| Author | Message | ||
     William |
The Good: Torque, compact riding position, out-of- the-box styling/engineering, raw character/attitude (Having owned Japanese sportbikes almost exclusively, my rational/practical side questions buying a Buell as a second bike, but the Lightning has a way of getting under your skin ... and staying there) The Bad: Oil leak from the bottom of the left side engine case at end of test ride; seat cover separated from the back seam (I really wanted to like the bike, but my nagging concerns over quality/reliability weren't put to rest obviously) The Ugly: overaggressive salesman who gave used car dealers a good name (This guy sat me down in his office and started the paperwork before I even test rode the bike, let alone agreed to purchase. He later accused me of taking a "joyride" when I attempted to negotiate down from his price. I let him know that I resented the remark and said just because your sales tactics might work for selling Harleys, they won't work with me. Regarding the aforementioned oil leak, when I brought it to his attention, he dismissed it and said it was from a bike parked there earlier. When he rolled the bike into the showroom, another drop fell to the floor and I got oil on my fingers from feeling around the engine case. Summary: I had a sneaky suspicion I would like the Buell's riding experience, so that's why I took the demo ride. Variety is the spice of life, right? After the Sales Mgr. got involved, I was able to get a pretty decent offer: $9,995 OTD (9,537 + 286 tax + 172 set-up/tags/doc. fee). I'm mulling it over now. P.S. - I recently discovered this site and want to thank all contributors for their input. I've gleaned a lot of valuable info in a short time. | ||
| Imonabuss |
William, The quality on these bikes is really excellent, and there are plenty who will testify to it. They seem to be virtually leak free, so it is a true oddity to hear of one leaking. I've never seen a split seam on one of the seats either, so maybe it's damage to the demo from some accident or abuse. It is tough to deal with a jerk salesman, though, that has surely turned many people off. Sounds like a really good price, however. Maybe that's the silver lining in the cloud of dealing with a bad sales person. If they can't sell well, they have to discount! | ||
| Fullpower |
william welcome to the badweb. i am glad you had a fun test ride. i had a 12S get under my skin too, just had to have one. had a problem with local salesman, so i ordered out of state, had my lightning shipped right to my door. the freight was only $228 and i live in alaska. so i am sure you can find a way around the dipstick used car salesman. i have 3400 miles on now, and having a bunch of fun with the bike. corbin seat makes a nice upgrade. i like mine. later, dean | ||
| M1combat |
I've got 4K miles on mine and at about 250 I noticed that there was a little oil seeping (and I mean seeping) from the fittings at the bottom of the oil cooler. I tightened them up about 1/8 turn and NO sign of oil since (except when I poked a hole through the oil filter to remove it and like a ••••••• poked pretty low...). | ||
| Kaudette |
I have a 12S and had a similar experience to M1 above. The leak is most likely either the oil cooler fitting or a primary gasket that was not torqued correctly. In your case it would appear as though the test mile has not been maintained correctly - not suprizing considering the sales skills of that dealership. The only other issue I have had is a faulty fron isolator that "should" be covered under warranty. Otherwise a very nice bike for every day riding - with Synth in the tranny it actually shifts very well and synth in the motor quiets down the valve clatter as well. The biggest prob with Buell is the dealer network (the good shops excluded - Daves, Bubba, etc...) but once you buy it all the maintenance is pretty wrench free so not a big deal after the fact. | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
William, The Bad: The seat cover is easily explainable, i have seen a few of the demo bikes like that and it seems to be from taking the seat on and off ALOT. If the bike was taken to a demo event, liek the springfest event here, it seemed like the seat was off as much as it was on while the virtues of the adjustable shock were shown off. As for the oil leak, it could be as simple as a weeping oilline as M1 suggested with it running back the length of the chinfairing, or the clutch inspection cover gasket wasn't replaced when they changed the oil allowing it to seep. IF it is actually coming from the primary cover gasket I would suspect a loose bolt. | ||
| Unibear12r |
I've not had to put any oil in my 12R (except for the 1k service). I get a thin film on one of the oil cooler connections but its NOT oil. It's tire material sticking to the hot line. Soft, sticky tires. Wipes right off. The bike has had zero problems at all. Nothing but Good here. | ||
| William |
The red XB12S I took on my demo ride only had 9 miles on the odometer. Prior to the test ride, I asked to look under the seat but the salesman had some trouble removing it. So, that may have been the first time it was actually removed. To his credit once the defect was detected, he offered to swap seats with one of the other two XB12s in stock. I wish more concern was shown about the leak I found. If my experience is anything typical, it's clear that Buells aren't a priority at H-D dealerships. The bike, and Erik Buell, deserve better. I don't have anything against Harleys, but the whole Harley "experience" kinda rubs me the wrong way. Despite some misgivings, I probably won't find a better price anywhere else for a Lightning, however. If I'm right, I'd be buying it for around dealer cost ... decisions, decisions. | ||
| Torqer |
I also have a 12S and have no problems. I've come to buell from a dozen years on Italian and Japanese sport bikes. This is the funnest bike I've ever owned. Your salesman experience is saddening. I'm a sales rep for a dealer who recognizes the need for us to reach out to the sport riding community and give a good experience. I believe we are an exception in the dealer network. It is easier to go buy a Japanese bike with confidence... they always get a good write-up, they're relatively affordable, and have proven themselves reliable. What your salesman needs to realize is that he has to overcome years of so so press, tube frame model recalls, and that he's not dealing with a Harley consumer who was sold on the bike when he was a kid. However, the price you got just about makes the bike a gift. If you buy it, you will not be disappointed. If you are concerned about the potential oil leak... ask for a different one. Good luck!  | ||
| Fst_tyms |
I have an Xb9R and test drove an XB12s. 1st off, I was dissappointed in it. I liked my XB9 much better. It winds up faster. Yes the 12 had more power but its doesn't make the best use of it. I am stickin with my 9 all the way! | ||
| Curtyd |
Just make them give you the same price on a bike with ZERO miles, I wouldn't make the 10K deal on a demo bike. | ||
| Usapitbullz |
Check with some of the dealers on this site, they are more than honest. L8R,JM |
