| Author | Message | ||
     Mplsmurr |
Hello everyone, Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and hopefully respond  I just sold my 2003 Z1000 and am looking to replace it. I am having a hard time choosing between a (2006-2010) Street Triple, (2013) Street Triple (standard vs R), (2005-2009) Speed Triple, another (2008) Z1000, and finally a Buell XB12S/R. So I am looking for a light, great handling, torquey, great sounding, fun, great suspension, hooligan bike. I want to ride around the city, go on some fun and twisty roads, and take it on long rides. I am fairly familiar with bikes in general. I turned my 1973 TX650 into a custom build and feel as though I am familiar with maintaining a bike. I loved the torque on my Z1000 and everything it had to offer, but it was time to move on. I am mainly intrigued with the (first one in the links below) XB12S and XB12STT. Besides the usual things when buying a bike, what should I look for, ask about, and inspect before making a purchase? Tomorrow, I am looking at (the first link) a 2004 XB12S. I don't know what is a reasonable price to pay for these bikes, but I always figure a bike is only worth what someone is willing to pay. Also, I would greatly appreciate any input, feedback, experiences, opinions, and comparisons between the bikes listed (triples, Z1000, and Buells). Here are the links: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/d/buell -xbs/6165259117.html (Viewing tomorrow) https://www.cycletrader.com/dealers/Dillon-Brother s%2C-Inc.-2989646/listing/2007-Buell-Lightning-Sup er-TT-XB12STT-122438154 https://duluth.craigslist.org/mcy/d/buell-xbs/6219 116466.html https://lacrosse.craigslist.org/mcy/d/harley-david son-buell/6219283292.html https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/d/buell-xb-st t-lightning-mint/6216061926.html https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcd/d/buell-light ning-xbs/6208216108.html https://appleton.craigslist.org/mcy/d/buell-xbr/62 18128146.html https://greenbay.craigslist.org/mcy/d/buell-lighti ng-xbsst/6195883125.html https://siouxcity.craigslist.org/mcy/d/buell-fireb olt-xbr/6156339359.html Thank you! | ||
| Greg_e |
Look at the S, then skip to the XT as they are slightly different styles. | ||
| Mplsmurr |
Thanks! Just got back from checking the bike out here is what I found and thought: 2004 Buell XB12S with about 20,000 miles (first link above) It's was pretty clean for an '04 and what I have read about Buells. Anyway, the clutch pull was relatively tough to pull in (felt harder than my '73 TX650) and lever was pretty loose (I could shake it quite a bit) with the engine off, he sent and "upgraded" the exhaust from Randy Hawkins (I think no "Hawk" logo on stock muffler), there are light scratches on frame where pucks should go and a small dent on exhaust header, horn does not work, shifting was not smooth but rather clunky in all gears, slow speeds and from stop to go in first gear (less than 20mph) felt like starting in second or third gear (like it was lugging), no leaks (that I could find) but the oil filter had a good amount of black residue of some sort, shakes a lot at idle but negligible at speeds, the kickstand was not easy to put down as in I could not reach (not height wise) it felt like it was hidden under the shift lever peg (might have to bend the "extension" straight and out instead of currently up, shift lever seemed high and hard to reach with my toes and shifted hard like I had to slam it into gear (all gears), rear brake would not light the taillight up until fully pressed but front brake turned it on right away, had wear and tear seemed okay for its age, belt seemed okay from my knowledge (no scratches/tears and was "moist/lubed" but I would want it changed to be safe (he said its a lifetime belt though), had about 20K miles with only oil change (AMSOIL Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil SAE 20W-50 in engine and transmission), new tires and clutch cable, and has the Lightning Low Seat (also has stock parts). Rode like a reliable bike and sounded like sex on wheels with a lot of torque and good suspension and handling. He set it for his weight of 160-170, I am 180-195. Please let me know what you think about this bike. Thank you all! | ||
| Froggy |
You got a wide range of bikes there! The newer bikes will feel different than the older ones. The newer bikes have smoother transmissions, easier clutch pull, computer controlled idle and other tweaks to make things a more pleasant experience. The older bikes are more clunky and raw. The SS/STT/X/XT have a different frame and swingarm than the regular S and R, and as result have a different feel. The SS/STT/X/XT's have a longer wheelbase and rake, they tend to be less twitchy and they feel less small overall. If you are on the taller side you will likely find them to be more roomey. In addition, most of these longer wheelbase bikes have a taller/softer suspension which tends to be more comfortable. If possible go for the newest bike as it will have the most improvements, but there is nothing wrong with the older bikes that wouldn't make me consider one, especially if you wanted something more raw and shaky. I feel if you rode the 09 XT you would come away wondering how it is even related to that 04 S given how different they are. Just a word of warning given you are looking at some 07s, there is a known issue with there being a bad batch of crankshafts from the factory. Unfortunately there is no way to know which bikes are affected (we have been trying to keep track of VINs and such), but many owners get 40k+ miles without issue, and some don't even get half that before the engine fails. Other years aren't affected, and again this is only a small number of 07s but enough that you should be aware if your goal is to do long distance touring. | ||
| Greg_e |
