| Author | Message | ||
     Aceboy74 |
My buddy is debating between a XB9 City Cross or a XB12cg. He is upgrading from a Blast and is trying to get as much info on each bike as possible before making a decision. Guys on this forum have helped me alot with my M2 ?'s, so I am throwing this out there for you all to chew on! I just want honest opinions on both bikes and especially anyone who has owned a 9 and 12 for real life engine differences. | ||
| Rhinowerx |
Has your buddy test driven them both - better still, back-to-back? My wife test rode (thinking she wanted) the Scg a couple of times. On a third test ride (different demo event), she rode the Scg, then took the CityX for a ride - she bought the CityX. I bought her the low seat, and she couldn't be happier. For her, the CityX rides smoother at slower speeds, and revs better - she also prefers the ergos. Have you buddy test ride them both - on the same day. There should be enough feedback to make a confident, personal decision. Cheers -Jack PS - I have a Uly, and I really like the way the CityX rides... | ||
| Soggycal |
Insurance cost on the 12 may be an issue, it is for me, and I have a pretty clean driving record. I ride an xb12Ss | ||
| Metalstorm |
The 9 is definitely smoother at lower revs than a 12 but once the 12 hits 3K on the tach it's smooth as butter. I went with the 12Scg cause I mostly ride back roads & don't get stuck in much traffic so I don't tend to ride in the low rpm range. Also, coming off a torquey Sporty, I've grown fond of the grunt of a 1203cc V-twin. A thing to consider is seat height. I could sit a regular height S just fine with my heels just slightly off the ground but because of a couple gravel roads & some steep hills that I frequent, I wanted to be able to flat foot it with just a little bend in my knees for extra security. The 12Scg was just a little too low but the addition of the Select seat made it the perfect height for me. I could have gone the other route & gotten a regular S & got a low seat for it but I'm glad I didn't. The low seat feels like a board to me after 100 miles. The Select seat has yet to feel uncomfortable. I don't know the insurance difference between a 12S & a 9S but I can tell you that in my area it's a few hundred dollars cheaper to insure a 12S than a 9R. I never bothered to ask what a 12R would cost. On Edit: As was already said, both bikes need to be test ridden. He needs to spend a good 30 mins to an hour on each bike to really appreciate the differences & advantages of both. Only then can he make the right choice. (Message edited by metalstorm on May 22, 2006) | ||
| Sgthigg |
How tall is he..i he is taller he mightnot be to comfortable on a scg...If he is shorter like me...I say the scg. | ||
| Angelwild327 |
I have had both bikes. I was too short to keep the 9, but I certainly loved the bike. I now have the scg. One of the big things is the height of the bike...if he's short, like under 5'4, he'll probably like the scg better. If height's not an issue the 9 is awesome. pro's of the 9sx, VERY smooth ride at slower speeds...not snail slow, but under 70/80mph. The tires on the 9, pirelli scorpions are fabulous. The bike is extremely comfortable over the long haul..great body positioning and controls are well placed. pro's of the 12scg, obviously shorter and more stable feeling for me. There is more space between gears, I do a lot of city riding, so I don't have to shift as often. There is a noticable difference in power and torque from the 9, the 12 is just more willing and able to be a speed demon. The dunlops on the 12 have to go, they suck.. period. The 12 will be fairly cramped for a tall person, BUT you can get a taller seat if need be. Both are awesome bikes, just depends on his special needs. | ||
| Barker |
Demo the bikes one right after the other, then switch the seats and ride them both again. I prefer the 12SCG with the CityX seat! That 12SCG w/ new transparent orange is awesome! | ||
| Torq |
I agree with doing a demo of both bikes,but I don't necessarily agree with a taller rider being uncomfortable with the Scg!I'm 6 foot 245 lbs. and I love my Scg-and yes I have ridden the others--actually I've ridden all of the other variations: 9/12;R/S/Ss/Scg/SX/X-and each have similar but different characteristics. yes the seat is a little,ok alot,thinner and therefore harder-but how many have not already switched to a streetfighter or select seat? I also agree with Angelwild327 about the tires and that is why my Scg received Scorpion Syncs after the Dunlops wore out. I have also had several others with different XB's ride mine and our general consensus has been what some have already said--the 9 is smoother;the 12 less rev happy,but torqier;but in addition to that ,and especially with the Pirelli's, the Scg feels to have better (more sensative)responses due to the lower center of gravity!Only a demo will allow you to chose the right variation for your riding style. | ||
| Hogs |
Hey Torq, the Scg feels to have better (more sensative)responses due to the lower center of gravity! Interesting point, Hmmm , Just wonder what a xb12R wd. be like with the rear spring and front tubes of a Scg changed over, I agree get bUddy to ride all models that he can for 45 mins. or so and then decide...Seats can make a difference for sure, and the different pegs as well as far as fit goes. | ||
| Rasmonis |
I happen to own both an XB9sl and an XB12scg. Immediately you will notice a difference in weight, the XB9 feeling considerably lighter and generally easier to handle. Aside from that, I have to agree with Angelwild327's comments. My riding preferences: XB9 on the quick inner city/downtown trips the XB12 rocks on the country roads/highways. Like others have said, have your friend demo both bikes if possible before making a choice. Overall I enjoy both bikes equally. Your friend has a tough decision to make, just make it Buell. | ||
| Aceboy74 |
Thanks for all the great input guys! He is going to demo both bike this weekend!  Another Buell rider in the fold!! | ||
| Nb_mitch |
I was considering moving up from my Blast recently and went to a Buell Demo ride last month. I rode both the CityX and 12sg low and I was disappointed in both for 2 reasons. First, I am short, 5'6' with 28 in. inseam, I couldn't touch the ground on both toes with the CityX, very uncomfortable, the 12 low was better, but I was still on my toes on both sides. Is there a way to adjust them down to about a 27" seat height? Second, I was disappointed in the power, I expected more going from 34 hp to 90+, but neither bike really seemed that much quicker than my Blast. I am sure it didn't help that it was a controlled ride, so I couldn't really ride it hard, but again, first impression wasn't great. Are the transparent body parts interchangable from the XB9 to the 12sg low? Mitch |
