XB12SS 2007 or 2008?

[gotinoto]

Hi All, I’ve been wanting to buy an XB12 for a while now and I finally decided to pull the trigger.
I understand that there was a significant update done in 2008, from what I read primarily to the v-twin.
I am in the Bay Area (US) and there are a few 2007 bikes available for sale, but looks like later models will be more difficult to find.
In your opinion, is it worth holding out for a 2008 year model, or later, or were the updates not significant enough to make a big difference?
Any advice is appreciated!
Thanks.

 

[user_deleted]

a few facts/a few personal opinions:
1203 models typically command 10-15% price premium over 984 models.
XB9 geared slightly lower(via primary components)than XB12...has slightly higher red-line...softer and smoother fueling and less cantankerous at lower revs in higher gears...run a bit cooler on the header side with less fan activity.
08-10 models readily identifiable by conversion from sportster style cam bullet cover to large oval shaped cover which also houses oil pump and other components.
08 updates as you mentioned were significant across the board to not only the driveline but also include as memory serves:
1-automatic idle speed control via the onboard computer(ECM) and IAC servo unit.
2-more advanced and comprehensive ecm though i don't know all the nuances. 2010 models received signals from dual O2 sensors as opposed to 1 rear mounted only on prior years.
3-2008 is 25th silver anniversary models with a few limited edition gems such as the " black lightning" with S-code vin designation.
4-08-10 models feature color changes to frame(tank), sub-frame support, headlight bucket, other components. factory heated grips and power outlets also available on some models to include ulysses and XT.
MY OPINION ONLY: XB's never were nor never will be the finest motorcycles ever mass produced. they all have horrific engine/exhaust heat management issues....hell on batteries....charging systems that should have their health monitored with simple $10 add-on volt gauge....rear wheel bearings and belt tensioner bearings that need a watchful eye....epileptic seizure type shakes at idle.... .what some consider to be an incredibly annoying cooling fan that i personally find quite charming....transluscent plastics on orange-krate/cherry bomb/hero blue/kick-ash models that spider-crack with alarming frequency...stock muffler that is prone to both surface rust and bottom denting due to its location. what the XB series DOES HAVE is exclusivity and rarity among all of motorcycling, phenomenal handling, ergonomics that are quite comfortable, mind-blowing torque, decent fuel mileage, decent reliability, very simple basic maintenance requirements.....and with the "right" muffler installed arguably the greatest exhaust note ever from a street-bike. my recommendation is to try and find the cleanest, best-maintained, least modified, most cherished example you can afford that hasn't seen a track or drag-strip and a ton of different owners. avoid the abused high-mileage highly modified beat-up turds like the plague.

 

[Chicknstripn]

Excellent recommendations!
You can't get much better advice than that!

 

[Cooter]

Copy/paste. Good advice from Lunatic as usual

Finding the most 'stock' one is advise I use for buying anything. It usually means it wasn't beat on.

If you are buying something for yourself that you are going to keep. Buy the NICEST one you can barely afford. You're worth it!

A tid-bit of info my granddad once gave me was:
"If you're buying something with a radio in it, check the pre-sets. If it's Heavy metal, or Country music don't buy it!". I think he would include rap if he was around today.

 

[user_deleted]

Nice review John:up:

thanks much dave. appreciate that.

 

[gotinoto]

Thank you.
I had not even considered the XB9, but I think I will add that to my search. Especially if they run a bit smoother and don’t heat up as much. I really don’t care about the power that much, it’s the unique look of the XBs that drew me in.
It also sounds like it’s probably a good idea to hold out for a 08 or a later year model.
This is great I really appreciate the advice!

 

[user_deleted]

Thank you.
I had not even considered the XB9, but I think I will add that to my search. Especially if they run a bit smoother and don’t heat up as much. I really don’t care about the power that much, it’s the unique look of the XBs that drew me in.
It also sounds like it’s probably a good idea to hold out for a 08 or a later year model.
This is great I really appreciate the advice!

on a personal level i'm a huge fan of the XB9 series and there's only 219cc difference between 9 and 12 models which is achieved thru the stroke only....bore remains the same on all models @ 88.9mm. 9 has a 79.4mm stroke....12 has a 96.8 stroke. if searching out an XB9 consider the XB9SX cityX. fairly rare...super sexy transluscent body work available in choice of 4 colors...alot of neat factory goodies from new. decode the VIN to verify that it's a true SX and not some clone. they're wonderful bikes and though prices vary wildly depending on US regions....$4500-$5000 cab buy you a super clean low mileage example with alot of internet searching.

