'05 City X "The iMac"

I brought her home today, Fellas.









The previous owner was a very nice guy, and obviously took great care of the bike. It's not perfect by any means, but in great shape for an 18 year old machine. He kept all of the original parts, and I think all the mods are tasty. Super bonus. He even gave me a Buell jacket to go with it. The race exhaust is not screaming loud, but a noticeable notch up from stock. I don't think I'll get into any trouble with the neighbors, but it's still ringing my ears a little as I type this. I might need earplugs.

I met the owner just south of ATL, so my first ride was going to be straight through the city around 1:30pm in the Georgia summer. That's a pretty good test of how this XB9SX will differ from my old XB12X.

First of all, it fits me like a glove. I'm 5'11" with a 30" inseam and about 175lbs. The seat height, size, and weight of this model is right on point. It's upright, for sure, but the legs are much higher up and folded in. It took some getting used to, but it's not bad.

On takeoff, the differences between the XB9 and XB12 engines are immediately apparent. The xb9 seems to shake much less at idle, but is more buzzy at 3k+ which makes highway travel less pleasant. The xb12 smooths right out at 3K and is a dream to cruise on. The xb9 definitely lacks the gut punching torque of the xb12 just off idle, but has plenty of overall power. I realize that I am comparing two different engines with two different sized frames, exhausts, and tuning, so, yes, take these comparisons with the prescribed amount of salt.

Finally, heat. Yes, the xb9 and xb12 are both air cooled v-twins, so I knew that rear cylinder was still going to be sitting right under my crotch, boiling the gasoline in the frame, and blowing hot air under the seat, but I would be lying if I said I didn't hope for a better, cooler experience from the xb9. I'm happy to say that, at least in some aspects, it is. It still gets hot after running for more than a few minutes, especially in traffic, but it doesn't seem to radiate heat out of every orifice like the xb12 seemed to do. The frame gets hot, and that was my main heat issue on the xb9, as the seating position that the "low" seat provides on the xb9sx gives very little options but to rest your leg up against the frame. This is really only an issue in stop and go traffic, though. As soon as you get rolling more than 15 or 20 mph, the heat seems to be a non-issue. I'm going to try the stock seat, too and see if it is any better, but I'm really happy with how it feels already.

I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions later about other aspects of the bike, but I wanted to share my initial impressions of the XB9SX and some pictures for you all.

Oh, and in case anyone was wondering about the title...

Congrats on the new iMac. I see the family resemblance. It looks like it’s in great shape.

How do you like those mirrors? I am guessing that you can’t see much in them.

Thank you! Yes, the mirrors are small, but they have a domed surface, so you can see all you need to see. The annoying part is the positioning. I have to look away from the road to glance down at them, and my hands/arms are sometimes in the way. Also, the domed mirror makes cars appear further than they really are. I might switch back to stock and put the hand guards back on.

You’re welcome. That was so nice that your previous owner gave you his jacket. So did mine. It’s a blue leather jacket that matches the bike. I wear it all the time.

That’s what I was worried about with your mirrors; their location. They look cool and minimalist so I can see why he chose them. I think the mirrors on my friend’s Ducati Monster are worse though. His come off the tips like yours but they are below the handlebars. They look cool but he admits that his arms block the view.

I really like how you compared and contrasted your new bike with an xb12. That was well written.

Happy new bike day! Love that color too. She looks clean and ready to ride Got any trips planned?

I also appreciate the back to back comparison, thanks for writing it!

FYI Ear plugs are part of my ATGATT now. Riding even a stock motorcycle will get ya with the wind noise alone, regardless of muffler.

Tollywood said:

You’re welcome. That was so nice that your previous owner gave you his jacket. So did mine. It’s a blue leather jacket that matches the bike. I wear it all the time.

That’s what I was worried about with your mirrors; their location. They look cool and minimalist so I can see why he chose them. I think the mirrors on my friend’s Ducati Monster are worse though. His come off the tips like yours but they are below the handlebars. They look cool but he admits that his arms block the view.

I really like how you compared and contrasted your new bike with an xb12. That was well written.

