Been looking into purchasing another bike lately, so decided to go out and have a look at what was around, in all two of the bike stores.
It's so damn hard to decide what kind of bike I want.
Do I want a sport bike, to be able to accelerate like an idiot when the mood takes me and the road is clear, gsxr600, or R6 or similar(not ruuling out the 1000s but I don't feel the need for capacity over everything else).
Do I want a retro styled bike in the vein of Ducati Sport Classic, or Triumph Thruxtons. Bikes I really like the look of, with more of a performance bent, but not out and out sports bikes.
How about something 'practical' like a Triumph Sprint GT, with its integral panniers and top box, no slouch out in the twisties, but with enough carrying capacity for all my usual weekly grocery or work gear needs.
Or do I want the Honda CB900 Hornet, "a more powerful, slightly bigger version of the GS500. " as Mister described it.
Maybe something a little rarer in these tropical locales, like a Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport, Aprilia Shiver, or MV Brutale (with all the associated parts and servicing hassles that would entail).
Or do I really just want to win lotto so I can have all the bikes my heart desires, and somewhere suitable to put them. :cry:
Indecision is such a pain. :confused:
It might be so much easier if I lived somewhere, where I could do test rides.
Or you could live where I live, where there are very few reasonable options to decide between.
There is no such thing as too many options.
Pave:
Decisions decisions.
A little heads up... the MV is NOT very forgiving; make a mistake and it Will bite you hard (I've heard this from three owners).
Thruxtons and the other 875cc options from Triumph don't have much difference performance than the GS500. A little more torque is about it.
With bike decisions.... first and foremost, be a loner. Avoid your well-meaning buddies who all ride X cause That's the direction the peer pressure will steer you (remember remko or whatever from Sydney who couldn't handle the pressure and embarked on making his GS500 look like a GSXR). Make the bike one that suits YOUR needs and wants. And, make it a bike you will feel comfortable riding. Aching hip flexors, wrists, calves, lower back, etc., will see you not want to take the bike out for a spin - defeating the purpose of having the bike in the first place.
Luggage options can be added to most any bike. A simple Ventura Rack being the most flexible I think.
Acceleration-wise, bikes like the 900 Hornet and Z750 can accelerate quite well indeed.
With only two stores in town, it's gonna be tough for you. You might need to go for a little holiday down to Bris, Syd or Melb and see whats what down there - and go for test rides of everything.
Michael
Quotethe MV is NOT very forgiving; make a mistake and it Will bite you hard (I've heard this from three owners).
Yeah, I have heard similar, along with QC issues. Some guys seem to have no problems and others spend more time in the workshop than on the road. That and the fact that there are no authorised service centres for anything that even hints at exotic in Darwin put things like Aprilia, MV, and Guzzis firmly at the bottom of the list. Be nice to ride something a bit different, but not if I have to put up with second-rate/no ability to get things fixed if/when they need it.
QuoteMake the bike one that suits YOUR needs and wants.
That's what I am trying do. Would be so much easier if I really knew what it was I wanted out of a bike. I m leaning more towards the touring side of things, but want some performance too.
Your review of the Hornet, and pics of it with the luggage racks do place it highter on my list. I like the GS500 and the way it handles so a bigger version if that is appealing. However I am really tempted by the Sprint GT, reviews (limited as they are in their real world application) are quite positive, and got to look at one in person, for some reason I had the thought that it was much bigger. Not nearly as physically intimidating as I had pictured in my mind.
If I had the cash and the space I suspect that there would be two bikes that I would buy.
Triumph Sprint GT.
And one of, Ducati SportClassic, Triumph Thruxton, or possibly one of the new Norton Commandos. Haven't seen the commando in the flesh though.
QuoteYou might need to go for a little holiday down to Bris, Syd or Melb and see whats what down there - and go for test rides of everything.
Have actually considered that, though I was thinking more along the lines of Adelaide, that way if I did buy, it would just be a straight shot up the centre to ride the bike home if I chose. Not sure what Adelaide is like for model variety/availability though.
Not rushing into anything though, not sure if I will be in darwin after this year, so will most likely hold off till then , plus it will giver me more cash to play with.
