Advice wanted: What to buy xb9 or xb12?

[zsb86]

Hello all, I just recently sold my xb9s because I wanted to get into a firebolt. I want a little more power but is the extra cost of a 12 worth it? I thought I saw something like only 8 more HP which is not significant. The 1/4 mile times seem to be similar from what I found doing some google research. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I have a couple bikes in mind and would like to get something here real soon. Thanks!!

 

[buellchick]

I know that my boyfriend has the xb9s and we have talked to other ppl on the forum and all that I have really heard is that the 9's get a little better gas mileage than the 12 does... And the 12 makes a little more power.

I also did talk to one of the guys that rides with us, he doesnt have a buell but he did say that he did try the 9 and the 12, he said he really didnt feel a big difference in test riding either of them.

Also if the bikes are in somewhat of a good drive maybe you could test them and see...

Good luck with your next buy.

 

[xtremelow]

Correct with Buellchick. But I have an R not S, but some may say differently but the biggest difference etween the two is the down low torque. As far as top end the 12 does have a little more but nothing dramatic. But the advatange of a 9 would be getting into the power faster since they rev a little quicker.

I have a 9 and have had so for 3 years. I would live to test a 12 for a month or so to see what the differences really are, but so far so good happy with what I have.

 

[badbumblebee]

Yeah I really think it comes down to where you want your power and what color frame you want [smirk]...Also the 12R's have that exhaust control valve (which you remove if you install an after market exhaust), which is one less thing you have to deal with if you do an exhaust job. I would just say ride both.

 

[hula Buell]

I tried both and got the 09 Firebolt.Both are wonderful bikes I thought the Firebolt fit better.

 

[spymac]

I don't understand how people can say that there is not a big difference between the 9 and the 12. I own a firebolt and just a few days ago I took out my friends xb9s for a ride. They are two totally different bikes. Not only riding position but most importantly power. The 12 has more torque, feels a whole lot more powerful and is definitely faster. The 9 may rev a little faster and produce more of its power up top, but you don't buy a buell for high revving. The old saying is true, there's no replacement for displacement. Ride a 12 and you will see.

 

[04XB12R]

I own a 12 and have rode 9's. Here is the real difference and explanation. The 9 rev's faster but isn't faster in any gear than the 12. The 9 has a lower ratio in the primary which compensates for the less power than the 12. Also the 9 has a higher rev limiter than the 12, but it doesn't matter because the lower primary ratio counter acts the additional rpm and still has less of a top speed then the 12. Put simply 9 has better gearing then the 12. The 12 has better HP & TQ and higher top speed then the 9. Buy the way I'm selling my 12, you interested?

 

[onelogue]

The 12 tends to be harder for people to tune correctly. Air to fuel ratio is more sensitive on the 12 which can be a pain in the ass for modding.

 

[only1reds]

I have a 9 screw the rest

 

[04XB12R]

Heres my 12R has Race Kit, lots of powder coating, and ceramic exhaust, billet foot controls, 7K miles, I'm a harley tech, alot of care(love) shown to it. Asking 6000 for it, great deal for what's in it. Anybody interested call me 818-219-7179 I live in southern California.

 

[slomo2]

thanks spymac. You only test rode my bike to ensure that it had a failing fuel pump. So how can u base your assesment off that ride.

 

[TooFst]

Get a 12.. after a while any bike isn't going to be fast enough.. Your gonna want to go faster and a 12 will be easier to do so!!!