Which one should I buy? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Pikeslayer · 07-13-2007, 09:46 AM

I'm getting ready to buy a buell. Eventually I will tear it apart to increase power. Is the bottom end the same on the 1200, 883, XB9, and XB12? Can the same maximum displacement w/o case boring be achieved with all these bottom ends?

My plan is to ride it a year as is. Then soup it up and ride it for awhile, and eventually turn it into a custom street fighter.

Shaw_2112 · 07-13-2007, 10:08 AM

I was checkin out the new 1125R, that sure looks like a sweet ride, love to get my hands on one for a test ride. Looks like Buell is breakin out with their own engine, should be interesting to see how it performs. . Kinda pricay at 12k though. I've been toying with the idea of pickin up a used XB12 just for fun..

BigMike · 07-13-2007, 12:42 PM

I really like the Ulysses. I'm seriously thinking about one as a second bike.

Pikeslayer · 07-13-2007, 02:10 PM

So does anybody know about the bottom end differences?

nidan · 07-13-2007, 02:15 PM

146hp in the new 1125R should keep ya happy for a while

Shaw_2112 · 07-13-2007, 02:23 PM

The 1125r is a completely different animal than previous motors.

I believe the 984 and the 1203 are based on the same platform

The Blast is another animal too, single piston 492.....

Rockbiter · 07-13-2007, 07:13 PM

Here it is:

The XB9 and XB12 are both the same cases, but with different gearsets. An XB9 with a basic 1200 big bore kit will outrun a stock XB12 due to the gearing (all else considered equal)

The Blast uses some parts (the heads and cams from the XB series can be used on it for example)

Pikeslayer · 07-16-2007, 07:59 AM

Thanks biter. I was getting confused. I was checking out performance packages on Revolution Performance's website and they seemed different for XB9 and the XB12.

04GLIDE · 07-16-2007, 08:03 AM

1125R is the ride you want.

Pikeslayer · 07-16-2007, 10:55 AM

I forgot to mention that I am considering used Buells. I like the wheels that are on the 2003 and later models, I like the dual headlights and inverted forks as well. I think those components would make a great street fighter down the road.

Rockbiter · 07-16-2007, 10:33 PM

the XB9 can go to 1200 without case boring, the 1200 can't go up (much) more without boring the cases. There may be a stroker option available, but then you are messing with more than displacement...

I don't think you can go wrong with a Revolution Performance, Nallin Racing or GMR, or Kind of Cubes kit. They have several bolt-on kits that will for your needs (or can order/make the parts to fit your specs)

Pikeslayer · 07-17-2007, 08:37 AM

Based on the info I'm getting, I'm thinking the way to go is to get a used XB9. That way the initial cost is lower. Eventually I will be replacing the jugs and pistons anyway.

On another note:

Is there plenty of efi tuning devices for the Buells like there are for the big twins? Or, would I be better off going with a carburetter?

NOYACANT · 07-17-2007, 02:02 PM

Pike,
You may be able to gather a bit more info on Buells over on the Bad Weather Biker Board. The post replies are a little sparse. Most of the questions I've asked, I'd found the answers elawhere before they were answered there. Plenty of good info though. If you want carbed, you'll be limited to a tube frame model. '02 or older Cyclone or pre '99 S model Lightning or Thunderbolt I believe. I'm partial to the "Tubers" myself. Picked up a like new '02 X1 for $4500 with 2300 mi on it. I see at least one or two go through ebay a week in parts. Get 'em before they're all cut up! Planned on chopping this one but it's too nice. Al Lighton over at American Sportbike can provide pretty much anything you may want for either model. The dude knows his Buells.