XB9R (RIP) v. XB12R

[Clive]

I was bouncing around in the Buell website and noticed that the "small" Firebolt (XB9R) has been dropped from the 2008 lineup.  It's just the XB12R and the new 1125R in the "sportbike" line.  Got me wondering what performance difference there was to be discerned between the old 9 and 12 bikes.  Spec sheets says the 9 is $1500 less, sheds 10 pounds and gives up 11 hp and 14 ft-lbs.  Otherwise, they look to be identical, even down to the gearing.

Is that 11 hp and/or 14 ft-lbs really that noticeable?  Did the tractability of the smaller engine make it an easier ride?  Or was it under-powered (or more under-powered, if you're a junkie)?

[EZAS]

Based on only a couple of short test rides, I like the '9' engine better, it just felt more sorted, a little more willing to rev, a little more willing... if that makes sense.

[Mastros2]

I never rode the r but the cityx was a blast to ride. A perfect commuter. I did notice that I had to shift and rev it a bit more than the 12's but that was a characteristic of the bike, not a downfall.

[DannyZRC]

the gearing for the 12 and 9 is only the same this year, with the only ongoing 9 model being the city cross xb9sx.

in all previous years, the 9 had a greater gear reduction in the primary chain.

[Rogue]

I rode both the 9 and 12 R's.

There is a big difference in power all the way across the powerband and in all riding situations.

Realistically, they are both more than adequate for the job.  They can both go 120 mph.  But the 12 gets there quicker with less shifting.

[Kootenanny]

This subject has gotten some discussion on the Badweb, and there are guys on both sides of the fence.

I own a 9R, but I've ridden both--prior to buying my 9R, too!  The dealer was definitely trying to sell me a 12R, but I found (and still find) the "9" engine to be more than adequate for my needs.  The general concensus is that the 12R is more powerful, but not as smooth, while the 9R revs more freely (and higher) and somehow seems to be a bit more "eager."  

The "9" engine will remain in production in the CityX, anyways.