| Author | Message | ||
     Zane |
I need some opinions. Right now I’m riding a Blast. I put about 200 miles a week on it commuting back and forth to work and on the weekends I play with it a little and use it as a grocery getter. I’m thinking of adding another bike to the garage and think I want an XB9s or XB12s. First off all I’m not that big of a guy. I’m only 5 foot 10 and 190 with a 30 inch inseam. That means I need to stay with the “S” version. I’m also a low experience rider. I’ve been riding my Blast since April of this year. I can’t afford new right now so will need something a couple of years old. I’m looking at making a purchase in 2 to 3 months and am really just starting to educate myself. So here are some of the oblivious questions. What are your general opinions about each of these bikes. Why do you prefer one model over the other? Other than the difference in horsepower and a slightly longer frame, is there a reason to prefer the XB12 over a XB9? I’m thinking I’ll get a 9 but if there is a good reason to, could go for a 12. I don’t ride very aggressively most of the time but it would be fun to get a little more serious about the corners once in a while. I’m spoiled because my Blast just doesn’t break. How do the maintenance records of the two bikes stack up against each other? How bad are they to insure? I’m 54 and my Blast cost less than $300 a year to cover. Is my insurance going to jump $1000 a year with bike like this? Does either bikes have any quirks that might bite an inexperience rider like myself? How easy are these bikes to work on compared to a Blast? Did Eric work magic with these models also? Ok, figure these are good starter questions but I’m sure I’ll have more down the road. Thanks. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
I think you'd be happy with each. I have a 9S, but am building a 12R. The 9's a little more zing, the 12's have more top end. I pay $305.00 a year for my bike, so insurance won't be as bad as you'd think. Parts are easily to come by here and on Ebay. Some issues are easy to work on (service stuff mostly), getting at the rear cylinder on the XB's is an issue that can be handled with help from here and the service manual. The opinion here has been that the 06 is probably the best bike out of the bunch so far. If you decide on 03, there's upgrades that needed to be done. If you get to that bridge, ask, we'll help you. | ||
| Zane |
Cool, Top end isn't an important factor for me. I'd much rather invest my motorcycle dollars for the curves. What are the mods everyone thinks should be done and what mods will bring more trouble than they'll be worth? I do know that I want a bike where I can here myself think. My Blast has a Vance & Hines can and it could wake the dead. All that volume is getting old. I'm looking for reliable first and foremost then curves and top end has no importance at all. Just so long as I can ride the interstate without issues. That's as fast as I need. | ||
| Nillaice |
I’m thinking I’ll get a 9 but if there is a good reason to, could go for a 12. go for the 12! i have a bad case of 12 envy. i am happy with my 9, but if i could do it all over i'd buy a 12 from the jump. you'll eventually want more, so you'll get the race kit, then later still want more and wish you had got the 12. What are the mods everyone thinks should be done and what mods will bring more trouble than they'll be worth? get the race kit, e-bay bar end mirrors.....i could go on, but those are the ones i would recommend to ne1 I do know that I want a bike where I can here myself think. don't get a D&D if you wanna hear your self think. the drummer still has good sound without the deafening effect. I play with it a little and use it as a grocery getter. WHAT KINDA GROCERIES ARE YOU GETTIN'?! you either eat like am astronaut or an Ethiopian i pay less than 50 a month for insurance with a very less than perfect driving history. and get a 04 or newer. my weak belt is always in the back of my mind... | ||
| Phwx2 |
Both are great. I have an XB9S (also a blast). You will like either. Decide based on price and condition. The only thing you will miss is the 69 mpg v. 50 mpg of the XB. | ||
| Blackdog |
Zane: I have a XB12R and I pay around $300 every 6 months. I'm 59 (but 28 when I ride). As for the bike I would go XB12 all the way for both resale and the edge on performance. Good luck on whatever you get. | ||
| Hammer71 |
9 is smoother and if ridden correctly can hang with 12 any day. Take the 9 and the saved cash can pay the insurance for the year or a few mods and gear. Either one is better than the Blast but I'd favor the 9. | ||
| Blackdog |
I just checked and I have to make a correction. My insurance is $398 per year (not 6 months). I have some options like roadside service, uninsured motorist, coverage for accessories, etc. | ||
| Rah7777777 |
I have rode both......own an 03 XB9S I say get an older 9 and keep the savings!! I LOVE my 9!!!!! -Robert www.xblights.com | ||
| Echo15 |
I have the 12. My daughter has the 9. You will love either... no bad choices here. | ||
| Zane |
Is there anything I need to watch out for? Does either bike have any gotcha's I need to be aware of? (Message edited by Zane on September 03, 2008) | ||
| Cringblast |
Went from a Blast to the 12R. Excellent transition. XB12R !!! | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
Zane...look into the 03 belt upgrade and the bearing upgrade. The 03's have issues with bad kickstands and kill switches on them. I'd say keep an eye on the 06 swing arms, some people have reported oil leaks because it not all one cast piece. To echo the sentiment here....there's no issue that would keep me from buying another 03-07. If you use the search engine, you'll see all the upgrades possible out there. Get ready to spend my friend! good luck | ||
| Zane |
Well, the goal would be to get a plain jane stock XB. Is there such a thing as a 2 or 3 year old XB that is still in stock condition? Also what about seat height? I have a 30 inch seam. That's why the city X seems to be the model I'd want. Plus the City X doesn't has the aggressive seating posture like the others do. Anyone short like me riding one of these beasts? | ||
| Bearracing |
