| Author | Message | ||
     Mm128 |
I am thinking of purchasing a used Buell XB12 Ulyesses... either a 07 or 08. Both have VERY low mileage and are up to date service wise. Is there anything to look out for on these? I seem MANY with HIGH mileage so they seem pretty reliable. | ||
| Griffmeister |
There might not be much that you can actually “see”, but there are things to consider. There was a small but significant number of ‘07 XB12 engines that had a run of bad cranks that would fail at fairly low miles. I don’t think there was ever a range of serial numbers identified that could be associated with the bad lot which makes it kind of a crapshoot. There are many happy’07 owners though. I think a more desirable feature is the upgrades that come with the’08. The newer ECM with the most recent flash provides better engine management, plus things like a tool-free TPS reset which is a lot easier than the older bikes. If the year difference doesn’t matter to you and you believe that both were well maintained, then the best thing you can do is a closer examination. Look for leaks, check for loose or broken hardware. Is the front engine mount sagging or showing cracks. Check the wheel bearings, you may not see or feel anything wrong but if you do see something that could be a bad sign. If you wanted to you could check for stored codes but that might not mean much. Also check out any aftermarket stuff to be sure it’s well installed. Sounds like a couple of rare finds, good luck. | ||
| Teeps |
Speaking of engine mounts. A failed front engine mount pretty much makes the bike a paper weight. I would make sure new engine mounts (front and rear) can be purchased before buying the bike. Upon buying the bike, go and buy the mounts. | ||
| Mm128 |
The O7 has had recent new tires and bearings and all redone. Has NEW engine mounts and a new set in the box with tools. Bike was maintained by a HD mechanic but rarely ridden. I will heavily go over it when I see it. It is ALL STOCK though... NOTHING done. The 08 is much further away.. but is also ALL stock. | ||
| Mm128 |
Also... 07 had a recent oil...primary change to include gaskets/filters. | ||
| Falloutnl |
This is very personal but I would actually advise against the '08. Yes, the engine is supposed to be more reliable due to improved oiling, but it feels very different from the older 2003 - 07 engines. That typical lumpy Harley feel is mostly gone, something I felt is a shame since it's what gives the Buell so much of its character. The newer bikes also don't do as well on fuel. I could do 25 km per liter on my 06 Uly. Just 16 or 17 per liter on my 09 SCG (sorry, European here). | ||
| 2cylinderbill |
I can't talk about mechanical issues on my 08 XB12X because there haven't really been any. A battery, tires and oil in 9 years. The one electrical issue I had was with the grounding and with help from a post here, it was fairly easily fixed. Outside of checking for the obvious, leaks and such addressed earlier, I don't have a lot to offer. However, what I do have are some great riding experiences on the most comfortable motorcycle I've ever ridden. In the HD PA reviews I've seen, many reviewers talk about the "approachability" of the new Harley. For me, the Ulysses is just that in a nutshell - approachable. The bike is just so easy to ride. It makes good smooth power, it stops well, it is light to the touch and easily flickable, the riding position is upright and all-day comfortable, it's easy to push around the garage, my wife is comfortable on the back and mine has been reliable. One of my favorite riding days in 40 years was on this bike. My wife and I were in TX for the MGP racing then went to Fredericksburg for a few days. The wife wanted to shop so I took the Uly for a day into the hill country south and west through Vanderpool, Leakey and the twisted sisters (RR 335,336,337) and everything in-between. Fabulous riding and the Uly was perfect there. Good luck with your purchase! | ||
| Falloutnl |
It's one of the best motorcycles ever made. That's for sure. Especially if you consider all the stuff it can do at the prices they go for these days. | ||
| Oneman |
Low mileage? How low. I Bought a 2008 Ulysses in 2019. 32000 miles. Coming from Japanese bikes this seemed low. Previous owners kid was selling it after his father died. He did not ride. Said his father was very picky and the bike was well maintained. What a load of you know what. I think with age he just stooped paying attention. I bought it anyway thinking "how bad could it be". While I don't regret it too much there were/are some problems. Head bearings were replaced but soon they were loose. Not torqued properly. Weird front tire wear probably due to headset. Drive belt idler pulley bearings shot. Front brake rotor warped. All brake pads badly glazed. After 3000 miles the transmission will not stay in 3rd gear. Pops out into a false neutral when you back off the throttle, or won't engage forcing me to keep going up into 4th. It's kind of a pain mid-corner. Fortunately the engine has so much torque it can be worked around but not ideal. Neutral light quit working just last spring. Funny though, I love riding it. Like everyone seems to agree it is a fine riding bike. Handles well, flickable as any sports bike, great compliant suspension, works well for light to moderate dirt. Breaks are a real eye opener. And it's unique. Love that engine which hasn't missed a beat. I would never try to talk anyone out of the experience of owning and riding a Buell, they are a hoot to ride and have some ahead of there time features, but I would be sure your mechanic and trouble shooting skills are up to it. There are a few odd things about working on it if you come from the Japanese bike world. Good luck and have fun if you go for it. | ||
| Mm128 |
Well... i know this will be cussed at but i ended up NOT going Buell. I boight a very very mint 2008 BMW K1200S. In process of getting new tires and a service. It drives soooo nice. | ||
| Teeps |
Not from me; went with a MV Agusta Turismo. A manic polar opposite from the Ulysses. | ||
| 34nineteen |
Check under the seat to make sure the seat has not been hitting the ECM or ECM plugs. Some people have repositioned the ECM to a better spot, and some are ok. But a heavy rider on a "low" seat could have issues. Generally just make sure the bike has been well taken care of. I usually look for mismatched/cheap tires, cheap oil filter, etc. and other things that indicate whether the PO actually loved his bike or did the bare minimum to keep it on the road. |
