| Author | Message | ||
     Xb9sxvtwin |
I'm becoming more & more concerned that one day soon I'll no longer able to find parts for my XB12 if something breaks or worse I crash and despite being fully insured my beloved BUELL will no longer be repairable. Is this realistic? Or is it like HDs & a chinese company will begin making quality copies of parts like they do for every freakin' thing w/ a HD bar & shield on it? I'm really worried..... | ||
| 34nineteen |
You'll still be able to find most everything. Not everything will be factory fresh and readily available at the drop of a hat. If people are able to restore P-51 Mustangs and Model A Fords, you'll be able to find parts for your bike. However, if you are unlucky enough to crash, repairing your bike may be unfeasible, even if all parts were available as new. Hopefully thats not ever the case. I doubt many companies will jump on the aftermarket band wagon for a bike in limited supply and out of production. Luckily, the guys at Twin Motorcycles are working on reproduction parts. | ||
| Xb9sxvtwin |
Are you talking about the crazy expensive European place? At the prices those son-of-a-bitches charge I might as well buy a Ducati. (Message edited by xb9sxvtwin on May 04, 2021) | ||
| 34nineteen |
No way! It’s nice that someone is trying to reproduce them, but no thanks. My point is to stay vigilant and keep your eyes open. I’ve been able to pick up some great deals on new or newer parts. But, if you’re waiting for the parts to find you, you’re likely going to be disappointed. Last month in my area, someone was selling off a set of white Firebolt plastics that were in really nice shape. At this point, with HD selling off the Buell name to LAP/EBR, I’m sure Harley is just letting stock run out with no intention of refilling it. I’m sure one they warehouse stock level hits a certain point, they’d just sell it all off to VPI. I don’t think the new Buell really has the motivation or the resources to support the XB and earlier bikes. They are likely much more interested in looking forward to the future and not back at the past. A Ducati? Really? After all that ranting on the other site, you’d consider giving it all up for a Ducati? Nothing wrong with them, in fact I’ve got my eye out for a Monster 695. | ||
| Ahampton128 |
34nineteen the only issue with that line of thought is that Model A's and P51s are iconic vehicles while Buell always was a niche market. From a very brief Google search I wouldn't be surprised if there are more roadworthy, running Model A's today than Buell's entire production numbers. Thanks to the Buell forums and Facebook groups I've had better luck getting XB parts than 2014 Honda VFR parts. However, every used Buell part we see listed for sale likely means one less bike on the road (not to mention the yabbos that "customize" their bike with a Dremel). It might take a long time but eventually every replacement part will have to be custom made and priced to reflect that. | ||
| 34nineteen |
Oooohh!!! Honda VFR.  True, but the point is to stay diligent and plan ahead and one should be ok finding parts. I wouldn’t fret over a part not being available. Sure, if you have to have a set of NIB Traction grips, be prepared to pay out the nose, but there are options. I think the troublesome part at the moment is the front isolator, but a resourceful few are working on a replacement. | ||
| Xb9sxvtwin |
If HD isn't concerned about keeping parts in stock then they wouldn't be worried about someone marketing copies of common parts like isolators, pushrods, cams, etc.. Since the market is tiny. Buells are like a few other things in history. Someone makes an innovative machine for a few yrs (like Arthur Jones made NAUTILUS machines) then stops & nothing ever comes close to the original. (Message edited by xb9sxvtwin on May 05, 2021) | ||
| Ducbsa |
OT, but Model A Fords have an excellent supply of new and used parts. We owners are quite spoiled, compared to owners of contemporary cars. | ||
| Court |
HD retains no rights and could not care less what someone does. I bought, when Al retired, a good part of his remaining Ulysses stuff. . . Reindog and I opted for teh "Uly Survival kit" so I've basically got a Uly, in new parts box, in the barn. If the market is there . . the aftermarket will be. I can buy any part for my 1906 MGA . . . from every nut and bolt to body panels and pretty much have overnight. Ditto the 1952 Cushman | ||
| Leadenwinter |
Twin motorcycles now supply their own steering head bearings for Ulys - and are a lot cheaper than the originals - even with postage and duty and they seem to be only ones adding to the list of no longer available parts by re manufacturing | ||
| 34nineteen |
I actually purchased a set of these bearings and they are  . Twin's shipping to the US is pretty quick and roughly the same price as ordering from St. Paul/New Castle. Usually overseas shipping is a nightmare, but Twin has it sorted out pretty well with DHL. Twin is going to be one of the few places adding to the availability of Buell parts. | ||
| Froggy |
Please keep the discussion here on topic, there are plenty of threads in the Quick Board if you want to discuss politics. | ||
| 34nineteen |
What did I say? I didnt think the P-51/Model A comparison was controversial? | ||
| 2cylinderbill |
It wasn't you. | ||
| Xb9sxvtwin |
Alot of V-Rod owners are also experiencing both parts shortages & HD dealerships refusing to work on any bike 20+yrs old. {https://www.1130cc.com/threads/hard-to-find-v-rod-parts-list.441975/,https://www.1130cc.com/threads/hard-to-find-v-rod-parts-list.441975/} (Message edited by xb9sxvtwin on May 10, 2021) (Message edited by xb9sxvtwin on May 10, 2021) |
