| Author |
Message |
    
Dbss_gohan
| | Posted on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 03:38 am: | 
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Hi, I'm new to buells. I'm not positive this is where my post belongs, but it pertains to my questions on them.
I'm looking at getting an XB9, or an XB12 of some kind. I've thought about getting an X1, but I've heard pre 2003 are not the bikes to buy.
Basically... I've heard good and bad about the buells, and my interest in them right now is... I really want a belt drive motorcycle. I need something thats gonna be really reliable, daily, no matter the weather, cold, rainy, hot.
Sometimes, I need it to be the primary form of transport.
So I need it to do all that, and keep reliably on the road, as a daily driver.
Can it handle that? And if something does go wrong, are parts expensive, cheap, or in the middle?
Is the riding alright? I keep hearing mixed reviews from people who say there are terrible vibrations, and then other people seem to say it's fine. I don't mind some vibrations, I've got a thumper now. I've read reviews claiming it vibrates. And I barely think it does at all.
Looks light enough, with good MPG, and should be comfortable enough for 5 mile, to 40 mile trips to work every day.
Is it ok for these things? Are the X1 and the M2 ok for these things as well? Is there anything specific I need to watch out for?
I keep getting warned off of them from a friend, but ever since I saw one, I've thought the design, the look, it's just so unique and cool. I really hope they are reliable enough to be able to work for me.
Thanks in advance,
--John |
Kilroy
| | Posted on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 06:18 am: |
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It all depends on what your expectations are. These bikes are generally very reliable. This motor has basically been around since 1957. That can be good or bad depending on your point of view. Motors can easily last over 100k between teardowns - if maintained correctly. That being said, there are a lot of little things that need to be tended to, especially with the tube frame bikes. Iv'e had my M2 since 2000, and I will never get rid of it. these bikes have character, and they grow on you, quirks and all. And they do vibrate, especially at idle or low rpms. They smooth out nicely at cruising speeds.
I'm biased, but I say you can;t go wrong with an XB, or even a tuber for that matter. You will definitely have a unique bike. Just be ready to open that service manual from time to time, because there WILL be a need for it sooner or later. PS- most of the people who trash these bikes have never ridden one.
Good luck in whatever you decide......
Kilroy |
Akbuell
| | Posted on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 11:36 am: |
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+1 on Kilroy's comments. I have an X-1 and an XB, and like them both. Prudence and age keep me below 5k rpm for the most part, but I do indulge from time to time.
The X-1 does vibrate below 2500, and the vibes go away at 2600. And I have taken 4k ish mile trips on each one. They are high performance machines that reward regular preventive maintenance, ie oil changes, fresh tires, lubing cables, ect.
My personal suggestion is to go to the Storm Fronts section and get with the Carolina Corner Carvers. I have every confidence that there will be someone there who is nearby, and can give you 'real world' info about their experience as Buell owners.
Again, good luck in whatever you decide, Dave |
Dbss_gohan
| | Posted on Thursday, March 05, 2009 - 04:56 pm: |
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What kind of things will I typically have to open the service manual for? I've read things like.... the rear frame breaking on some of the older tube frames from vibration, or something like that... And mostly things, but I havent found a lot of information on common things that go wrong.
I typically like motors that have been in production for a long time, because they have bullitproof reliability after a while, because typically the manufacturer engineers it out, better and better over time, it typically says it's a good motor with a good history if they're still using it too.
I've heard something about the front cylinder being a blowtorch to the rear... and the exhaust being really hot or something like that. So I figure, wrap the exhaust, and that should at least solve part of it.
I feel like I've already made up my mind to get an XB, but I'm still confused on whether I should get a 9 or a 12, an S or an R. Are their any significant differences in reliability, or comfort between those two? Or price? Thats another thing, Are the parts for them pretty expensive?
Thanks again,
--John |
Xbmacon
| | Posted on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 07:00 am: |
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I can not speak for a tuber or much on a 12, but I will speak to the 9R. I have a 03 XB9R and love it. I bought it with 20k with confidence that i would get much more out of it as long as I treat it right.
It takes the same upkeep as any other vehicle, and from what I have seen so far, the prices are about average and regular maintenance fairly straight forward.
Comfort is kind of relative to your size, but there are things to add or subtract to accommodate most issues. Mine came with the "S" pegs which give a 1" drop for more leg room. There are all shapes and sizes on here that can give you ideas for any issue you see. (check out the XB forum).
As far as "S to R", that is kind of relative as well. The R is obviously a more aggressive seating position, but it is much more comfortable than my friends Gixxer on long rides. I enjoy the R position. I did not know that though till I actually put my buns on each.
Reliability between the two is the same, Good in my book.
As for 9 or 12, insurance for a 12 is more.
The 9 has been perfect for the riding I do which sounds similar to what you describe.
The heat hasnt bothered me in the slightest (no wrapping). |
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