Just got a Xb12r in July.. Love it love it love it!! bike payment is $212 fully covered with maintenance package.. and my insurance is $109.88 a mo. full coverage.. Im a young first time rider so its kinda high.. but i love having the bike! | ||
| Rah7777777 |
You can pick up a good used STOCK 03 9S for cheap!!!!!!!! like under 4,500! If anything ever happens to my 03 XB9S, I WOULD buy another 03 hands down!!! I also have the 30 inch inseam, well more like 29, but can't ever find those pants...haha! I have the regular 03 XB9S but installed a seat from the low version. I can ge both feet about half contact with my boots on. nothing to worry about for me. on the cityX, you sit a couple inches higher.... | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
Zane I have a low seat sitting around here not being used. If you buy a standard S and don't like the height, I'll give it to you, should drop you an inch. Ditto to what Rah said! | ||
| Bigredwood |
I am a member of the short legs, long torso club . . . a damn proud too!! Nothing is worst that toe tapping a light or stopsign. I bought the STT for the aggressive suspension and travel, but it sits high for me. Even with a lower seat I still can't get flat-footed. I have grown to except it. But, I believe CityXSlicker has a custom lowseat. Maybe you could go that route. | ||
| Packrat |
Zane-XB12Scg...is the one ya want..REALLY low seat height...I too suffer from the short leg syndrome!!!! Approx.5 months ago, I bought an '05, 6000 miles, with Buell tail bag, pucks,Special OPS exhaust, both heat blankets, Spitfire windscreen, re-wired headlight, getting 58 mpg...and I gave $6,100.00 for it, which I feel was a pretty good deal !! | ||
| Zane |
John, That's a really generous offer. I may take you up on that when the time comes. Packrat, Money is tight right now so I can't afford to buy new. How long have the scg's been around? Would it be possible to find one 2 or 3 years old? The weird thing about all this is I KNEW I wanted a Road King and was just gonna get a Blast to learn on and then pass it off to my boys. Someday I may still get that geezermobile but my soul seems to have been captured by sport bikes. After that first tight curve when I was in the right gear, gave it the right about of power to come out, well I was hooked. I can't see me ever having only a touring bike. Someday, I'll be a little grizzled old man but I'll still be riding sport bikes. Wonder if there is some place to carry a walker on an XB. Maybe right next to the handicaps plates. | ||
| Midknyte |
First off all I’m not that big of a guy. I’m only 5 foot 10 and 190 with a 30 inch inseam. That means I need to stay with the “S” version. I'm a whole 5'4" w/ 28" inseam & I ride an R. Get yourself a good pair of boots with a thick, skid resistant sole. Yes, these things have a bite. Be careful with the brakes and do not downshift too early. | ||
| His_and_her_buells |
Sit on them all if you can. Any of them can be made lower with seat changes. I have a 30" inseam and am all but flat footed on my Ss that had 2" taken out of the seat. As far as 9 vs 12, for me the 12 is the only way to go. When I ride my wifes 9 I feel it's missing something when I crack the throttle in 1st or 2nd @ 2500-3000 rpm. But that's just me and may not be what you're looking for. There really is nothing wrong with the 9. | ||
| Zane |
OK, thanks Midknyte. The information about early down shifting sounds like a good tip. I always wear boots when I ride. I have a pair of Altama Ultra Lite Swat Boots. I love them. Big heavy lugs on the bottom but light and cool as a pair of my New Balance sneakers. Good ankle support too. | ||
| Zane |
My original thinking is that the 9 will sit down a little lower. Also I'm well aware that I'm still a newbie when it comes to motorcycles. Those 10 extra horses might make the bike more than I could handle. After all, I'm still talking about a bike with 3 times the horse power than I'm used to. Does the extra power make that much difference? I look at the weight to horsepower ratio and the difference between the Blast and any XB is major. Blast = 10.6 pounds per hp XB9s = 4.2 pounds per hp XB12s = 3.8 pounds per hp It would be a whole new world...lol | ||
| Midknyte |
The 9 and the 12 only differ in power by about 10 percent. Not a large difference. It's general speak here that the 9 spins up a little better and is smoother. The 12 being grunt'ier. Either one pulls like a train on crack. Get insurance quotes on each. That may sway your vote. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Custom seat, damn 28 1/2 inseam. Kept me off the ULY, wont keep me off dirt  | ||
| Zane |
Yeah insurance could be an issue. (Dang It!) | ||
| Shadyplace20 |
Zane, I took the MSF class and got 15% off of my insurance. Definitely shop around. I wanted a 9r because of the smoothness (no need for speed here) but I found a great deal on a 12 with Helibars, S pegs, gel grips, Buell "saddle bags", upgraded Buell seat and fresh Avon tires. I'm more of a newbie so I've been taking it slowly given all the torque the bike has. As a new rider though I find this bike much easier to ride than the small Suzuki 250s at the MSF class. Who knew? All in all, it's still a bike that demands your attention/focus when riding. | ||
| Jdemoxb9r |
i say dont worry about insurance... Im a 19 yr old male w/ 4 moving violations and i pay $110/year(through HD insurance) granted it is bare bones im sure you could find a good deal somewhere. If you like the R then get the R. Dont limit yourself to the S cause your a little vertically challenged. any of the bikes can be modded to be comfortable for less then $500. Also im still wishing i got the 12. lol | ||
| Zane |
Well, I'm pretty much a newbie rider myself. I've been riding my Blast since April of this year. I also took the local MSF class. I thought it was worth every cent and then some. I think the R models will suit me better. I'm 54 and have some back issues. I think the more upright seating position will keep my back from complaining. I had not put the 10 extra horse power in the perspective of it only being 10% more for the 12. I suspect the 9 will have more torque than I'll ever use though. Dang but I'm Jonesing for an XB. And before anyone asks. I'm keeping my Blast. To paraphrase I'll give up my Blast when they pry my dead cold hands from it. |
