Who's rode both xb9 & xb12's. Which to buy?

[cincybuelltp]

Just what the title says. I've only looked at one xb12 and loved it, but is there really that big of a different in that and the xb9's. The xb12 I went to see had a jardin muffler and sounded really really good, and it felt as if it had alot of torque. Will the 9's feel virtually the same?

Thxs

 

[dave_xb12r]

I think it depends on your riding style. If you like to keep it up in high RPM range, get a 9. But if you like torquing around like a diesel truck, get a 12.

 

[meductic]

Dave is right....I have had both and the 12 is great for highway riding and torqey stunts but the 9 is better in the city. Btw I still have the 12 in case you were wondering....

 

[wavex]

I test rode both and chose the 12... difference is really not that big anyway since they geared the 9 differently... I just couldn't resist the extra little omph on the 12

 

[BuellRider3158]

I've rode both a stock xb12 and a xb9 with a race kit. The 9 just felt like a toned down 12 to me. I have an xb12 and couldn't be happier with it.

 

[andymnelson]

I have a 9 and a 12. I choose the 9 EVERY time I have a choice. It is noticeably smoother and quick revving. I'm about to wrap up swapping the 9 gearing into my 12...I'm sure that will change my opinion. But in stock trim, I would most definitely choose the 9.

 

[dallasb]

I like my 9 more than the 12. As andy stated it does feel more smooth to me. Unless your running at high speeds there really isn't much of a difference in how the engine performs. Also the 12 engine seemed to feel more heavy as it took longer to rev up.

 

[RyBuell]

Ridden both but bought the 9, the only time I ever wished i had a 12 was on the freeway like everyonelse here says. I dont think you can beat the RPM's in city on the 9.

 

[cincybuelltp]

How can the 12 feel all that more torquee? It's only 15 ft pounds? Unless the majority of the tq comes in real early in the rpm range? What about building the engine, cams etc is it better to have a 9 or 12 for upgrading?

 

[poppinsexz]

15 is a bunch on a bike.

 

[Red93stang]

Its just like picking a eng for a car. Do you want a high reving small block or a low end powered big block. The ideal is a combo of both the 12 and the 9, motor parts and gearing.

 

[ztied]

I own both XB9R,and XB12R,Both are great bikes.If you ride both enough you will be able to tell the difference.One test drive isn`t enough to get the full potenial. (imo).
The 12 is great for the interstate,plenty of power to pass cars that are passing other cars.On the 12 at 70-80mph,I can kick it down a gear and be in my power zone,and have plenty of gearing left to keep going.On the 9 at around 80 it is around the power zone,and I don`t feel the power to take cars as easy.The 12 will jerk your neck in all gears.I use to think the 9 was quicker,through the gears,but when you get use to it,the 12 will eat the 9 up.To have a fair opinion,try to ride both a couple of times,and get the feel of them a little.If you buy a 9,then ride a 12 you would have wished you got the 12.

I ride 50-100 miles on the interstate daily,and love the 12.These are my opinions,and I am not trying to step on anyones feet.If your local to tn,give me a holler,and I will let you test drive both,

 

[upthemaiden]

I'm curious why people think the 9 would be better in the city because it revs quicker. I would think the extra low end torque of the 12 would be better for the city because you could go from light to light without even having to rev it much. I'm never on the highway, just the city and back roads, but I still feel like I'd enjoy the 12 more, although I do worry because people say that the 12 doesn't run as smooth as the 9 at low rpms, where I like to ride.

 

[xtremelow]

I say what ever you can get the best deal on I rode a 12 a couple times an compared to my 9's I was actually disappointed.

As mentioned the gearing makes a big difference so the true differences between the two are very vague.

 

[upthemaiden]

Will a 12 lift the front wheel off the ground just by rolling on the throttle, or do you still have to let off the gas to preload the suspension before you give it gas?

 

[TooFst]

It will pull the front wheel up a little. So will hitting 2nd gear hard

 

[BuddhaBuell]

Buy the Buell
you wont be disappointed

 

[wiznut]

Will a 12 lift the front wheel off the ground just by rolling on the throttle, or do you still have to let off the gas to preload the suspension before you give it gas?

The 12 will definetly power wheelie without letting off the gas. It caught me off guard once on a hard acceleration lol.

 

[jl551c]

I've got a XB9 Firebolt and an XB12 Lightning. I like the Lightning better....but only because I like the riding position better. Just my preference.

 

[Alfatango1]

I've seen recently a few 1/4 mile runs where the 12, which I liked a lot when I test drove it, ran a 12 second plus and the front end never came up. I ran 11:93 and my front tire wanted to pop up in the first 3 gears. Now, I'm can't say that these guys were slamming the gears like I was was but some of the times on the 12 were somewhat slower than I expected.