| Author | Message | ||
     Bing |
I'm buying a XB12R. My choices right now are a Brand new 2004 black in color with 6 miles on the ODO, and 2 year Factory Warranty Or Getting a New 2006 any of the 3 colors. What are the Pro's and Cons of each choice? Other than the new for 2006 drive belt? Are there any other changes that would make the 2006 the better buy? I can get the 2004 for about 3 K under MSRP. I'm still waiting on the quotes for the 2006 from the local dealers. The HD Dealer in Ocala FL quoted me $8995.00 + $595.00 for a 2006 (an additional $700.00 ish to ship to me in Kansas) Any and all opinions welcome. PS I'm currently deployed and will be picking the bike up Jan / Feb after I return to the states. Sgt Bing | ||
| Madsx |
New tranny in the '06 and more fuel capacity. Thanks Sgt. | ||
| Buell12hundo |
at that price I'd go for the 06 the new tranny is verry smooth and you'll have 43 mil front forks and the 208 dunlops hope that helps | ||
| Henrik |
The '06 models have new oil pump gear as well as new belts with no service/replacement interval. May I suggest you contact Daves in Appleton or any of our other sponsor dealers and see what they can do for you. Henrik | ||
| Spike |
Don't forget the new swingarm that's stiffer and about half a pound lighter. You'll also have the quieter fuel pump that doesn't starve for fuel under hard braking. You also get a bunch of other little stuff like new steering head bearings and replaceable bulbs in the instrument cluster. The '04 had an MSRP of $10,995, so $3k less would be $7995. You said you could get an '06 for $8995 plus $595 meaning there's only about ~$1600 difference between the two. I think the '06 is easily worth $1600 more since most of the '06 upgrades can't be added back to the '04 over time. However, if you find yourself hung up on getting the best deal you should probably check out the used market for XB12s. They seem to be available for under $7k these days. | ||
| Madsx |
Updated front isolator.  | ||
| Bing |
Well its looking more and more like my best bet is to go with a 06 model. Now its a simple matter of getting everything set up so it will be waiting on me when I get back stateside. Thanks To all! You guys ROCK! Sgt Bing | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
Also with the 06 you have a 2 yr. newer bike when it comes time to trade or sell....Charlie | ||
| Spike |
One more point to consider- If you buy the bike now you're buying a current bike that's newly released, so it may be hard to find the best deal. If you're not going to actually take delivery until Jan/Feb it may be better to wait until then and possibly get a better price. On the other hand, giving the dealer that much time in advance before you take delivery should guarantee that you get the color you're looking for. | ||
| Cochise |
New tranny in the '06 and more fuel capacity. Thanks Sgt. Actually, only more fuel on the '06 Xb12Ss | ||
| Gowindward |
Actually, only more fuel on the '06 Xb12Ss That's incorrect! They closed off the air intake through the frame on the left side and converted that to fuel space on all of the XB's 3.82 gal on the 06' and 3.7 gal on the earlier model years. It's only about a cup of fuel, but it's more fuel. (Message edited by gowindward on September 28, 2005) | ||
| Madsx |
I cant fit 3.7 gal in my '05SX as it is. | ||
| Cochise |
I Sit corrected. I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken | ||
| Brad_buell |
I can't get 3.7 in my '03 XBS, either! No Way! | ||
| Rick_a |
'05 and up also have larger diameter front forks and an improved intake horn design. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Are you sure you were quoted for an '06 XB12 @ $8995? Was it possibly an XB9? the MSRP on the 12 is $10,495. That is $1,500 off. If this is true, I would without a doubt get the '06 since you are getting it for the price of an xb9 and you have the advantages of the '06 improvements. Good luck, I hope I get as good a deal on the XB9. I am buying one shortly. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
FOund this on the Buell website: BUELL FIREBOLT DESIGN ENHANCED FOR 2006 New Swingarm and Transmission for the American Sportfighters EAST TROY, Wis. -- (Saturday, July 23, 2005) The performance of America’s sportfighter motorcycle, the Buell Firebolt, is enhanced for 2006 with the introduction of a new swingarm design and a new, smoother-shifting transmission for both the middleweight Buell Firebolt XB9R and the muscular Buell Firebolt XB12R. The Buell Firebolt is designed to offer uncompromised sport performance, combining advanced frame and suspension design and the willing power of an American V-Twin engine. Key Firebolt Upgrades for 2006 (see Buell lead release, New Ulysses and Lightning Long Lead Buell Line for 2006, for more details) * A new transmission features a “dog ring” design for quicker shifts with less effort. New helical gears reduce transmission noise, and the oil-change interval is extended to 10,000 miles from 5,000 miles. Clutch lever effort has been reduced by 15 percent on the XB9R and by 22 percent on the XB12R. A new drive belt is more durable than the previous belt. * A redesigned swingarm is stiffer and 0.56 pounds lighter than the previous design. The swingarm continues to also function as the oil reservoir, and the oil cap has been relocated and redesigned for easier access and opening. The inner fender and upper