Hello. New member. 40yrs old, haven't had a motorbike for about 10 years. Previous to that had various big sports bikes for about 12 years as my daily form of transport as had no car. Job change, kids, ex-wife, bye bye bikes, hello family cars! Started on old Honda VFR400 NC30s, onto Fireblades, Hayabusa's, big v-twins like the Aprilla RSV Mille, Honda Firestorm and even had a Yamaha V-Max that chucked me off!

Anyway, always wanted a Buell, love v-twins and my ex father in law was a big American car and bike man, had a Harley Fatboy and a couple of Buell S1 lightnings, including a beautiful S1 White Lightning.

Seriously toying with the idea of a XB12R? Apologies if this should be in another forum, but what are peoples thoughts on the bike?

I'm not ever so mechanically minded, am I opening myself up for a world of mechanical heartbreak and cost if I use it as my daily commute? Seen various different opinions on them from people saying that they are very reliable and can't fault them to people that have had and would never have again as spent more time waiting for recovery than riding it. Parts still easily available? Harley still work on them or really need a private specialist?

Doesn't seem to be many for sale either, quick look on ebay and autotrader only shows 3 for sale in country, all black in colour, with anything from 8000 to 20000 miles on clock with scatty service histories. Always had big bikes so wasn't thinking of the XB9R but is there much difference between the two? Heard the XB12R is much better ride and more fun!

Any advice or thoughts would be most welcome.

Thanks

Gaz

Welcome Gaz.

Your ex father-in-law was into s1`s, talk to him .

Welcome Gaz
Physically, the 9 and 12 are the same size, just different power plant/delivery. Not ridden a 9 though so can't give any feedback on comparison.
Support wise, nothing now from Harley Davidson and also a big issues with HD Parts delivery to Europe at the moment. Support comes from specialists: e.g. Maz at the Emporium in Manchester and parts supply (for what they can get) from Riders in Bristol. If you're seriously considering ownership, suggest calling Maz (see here: http://www.ukbeg.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=18897
Had my XB12X for 15 years, know it intimately and generally been reliable though last year some electrical issues (now resolved) caused the need for a breakdown truck on more than one occasion.
My personal view is buying a Buell now is akin to buying any old model bike. You have to be prepared for things to go wrong and if using for commuting, to have a back-up plan.
Ownership can be a fantastically rewarding experience with the right bike.

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Buell owners should be committed (but not for life)

Buell ownership has a habit of turning riders into mechanics. If you're not mechanically minded don't do it. Just don't. It'll be a world of pain for you

There was a nice XB12R advertised on here and Ebay recently (the deep South of England), for sensible money. I'd have had it like a shot, but it was too far to travel for me.

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

I love my bolt, great for hooning around country lanes,not so good for long distance...but then again i am close to pension age

Adam. I am sure we could have picked it up for you and arranged delivery. Xx

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Valencia Orange XB12Scg - serviced by Maz 2018
Black P3 Blast - serviced by Maz and fixed by Maz in 2019

This one was tucked well out of the way in Cornishland. Never had an 'R', just fancied trying one.

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

Thanks for all the replies