| Author | Message | ||
     F1fletch |
A buddy told me with was the best Buell Forum out there. Looking forward to learning a bunch. | ||
| F1fletch |
Direct experience and comments with both models is appreciated! Here are my searches for information: 1. Sorting the suspension to optimize handling and fix some the common problems with bike lifting in corner while braking, turn in and optimized settings for 200lb rider.. 2. Performance potential with the 9 as apposed to the 12. Most guys are saying buy the bigger bike but I know the 9 has some pluses -10lbs for one. 3. Weight reduction possibilities is -20-30 lbs doable 4. Best engine builders, who can balance, do head work and build a great motor without spending 5k 5. Best brake pads, calipers, fluid 6 Is the clutch lever that hard to pull (I am not Arnold) may end up being my wife's bike. Can anything be done? Much much more...of course. I of course will peruse the knowledge base but it could take weeks or years...lol Thanks for any direct experience and recommendations and valuable opinions. I have owned some decent bikes last one was a 1098. Looking for a unique project :-) | ||
| Froggy |
Welcome to Badweb!
Follow the instructions in your manual, the chart is good enough for 90% of riders, it also makes a good starting point for your own needs.
Performance is about the same till you get to higher speeds, then the extra power of the 12 will give you some more top end umph. Both the XB9 and 12 weigh the same, as the only difference between the two are the pistons and other engine internals. I am not sure why the specs show the 12 as heavier. Must be the extra number on the sticker! 
Mucho Denero. Exhaust and a battery are the two cheaper things you can do, after that you are shedding lights and other street gear, then carbon bodywork and titanium fasteners to get the last few ounces.
I've heard nothing bad about Pammy from Cycle Rama.
There is no best, only different. You will see lots of opinions on here about various combinations of pads and master cylinders. Good luck finding an aftermarket ZTL caliper
Depends, I don't find them hard at all, but the older bikes are stiffer than the newer ones due to the change for 2006MY. Aftermarket clutch ramps and other mods can fix that if it is an issue. | ||
| Iman501 |
to answer your last question i ride an 03 xb9r, and dont have any problem with the clutch. | ||
| Xbgeorge |
My understanding is that the weight difference is due to the exhaust valve in the muffler of the 12. Most after market mufflers remove the valve and chop the muffler. That removes alot of weight right there. Removing passenger pegs and mounts will shed some pounds also. I don't think you can go wrong with either bike. | ||
| Gunut75 |
9 or 12? Either one would be just fine. I know we have one gent on here that will go the same speed on either one. Just depends where you want the power. 12 is down lower. 9 is up higher. Does that make any sense? I'm kinda retarded this morning!  | ||
| Slaughter |
2008 and later have the bigger bottom end. I think the bigger diameter forks came out in 2005?? (43mm up from 41) These machines are amazing as far as being able to work the suspension. The shorter wheelbase bikes need (PERSONAL OPINION) to have the front end raised (forks lowered in triples) to "slow" the front end a bit if you are turning-in while braking or trail braking. You MIGHT want to read up on suspension settings. These machines are sensitive to suspension and tires. Its gonna be fun! | ||
| Slaughter |
One more thing - the XB9 variants really seem to be available CHEAP on the used market. Darkhorse crank works/Hoban Brothers can do the bottom end modifications and have also done ALL the work on Paul James XB endurance racers. | ||
| Andymnelson |
I have an XB9S and an XB12X. I hate the feel of the motor in the 12, the 9 wants to rev so much easier...the 12 just feels sluggish in comparison. As froggy stated, the performance is about equal until top end, because the 9 has 11% lower primary gearing. I plan to swap the 9 gearing into the 12, which should really wake it up! If you are talking about doing headwork etc, you had best get a 12 so you have the larger throttle body and headers. You will spend 5K very fast on that and proper tuning. The stock brakes on our bikes are fantastic. Lots of pulsing issues, which typically come from the stock pads leaving brake dust on the rotor that gets "cooked" in place if the front brake is used to hold the bike at a stop. Use the rear instead. I prefer EBC sintered pads. Clutch lever is not hard. I put in a clutch light for like $20 for my fiance and it is even better. A set of CRG or similar adjustable levers also helps a ton by getting the lever in the optimal position to begin with. Welcome to the board, this IS the best one around!  | ||
| Delta_one |
you can also save a pound or more going to a hidden rear caliper. and it looks good too  not sure how much effect my scalloped rear rotor had on weight. (Message edited by delta_one on June 09, 2010) | ||
| 1324 |
