| Author | Message | ||
     Faralon |
Hey guys. New to the BadWeb! I’d like to have your input on your decision between your XB. I’m currently looking at the new XB’s (of course). I’m having a hard time picking between the 2 models. I tend to like the Firebolt’s style a little better then the Lightning, but I may be doing alot of extended 1+hr riding on the XB, which makes the Lightning more appealing because of the more upright ride. What made you guys choose between your XBR or XBS? Since there pretty much the same Wolf in a different sheep’s clothing. Thanks for the input. Rob | ||
| Glitch |
I've always loved cafe' bikes and naked bikes, so the decision for me was an easy one... | ||
| Mikej |
Rob, Looks only count in a pagent. Close your eyes, sit on both, which one feels better. Ride each one (with your eyes open of course), which one feels better for your riding style and body position preference. You can add an R fairing to an S, and take a fairing off an R to run it naked. Geometry of body position is the main real difference between the two. Unless you want to argue aerodynamics, but then at my size I don't aerodynamically fit into the R's airstream too well (as far as I know since I've only been on one at less than 50mph). | ||
| Metalstorm |
When I tested both models I tested the 9R first and it's suspension was set too stiff up front and way too soft in the rear so the front felt really heavy and it was awkward to lean. The 9S had it's suspension set really close in the ballpark and man did it handle! So since it's basically the same bike I could tell from the 9S, what the 9R could do with a properly set suspension. Since both are nimble and flickable the choice came down to looks and comfort. I really love the sleek sexy look of the 9R. Also, oddly, the forward seating position felt really comfortable to me. My sporty always made my right hip joint ache and sometimes my back. On a bad day it would only take 15-20 mins for it to start up. It was a bad day when I pulled into the dealership on my Sporty to test ride the XBs. I rode the 9R & 9S for about 45 mins each and not once while riding the R did the hip act up. My hip felt great and my back loved it. I think I could ride all day on it. The 9S felt small & cramped to me and I'm only 5'8. This is due mainly to the fact that I have zero dirtbike experience and they say that the 9S's seating is very dirtbike like which is why it was so alien to me. So I'm going with the 9R. I like the looks better (that's just personal preference) and it's just too comfortable for me to pass it up. And now with the release of the 12, the 9 is a thousand dollars less! WooHoo! | ||
| Darthane |
Easy, the 9R came out first! LOL...I prefer the 9R looks - like it's some kind of hunting animal - over the 9S. The 9R is surprisingly comfortable for long rides (I've done over 550 miles only stopping for gas), so ultimately it's just going to be which one feels better to you. Oh, just as an addendum: Swapping a 9S front onto a 9R will be more difficult than you might think (mainly due to electronics placement), as will putting a 9R tail onto a 9S. Food for thought. Bryan | ||
| Mikej |
Oops, yep, forgot about the electricals. My tuber head was thinking in terms of M2/S3 flyscreen/fairing swaps. | ||
| Bud |
I had to choose between a X1wl or a firebolt, Guess watt I picked  Now I can choose between xb12 stroker, a bored xb12, a 1050/1250 or even a 1400 all in R/S version or stick with the old 9er and have a good porting job don this winter. ( and get here a health check ) Figures… Choices, choices, decisions, decisions…. Life was so much easier. A year a go gr,b | ||
| Aussie_buell |
 Maybe this might help you may have seen it before. I chose an S because it felt more comfortable to me. My dirt bike background probably made the difference as a previous post said. I spent some track time on the R and it feels great on the track but I was happy to ride my bike home. There really isnt that much difference any way and you can still sit fairly upright if you want to. I do believe you get some wind protection from the R but that may be only my theory and something you could consider or investigate. The choice is all yours, just ride them , you will decide. Either way you are going to have fun. | ||
| Gonen60 |
With my New seat cowl on My S, it's like a Hybrid...well sort of.,,LOL  | ||
| Gonen60 |
and minus the cheese grade/tea strainer rear fender...really cleans up the rear section  | ||
| Dmuz |
Gonen, Did you use the fender eliminator from American Sport Bike? Wondering where your rear turn signals went? The picture at American Sport Bike doesn't show turn signals either. I want to loose my S models "strainer" as well, but don't want to have any problems with inspection.  | ||
| Americanrice |
Gone, Your S looks sweet. That cheese grader is definately a no-no. That is one of the nicest S's that I have seen. | ||
| Gonen60 |
I didn't get the American Sport Bike fender eliminator, I took a saw and cut it myself, sanded it, and painted it.. Took my blinkers off, in VA. you legally don't have to have them. I did get the seat cowl from American Sport Bike...Tat, the owner is very nice, and a big Help. Believe it or not, I priced the XB9Rs front fairing today, along with the 9R handle bars. I am pretty sure I am ordering them monday. If I do, I will end up with a XB9S/R.... | ||
| 9rocket9 |
Being a short ass it was no decision for me.....the 9s came out in the low version and I was sold. Also, after riding dirt bikes all my life two minutes on the 9s and I knew I was home again. | ||
| Bamaben |
You can also swap the 9s pegs to the 9r to add a little leg room. There are also taller risers out there I believe. | ||
| Darthane |
Gonen60, What all did you price to swap the front ends and how much did it work out to be? Toss me an e-mail - darthane@comcast.net Bryan | ||
| Timbo |
Faralon asks, >>>I’d like to have your input on your decision between your XB. I’m currently looking at the new XB’s (of course). I’m having a hard time picking between the 2 models.<<< For me it was a matter of what felt better. While the "S" feels fine, the "R" feels like it is made for me. From the first test ride I took I knew I had to have one. Everything about it felt "just right", so the decision for me was easy, even though I like the look of the "S" better. Well the front end at least, I like the tail section of the "R" a lot more. The front of the "R" is cool too, it's just the front of the "S" looks more true to Buells of the past. That being said, it was the feel of the bike while riding that sealed it for me, and the "R" it is. I have done several 400+ mile days on this bike and have no complaints, plus I ride it to work in city traffic pretty often too, it's great. Timbo |
