Your opinion please

[Mdsairborn]

Hey guys I was looking to buy my first xb and I wanted your opinion on weather the 9 r 12 was a better choice. What year should I avoid?what year should I go for? I'd love to see some photos of your bike! Any advice is very much apprieciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[kenney83]

this is kind of a tough question to answer. get an 04 or newer. It has the stronger belt. I have a 9r, and my friend has a 12R. I ride two up with me wife all the time and have plenty of power to play. I am happy with my 9, it keeps up just fine with my buddies 12. Just go out and ride each and see what you like.

 

[Alfatango1]

You can get an 03 as long as the belt has been upgraded but what kenney says is accurate. 12's have more torque so acceleration is stronger but it evens out because of gearing eventually. Having said that, 9's are less expensive to buy, maybe $1000 or more less so that can be a factor.

 

[bardo688]

Go for the 12R and try for newer if possible

 

[Alfatango1]

try for newer if possible

Age is relative, service history is more important. Much better to have an 04 that's been babied than an 08 that's not been.

 

[upthemaiden]

yeah, just see what you can find. I just found an 03 with only 3400 miles on it, which was still a good find. Someday I'll replace the belt but it's still holding up find for now.

I've got enough power with my 9, but I'm not gonna lie and say I wouldn't love a 12.

 

[Mdsairborn]

Sweet thanks guys. I told myself the first firebolt I see for around 4 grand is mine but maybe it would be smart to spend a little more. If you don't mind me asking how much did y'all spend?

 

[kenney83]

I bought mine two years ago. It is a 2003 XB9R. The guy who had it before me bought it new and only rode it 1,400 miles. he did the 1K tune up and that was it. I paid $4,100 for it. I just turned over 10K miles today.

 

[BikerTrash]

If I was looking to buy a Firebolt, I would look for a red 2007 XB9R.

 

[GW 04 XB12R]

just got my 2004 XB12R in Feb. 3400 miles, $3600. deals are out there, but I waited 8 months to find this one. didn't feel like driving or getting one delivered cross-country. a 3-hr ride was fine for me. for $3600 I got the 12, with a CF Jardine, K&N filter, Race ECM. good deal i think. I was willing to pay $4500 for it.

 

[Mdsairborn]

Woah that sounds pretty cheap. Yah maybe there is a good deal worth waiting for out there. How hard is it to get parts for the firebolt?

 

[Mdsairborn]

Dang Kenny it sounds like you got a really good deal. Have you had any issues? How about maintenance wise?

 

[BuddhaBuell]

06 XB9SX
just over 15,000k
not a single problem

bought it with 6,500k last Oct
bought a 9 for cheaper insurance and cause of all the Buells I looked at,(there were 3) BamBam was the only one that said...
'I'm your bike man!'

 

[buellxb12scgjc]

Dont know how old you are but ins. was not that bad for me. 2007 xb12 scg 2700mi 30 a month from geico. Love the traslucent look! I get props everywhere I go!!!!!!

 

[kenney83]

The bike has been great. I just turned 10k miles on monday, I had an exhaust clamp break, that was my fault, I over torqued it when I installed my exhaust, other than that everything is good.

As for part, you can't go wrong with www.americansportbike.com. and of course there are always people selling parts.

 

[garyphantom222]

I have a 2007 xb9r,it has plenty of power and handles great,also do make sure about service history as has been said above.