| Author | Message | ||
     Bk7799 |
Anyone have experience with the XB12s and the XB12Ss models? Is one better than the other? Why? Just curious since I am in the market to buy and have seen both models for sale. Opinions appreciated. Thanks. | ||
| Al_lighton |
Some of it will depend on YOUR size. If you're a larger person, the XB12SS is a better choice. If you're buying an 09 model, the XB12SS now comes with the suspension that was on the XB12STT model in previous years. IMHO, Buell NAILED the suspension on the XB12STT, it is the best of all the XB models I've ridden. But it is a little taller, so the vertically challenged may not prefer that. And for 09, there IS NO XB12S, only an XB12Scg or an XB9SX. So if you want an XB12S, not XB12SS, you'll have to get an 08 or before. Al | ||
| Jettdawg |
I was faced with this same dilemma recently, but since they discontinued the 12S for 09 and I want a brand new bike, BMC helped me make up my mind, LOL MY opinion: The 12S is a little sharper handling... almost to the point of being twitchy, but I liked it and found it to add to the fun factor. It also "fit" me best... 5'8", 30" inseam. The 12SS feels a tad more stable in long sweeping turns and on the highway. It also holds more fuel, so has a greater range. I personally thought it had one of the most comfortable seats of any bike I've riden. If you have the opportunity, do some test riding... if there's a Demo Days event near you, that's the best way. I went to one recently and was able to ride the S, SS, and STT back to back (the demo fleet is still 08 models). | ||
| Petebueller |
I like my XB12R but if Buell had made a Firebolt Long it would have been my choice. An extra 2.5 litres of fuel, and the shallower rake would have suited the way I used to ride.  In a Lightning I'd take a Long. Wouldn't write of looking at an XT from there, they are starting to blend a bit. (Message edited by Petebueller on August 06, 2008) | ||
| Bk7799 |
Not a large person here, I am 5'7" and have a 32 inseam. A few of the features for the XB12Ss caught my attention. I like the idea of a comfortable seat and the extra fuel. I am coming off a 2003 Yamaha R1 and looking for comfort but I don't want to leave behind all the performance. Thanks for all the information.  | ||
| Mwbob |
I'm 5'8" / 165lb and my '06 XB12Ss fits great. The riding position is perfectly balanced; at least for me. As I commute every day, the extra fuel was the clincher for me. Handling is superb, but never having ridden the XB12S, I can't honestly compare it. | ||
| Jettdawg |
Just to clarify... to me, there's just a subtle difference in the handling between the S and SS, not saying it's a night and day difference.  | ||
| Cgameprogrammer |
The 12S and 12STT were probably discontinued because they're redundant now. The SS replaces the TT since it has its suspension now, and the 9SX is very similar to the 12S in 2009 -- same seat height, *slightly* less power and torque but geared lower to help make up for that, same riding position. | ||
| Jettdawg |
Aha! I hadn't noticed that the CityX had it's seat height reduced to the same as the '08 12S. Makes a little more sense out of the reason they discontinued the 12S | ||
| Bk7799 |
Thanks again for all the information. I just put a deposit down on a 2007 XB12Ss. Now, I can't wait to pick it up! |