I guess your not state side, finding a 919 Hornet over hear is IMPOSSIBLE! :cry:
Quote from: Twism86 on April 15, 2011, 04:33:03 AM
I guess your not state side, finding a 919 Hornet over hear is IMPOSSIBLE! :cry:
Amen! There was one in the local dealership several years back (whatever year it was that they did actually sell 'em here), and it was the most insanely-comfortable non-cruiser I've EVER sat on. I would LOVE to have one of those.
Quote from: murf425 on April 15, 2011, 05:05:55 AM
Quote from: Twism86 on April 15, 2011, 04:33:03 AM
I guess your not state side, finding a 919 Hornet over hear is IMPOSSIBLE! :cry:
Amen! There was one in the local dealership several years back (whatever year it was that they did actually sell 'em here), and it was the most insanely-comfortable non-cruiser I've EVER sat on. I would LOVE to have one of those.
I just found 3 on ebay but none nearby.
I'm completely in love with the MV Brutale, always have been, but doubt I'll ever own one. I've owned a Triumph and now Buell, and even though both bikes worked great, there's just something to be said for having a japanese bike where you can get parts everywhere. I've never seen a brutale in person, but there is an MV dealership half way between Pittsburgh and DC, so I've plotted it out on my route to visit my sister in a few weeks so I can go sit on one.
You definitely want to pick something you want, but you do need to at least partially consider what/how your friends ride when you shop. Motorcycling is a pretty social thing and if you already know how you're gonna end up riding you might get bored/tired with YOUR decision if it doesnt line up with your friends. I love my buell, and it was 100% the bike I wanted, suits me very well, but sometimes when I go out with friends who have japanese and more sporty bikes and we end up zipping down the highway, all I wish is that I had a gsxr750. As soon we we're on a back road or it's just me again, I'm back to being in love with my bike. It's definitely good advice to buy the bike YOU want, but you've just gotta take into account all the riding you're gonna be doing, not just your ideal riding. I'm sure that's not too much of an issue though if you're looking at sport touring bikes though.
I go back and forth all the time debating what kind of bike I want, but it's usually bikes in very similar classes, I'm glad I'm not all over the showroom floor like you are!
If you were gonna go with the Sports Classic you would want to check you have a pretty reputable Ducati mechanic up that way. They require a bit a love from someone who specialises in them.
Quoteyou would want to check you have a pretty reputable Ducati mechanic up that way. They require a bit a love from someone who specialises in them.
Very true. Last I heard there was exactly
one ducati trained mechanic in Darwin and he didn't even work for the ducati dealership any more.
Quote from: Twisted on April 15, 2011, 07:06:48 AM
If you were gonna go with the Sports Classic you would want to check you have a pretty reputable Ducati mechanic up that way. They require a bit a love from someone who specialises in them.
The main reason i wont own a Duc even though I love them.....
Twisted, dont make another post!! Your at 666!
im gonna get a 650 dual sport
I've thought about this for a while myself. I think my next bike will be a VFR800. I like everything about the GS500 except the lack of power (which isn't that bad...but maybe 50% more would be nice) and lack of wind protection. I had a 600 for a while; that thing was seriously fast but honestly for commuting it was too much and touring wouldn't be comfortable at all. A VFR800 seems like a very practical bike; still being sporty enough to have fun in the canyons, and comfortable enough to tour on. Plus it's a Honda, so it should basically go forever as long as you change the oil once or twice.
Don't buy because you feel you "have to buy a new bike".
Just wait. Be patient and one day it will hit you: "This is what I want!" then buy it. You'll be happy and no regrets of "Should I have bought that other one?"
I was going to buy a GSX650F. Test rode it and loved it. Then I wondered what I would be really getting for $4000 more? Better instruments and 100 more pounds of bike. Nothing more. So I bought a used GS500 and restored him (that's Junior). Then I bought Trey. He's going through identity crisis. Right now he's ghey, turned purple and fell in love with Junior. (At least he didn't put on that red tank with the pink squiggles :icon_eek: (http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/GS500/tank_gs500.jpg) ) The day I decide to die, I'll put on that tank, matching tail and go park in front of a Harley heavy leather bar and yell "Pink bikes rule! Chrome is for sissies!". With my luck there'd be a Harley girl in there that loves a pink bike :oops:
Thinking of painting it black, but I hate ruining brand new factory originals. I do have that yellow tank from Trey to paint :icon_lol:
So the short of it is: wait until you see what you just can't live without. Don't buy because you feel you have to or because a sales weasel is making you a "special deal".