and lower belt guards have been restyled. * The engine air intake has been integrated with a wrap-around fuel cap cowling in the airbox cover, replacing the air duct that formerly passed through the frame. This change also enabled increased fuel capacity. * A durable new Goodyear Hibrex 135-tooth final drive belt with Flexten Plus technology requires no scheduled service or replacement. Performance Through Technology The Firebolt is designed around the Buell Trilogy of Technology design philosophy: frame rigidity, mass centralization and low unsprung weight. The massive, rigid aluminum frame doubles as a 3.8-gallon fuel cell, which helps lower the center of gravity and centralize mass. For the same reason, engine oil is stored in the aluminum swingarm, and the muffler is located below the engine. The Buell Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) front braking system mounts a single 375mm rotor near the wheel rim, gripped by a six-piston caliper. Braking forces are transmitted directly from the rim to the rotor, so torsional load through the spokes is virtually eliminated. This permits the use of a very lightweight wheel that also helps reduce steering inertia. ZTL and lightweight belt final drive contribute to a significant reduction in unsprung weight. In many riding conditions, torque and a wide power band are often more functional than peak horsepower. The Buell Thunderstorm V-Twin engine delivers torque by the bucket-load. This 45-degree, air/oil/fan-cooled powertrain is also compact and narrow in profile. Buell DDFI II fuel injection delivers crisp throttle response in any riding situation. The Buell Uniplanar engine mounting system reduces vibration to the rider and enhances rigidity by incorporating the engine as a stressed member of the chassis. The Firebolt wheelbase is just 52 inches and rake is a radical 21 degrees, with 83mm of trail, an aggressive chassis geometry that’s quick, but never twitchy. A Showa rear shock and 43mm Showa upside-down fork are fully adjustable for pre-load, compression and rebound damping. Low handlebars and rear-set pegs put the rider in a sporting position behind a compact fairing. Buell Firebolt XB12R The synthesis of brute power and track-tuned agility, the Firebolt XB12R puts 103 horsepower and 84 ft. lbs. of torque in its rider’s hand. The Buell InterActive Exhaust system utilizes a valve in the dualchamber muffler that is controlled by the ECM and adjusts exhaust flow according to riding conditions to smooth torque delivery and optimize engine power. It is available in Midnight Black, Racing Red or Thrust Blue with stunning Translucent Amber wheels and Graphite Gray frame. Buell Firebolt XB12R features: Buell Thunderstorm 1203 fuel-injected air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine 103 peak hp, 84 ft. lbs. peak torque Buell InterActive Exhaust New transmission design New Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology New lighter, stiffer swingarm design New air intake location Fuel-in-frame, oil-in-swingarm 43mm fully adjustable Showa upside-down fork Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber Buell ZTL front brake system Translucent Amber wheels Dropped handlebars Fairing with projector-beam headlights and Amber windscreen Buell Firebolt XB9R The Buell Firebolt XB9R is a frisky middleweight ready to eat up the road. The quick-revving Thunderstorm 984 V-Twin delivers 92 horsepower and 70 ft. lbs. of torque in a smooth, broad powerband for a powerful drive out of the turns. It is available in Sunfire Yellow with Sky White wheels and a Fluid Silver frame. Buell Firebolt XB9R features: Buell Thunderstorm 984 fuel-injected air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin engine 92 peak hp, 70 ft. lbs. peak torque New transmission design New Goodyear Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology New lighter, stiffer swingarm design New air intake location Fuel-in-frame, oil-in-swingarm New 43mm fully adjustable Showa upside-down fork Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber Buell ZTL front brake Dropped handlebars Fairing with projector-beam headlights and clear windscreen Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. Pull into www.buell.com for the Buell dealer nearest you. | ||
| Bing |
Thanks again One and All. With the Info gained by the knowledgeable folks here I've decided to stick with a 2006 model. I'm currently working with the local dealers since its best to try and shop at home when possible. I'm Actually in the Topeka Kansas area, when I'm not deployed over seas, with a pretty reputable dealer there in town. I know that in other areas places that have higher volume sales can sometimes get both themselves and their customers better prices so I'm trying to be a smart shopper, but I want the best deal for both me and my dealer. Sgt Bingham | ||
| Diablobrian |
Might want to talk to Daves at Appleton. Try his "fly, buy and ride" program on for size.  | ||
| Fresnobuell |
IF the fly, buy & ride program is what I think it is, how do you observe the <55mph for the first 500 miles? Without becoming a speed bump for an 18 wheeler in the process... | ||
| Bing |
Not only do I not want to become a speed bump for 18 wheelers Late January early February is going to be downright COLD still for any kinda distance traveling.  Especially on a Brand Spanking AWESOME new bike! But Again Thanks everyone. |
