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07zzr6004me · 07-28-2008, 02:09 PM

Regarding your "low CG" comment, I do believe that Honda built a $1,000,000 dollar test bike with a whole host of sensory a few years ago, that proved for a street/track performer, actually a higher CG is needed to make the bike more flick-able sort of like a pendulum. Otherwise the weight down low is counter productive and actually fights the bikes ability to lean. After I assaulted a set of twisties in the XB9, I definitely felt like this was a factor.

The "keep the weight low where it belongs" campaign was when Buell was under the tenure of HD, which you have to consider the source.

Also a note on the steering. To me on every street bike "shy of a cruiser" I have ridden, at speeds < 5MPH the bike steers traditionally. At speeds > 5MPH the bike countersteers. On the XB9 it felt like that number bumped up to 15MPH, which created an odd situation in low speed corners IMO.

Also if you are dead set on a XB9 or XB12, you might search used. The bikes have been virtually unchanged since early 2000's.

For the Streetfighter look and feel, have you considered a KTM 690 Duke or a 990 Super Duke?

07-28-2008, 02:09 PM	#228 (permalink)
07zzr6004me Superbike Racer Join Date: May 2008 Location: Nor cal Age: 28 Posts: 261 Casino Cash: $8074 Sportbike: 07 Kawi zzr600	Regarding your "low CG" comment, I do believe that Honda built a $1,000,000 dollar test bike with a whole host of sensory a few years ago, that proved for a street/track performer, actually a higher CG is needed to make the bike more flick-able sort of like a pendulum. Otherwise the weight down low is counter productive and actually fights the bikes ability to lean. After I assaulted a set of twisties in the XB9, I definitely felt like this was a factor. The "keep the weight low where it belongs" campaign was when Buell was under the tenure of HD, which you have to consider the source. Also a note on the steering. To me on every street bike "shy of a cruiser" I have ridden, at speeds < 5MPH the bike steers traditionally. At speeds > 5MPH the bike countersteers. On the XB9 it felt like that number bumped up to 15MPH, which created an odd situation in low speed corners IMO. Also if you are dead set on a XB9 or XB12, you might search used. The bikes have been virtually unchanged since early 2000's. For the Streetfighter look and feel, have you considered a KTM 690 Duke or a 990 Super Duke? Last edited by 07zzr6004me : 07-28-2008 at 02:11 PM.