(PS: Why does the filter screw with the word g a y ? )
The filter is a homophobe adidas.
The Thruxtons are a very good bike, I just would not call them much of an upgrade in the performance of a GS is all. If I remember correctly they're only pumping out 60 horses from that 900. Sure they spank the GS in the looks department but I think you will find yourself in the same boat as now if you do buy one as you are not really upgrading. I was considering the Thruxton as my next bike. I took one for a run and almost had a deposit down until I went home and thought it over.
Best bet is to be patient and ride as many bikes as you can. I rode quiet a few and after most I just could not wait to get on back on my GS. You will soon realise how good a bike your little GS is until you ride a few different bikes. That was of course until I took a 900 Ducati Monster for a spin :flipoff:.
Everyone's different but it helps to think a bit with your head more than your heart till you find the bike that appeals to both.
Have you taken a Street Triple for a run yet?
Ride a lot of bikes! I never did before but really wish I had. Once it warms up and I find more people to ride with I'm gonna hop on any bike I can get permission to ride. It's a pain trying to decide which bike you want 100% based off of what you think a bike would feel like.
The thruxtons look great, I just can't wrap my mind around people paying that much money for a bike that's pretty much equal to an $800 craigslist cb750 with $200-300 worth of modifications.
When you're done with that Street Triple, bring it by so I can try it out!
Quote from: twistedHave you taken a Street Triple for a run yet?
Would love to, but can't take anything for a run unless I know someone who owns one and is willing to let me hop on for a spin. No test rides.
A mate did offer to let me go for a blat on his monster though, I should see about taking him up on that.
The Striple has decent enough Go. Not much space for a pillion. But man, the heat radiating through the seat from the exhaust turned me off all together. People rave about the S3, but I thought the Striple was more comfy. And seriously, where on the road am I gonna use what the S3 can do - I don't ride that way and have no desire for track days.
Why no Test Rides where you are?
Michael
The bike stores up here just don't allow test rides. No idea why, not worth the hassle arguing with.
Aesthetically I don't like what the are doing to the new street triples either. Same stupid bugeye headlights as the speed. The round headlights were much better to look at.
Quote from: pave_spectre on April 16, 2011, 12:10:30 AM
The bike stores up here just don't allow test rides. No idea why, not worth the hassle arguing with.
Aesthetically I don't like what the are doing to the new street triples either. Same stupid bugeye headlights as the speed. The round headlights were much better to look at.
So that means you're only option is to get rides from private sellers, right? So let's see...
Honda 919 - none available in your state
Striple - none available in your state
Sprint - one available
Ducati - no private sellers bikes
Kawasaki - only a 1999 KAWASAKI ZX-9R.
Geez, might as well have no selection at all - according to bikesales.com.au
BTW, even though you could ride the bike home, consider having it transported as well. Maybe from someone like Bikes Only http://www.bikesonly.com.au/ (Of course, if you relocate from where you are then that's different.)
Michael
Precision Motorcycles
I would check this beauty out - http://motorcycles-for-sale.com.au/display_listing/16925/2008_HONDA_CB_600_Hornet.html
Here is a 900 Hornet - http://motorcycles-for-sale.com.au/display_listing/18214/2007_HONDA_CB_900_F.html
Definitely try your mates Monster. The thing about Monster is they are very raw. Not smooth and quiet like most Jap bikes. What model does he have?
Like Mister said too it might be good to plan a trip to Sydney or somewhere and make a weekend of test riding some bikes.
Quote from: Twism86 on April 15, 2011, 04:33:03 AM
I guess your not state side, finding a 919 Hornet over hear is IMPOSSIBLE! :cry:
If you are near PA, Bedford Motorsports has had a 919 sitting on their floor for a long time. It catches my eye every time I'm in there. It was NOS for a long time, then they customized it (exhaust, chrome wheels, turn signals...) thinking it would sell better.
