| Author | Message | ||
     Swamp2 |
I looked at a very clean low mileage (<5k) Firebolt tonight that's for sale locally. I already have an XB12Ss but have been interested in picking up a 9R to experience the smaller motor & shorter wheelbase. The question - are there any particular "first year" big issues? My '09 is very well sorted out, but not so sure how an '03 would be. The owner said the only issue he had is his instrument cluster was replaced at a very early point in it's life - other than that it's been flawless - no recalls, no issues to speak of. Looks awesome - white w/ blue letters, almost perfect stock condition. Any thoughts on a fair-but-cheap price to offer? Comes with factory manuals and a fresh set of tires to be mounted. | ||
| 99cyclone |
A number of folks have had belt breaking issues on the '03 bikes. That being said, I've owned a couple of them and never experienced an issue. I say go for it. I enjoy riding both a 9R and 12R, the engines have totally different personalities (both are good). | ||
| Ratfink |
Shorter wheelbase? I didn't know the 9 had a shorter wheelbase then the 12? | ||
| 99cyclone |
The XB12SS is a long wheelbase bike. No difference between a 9R and 12R. | ||
| Andymnelson |
No worries, as long as you properly maintain it....like any bike. Don't sweat the belt stories. It's a perfectly fine belt, you just need to be careful how you handle it...especially when changing tires. The '03 belts can not handle the following three forces: bending backwards, bending in the normal direction too far, twisting. The trouble is, you dont know how it has been handled in the past! I wouldn't worry tho. ...this is all from a guy with 27,000 miles on his original, good as new '03 belt.  | ||
| Swamp2 |
Well, this bike still is on the original tires, so I doubt the belt has taken much abuse from tire changing! The seller has had the bike since new, and he's now 69 so I think he's being pretty straight with me, and I'd say the bike has had a good life from the looks of it. | ||
| Froggy |
So the bike has been sitting and rotting for 10 years.... | ||
| Treye |
^ exactly what i was thinking | ||
| Swamp2 |
No, year of last inspection was 2010. He didn't legally have it on the road last year. Tires are indeed shot, though. Comes with a pair of brand new Michelin pilots ready for mounting. | ||
| Froggy |
It was ridden an average of about 500 miles a year. It sat, a lot. Expect to have issues like gaskets, and be sure to change the plugs. It may also have some teething issues given that it hasn't been broken in. | ||
| Swamp2 |
I suppose... None of that is very scary to me. That said, it ran well and didn't exhibit any nasty leaks or anything. Now that you mention the plugs - he did say he had a bit of an issue with 'em fouling initially but switched to iridium early on and never had a problem again... | ||
| Glitch |
Sounds like you've got one that needs to be ridden. The only real issue I had with belts was before they came out with the upgraded Gates belt. The one I have now has over 30,000 miles on it. The bike has well over 70,000 miles on it, and she's still a screamer. Just take care maintenance and fix things that come up the right way without shortcuts, and you'll be good to go | ||
| Swamp2 |
Any thoughts about a "good" offer? | ||
| Greg_e |
How loud is the pump? I just replaced mine on my 03 9R because it was getting to the point where I thought it might be ready to leave me stranded. Just finished changing mine to a rebuilt newer style assembly using the Airtex pump from Autozone. Compared to what it was the new pump is whisper quiet. If it sounds like a goose honking, it may need a pump. Wheel bearings might be another thing to just go ahead and change when the tires are getting done. | ||
| Doz |
I've got three O3's. One R and two SL's. All three are sporting the stock drive belt- no problems. Typical maint has kept them in shape. I just burn up a lot of tires | ||
| Ducbsa |
Is the oil pump drive something to upgrade? | ||
| Swamp2 |
Well, I didn't hear anything that really bothered me, so I made and offer, and the guy accepted. I'll be picking it up in the next day or two - will post a pic when I get it! Thx for the comments... |
