| Author | Message | ||
     Grand |
As above, I'm looking around at what to buy. How can I check if a later model has the 3 bearing wheel or longer life belt. Also is it easy to hear if gearbox bearing is on way out? What other things should I be looking for? | ||
| Teeps |
The 2 bearing wheels do not have additional dust seals, just sealed bearings. Belts... well they last as long as they last; there is no great predictor for belt life. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Easiest way to see if the rear wheel has been upgraded to the new version is the color of the axle. The three bearing ones have a black axle while the original ones are bare steel. | ||
| Phelan |
Actually, the black 3 bearing axle retrofits, and the 2 bearing axle was discontinued and superceded by the black axle before Buell's demise. So while most of the time a black axle will imply a 3 bearing wheel, the dust seals are the only tell-all detail. | ||
| Grand |
I'm following an XT on ebay, can I tell from photos that it is a later model with increased steering lock, more robust crankpin etc? | ||
| Froggy |
All 2008+ XBs have the more robust crank, the easy way to tell is to look at the bottom of the engine. The 03-07 models have a round timing cover, the 2008+ models have an ovalish one.   As to the increased steering lock, yep you can tell that too, but no XT has that. It was only the 2008+ X and XP bikes. The easy way to tell is to look at the bottom of the fork tube, the axle will be at an angle from the fork if it has the increased steering. If the axle is inline with the fork tube it won't be able to steer as much.  That is the standard Buell fork, I'll have to get you a pic of the offset forks later. | ||
| Dave |
Re the focus on bearings. ALL Buells came with the "dreaded" 2 bearing wheels for all years except 2010 models so don't make it a focus. I doubt more than a handful of folks went to the expense of new wheels but there are a few that have. 2010 models are tough to find. Belts: don't sweat this either. Find a well cared for bike and put a new $200 belt on it. Focus on bike condition & how it was used. Lots off off road can mean more wear. Buell Pro series Race muffler & ECM is a plus. Heated Grips are nice. Comfort kit (right side scoop & plastic inserts under the seat) is a plus. DAve | ||
| Grand |
Thanks for the info. I was thinking of an XT as being a bit easier to manage with the low seat height. I don't intend to do much off roading. Is the standard steering lock generally enough? how does it compare with other bikes? | ||
| Froggy |
The steering on any Buell is good enough 99% of the time. That 1% of the time when you are pulling into a parking spot or making a U-turn and you need to make an extra back and forth movement is annoying, but not the end of the world. This is a common tradeoff on all the fuel in frame bikes. If you are offroading in tight areas, it can also be aggravating. That is why the X/XP models got the offset forks for the 2008+ models. They do help, it is easier to park, do u-turns, or maneuver in really tight situations. Is it the be all and end all? No. | ||
| Dave |
Owning an '06 & '09 - they both "feel" relatively the same. I swapped plastics between the 2 and my brain has a difficult time understanding my '06 is not the '09 and vice versa. DAve | ||
| Grand |
If I lowered a standard X would it give me the best of both worlds? Or is the XT even lower, does it have other advantages? Also wondering if there are any negatives to later models? So far I am looking for a late XT, I'm in no hurry as I have an S1 and a Guzzi, but hope to buy something for a bit of touring next summer. |