 

[gotinoto]

on a personal level i'm a huge fan of the XB9 series and there's only 219cc difference between 9 and 12 models which is achieved thru the stroke only....bore remains the same on all models @ 88.9mm. 9 has a 79.4mm stroke....12 has a 96.8 stroke. if searching out an XB9 consider the XB9SX cityX. fairly rare...super sexy transluscent body work available in choice of 4 colors...alot of neat factory goodies from new. decode the VIN to verify that it's a true SX and not some clone. they're wonderful bikes and though prices vary wildly depending on US regions....$4500-$5000 cab buy you a super clean low mileage example with alot of internet searching.

Thanks.
Is the chassis the same size then between the 12 and the 9? Another reason I was looking primarily at the XB12SS was because I am 6’2” and read a lot of different opinions on whether or not I’ll be too tall for an XB. What do you think?
I have an R6 at the moment and I did a short test ride on a XB12SS and it felt more comfortable than what I was expecting, which is probably not difficult to achieve coming from the R6, but still.
As a matter of fact there is a XB9SX for sale not too far from me. 19k miles, in excellent condition, if you can believe the post. $4500 now, but they’ll probably let it go for a bit less. I’ll check it out.

 

[Cooter]

I'm 6'2" and I feel a regular S is a little small for me. Theres lots you can do with bars and pegs, but I always end up with an Ss that has 2" drop pegs and ultralow Renthals (or Clubmans).

I really like the Scg's too, but I look like a monkey humping a football when I ride one

 

[gotinoto]

I'm 6'2" and I feel a regular S is a little small for me. Theres lots you can do with bars and pegs, but I always end up with an Ss that has 2" drop pegs and ultralow Renthals (or Clubmans).

I really like the Scg's too, but I look like a monkey humping a football when I ride one

haha... the scg is definitely my favorite, but I am afraid I won't look any better than you on one.
Thanks, nice to hear from someone who's the same size and actually has experience on different XBs, most of what I read on the subject was just educated guesses.

 

[Dellinger]

The Bay Area tends to have the highest BUELLs for sale population in nor cal. They also tend to be more expensive than the rest of the country. I got mine in Santa Rosa. Looked great, super clean but was a time bomb. Look up all the simple mechanical checks and if the bike fails, walk away.

Don't be afraid to miss the rest of the riding season waiting for the right bike, you've waited for 7 years after the company closed to get one, a few more months can't hurt.

The prices all go down when the temps do... Good luck...

 

[Cooter]

I thought pennsylvania had the most? Maybe its just Lunatic... Haha

 

[Dreams of Steel]

I purchased a 2009 xb9sx with 4755 original miles, clean title, bone stock, for $5000 about 2 months ago and I couldn't be happier with my decision for a first street bike. I'm 5'7 so I am not able to flat foot it but flat footing is over-rated anyway. I haven't ridden an xb12 but I rode with a guy on one and I had no trouble keeping up. The torque and agility of the design is unparalleled from what I have experienced and you simply cannot go wrong with a lightly used xb. Let us know what you end up with and good luck in your search.

 

[gotinoto]

Thanks all for the advice. Much appreciated.
I'm keeping an eye on the listings an hoping something good will come up soon.
I'll let you know what I get.

 

[user_deleted]

I thought pennsylvania had the most? Maybe its just Lunatic... Haha

we have alot of buells around here shaughn but then again PA is a cycling mecca and manufacturing base for both H-D and several component manufacturers. i'm trying to get intervention for my buell affliction....i really am.
this member searching for an XB....at over 6ft. tall....should probably concentrate on finding either an Stt....an Ss long...or XT. sounds like he might be quite cramped on a standard S or SX without some ergonomic mods.

 

[Cooter]

I didn't even think about suggesting an Stt! And I own one. And I like it. A LOT! Maybe I'm subconsciously trying to keep them all available for me because I'm a selfish weenie?

OP. Remember I like the Scg's too, I thought the lower bike would turn better etc, but the extra height of an Stt makes it very comfortable to ride. I can still drag a knee comfortably, and if you really have to lower it, you can. They can be made into Ss clones very easily, or pick any kind of hybrid you like:eagerness: