XB9S - XB12S Questions

[Platinum350]

Hey guys, new member here with some boring questions. Years ago, I used to sell Harley's and Buells. I owned an S1 Lightning during that time too. I since sold my S1 and got back into my passion for offroad riding. Now I'm ready to own another Buell.

Could you tell me what the big differences are between the XB9S and the XB12S are? I see both models also have other variants such as the city model. Also, are there any big changes on both models, over the years. Around my way, I have seen some nice low mileage XB9S for sale but now have just seen that there is this XB12S.

Anyway, any help is much appreciated!

[Theycallmecrash]

Obviously the engine size (12 has a longer stroke).

[oh9bolt]

Different color frames.

9 - Fluid Silver (Light)
12 - Graphite Grey (Dark)

[thrstrmech]

they are pretty much the same. fuel capacity, engine displacement, swingarms and suspension set up are the main difference, though the 12 has more model versions than the 9. suspension is either a standard or Low / SL / scg...SL was named for '03 model 9's. low/sl/scg model identified by yellow rear spring and exposed fork tube area being less than standard and noticeable by the wiper on the fork tube being close to the top screw on the front fender.

[squidbuellie]

The xb9 is about the same power wise as your x1. But handles better.
But you should just go test ride a few different models

[go cytocis]

The longer stroke of the 12 means that it makes more power (of corse) but it also means that it revs lower and has slower throttle response than the 9. Having ridden both, I would select the 12 due to the extra power. I find the 9 a little anemic...

[Platinum350]

Is it safe to assume that the 12 is a better performing bike than?

So is Low/SL/SCG all the same model, which basically means it has lower suspension? Was this built for shorter riders and lastly does the Low / SL / scg come in either 9 or 12? I'm 6'1" so don't think I'd opt for the LOW model.

Is there a good place to read about all the differnt models offered? I tried searching but my results were pretty vague due to vague search.

[oh9bolt]

Click on my name and scroll down I have a list with features of every XB model.

[go cytocis]

IMHO the XB12Ss is the optimal XB. It has a longer wheel base which helps keep the front wheel down and resolves most of the squirreliness that I find shows up when pushing the standard wheelbase models hard. The Ss also has extra fuel capacity which is a must for me as I tour long-distance at least once a year.

Even with the extra power, the 12 is hardly a horsepower monster but it is certainly adequate. I can imagine certain conditions however (urban commuting or very tight twisties) where the 9 might actually be preferable.

[thrstrmech]

oh9bolt...that's awesome what you've put together, that should get a thread/sticky if it hasn't already[up]

[go cytocis]

Nice set of links oh9bolt!

Another consideration is that pre-2008 XBs, regardless of 9 or 12, require an ECM interface software to perform the simple task of a TPS reset. Â*2008-on allows the user to perform an on-board TPS reset. Â*If I was aware of this when I was shopping, I may have limited my search to 2008-on.

If you are 6'1", I'd definitely check out the Ss because of the additional leg-room.

[Platinum350]

[up] Thanks oh9bolt, that should keep me busy for a while!

Man, quite a story you have with your wreck and tumor. You brought back my memories of my wrecks that I had and now I'm second guessing getting back into street bike riding.

I spent many nights in hospitals, but they were all related to my motorcross racing. When I went street (had the Buell, ZX-6, ZX-6R, ZX-7R) I had a TON of close calls that could have been serious but I was lucky. Now I'm older (35), I think I won't be as crazy on street bikes and will be safer...just having hard time convincing myself I indeed have grown up some lol.

[go cytocis]

Now I'm older (35), I think I won't be as crazy on street bikes and will be safer

Ha, don't bet on it! Â*I am 41 and have been riding for over half that time. Â*I thought I'd mellow with age but I find I ride just as hard as I did when I was a teenager, maybe harder. The big difference I find age has brought me is that I am perhaps more selective in where/when I choose to flog. Adrenaline does not discriminate on age!

The good news is that you have prior experience. Statistically you are less likely to be involved in a collision if you are experienced, regardless of your age.

[Platinum350]

Ha, don't bet on it! I am 41 and have been riding for over half that time. I thought I'd mellow with age but I find I ride just as hard as I did when I was a teenager, maybe harder. The big difference I find age has brought me is that I am perhaps more selective in where/when I choose to flog. Adrenaline does not discriminate on age!

The good news is that you have prior experience. Statistically you are less likely to be involved in a collision if you are experienced, regardless of your age.

lol, I was afraid of this & I know I was only kidding myself. I like that statement, adrenaline doesn't discriminate on age! It is also reassuring to hear about the statistics you mention! Thanks for sharing, that helped me to stay on my hunt for a Buell.

[Platinum350]

Ok so I still need some help determining which model Buell I should hunt down. From my searches I'm noticing some models, regardless if they are a 9 or 12 have different options that I like more than the others.