-Jessie
Quote from: Twisted on April 16, 2011, 01:42:07 AM
Precision Motorcycles
I would check this beauty out - http://motorcycles-for-sale.com.au/display_listing/16925/2008_HONDA_CB_600_Hornet.html
Here is a 900 Hornet - http://motorcycles-for-sale.com.au/display_listing/18214/2007_HONDA_CB_900_F.html
They had the 900 Hornet sitting out the front when I went looking on Friday. Looks nice and is high on my list. But without a test ride I don't want to fork over the cash. Only reason I bought the GS without a test ride, was everyone I spoke to said it was a good bike, and a few of those had acually owned one :D, plus my LAMS options were limited up here, it was either that or a hyosung.
QuoteDefinitely try your mates Monster. The thing about Monster is they are very raw. Not smooth and quiet like most Jap bikes. What model does he have?
it's a 1000, about an 08-09 model i believe.
QuoteLike Mister said too it might be good to plan a trip to Sydney or somewhere and make a weekend of test riding some bikes.
Would love to, and it's definitely on the cards, just too much going on with work at the moment for me to take some time off. Suspect I would want a week to procrastinate over it rather than just a weekend.
Quote from: pave_spectre on April 16, 2011, 05:42:32 AM
Quote from: Twisted on April 16, 2011, 01:42:07 AM
Precision Motorcycles
I would check this beauty out - http://motorcycles-for-sale.com.au/display_listing/16925/2008_HONDA_CB_600_Hornet.html
Here is a 900 Hornet - http://motorcycles-for-sale.com.au/display_listing/18214/2007_HONDA_CB_900_F.html
They had the 900 Hornet sitting out the front when I went looking on Friday. Looks nice and is high on my list. But without a test ride I don't want to fork over the cash. Only reason I bought the GS without a test ride, was everyone I spoke to said it was a good bike, and a few of those had acually owned one :D, plus my LAMS options were limited up here, it was either that or a hyosung.
QuoteDefinitely try your mates Monster. The thing about Monster is they are very raw. Not smooth and quiet like most Jap bikes. What model does he have?
it's a 1000, about an 08-09 model i believe.
Did they have the 600 Hornet there? Those things are sexy. And they've got a pretty decent donk in em too. They use the same engine as the 600rr and are apparently a blast to ride with comparison to the Street Triple.
Sounds like your mates Ducati is a S2R or S4R. Very nice bikes with the single sided swing arms on them. Only thing I don't like is the shotgun exhaust on them and the plastic tanks. They've got the same motor as my 1000IE. If it is the S4R take it easy lol.
[quote autho
Quote from: Twisted on April 16, 2011, 01:42:07 AM
Definitely try your mates Monster. The thing about Monster is they are very raw. Not smooth and quiet like most Jap bikes. What model does he have?
These are the reasons that it's great to try out other bikes when you get a chance, even if you don't think you'll want to buy that one. My old triumph was super smooth and refined, but my xb is super raw like Twisted's bike, to the point that I'm afraid to let it idle on the sidestand if I'm not right next to it because it shakes so hard. It was weird at first but it feels 100% normal to me now, and when I try out my friends triumph, same one I used to have, I don't even like the feeling of how smooth it is anymore. Bikes keep getting more and more refined, but that doesn't necessarily make them more fun.
[/quote]r=BaltimoreGS link=topic=55790.msg631603#msg631603 date=1302956825]
If you are near PA, Bedford Motorsports has had a 919 sitting on their floor for a long time. It catches my eye every time I'm in there. It was NOS for a long time, then they customized it (exhaust, chrome wheels, turn signals...) thinking it would sell better.
-Jessie
[/quote]
While you're finding people bikes, find me an xb12 :icon_mrgreen: bedford is only 2.5 hours from me. Someone actually has a nice one in Baltimore he just put up for sale, if he still has it in 3 weeks I'm gonna come take a look at it while I'm visiting my sister in DC. If we work out a good price I'm gonna buy it, leave it at her house for a few weeks, then eventually ride it back to Pittsburgh when I can get a ride from PGH to DC.
You getting another Buell? Nice :thumb:
My mate has the S2R.
