Differences between XB12S and XB9S

[vilts]

How does one know what model Buell it is between XB12S and XB9S? As much as I've seen from pics, the visible difference is only the exhaust (which can be exchanged). Actually, what I'd like to know how to detect whether the engine is 984cc or 1203cc.

Reason for asking is, that I bought XB12S, but it's sort of Frankenstein - few labels say XB9S others say XB12S. The frame VIN code says it's Firebolt, not Lightning at all. I think the frames were the same... So anybody know any serial numbers on cylinder heads, ECU's and other things that are model specific?

 

[Stevenc150]

I honestly couldn't tell you. I'd like to know myself, if there's a difference between the 12 & 9 visually. I do know there's a couple guys on here that work at dealerships, BPG for one. You might post up the engine VIN and see what they say. Mine's on the left side, etched onto the engine just below the base of the front cylinder head.

 

[Stevenc150]

Nevermind, found the section of the owners manual that defines the VIN codes & their meanings.

Click the link and look halfway down the page: Post-05 VIN Identification OR Pre-05 VIN Identification

 

[dave_xb12r]

The easiest way is to look at the frame, the frames are silver on the 9s and a dark gray on the 12. Also, primary covers are black on the XB9, and champaign on the XB12. The header on the 12 is fatter than the 9.

 

[vilts]

Thanks for the responses.

I did check the VIN number, and it says it's '03 Firebolt (4MZAX12J833xxxxxx). Like I said, it's Frankenstein . I think the bike was rebuilt to Lightning from crashed Firebolt frame.

But here are 2 photos:

Maybe someone can detect the engine type?

The cover is champagne, this hints again for 1203cc engine.

Not that I complain about the bike, of course

 

[dave_xb12r]

Wow that is definitely a one of a kind bike [up]

 

[jsg]

I think the size f the headers is diff between the 2 but I might be wrong.

 

[goatsxb9s]

cant you check throttle body I.D.?
that wouldnt require much tear down, does anyone have those specs.

 

[goatsxb9s]

intake on new bikes: 12=49mm(1.92inches); 9=45mm(1.77inches)

 

[03Firebolt9R]

There should be a motor ID number located on the left side crankcase near the front of the engine.

 

[Stevenc150]

You might post up the engine VIN and see what they say. Mine's on the left side, etched onto the engine just below the base of the front cylinder head.

and it says it's '03 Firebolt (4MZAX12J833xxxxxx).

If you're just wanting to know what size the engine is, and the number you posted above is off the engine block, then it has a 984cc motor in it; no matter what the year, the engine is indicating it's a 9 if that is the engine VIN.

 

[vilts]

There should be a motor ID number located on the left side crankcase near the front of the engine.

Unfortunately I couldn't find it. Should I remove some of the plastic covers to see it?

If you're just wanting to know what size the engine is, and the number you posted above is off the engine block, then it has a 984cc motor in it; no matter what the year, the engine is indicating it's a 9 if that is the engine VIN.

No, that serial number was off the frame.

I'll try to look for the engine number later today.

 

[03Firebolt9R]

This is where the number is on mine (green rectangle)...I would think it would be there on yours also.

(Edit: Emphasized location)

 

[vilts]

OK, now I finally found the engine number too. It goes like this: SX1445258xx. How do I decode it, google didn't seem to know.

 

[Stevenc150]

Best I can tell, according to the Buell.com links in my 2nd post: the engine VIN you posted points to an '05 Lightning 1203cc engine.

But I'm not sure why the engine VIN you posted doesn't have a 4MZ or 5MZ before the number unless that's a motor off a true HD Sportster. (4 or 5 means domestic or not, MZ means Buell) Maybe BPG will weigh in.

 

[03Firebolt9R]

Thanks for the emphasized rectangle Steven.