Such as:
-Some have a solid swingarm while the others have a "less clunky"/no -solid one. (I prefer the look of the non-solid)
-Some have blacked out motor. like the Night train Harleys have.

Regarding my height and as go cytoci recommended, I should look at the Ss model. Does the Ss model come with the non-solid swingarm and blacked out motor? And if so, what model is that?

Any other features that are nice that pertain to one model but not another?

Thanks guys!

[oh9bolt]

Regarding my height and as go cytoci recommended, I should look at the Ss model. Does the Ss model come with the non-solid swingarm and blacked out motor? And if so, what model is that?

In 2006 is when the swingarm changed, and the Ss wasnt made until 2007, so you cant get the Ss with the more open swingarm. In 2009 is when the Black Frame models were released so 2009+ is your only option unless you paint everything yourself.

I would get a 2009, but I am partial to them because I have a 2009.

[Theycallmecrash]

Now youre getting picky.

[Platinum350]

In 2006 is when the swingarm changed, and the Ss wasnt made until 2007, so you cant get the Ss with the more open swingarm. In 2009 is when the Black Frame models were released so 2009+ is your only option unless you paint everything yourself.


What I was reading could be wrong but it looks as the Ss was made in 2006: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2006models/2006models-Buell-LightningLongXB12Ss.htm

After researching all the different models I realized that I was confusing the swingarm. I didn't realize it was different on each side. One side is the "solid" type I was referring to (which is probably the oil reservoir) so that doesn't really matter anymore.

Anyway, I think it's all going to boil down to cost and will either do the XB9S if it's a great deal or will spend the extra money for XB12Ss if I can find one!

[Platinum350]

Now youre getting picky.

Ha your right, I'm now back to being happy with getting a good deal on any 2003,2004 XB9S

[oh9bolt]

What I was reading could be wrong but it looks as the Ss was made in 2006

[up] I gave the wrong info, my bad.

[Platinum350]

Lastly, I just thought of 2 more questions:

1) How do you get notifications from this forum to let you know when there are reply's to your thread? I checked in settings and didn't see that option.

2) If I get a pre-2008 model, and add a performance goody like an exhaust, I would have to have the ECU remapped? How much does something like that cost? 2008+ models I wouldn't?

Thanks again!

[oh9bolt]

1. You cant set it up so you get notifications. :(

2. Many use ecmspy on pre 08's there are tons of good people on here that would help you with a Race map and tuning, they use Tunerpro on 08+. The self learning ecm on 08+ can adjust for a intake mod OR exhaust mod. I have been riding my bike with open air box with a K&N and exhaust, no ecm mods for 10k miles. I am not saying that is the thing to do just saying what I have done.

[Truth]

I own both an xb 12 and an xb 9. They are totally different bikes. I take the 9 out more often. The power is more "fun" . The 12 is not necessarily "more" powerful, it just makes a wider spread of power. Both are completely awesome bikes! Good luck!

[Hooker]

Im not really sure how people can say that the 9 and the 12 are so much different in power. the 12 has 11more hp, but it revs much slower and lower. i too have ridden both and while there is a slight power surge from the 12, the 9 feels almost the same. My XB9 with nothing but D&D pipes and a race tune is every bit as fast as my buddies 12, plus it revs higher and uses less gas. Id say the biggest selling point of the 9 over the 12 to me was general cost (9s are much cheaper on the open market) and insurance cost. afterall, insurance companies base their rates primarily on engine displacement (in this class of motorcycle) and the 12, despite only having 11 more hp, costs almost twice as much for insurance, and it's not like the performance is night and day.

ultimately, i'd say go after whatever one is cheapest. if you find a 9 and a 12 with the same miles and same cond. but the 9 is 1500$ cheaper, id take the 9 any day. that means more money for gas and gear

[Platinum350]

[up]
Cool, thanks for the info.

Now it's time to find the bike...any recommendations other than here for used Buells? Not a lot of luck on CL, they seem high $.

[Truth]

I have a 9 and a 12 parked side by side, I drive them back to back all the time. The 9 makes no usable power below 4k, the 12 pulls hard right off idle. They have complete different personalities. Completely. If you want a wide spread of power that's always accessible, go with the 12, if you like a surge of power from 4-7.5k go with the 9.

[Truth]

I bought all of my buells of cl. Just keep your eye out!

[crawfo]

There is a section on here with bikes for sale. A few sexy ones currently on there too! None of them are mine so im not being biased either lol

[oh9bolt]

cycletrader.com, ebay.com, searchtempest.com.

[go cytocis]

The 9 makes no usable power below 4k, the 12 pulls hard right off idle.

I agree Truth, even though the two differ by only about 10 peak hp, there are significant differences in the power delivery between the 9 & 12. Those differences translate into only about 0.5 sec on the quarter mile, but a noticeably different 'feel'. Â*Either way, neither are superbikes, nor are they meant to be. Â*But the 12 ultimately does pull harder overall.

