Hi all, I have just joined and being my first post i thought i would ask some questions.
I don't currently own a buell, but i am looking at 1 or 2. I sold last year both my Sportster 1200 roadster and my Ducati monster 1200. The sportster went as although it looked the part, it was heavy didn't handle and was a pain above cruising speed, the monster for basically the opposite i hadn't the self control to to ride it like a hooligan.
So i am on the look out for a new bike. I have owned lots of twins from 65 bonnie through to the above mentioned and including various BMW's and Guzzi's.
I was initially looking at either a Bmw R nine T which i have test ridden and a new Triumph Thruxton 1200.
I am after a fun, torquey relatively light twin then i thought about a buell having lusted after an X1 lighting in my younger years.
So i am probably looking at either an Xb12 or 9. I was hopeful of finding a late model but i am struggling to hardly any for sale. What are the benefits from real owners of the 12 over the 9. I know if i buy one i will get it checked out and serviced at Maz's place reading the forum he seems to be the go to guru.
What do i need to look out for with one? is there any buying advice on the forum?
Any other advice welcomed.
Thanks and hello

Welcome Veg!

I like the XBs, I like the tube frame ones too and the 1125 is a fun little demon. Lots of differing opinions but I would say try and get to one and try them out for size etc. (The tube Buell feels too small for me unfortunately)

You're on to a good thing there with a visit to Maz...If you get a good deal on a Buell, spend the money on a full (proper) Emporium service, not just the HD dealer £100 per hour oil change. You'll then get loads of reliable miles on one of the most characterful and exciting bikes available to a normal budgeted human IMHO.

If you pay the 5 to 6k price sometimes seen on these bikes then this full service should have been done, if not, then they're trying to rip you off.

Can't help with the XB9 vs 12 question sorry but...
That's my 5p worth, more knowledgeable should be along shortly.

Thanks for the reply there is a lowish miles one on eBay at the moment but it is a 2004 model I believe probably wrongly that the later bikes are slightly better/more reliable?

Hi Veg,
I had a Firebolt 900 & although it handled like a dream when set up right, it took a lot of setting up.
As far as my opinion about it goes, I thought It was lacklustre & really lacked power. Top speed was 144mph but it had race ECM & Twin outlet race exhaust.
It just lacked grunt for me but that's just my opinion. Some people love 'em but I ain't one of them.
One thing I will say is that I was amazed at what Erik Buell did with the Harley engine considering the antiquated design.
The frame was absolutely astounding.
I haven't ridden a 1200.

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Ride Safe & Stay between the hedgerows.

If its the one for 5.5k then yes its a nice looking steed. But at that price I'd want recent receipts for steering head and swinging arm bearings (replaced not wiggle tested) wheel bearings too and a new genuine belt. If you are serious about this one then I'd gather more info on it and ring the Emporium, then you'd be able to make a more educated offer.

As for later XBs being better/more reliable... Not sure but I remember reading that 07/08 engines had stronger crank pin?? (someone correct me). I also think US emissions rules made same engines less powerful...Again, ring Maz.

If you're in no hurry for your Buell, weather says this is possible, I'd wait and see what pops up in the spring...But of course, Spring beauties will fly off the shelves and you may be left with the dregs.

Good luck with your hunt, I'm sure you will have no regrets if you shop wisely.

Welcome Good luck with the search

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Better to Burn Out Than Fade Away

In the garage -

2001 X1
KTM390 Duke
Ducati 950 Monster +
CCM Spitfire Scrambler

Welcome
I have owned a 09 Uly from new. I think the 08 on wards XB,s had a larger diameter crank pin plus an improved oil pump drive method which should be better for reliability they also revved a bit higher, but due to stricter emission regs had a different ecm map and smaller diameter down pipes to get the heat to the catalytic converter so made less power than earlier models. The fuelling at slow speed on mine is not very smooth but ok from 40mph, it needs a better fuel map.
Try to have a test ride before you buy including some low speed town use to see what you think.
The 08 + XB,s had an oval instead of a round cover on the right hand side of the engine.

Thanks for all your help and advice chaps will do a little more research and ask the owner of the one on ebay

So i have spoken to Maz and after his advice i won't be getting an xb12, i will however now be looking for a tube series Buell.
I would like to thank Maz for his advice and time v much appreciated.

And Maz converts another potential Bic owner

_________________
Better to Burn Out Than Fade Away

In the garage -

2001 X1
KTM390 Duke
Ducati 950 Monster +
CCM Spitfire Scrambler

Looking forward to seeing how you go with your shopping Veg. I've seen some beauty Tubers go the last couple of years (Kevmean) ...but also some nasty looking ones.

Funny thing is a family friend is selling a not too bad looking one in NZ postage is a bit shit but I thought about making an offer and having it stored for my retirement...again though, too small for me I'll post it up for interest.

Keep us posted.

For interest:

https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorb ... 3553d52d7c

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Mithered ta death.
92 MB
96 S2T
98 S1W
00 M2
01 X1
03 P3
10 CR

Nice one Maz

_________________
Ride Safe & Stay between the hedgerows.

That last post was regarding this & not your prospective bike Kiwi.

_________________
Ride Safe & Stay between the hedgerows.