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Thanks, Tollywood. Yes the jacket was a super cool addition. Mine is not a motorcycle jacket, but just a Buell branded light casual jacket. I will wear it with pride if I ever make it to a Buell meetup or bike night somewhere.

Cooter said:

Happy new bike day! Love that color too. She looks clean and ready to ride Got any trips planned?

I also appreciate the back to back comparison, thanks for writing it!

FYI Ear plugs are part of my ATGATT now. Riding even a stock motorcycle will get ya with the wind noise alone, regardless of muffler.

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Thanks! Yea, the Hero Blue is my favorite color. Ear plugs used to be standard for me, but I stopped wearing them due to an ear condition. I got used to not putting them on, so now I need to get used to putting them back in every ride. The ones I use are actually Sure IEM style bluetooth headphones. I listen to music/podcasts on long rides, but they do a great job of negating the wind noise even with no music. Most importantly, they don't rip out of my ears when I take my helmet off.

c3powil said:

Sure IEM style bluetooth headphones. I listen to music/podcasts on long rides, but they do a great job of negating the wind noise even with no music. Most importantly, they don't rip out of my ears when I take my helmet off.

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I have weird ears too:black_eyed: so regular plugs never fit me either. I have a pair of the same style Shure 215's:eagerness: Not bluetooth but they do really work well and can plug into the comm unit if I need that too. Decibulls, are kinda pricy but they mould to my ears specifically and the only way I can stand that Ninjette at 12,000 rpm

But don't avoid the question, where ya going? :angel:

Cooter said:

I have weird ears too:black_eyed: so regular plugs never fit me either. I have a pair of the same style Shure 215's:eagerness: Not bluetooth but they do really work well and can plug into the comm unit if I need that too. Decibulls, are kinda pricy but they mould to my ears specifically and the only way I can stand that Ninjette at 12,000 rpm

But don't avoid the question, where ya going? :angel:

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Ha! I'm a commuter, and my ride to work has lessened quite drastically from where I lived a few years back. No trips planned quite yet, but I may take a ride out to Florence, SC with a friend of mine for his last ride sometime soon. He's giving up the biker life. I really wanted to do a US tour on the Uly, but can't spare the time this year.

I'm starting to get irked by the exhaust volume. I've been told it's not too loud, but boy does it ever resonate in my head at 4k on the highway, even with ear plugs. I have half a mind to put the stock exhaust back on and just run it with that. I'd probably gain a little more midrange performance, too. I do love the way it sounds, but it's not all that practical for a commuter. I'll give it a few weeks before I try anything. Maybe it will grow on me, or I'll decide it isn't an issue.

While I'm at it, I'll probably install those Jet coated headers. Should I check the oil pump drive gear?

I am noticing that this one seems to take a bit longer to start than my old XB12X. The XB12X had a hesitation after hitting the starter but would always start up fairly quickly after. The XB9SX seems to turn over very quickly, but seems to take a bit longer to start up. Is this a symptom of a bigger issue? I suppose I'll check the plugs and see if they're dirty.

Also, check out what the buyer did to my old Uly:

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The XB9SX seems to turn over very quickly, but seems to take a bit longer to start up. Is this a symptom of a bigger issue?

Not your 1st XB so you're familiar with "normal" cold and warm crank-to-start times. The following:

Replace both plugs. Cleaning utter waste of time and effort. Stock from Buell was HD-10R12A....updated to G "Gold" and X suffix. Virtually same plug. Consider NGK DCPR9EIX. They're fabulous.

Remove the ignition FUSE and ignition RELAY...check male contact spades for corrosion.....clean...reinstall.

Check BOTH ends of BOTH battery cables for corrosion and tightness, particularly the negative cable. Takes more than cursory visual look.

Fuel pump might need serviced. Approaching 19 years old and it is the "rubber hose" style. They were a quality piece but not known for longevity.

Thanks, Barrett. I will replace the plugs with DCPR9EIX and clean the fuse, relay, and battery cables. If that doesn't do it, then I will find a good time to overhaul the fuel pump along with installing those beautiful jet coated headers and checking the oil pump drive gear for wear.

