What to do?

[Phxbuller]

hello everyone I have a question for you. I'm getting ready to buy a buell and I'm faced with the dilemma either 03xb9s or 04xb12s. I've always wanted the xb12 because I'm a larger guy, 6 foot 240 pounds. the problem is the xb12 has a hic up when it first takes off. I was wondering if this is a common problem and if it could be fixed with a breather re-rout. or would I be better off just buying the nine. And would I be happy with that? Thanks for all your help.

[uly luigi]

Get the 12 and an EBR ecm, you won't be sorry

[rockerphotographer]

My 12ss hiccups, I think most people will agree the 12's do that. It only happens once or twice before it warms up. If I crank it up and let it warm up while I suit up then it runs just fine.

Buy the cleaner one that's well taken care of. You can't go wrong with either one.

[kristo60]

At your size and with riding exerpience I'd definitely get the 12 and upgrade the ecm (if it isn't already) and throw on some type of performance exhaust. Lots of power and speed. Not only will you not be sorry you'll be smiling wide the whole time. It's like a hotrod, or a muscle car kinda bike. You'll quickly get used to the speed. I personally couldn't see myself every going to a nine on these bikes. I'm 6' 175 lbs. I don't think it would be enough bike. You'll probably agree. No offense to any 9 riders out there!!! Maybe a highly modded 9 you'd be happy with. My two cents

[wolfo68]

both are satisfying, it's long stroke vs short stroke.
figure out the mods on the 12 and might be able to find where the hiccup is coming from.

[user_deleted]

219cc difference. buy both. it will make the "little lady" of the house particularly happy with the upcoming holiday season right around the corner.

[v_twinsam]

i like what lunaticfringe says, but for me i would go with the 12 my '04 has a bit of a hiccup on cold mornings as did my sportster years ago.

[buellbradski]

I had hiccup did the reroute , new air filter found the prob was wrong heat range plugs had dcpr8es ngks put dcpr9eix ngk iridium now it runs great just start and let run while i put on my gear and no hiccup . Either motor should deliver enuff power i would say you should be looking at comfort and the lightning should have plenty of room to acomodate a man of your stature also they have different powerbands the 9 with higher rpm range and 12 with more torque. I prefer the 12 but a lot of guys love the 9's powerband. Eitherway youll love buell they just have so much aditude and are just unique bikes you dont see a lot of!

[TooFst]

03s have a crappy belt. Recommended replacement at 8k. A friend of a friend just told me he has wanted a buell for a while now and is ready to pull the trigger this winter. I told him they are all bad ass just stay away from the 03s... Just for that reason.

[mriulvr]

I had the same experience as buellbradski. Did the reroute and new NGO plugs and no more hiccup. Mine already had a K&N fitter. The xb12 would be wise if clean.

[Phxbuller]

Thanks guys for all the input, looks like I'm going to temecula, ca for a pick up!! Hopefully I can get away this weekend.

[thrstrmech]

I have an '03 9s with over 26k and original belt, no issues...stay on top of the maintenance, let her warm up and she's fine. I'm 5'11" @240 and the 9s is just fine for me

[Phxbuller]

Thxs thrstrmech

[Phxbuller]

Thxs thrstrmech.
How would I know of the ecm has been up grated? And what would I need to check?

[thrstrmech]

look at the side of the ECM case, should say "Race Use Only", anything is possible that could be loose due to engine vibration and or improper installation of components or accessories. Uncover the bike, check your wire harness, grounds, battery connections, plugs and wires, air filter, etc... if you know someone that has a Buell close by and trust their judgement, have 'em look the bike over with you so he/she can point things out and it will also get you a bit more familiar with your machine, if you have the manual, look over the troubleshooting chart, check out the mods link below the Buellxb header of the page and download the manual if you don't have one, also continue asking questions about the bike, I know my machine pretty well for the most part, but there are many on this forum with tons more knowledge about Buells, you may also try shooting an email to the folks at EBR...