
In case the dyno chart link above doesn't pull up for you...  XB9 vs SV650 | ||
| Rhinowerx |
Great stuff guys - we're getting a little closer.  I think what would really help though is some real world differences between the XB9 and the XB12. Beyond the obvious - price difference, fuel capacity, fuel efficiency, cosmetics, etceteras, how about the engine(s)? Is bigger really better? How is the 9 vs 12 cruising at 80 miles per hour? How is the 9 vs 12 in the canyons? What sort of differences could you expect to notice if you rode them back-to-back I understand the 9 revs higher than the 12 - does that mean more shifting in the twisties? If the opportunity exists, I'll definitely have her test ride them both, back-to-back. Even thinking of buying the low seat in anticipation so that we can take it to the dealership with us. Really appreciate all the feedback so far Cheers | ||
| Bikertrash05 |
After the first time I went 250 miles on a low seat, I bought the Select. The low is nice for under-an-hour trips. If she likes the look of the CityX, IMO that's the one. That was my reason, and I couldn't be happier! | ||
| Glitch |
How is the 9 vs 12 cruising at 80 miles per hour? Windy for both, I've not had the chance to get a twelve to that speed, but the nine has no problem at 80 all the way home. How is the 9 vs 12 in the canyons? It's not the arrow, it's the indian. I have no trouble leading or following the 12s I ride with when we play in the mountains. I understand the 9 revs higher than the 12 - does that mean more shifting in the twisties? No, about the same I guess, Shed and New12r both have XB12Rs and when the road gets crooked, we all seem to stay in third or forth and just rip it up. What sort of differences could you expect to notice if you rode them back-to-back Torque is the most evident to me. Every year we do March Badness, it's a Buell demo event in the North Georgia Mountains. I get to play with any and all bikes while we're there for the whole weekend. I've spent time on a 12 and a 9 (more on a 9 since that's my ride, 40,000 smiles), I've probably ridden a total of about 10 hours on a twelve, the nine just fits me and my riding style best. The nine is best for me. I'll definitely have her test ride them both, back-to-back. It's the only way to go really, they're both great bikes. (Message edited by glitch on December 15, 2005) | ||
| Doughnut |
Off topic, just a little. I have heard that the "9" is a better city driving engine then the "12". How come? | ||
| Perry |
Ummmm.... I like the 12 engine in traffic, or anywhere else. I suppose you could make a case that it was less heat prone idling in traffic. Not really a problem as far as overheating or anything, but comfort-wise it may be a difference. I must admit riding my 12s in traffic and stopped at a light in 100+ degrees gets a bit uncomfy. Never tried it on a 9. Never actually ridden a 9, just sat on one. The 9sx seems miles higher than the Scg. I could easily flat-foot the Scg with low seat, and almost do it with the select seat. The 9sx is tip-toes all the way! | ||
| Whodom |
The 9 vibrates less at low speed than the 12 and goes into "no vibration" mode at ~2500 RPM compared to ~3000 RPM for the 12. I can see this being a significant advantage for riding in traffic. The 9 definitely has less low-end "grunt" than the 12 but the difference becomes less the faster you wind it. If you can, let her try both of them back-to-back and see which one she likes best. |
