| Author | Message | ||
     Sidefx |
This weekend I will be looking to purchase my first buell. Its a 2003 xb9s with 16k miles and from the pictures its all original. I talked the guy down to $3000 over emails and this weekend I think ill drive down to look at it. Is there anything I should look for? | ||
| Patrickmitchell |
See if the belt upgrade has been performed. Many of the 03s came with defective drive belts that snapped... Otherwise, service records, appearance, and the usual stuff. | ||
| Andymnelson |
^^ very incorrect info there. First off, all 2003s had the same belt system. The belts were not "defective" belts that "snapped". The original belts are prone to breaking IF MISHANDLED. You simply can not twist them or bend them sideways. Many of us (including me) have lots of miles on the original (not even upgraded the belt!) belt with no issues. I would not let the belt issue prevent you from buying the bike. I would however inspect the the belt (as would I with any Buell). The original wheel bearing were bad, and should have been replaced with ones with orange seals. If they were replaced VERY recently, the seals will be black as they switched back to black seals recently. You do not want the original black wheel bearings. There were some other changes over the years, but as long as it checks out good, you can't go wrong for $3000! | ||
| Sidefx |
is there a easy way to check the seals? what should i look for on the belt? and the new 2003 belts are not affected by mishandling anymore? | ||
| Andymnelson |
if the bearing seals are orange, you are good to go. If black, then you need to find out when (if ever) they were last replaced. Likely they will be orange. Yes the '03 belts are still affected my mishandling. Just don't mishandle them  The issue is not that they were defective, it's that mechanics (garage and "professional" alike) abused them and twisted them off to the side when doing tire changes etc. be gentle when the rear wheel is off and you'll be fine. If you really want to spend $500-600, go ahead and upgrade to the '04 and newer system. That's like 4 belt replacements tho, and I've never had to change one yet! As far as what to look for: check it for tears, fraying, holes etc. However, I have had 2 holes in the center of my belt for about 8,000 miles with no issue! But it might give you an excuse to get him to buy you a new belt  | ||
| Midknyte |
If he's got 16,000 miles on the belt, then just get it changed at it's service interval (sorry - can't remember how many miles that is...), or when you can afford to. Do not let it be the determining factor in the sale. A little fraying on the edge of the belt is ok. Look for cracks, missing teeth, rock penetration holes. Someone chime in w/ the Part Number of the upgraded 03 belt eh? (I think it's the 04 belt). | ||
| Sidefx |
how much are the bearing replacements? and how much is a belt? | ||
| Nillaice |
check the color of the little plastic ring on the wheel bearings. the owner might have the re-call paperwork from the servicing dealer or the owner has to 'release' the service records to you if you need to get them from the dealer. all belts are affected by mishandling. the 04 and newer style is just a far better design. many have switched to it or chain drive for improved reliability. the older style belts are thinner and have a smaller teeth and pulleys/sprockets. 11mm vs 14 mm i think. older rear sprocket is 72 teeth. older beltguards fully encloses the belt and the newer lets you see it. some remove the guards completely. older gaurds  older style belt when it breaks  | ||
| Nillaice |
a set of wheel bearings can be had for about 100 if i am not mistaken. pulling out the old and pressing in the new is where it might get costly if you pay someone to do it for you. belts are 175 new. i sold my used 03 belt for 50 shipped last fall when i upgraded | ||
| Sidefx |
i just read that the bearing were a recall... are they out of the recall period for replacement? | ||
| Froggy |
There was no recall for the bearings, only an optional free upgrade campaign. That program has expired and you would be on your own at this time to replace them. I checked online, the only recall on the 03's was the kickstand. | ||
| Midknyte |
I checked online, the only recall on the 03's was the kickstand. You should see an R stamped on the foot of the kickstand if I recall correctly. | ||
| Greg_e |
Make sure they really changed the oil in both the engine and the transmission! I bought my 03 last October and just changed the oils today... Looking at the parts I am 100% certain the gearbox has never had the oil changed in the 6600 miles and 7 years of its life. Not sure about the engine oil as it was pretty ugly. It runs a lot better now and shifts really nice now with the Mobile 1 V-twin oil. |