Barrett said:

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The XB9SX seems to turn over very quickly, but seems to take a bit longer to start up. Is this a symptom of a bigger issue?

Not your 1st XB so you're familiar with "normal" cold and warm crank-to-start times. The following:

Replace both plugs. Cleaning utter waste of time and effort. Stock from Buell was HD-10R12A....updated to G "Gold" and X suffix. Virtually same plug. Consider NGK DCPR9EIX. They're fabulous.

Remove the ignition FUSE and ignition RELAY...check male contact spades for corrosion.....clean...reinstall.

Check BOTH ends of BOTH battery cables for corrosion and tightness, particularly the negative cable. Takes more than cursory visual look.

Fuel pump might need serviced. Approaching 19 years old and it is the "rubber hose" style. They were a quality piece but not known for longevity.

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You forgot the mic drop.

c3powil said:

Thanks, Barrett. I will replace the plugs with DCPR9EIX and clean the fuse, relay, and battery cables. If that doesn't do it, then I will find a good time to overhaul the fuel pump along with installing those beautiful jet coated headers and checking the oil pump drive gear for wear.

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My pleasure. Can tenderly check the NGK-iridium out-of-the-box gap...032-035 recommended...but be damn careful. Something delicate like match pack cover folded twice over or pair of business cards works perfectly. And a tiny dollop of anti-seize on the threads of each plug recommended.

You know the trick for easily checking the stock steel pinion pump drive gear....correct?

Won't affect my financial status in the least, but avoid those online Quantum XB kits at all cost. Been 7 cheap-skates on here this year to date who bought them and all had horrific problems.

How's the Walbro rebuild kit Revision Moto sells?

Mr Barret has his own rebuild kit that he sells to us.

Walbro is the OE supplier and the only one I'd use:up:

Well, crud, had I known two days ago… would much rather have put money in a forum member’s pocket.

Cooter said:

Walbro is the OE supplier and the only one I'd use:up:

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Shaughn: Walbro was never a supplier to Harley Davidson or Buell for any of the part or components I'm aware of. The OEM XB pumps contained a combination of parts supplied to the original pump manufacturer by Ford Co, Airtek and Champion Labs. The pumps were then built to Buell specs by an outside vendor, though I don't recall who the vendor/supplier was. The Walbro name surfaced many years ago when the new pump supplies dried up and Terry and I started to look around for rebuild components. I think it was Terry who discovered that the early to mid 90's V6 Mustang used a similar in-tank pump but obviously not a direct interchange. The Mustang pump motor was found to be an identical match for a specific Walbro electric motor, which is the pump motor I've been using for years now. I believe that's how the Walbro name started to bounce around.

These XB pumps are complex, tedious, and difficult to correctly rebuild...especially for a novice. Avoid trying to rebuild one with Quantum parts. Failure rate and mis-matched parts the rule. Not familiar with Revision Moto components but Dave was briefly on this board years ago and seemed decent enough.

I supply complete kits. ALL parts sourced via either my Harley Davidson dealer account or OEM supplier where possible. I source my own pump motors from Walbro. Kit is pricey but absolutely correct in all regards. Do NOT buy it on Ebay. Just contact me for direct purchase and board member discount, plus help with doing the rebuild correctly. They are damn difficult the 1st time around. Here's a correct complete kit I offer comprised of all OEM sourced parts including the Walbro pump. Don't buy on Ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1757181300...sb5zZPM3H0gtkkQonkpf4EtDA=|tkp:Bk9SR7TN8temYg

A correctly rebuilt pump should look exactly like this one that I did for a Canadian customer this past week.

Barrett said:

the original pump manufacturer by Ford Co, Airtek and Champion Labs.

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The OE pump isn't Walbro!? Wow, I'm really shocked to hear that. Are you sure? They are probably the largest mfg of pumps, and they do make pumps for dang near everyone, including Ford, etc. Good quality too, never had a parts issue with that brand, and thats sayin' sompin'

I do so many Buell pumps I keep 3 kits on the shelf! Every corroded pump I pull out has Walbro stamped on the case (or Quantum, lol). That's why I assumed they were OE.

If you do remember that info, please post up! It would be a curiosity explained. Thanks for the info Barrett