QuoteDid they have the 600 Hornet there?
I think it might have been the one sitting right next to the 900, but I was too focused on the 900 at the time to notice :D
Quote from: Twisted on April 16, 2011, 04:57:43 PM
You getting another Buell? Nice :thumb:
I love my xb9, but I need a little more. The bottom end is fantastic, but it tops out at only 92hp. Even my old triumph 600 had 97hp. It's great for riding around town and on twisty roads, but when I hit a straight and really get on the throttle it leaves a little to be desired. I've got a friend with an xb12, I've gotta get a test ride on his first to make sure it's everything I hope for, otherwise I may just go for a gsxr750 instead. I never got to test ride the xb9 before I bought it since it was 5 hours away, but if I had I probably would've held out for a 12. Don't want to make that mistake again.
Once I find one I'm just gonna sell the xb9 and use that money on a DRZ400sm(or a tarded wr450, if I can find one with a title).
Slightly off topic. But TT, I think you'll find this video of Eric Buell putting together an engine to be interesting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQPKYnM3jfI
I saw that video yesterday! it's amazing that's all that's inside of a motor like that. Wish I could find a video like that of an xb motor.
Mister (Michael) is absolutely right. Motorcycling is different for everyone, so you have to decide for yourself what you want. There are many choices today compared to a generation ago so it makes choosing harder, but in the end you'll be more satisfied if you gain your own experiences riding what you've been riding, then ride as many different types of bikes as you can, then decide for yourself. Don't listen to what your buddies tell you if they're trying to steer you. They may believe a certain model is a lemon and that's OK. Don't blame them for trying to steer you away from what they think are lemons but if they're all hot on getting you on the bike they see you on, that's not something I would listen to. If they really want to help they'll let you ride their bike to see if you like it. If you're patient and keep your ego in check you'll end-up with a bike you love owning and riding rather than just love showing to people.
For instance, I'm not a 10/10ths rider so hard-core sport bikes are off my list. My back hates cruisers so they're off the list too. Certain styles of bikes will fall off your list too for various reasons. This will hopefully make choosing a little easier. And yeah, the Honda 919 is awesome. It's such a well-balanced machine in every way with tons of easy-to-control power, yet only weighs slightly more than our GS. It can be used for commuting, blasting around, or two-up touring. It's tough bike to criticize unless you're in love with cruisers.
Then the money comes into it. Using the 919 as an example, let's say you love it and you want one. You may find a similar bike you like almost as well for considerably less money. The more popular a bike is the more they sell for used, so that's another decision you have to weigh between your wants and checkbook on your own. You may not mind riding a popular bike. You may prefer to ride something more unique. Again, that's up to you. You also want to think about who fixes bikes where you live. Ducati mechanics are generally much harder to find than Suzuki mechanics, and they cost more too, as do the parts. Best of luck to you.
Yeah, don't let things like this influence you too much
http://youtu.be/9mQJaXwGPlg
(00:29 seconds for those of you that are that impatient)
Quote from: tt_four on April 17, 2011, 06:44:27 PM
Yeah, don't let things like this influence you too much
http://youtu.be/9mQJaXwGPlg
(00:29 seconds for those of you that are that impatient)
Lmao....I was thinking wtf till I got to the 29 sec mark. You can tell he has no idea how to ride by the fact he twists the throttle like he is a little kid pretending to ride a motorbike on their bicycle.
Oh and I am still waiting to snag a hot Russian tennis player on my Ducati.
Quote from: bill14224Don't listen to what your buddies tell you if they're trying to steer you.
No way would I drop a significant amount of coin on a bike just on other peoples hearsay. Someones opinion might steer me to look at a bike I might not otherwise have considered, or to pay more attention to a bikes faults to determine if it was something I could really live with, but in the end, if I don't like how a bike rides, I am not buying it.
Quote from: bill14224For instance, I'm not a 10/10ths rider so hard-core sport bikes are off my list.
Same with me mostly. I wouldn't mind trying out a few 600/750 sports bikes, but I don't think I could live with those bikes long term. Maybe if I could afford a dedicated track bike.
Quote from: Twisted on April 17, 2011, 07:16:14 PM
You can tell he has no idea how to ride by the fact he twists the throttle like he is a little kid pretending to ride a motorbike on their bicycle.