It sounds like a bunch of worn parts on the S, things like engine mounts need to be replaced. They do shake at idle, my 9R with 1050 kit jumps up and down at idle and smooths right out when going. Transmission is always a little clunky, put synthetic in the gearbox and it will be better. CLutch pull can be affected by old or new clutch cable, newer cable was teflon coated. You can also install an easy pull clutch ramp to make the pull better (but longer). Levers rattle. Go look at the XT next, it looks nice and clean. (Message edited by Greg_E on July 20, 2017) | ||
| Blakeaspencer |
Just to reassure your post. The bike might need a little tuning(easy) for the slow speed lugging. The belt should not be lubricated. It's a dry belt as far as I know. The transmission on buells aren't the smoothest things. They are reliable but clunky. Clutch pull is hard on buells but they are cable driven | ||
| Mplsmurr |
Froggy, I am thinking of not buying the XB12S I looked at since I people have said (on other forums) that it sounds abused and not in good condition. With that being said, I may be looking at a 2006 XB12X with 20,000 miles on it as well. However, I am not sure of the differences between the XB12S, XB12STT, XB12X, or XB12XT. From my understanding, SS/STT/X/XT have a different frame and swingarm than the regular S and R. How so? What is meant by this? Along with a different wheelbase and rake. Is this still smaller than "normal" bikes like other naked ones? People have stated that the X has taller suspension than XT which has a taller one than the STT which has a taller one than the S/R. I plan to ride it in MN with potholes, train tracks, cracks/bumps in roads, if capable I would go on dirt and off-road (not a necessity though), highways, twisties, long rides in the saddle, and do hooligan stuff like I used to do on my Z1000. Do all of the XB lines (S, STT, X, XT, etc.) have fully adjustable suspension with low exhausts, upright seating, great handling, and fit my 5'9" or 5'10" and 190lb frame? Oops, forgot to ad the link: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/d/buell-ulysses-xbx/6198622596.html https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/mcy/d/buell-xbx-ulysses-trade-for/6198908645.html (Message edited by MplsMurr on July 20, 2017) | ||
| Froggy |
Correct, the frame on these bikes is larger than the one on the Firebolt and regular Lightning, as result it holds a little more gas. The swingarm is longer too, so the belt has a few more teeth. Engines are identical for a given year.
Yes. Here are some quick specs for comparison XB12S - 52" wheelbase, 21° rake, XB12X - 54" wheelbase, 22° rake, 2003 Z1000 - 56" wheelbase, 24° rake. 2013 Speed Triple - 56.5" wheelbase, 22.8° rake. And just for giggles, the new R1 2017 Yamaha YZF-R1M - 55.3" wheelbase, 24° rake So yes, even the longer wheelbase Buells are on the small side of the spectrum for wheelbase and rake.
That is correct. Just a note as you shop around, starting with the 2009 models, Buell dropped the STT, but the SS ended up getting the STT's taller suspension. The 06-08 SS have the regular height Lightning suspension.
Yep, all XBs except for the R (Firebolt) have upright bars. All Lightning models share the same handlebar height, the Ulysses models have their own bar which is a few inches higher for more upright seating. The bars can be easily swapped should you desire higher/lower. You are about the same height/weight as me, you likely will be happy on any Buell as you are not too large or too small. The tallest Uly, the X, may be too much height for you, it isn't for the inseam challenged, especially with the tall seat. | ||
| Mplsmurr |
Thanks again, everyone! I am still a bit concerned. My '73 felt smoother (at times) compared to the XB12S. I have posted this on other forums and spoke with other riders and have received mixed responses. Some say that it is simply just the "nature of the beast" some say it is "worn out parts" and a few have said that it sounds abused. So what do you guys think? Please note that this was my first time EVER on a Buell bike let alone the XB12S. Thanks, Greg and Blake. Froggy, what do you think? | ||
| Greg_e |
Go look at the XT, should do what you want for riding and hopefully it isn't beat. It was also an 09. Don'y worry about the rust on the muffler, they do that if you look crosseyed at them. | ||
| Ducbsa |
I have repainted my '07's muffler three times now. | ||
| Greg_e |
Muffler paint is like oil changes, just a fact of owning one of these. Can always be replaced with a custom stainless muffler down the road. | ||
| Froggy |
It is hard to say off hand, as it could be simply worn out parts and neglect, but there is a bit of nature of the beast involved. Things like a fresh engine isolator and primary chain adjustment can smooth some things out a bit, but it still is a Harley based motor and transmission, and while the newer and better maintained units will be better, it is not going to feel like a Japanese bike ever. Yea the muffler will rust, I'm pretty sure they come with rust from the factory. My 08 Uly has 49k miles on the original muffler, it looks like something salvaged from the Titanic, but it still works and I don't care. I'll replace it if it eventually falls off or I need to take the pipe of for something else. People often do things like BBQ paint or ceramic coatings to prevent rust, nothing works forever so I'm doing the lowest effort approach (nothing).  | ||
| Greg_e |
Not to get off topic, but did you look at the flakey rust on the front band? I think you are closer to replacement than you think. Check it for pinholes. | ||
| Froggy |
Greg, I went and took a close look, the cosmetic imperfections on my straps are tar, grime, and such. No holes or anything scary that I see. They look like they are holding up fine, but they will be replaced when I do the muffler anyway. | ||
| Ducbsa |
If no pix, it didn't happen! |