I'd say that if you are looking for the essential XB experience, the 9 is your machine. If you want the enhanced version, get the 12. If you want outright horsepower, stay away from both. Â*And if you can't have fun on either, you don't know how to ride!

[Hooker]

craigslist works too. you just have to make sure you look close so you can check it out before you make any decisions. i bought mine used, but from a dealer, and i paid a little more, but i regret none of it. I got oil changes and checkups for 2 years, plus they put new tires on it and took the whole bike apart when they first got it to go through and make sure nothing was wrong. i got it for 3600$ out the door, w/new plates and stickers. 15k miles, ive already put 5k more on. lol in less than a year, ive increased the miles by almost 30%

[Hooker]

so i guess another good place to look around is any large harley dealers around your home

[Truth]

Go cytocis, haha, couldn't have said it better!!

[Platinum350]

Yes, I'm keeping my eye on here, CraigsList & eBay. Wasn't sure if there was another Buell forum I should look at too.

Regarding the 9 or 12, I think I need to find one of each and have my way with them for bit. I already know I'll like both because I had an S1 and loved it!

[Platinum350]

so i guess another good place to look around is any large harley dealers around your home

Good call, there are a couple bye me I'm going to check...then I'll be able to test drive them too!


i got it for 3600$ out the door, w/new plates and stickers. 15k miles, ive already put 5k more on.

Sounds about what I'm seeing. Found a very clean XB9S with 5K for $4000 & XB12S with 15K for $4,500. I prefer the lower miles, so that 9 is looking good. Just need to get out there and test ride a 9 & 12 before it gets too cold!

[Hooker]

i think badweatherbikers is another buell forum

[Platinum350]

Thanks Hooker [up]

[Truth]

If you're ever in central WI, my 9 and 12 are all yours! You can take them both for a rip.

[Hooker]

LIke i said too, i'd definitely only plan on purchasing if you have the chance to check it out first. you are supposed to be covered by paypal if someone screws you over, but i have been screwed over buying 2 different cars from two different places so now, i dont buy things like that unless i can check them out well before i even bid. it also keeps you from getting scammed and losing identity information.

[expatriate00]

I agree with Hooker, I'd get a 9 and a good deal and then you can mod it. I have an '03 XB9S, with the factory race pipe and ECM. My 9 is faster off the line than my neighbor's XB12R, I lead all but the last 50 yards of a quater mile on him. I have owned my bike since '05, I bought it on eBay with 1500 miles on it. Other than routine maintenence and mods the only real repairs I have had to do on it is when my belt snapped. I have finally gotten my bike looking like I want it, now I want to find an XB12 crank and rods to rebuild it into a 12. I got the idea a few years ago when I took my bike into the local HD dealership to get the 5k service done on it. I was talking to a Buell salesman and he explained that I could put the 12 crank and rods in it and with the lower gearing the '03 XB9 has that it would be a serious threat on the street from stoplight to stoplight. With the lower gearing, it's already chalked up quite a few kills with the set up I have now, including a couple of 'busas. But i have to admit one of those 'busas was being ridden by some dude in excess of 300lbs who thought he was Ricky Gadson.
Be careful about buying off of Craig's List, remember theres no safety net if you buy a lemon. Just be sure you know exactly what you're getting and have seen it in person.

[Platinum350]

If you're ever in central WI, my 9 and 12 are all yours! You can take them both for a rip.

Thanks a lot Truth, very nice for to offer that! Unfortunately I don't think it'll be anytime soon that I'll be in your neck of the woods, but thanks!

[Platinum350]

Thanks for your suggestions Hooker & Expatriate00! My thoughts are the same, I think unless I come across a low mileage 12 for a good deal, I'm going with a 9. I have my eye on a nice '03 XB9S with 5K on it. He wants $4000 but sure I could get him down some. I'll keep looking around, especially throughout winter, sure some deals will pop up!

[jrgaither1]

Point of Reference:

3 months ago, I bought a 2005 Lightning XB9SX for $3,000.
15,000 miles. 75% Bridgestone Battlax BT021. 2009 Battery (Still Strong)

I had been searching Craigslist and Ebay for about 9 months. Test rode a bunch of turds and then BAM.

All desired Mods (Special Op Pipe and extra D&D, Race ECM, Tail Chop, HID Front light, Double front light Mod, BackOff Tail light module, Aprilla Mirrors, Axle sliders, shortened blinkers, low seat)

It was made for me.

He threw in a Pit Bull Stand.

From Private owner.
Had License, Registration, and Inspection sticker current.
I had to pay taxes and title transfer.

Asking Price was $4,500'ish.

Good Luck. Hang in there.

[Platinum350]

Thanks for sharing, this helps me out! Congrats on finding YOUR bike, sounds nice with nice mods!

You got him down $1,500...not bad at all. :D

You mention you rode a bunch of turds, anything you could point out that you noticed with those bikes that made them turds? Where they just not well taken care of? Just looking for some pointers on what to look for (besides the obvious things) pertaining to Buells.