That's how I ride mine :dunno_black:
Haha I know, right? How does someone like that not know how to ride a motorcycle?? What were rich people doing in their spare time back in 2001?
Quote from: tt_four on April 18, 2011, 04:16:48 AM
Quote from: Twisted on April 17, 2011, 07:16:14 PM
You can tell he has no idea how to ride by the fact he twists the throttle like he is a little kid pretending to ride a motorbike on their bicycle.
That's how I ride mine :dunno_black:
Haha I know, right? How does someone like that not know how to ride a motorcycle?? What were rich people doing in their spare time back in 2001?
Inrique needs some tips from Halle - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb4rovaOLXE
(34 sec mark for the impatient)
Quote from: tt_four on April 17, 2011, 06:44:27 PM
Yeah, don't let things like this influence you too much
http://youtu.be/9mQJaXwGPlg
(00:29 seconds for those of you that are that impatient)
Thanks for that...now I "can't escape MILO..." now...and what is with the smoke going straight up from the pipes? they couldn't afford a fan?
Later.
Quote from: Twisted on April 18, 2011, 06:48:35 PM
Quote from: tt_four on April 18, 2011, 04:16:48 AM
Quote from: Twisted on April 17, 2011, 07:16:14 PM
You can tell he has no idea how to ride by the fact he twists the throttle like he is a little kid pretending to ride a motorbike on their bicycle.
That's how I ride mine :dunno_black:
Haha I know, right? How does someone like that not know how to ride a motorcycle?? What were rich people doing in their spare time back in 2001?
Inrique needs some tips from Halle - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb4rovaOLXE
(34 sec mark for the impatient)
Kinda like an acid trip of a bike ride...and the helmet magically appears for the ride, then dissappears at the end of it...?? but definately an improvement over Enrique...
Later.
haha I thought I saw a helmet for a few seconds there. Almost as bad as the bicycle race scene from Quicksilver between kevin bacon and larry fishburn where kevin's bike switches back and forth between fixed gear, brakes, no brakes, freewheel, coaster brake about 10 times within a 45 second race.
It's cool always seeing ducatis and triumphs and mv agustas in movies, but to be honest sometimes I wish I could just see someone riding a good old gsxr on TV.
Yeh they always seem to go what they think is exotic. Although Angelina jolie rides a street triple in Salt. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-xw2yQSeMU
Lol love the over dubs but man that bike sounds sexier than Angelina looks.
Found this! A look into the future tt four when he gets his 750 gixer. :icon_lol:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6wdoQohx04
Quote from: Twisted on April 18, 2011, 09:51:22 PM
Yeh they always seem to go what they think is exotic. Although Angelina jolie rides a street triple in Salt. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-xw2yQSeMU
Lol love the over dubs but man that bike sounds sexier than Angelina looks.
Angeline actually owns and rides a Striple. Word is, she specifically requested it (that model) for the movie.
Michael
Quote from: tt_four on April 16, 2011, 07:03:37 PM
Quote from: Twisted on April 16, 2011, 04:57:43 PM
You getting another Buell? Nice :thumb:
I love my xb9, but I need a little more. The bottom end is fantastic, but it tops out at only 92hp. Even my old triumph 600 had 97hp. It's great for riding around town and on twisty roads, but when I hit a straight and really get on the throttle it leaves a little to be desired. I've got a friend with an xb12, I've gotta get a test ride on his first to make sure it's everything I hope for, otherwise I may just go for a gsxr750 instead. I never got to test ride the xb9 before I bought it since it was 5 hours away, but if I had I probably would've held out for a 12. Don't want to make that mistake again.
Once I find one I'm just gonna sell the xb9 and use that money on a DRZ400sm(or a tarded wr450, if I can find one with a title).
