| Author | Message | ||
     Loose_cannon_1203cc |
My buddy Mike is looking to buying a Buell. Awesome, finally one of my friends man's up and buys a bike and a Buell no less. He wants to know whether he should buy a 9 or 12. I told him I love my 12 but I have never ridden a 9. Can you guys help him out with some personal experiences, stories, charts, anything. He'll be checking this thread so if you can direct it towards him and tell him to hurry up already that would be awesome. Thanks. | ||
| Damnut |
tell him 9's are for chicks..... especially YELLOW ONES!!!  just kidding it doesn't matter, as long as he's riding a BUELL!!!!!!!! | ||
| Metalstorm |
You can't go wrong with either. The 9 is smooth everywhere & revs up to 7500. The power is nice at 4.5K up. The 12 is gruntier. It is not as smooth as the 9 at slow speeds say below 30mph but the increase of torque is quite noticable and it will pick up & go a bit sooner than the 9. The rev limit is 6800 but she makes good power at 2500 rpm & really good power at 3000 up. Some will say the 9 flicks easier/quicker into corners due to less rotational mass of the lighter crank assembly but I never noticed the difference. (I guess I wasn't paying attention) My most strongest suggestion would be to find a dealer that has a 12 & 9 demo bike & take each for a ride. Then rinse & repeat. That's the only way to really decide. You'll be happy with either but it would be best to find out beforehand which will make you happiest. Then once you know there's still the choice of an R or an S. Oh yeah, almost forgot.. Hurry up!  | ||
| Luvthemtorts |
Damnut, Nah, the yellow 9 isn't just for chicks. I actually got mine to stand out from the extremely common and IMHO, played out all black bike. By your profile pic I guess you just wanted to fit in with the latest craze  ! Did you get the mandatory all black riding gear to go with it LOL? (Just messin' with ya man) | ||
| Cityxslicker |
It could just come down to color, the XB9R is only available in the Red, while the XB12R is in the Black or the Yellow. Next is the sound, a 9 with a pipe will give you very similar power hp curve but a considerable deeper growl at the lights. That mod would put the two bikes at about the same price. That being said, I like the Black Cases, so displacement wasnt the issue; had to be the nine, but mine is the CityX. Ride em both, choose your favorite, welcome to Buell | ||
| 12r |
The 12 has a really strong engine and drives off the throttle so hard a 3-speed box would suffice. Although the 9 has a slightly revvier nature, it's no match for the grunt of the 12. The 12 is also very easy to ride, especially in tricky conditions. | ||
| Mortarmanmike120 |
I have a 9S love it. Never ridden a 12, maybe I will someday but I've never felt inferior riding the 9. Have him ride both, then check what the insurance difference will be between the two. That could also be a factor if expense is an issue. Yes, mine is also yellow. I guess I can't be a black sheep like the other millions of black sheep. (joking - don't take me too seriously) | ||
| Aldaytona |
9R? 12R? Yellow? Red? Black? After a week, what's the difference? Really? I rode a 9R from it's intro and bought a 12R when it came out. After a week of looking out over the the front wheel of the 12R, the BIGGEST difference I noticed between the two was the color of the windshield. My advice: Buy the one that's easiest on the eyes and wallet, the only guy who'll have a bigger smile is Bob, the Enzyte guy.   | ||
| T9r |
I've had both, the XB9R and now the XB12R. I did a demo ride when the XB9 first came out and I was not impressed. I traded a truck for the XB9R and found that bike to be SO MUCH FUN. Both bikes had been outfitted with the race kit (ecm, muffler, air filter). The XB9 reminded me of owning a 4 cyclinder Jap bike with being able to rev it high and getting the torque. The XB12, it has the low end torque. With 2 people riding the XB12 pulls better and stronger at thru the lower rpms. I truely thought I'd fall in love with one more than the other, but I'm split. The XB12 seems to have a higher top speed I've noticed, but after 120 mph it really doesn't matter now does it!? Your friend will probably find a better deal on an XB9R and that might help make the difference. For $2k more he can get the XB12R. I agree with the XB9 being smoother as well. A lot of choosing has to do with what type of riding you'll be doing I think. Good luck on choosing. Heck, start with the XB9 and if he's not happy buy another bike, an XB12. Many Buell owners have at least 2 bikes anyways. | ||
| Vanvideo |
Does your buddy Mike have any riding experience? If he has very little, I'd say stay away from XB-Rs until he gets more time in the saddle. Sorry, but I cannot recommend a Firebolt to a beginner rider. I know I'll get slammed with stories from people having success with Firebolts as their first bike, but I'm sticking with my statement. I ride a 9R with a race kit. It has plenty of power and torque for me. I agree with other opinions on this thread - either bike is a great choice - but only for a seasoned rider (that's my caveat). | ||
| Rick_a |
I prefer the 12's by far. Most people get bored of the lower output of the 9 after a few months of riding one. They are exceptionally smooth and can generally carry each gear for longer than the 12, but the torque and higher power of the 12 makes it a lot more satisfying IMO. The 12's are a bit "lumpy" at low revs...but so what. |
