| Author | Message | ||
     Zsb86 |
Hello all, I just recently sold my xb9s because I wanted to get into a firebolt. I want a little more power but is the extra cost of a 12 worth it? I thought I saw something like only 8 more HP which is not significant. The 1/4 mile times seem to be similar from what I found doing some google research. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I have a couple bikes in mind and would like to get something here real soon. Thanks!! | ||
| Deadduck |
well, since they don't make the bolt in a 9 package anymore, seems like a pretty good reason to get the 12. extra cost? honestly I had a hard time finding a 9r when I was looking a couple of years ago, so the extra cost was a non issue. when it comes down to giving the 9 8 more horsepower, how much will that cost, and with the same mods you would do on a 9 to perform like a 12, what could you have done to the 12 for the same money? I guess what I'm trying to say Zac is get what moves you and what you can afford. I honestly don't think you can go wrong with either the 9 or the 12. | ||
| Froggy |
12 | ||
| Jraice |
Top end figures (I think its a lot more then 8hp but regardless) dont matter. Its the overall package. Give a 12 a try. I road a 9 recently and found it to be a pretty boring setup, although it wasnt piped like my bike. It ran much smoother and rev'd a bit faster. The 9 uses lower gearing to make up for its lack of power but that means your changing gears more often etc... and still have less power at the twist of the throttle. A 9 with some mods (Filter, Race ecm and a pipe) will probably be a lot of fun but the 12 is fun right out the box (with a drummer of course  ...) and with a tune (looking to do when I actually have money) will only make it faster. | ||
| Zsb86 |
Thanks guys I appreciate the advice. I may just bike the bullet and spend the extra 1,000 or so to get into a 12 as that was what I originally wanted. I loved my xb9s but did notice I was constantly shifting and looking for a little extra power, which the 12 might give me right from the start. Now anyone want to sell a 12 for about $4g  | ||
| Glitch |
I thought I saw something like only 8 more HP which is not significant. I believe it's the torque that makes the 12 so addictive. | ||
| Thespive |
I do like that the 9 is a bit smoother revving and the power is more linear. But the 12 is a hoot to ride too! --Sean | ||
| Darthane |
They're just different, both are awesome. My Firebolt is a race-kitted XB9, my Uly is a stock XB12. Obviously pretty different bikes to begin with, but both are fun, reliable, and make more than enough torque and horsepower to move yer bum. Sadly, though, it's time for the Firebolt and I to part ways, my riding time is like 95% Uly nowadays. | ||
| Holling |
I just recently went through the same experience. I sold my 9S a few years ago and just bought an 04 9R. I was looking for a 12R but decided the extra $1k was not worth it. My 9R already has the buell race pipe and k&n filter setup on it and has plenty of power. I rode a 12s once and did not like the extra vibration at idle or under acceleration that the 12 motor has. | ||
| Bitbear |
+1 for the XB9. Smoother, higher reving. Mine is race kitted and its got plenty of grunt. | ||
| Zsb86 |
You guys sure are making this tough! So if i got a 9, piped, K&N, and race ECM, would my power be similar to a stock 12? I can do all that for under the price diff in a 9 and 12 I would think. | ||
| Zsb86 |
This guy said he would take 4 for this bike, which means he would take 3800. I get a little nervous with a prior salvage, but I have bought a couple easy fix prior salvage myself that turned out to be great bikes at a great price. Give me your thoughts. http://desmoines.craigslist.org/mcy/1311986009.htm l | ||
| Froggy |
Whats he smoking? About $5k or $5.5k is about what its worth without salvage. | ||
| 1324 |
Having owned a 9S and a 12S, I can say without any question, the 12 is where I wanted to be. I loved my 9S on the road, but it never moved with the urgency my 12S does. It's only about 11 hp or whatever, but like Glitch said - it's the torque that gets people addicted. The 12 just has more grunt everywhere. Cons of the 12 are more heat, more vibes at idle, and a lower redline. Not sure what's important to you? Ride them both back to back. I'd buy a 9 as a track bike, but that's about it. As far as price, be patient and shop around. I recently picked up my 12 from a private seller for what I considered to be a good price. 2005, 8700 miles, great condition (few normal scratches...): $3900. Keep looking and be willing to travel. My 8 hour roundtrip was worth it. | ||
| Zsb86 |
Ok I think I am gonna go with the 12 after hearing the perks. I don't mind more vibe and heat to sacrifice more power. Now the trick is finding one this time of year. I have been living on craigslist, ebay, cycletrader, and this board, and am not having much luck with finding any 04 12 in the $4000 range. Anybody have a lead let me know. | ||
| Deadduck |
Have you looked at the buells for sale here? http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/21/ 464616.html?1249741781 | ||
| Zsb86 |
Yeah, but I am not real fond of 39k. | ||
| Deadduck |
keep looking then. the right one will find you, mine found me. | ||
| Gunut75 |
It took me months (almost a year) to find mine. 05 12R with 7300mi. for $5500. It was like brand new till I test rode it!  Good thing I had cash in hand. | ||
| Andymnelson |
9 | ||
| Xbmacon |
I love my 9. It is a fun bike. |