Here is one for ya! No number, but I never seen a scam add for a Buell http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/2333609128.html Looks very similar to the CB1000r. I'm looking forward to those hitting the used market in a few years :cheers:
Quote from: redhawkdancing on April 19, 2011, 04:42:59 AM
Here is one for ya! No number, but I never seen a scam add for a Buell http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/2333609128.html
Good find, I've actually talked to that guy already because he's on Buellxb.com and listed the bike there as well. If he still has it when I go to visit my sister in DC in a few weeks I'll probably go check it out. I could buy it, leave it at my sisters house, then catch a ride from Pittsburgh to DC with her at the end of May and ride it home. I'll see how it goes though.
there are ways to up the hp on a sportster powerplant. easy and fairly inexpensive. can bump your xb9 to an xb12 by replacing teh cylinders and pistons. reusing the con rods, and heads
I thought about converting my motor to a 9. The 12 has a longer stroke so I think I'd have to replace the entire crankshaft, and on top of that I'd need to replace the ECM, throttle bodies, header, tachometer, and maybe one or two other things I'm not thinking of. Then I thought about just finding an xb12 motor to put in my frame, although again I'd need to find all the other parts to go with it. That option would be nice because I could stick my xb9 motor on a shelf and hang on to it for the future. I think it'll end up being easier just to replace the whole deal.
Quote from: tt_four on April 20, 2011, 11:46:36 AM
I thought about converting my motor to a 9. The 12 has a longer stroke so I think I'd have to replace the entire crankshaft, and on top of that I'd need to replace the ECM, throttle bodies, header, tachometer, and maybe one or two other things I'm not thinking of. Then I thought about just finding an xb12 motor to put in my frame, although again I'd need to find all the other parts to go with it. That option would be nice because I could stick my xb9 motor on a shelf and hang on to it for the future. I think it'll end up being easier just to replace the whole deal.
you have an xb9 dont you? if so the engine and transmission are one piece. aka sportster type
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on April 24, 2011, 03:41:43 AM
if so the engine and transmission are one piece. aka sportster type
I'm confused by this statement, aren't all engines and transmissions together in one piece?
Quote from: tt_four on April 24, 2011, 06:19:29 AM
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on April 24, 2011, 03:41:43 AM
if so the engine and transmission are one piece. aka sportster type
I'm confused by this statement, aren't all engines and transmissions together in one piece?
Lots of Harley's have seperate engine and transmissions with a big drive belt connecting the engine crankshaft to the transmission. It is exposed for looks on a lot of custom bikes.
-Jessie
(http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/jessiedoran/beltdrive.jpg)
Ooh, well my xb9 has that. It's still under an engine cover, and driven with a chain instead of a belt, but it's there...
(http://www.maxsalvage.com/media/15/a20791712e4ea2249c6113_m.JPG)
Quote from: BaltimoreGS on April 24, 2011, 07:48:29 AM
(http://i735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/jessiedoran/beltdrive.jpg)
I'm sorry if I offend any Harley enthusiasts out there but that would have to be the most redneck bike I have seen.
Quote from: tt_four on April 24, 2011, 12:00:49 PM
Ooh, well my xb9 has that. It's still under an engine cover, and driven with a chain instead of a belt, but it's there...
(http://www.maxsalvage.com/media/15/a20791712e4ea2249c6113_m.JPG)
that xb9 engine can be built up to xb12 size. by changing cylinders and pistons only. everyhting else is re-used. and covered by hd warranty ;)
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on April 25, 2011, 03:55:14 AM
that xb9 engine can be built up to xb12 size. by changing cylinders and pistons only. everyhting else is re-used. and covered by hd warranty ;)
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That might be true for sportsters, but not XBs. XB9s and XB12s use the same cylinders/bore. The entire change in displacement comes from the longer stroke of the 12. They do have different pistons, guys with xb12s like to use xb9 pistons because it ups their compression. The only other difference between the motors is the primary gears/chain. The 12 is geared slightly taller to make up for the lower RPM limit(because of the longer stroke). Guys with XB12s also like to put xb9 primary gears on their bike for the extra torque, though it'll lower your top speed/cruising rpm, and these bikes are already geared low for the street as it is.
After that.... They use different ECMs, injectors, throttle bodies, 12s have a wider diameter header, so you'll spend a bit on all of that stuff too. The stock exhausts are different because the 12 has a valve in it, if you're gonna run an aftermarket exhaust, which I assume you would if you're going through this much trouble to upgrade for power, then you don't have to worry about the exhaust difference because they'll be the same.