I have an XB9S and an XB12X. I hate the feel of the motor in the 12, the 9 wants to rev so much easier...the 12 just feels sluggish in comparison. As froggy stated, the performance is about equal until top end, because the 9 has 11% lower primary gearing. I plan to swap the 9 gearing into the 12, which should really wake it up! Ding ding ding, we have a winner! The 12 will still rev slower than the 9 due to the stroke, but the XB9 primary makes a very noticeable effect on throttle response. IMO, the XB9 primary on the 12 brings it close enough to a 9's response. I can overlook the rest with the extra torque. Opening up the airbox and muffler further increases the ability to rev faster/smoother. I've owned both, would take the 12 over the 9 any day of the week. But the 9 has it's place (great deals on them can be had). | ||
| F1fletch |
Great responses guys thanks so much! Tons of great information just with the few posts Delta one: I love the hidden caliper, please tell the specifics. Do you lose braking power, who makes the kit? 1324: Thanks for the input if cost were not an object I am sure I would opt for a late model 12R, for now I am leaning towards a 9R since it looks like I can get started for about 5k up front. Froggy: What about triple clamps, seems you could save a bit there? | ||
| 1324 |
^^Depends on what year you're looking for. I picked up my 05 XB12S last year (before 10/15/09) for way less than $5k. Keep looking. | ||
| Skinstains |
Welcome to the insanity (I have six XB's) now go get rid of that thing you have a picture of on your profile and get a 9 and a 12. Or a 9 with a 1050 kit. or........ | ||
| Ceejay |
I'll add some of my experience suspension-see if you can source the XB "race" springs. I'm a little heavier-215, and they made a great deal of difference, I also use race tech oil-can't remember the wieght of the top of my head though. Mine's an 05 with the 43mm. I like the 9 for its pep, and the plan has always been to take it up to a 1050 or maybe even 1170 for track fun, so I liked the quick response and smoothness of the short stroke. For engine work I'd imagine slaughter would be the best for info, but there's a couple of board sponsors who could do you right too. wow, that's a lot of wieght-already been stated but ditch the plastics and get glas or carbon? If you're running street stuff I'd guess it'd be tough. but that muffler wieghs a ton as do the plastic bits, headlights, and battery(try an Erik Buell Racing). As for the ones I've tried-the Lyndall's are OK but I really like the EBC's. Best fluid is the one that's changed regularly. Even better is an 1125 caliper which some have done and can't say enough good about. That rear brake mod does look awesome too, but I've never had a problem with it. Lube the clutch cable regularly and you shouldn't have an issue. Using HD primary fluid at the proper level helps with the shifts too, at the track I rarely was using the clutch for upshifts though... Fun stuff, enjoy! | ||
| Gunut75 |
Caution: Skinstains will give you the most useful info on where to allocate thousands of $ into some very nifty places. But. You will have a very fast bike.  | ||
| F1fletch |
How difficult and expensive is it to swap primary gearing on a 12 to a 9 for better response? | ||
| Brother_in_buells |
Around $200 for http://buellsterparts.com/product.sc?productId=486 &categoryId=6 and your own skills + a service manual !! | ||
| F1fletch |
So here is the deal guys, I have an small chance at getting an XB12R fromm a HD Dealer down south, it is an 04 with 2k miles on it, jardin pipe, books and shop manual (needs tires soon). Selling for 4k, it is a consignment bike with extended warranty good till march 2011. The 12R was not my first choice but financing is possible and the low miles and warranty sound great. It is slim pickens out there and the logistics of an out of state bike are not good with potential registration issues. If I can come up with the down payment it may be worth it...what do you experts think?  | ||
| Hogs |
Nice bike..Got one just like it...But I paided 13,000 plus tax for mine back in 2004..now has 40,000 klms.. and never skips a beat buy it you will be a happy camper.. | ||
| F1fletch |
Gonna go for it and try to pick her up next week.....stay tuned. | ||
| Vortec57 |
Nallin Racing in Longmont CO makes KILLER hp out of HD and Buell motors. Not only builds them but races them himself/his wife also. Crant say enough good about the people, they really helped me out in a pinch on my bike. When I get the money for HP they will be the ones I have do the work. | ||
| F1fletch |
Brought her home last Friday, now the project begins.... Big plans.... bike is solid only 2500 on her after the trip home. The list of goodies is longer than my arm. I am giving myself a year or so to get her done. | ||
| F1fletch |
Latest pics | ||
| F1fletch |
Another Just installed Drummer bike runs great, now to see how it settles with the Mike Cobb map...will report back. I can tell anyone looking for a pipe. I am impressed with Kevin at Drummer this pipe represents his latest right exit design with new hi-tech packing. Sounds perfect in my estimation and pulls like a freight train  |
