XB12R OR XB9R ???

[DJRYDBRG]

WHICH DO YOU THINK HAS THE BEST POTENTIAL FOR PERFORMANCE AND WHY? I'VE BEEN TOLD THE XB9R DOES FOR SOME REASON. I HAVE NO IDEA, WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE DOES.

[ironhead1977]

The 9 has a shorter stroke therefore quicker revs.

[azsnow]

This is true, and with the amount of aftermarket big bore kits out there, the wallet is the limit! Same stroke as the XBRR

[2Evil4U]

How much do you want to spend is absolutely correct.

HP-wise, there's no replacement for displacement, all else held equal. 11 Hp and 14lbft torque additional for the stock 12. With a few easy additions, I'd say my 12X is about 100ish at the rear wheel. (Too much for my skill level, but just about right otherwise.)

Handling-wise, it's probably a function of setup and rider ability. I don't know that the 9's are all that much lighter than the 12's (about 5lbs according to the Buell site) so that's probably not much of a factor.