| Author | Message | ||
     Pipefittermike |
Hello all! I have been visiting this site as a visitor for about a month now and can't believe the wealth of knowledge here, can't say the same for a few other boards. I haven't riden in about 6 years (long story) but after my job moved me to San Diego from Chicago I got the bug again and decided on a Buell Lightning. While looking online at cycle trader I found a family owned used bike shop called Robinson Motorsports that had a few different models in stock. This is the first used anything I am buying from somewhere other than a dealership, so I am not familiar with the program at all. I looked at the bike today and everything seems great (a little strange to have exhaust blowing on my ankle but it doesn't bother me), my concern is that they do NO service there. It is strictly sales and they prefer cash or money orders but will accept Paypal for all online transactions. I would feel better doing Paypal (leaves a paper trail), just wondered if that is normal or not. There were other people there as well looking at a Fatboy and another looking at a Honda, turns out they have also been around for 30 years. When I asked for a test ride they said their insurance won't allow it but once we get the paperwork going for the sale I can ride 15 or 20 miles to check it out and if something is wrong I can back out or work on the price. I hate to sound ignorant but I have never dealt with this before and could use some advice. Thanks for your time! | ||
| Rocketsprink |
As long as they hold true to their word about backing out, or a deal if all doesn't seem good, I'd say go for it. Have you looked at any dealerships in the area? What is the bike? Year ? Asking price? If there is any recalls, someone here will know and let you know what to look for. Most Jap bike dealers won't let you test ride a bike either. Al least some around here. Post what you're looking at and the asking price. You'll get good info here. Pipefitter huh? I'm a Local 281 Sprinklerfitter in Chicago. Small world. | ||
| Pipefittermike |
Very small world, I was Local 597 for 9 years. The bike is a 2003 Lightning XB9S with 6000 miles on it. Price is 5800. I looked at a CBR600 at a Honda dealer and was told they won't do test rides either. I looked at a Buell/HD dealer but all they had were a couple Firebolt 12's and a Blast. Thanks for the fast response, all advice is welcome. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
You might want to do some research on eBay, to establish values on this model. I would not be surprised if you find out that this is not a particularly attractive offer. There is not a great shortage of 2003 XB9S models: I know, I own one:-). Considering that this company appears to offer nothing that an individual seller would not, I think I would continue my search, using eBay and local classified ads on the one hand and Official Buell dealers on the other, because once you buy it, you are going to need service and parts which only they can supply. Glendale HD in LA is a very Buell friendly dealer, I don't know about San Diego. (Message edited by gentleman_jon on April 23, 2006) | ||
| Percyco |
I bought a nice 03 xb9s with the race kit and 6200 miles last Oct. 2005 for $4600. Shop around ! Buells arent really that popular (lucky for us) and deals are out there !!  | ||
| Pipefittermike |
Wow thats a really good deal compared to this one. I found his listing, here is a link to the bike: http://www.cycletrader.com/addetail.html?83012448 I looked on ebay and didn't find anything to write home about. Tomorrow I plan on calling around and see if any of the dealers have anything used in stock. Did you find yours at a dealer? I looked up the value of the bike online and found it ranged from low retail at 3500 to high retail at 5100. BTW- You are right about them not being popular, this guy looking at a Honda asked me what I was there for while waiting for the owner to show up and said "What's a Buell? Never heard of them". (Message edited by pipefittermike on April 23, 2006) | ||
| Chucklaw |
I bought my 03 XB9SL on Ebay for $4000 with 8300 miles. I've had it for a month. It's a very nice bike! The guy even delivered it to me from Arizona! ( I live in Las Vegas, Nevada) | ||
| Percyco |
Mike, I found my bike on Ebay, it never sold as the reserve was around $5500 I think. That was in August and I contacted the owner in October. I figured bike season was about over here in New York state. The XB was about 60 miles away so I went and looked at it, made the offer and the owner accepted. He was happy he didnt have to store it for the winter and try selling again in the spring. Used XB's pop up everyday on Ebay, search "completed auctions" to get an idea what they are selling for right now. I dont think you should have any problem finding a XB9 under $5000. Also remember that there is a standard version and a low version of the XB9S. The low has a shorter suspension and a low seat for the vertically challenged. Good luck ! | ||
| Diablobrian |
Is the shop in question in Lemon Grove? If so PM me and we'll find out if it is who I think it is. | ||
| Pipefittermike |
Thanks for all the input, I am definitely going to continue my search. After hearing the deals some of you all got this guy would have taken me to the bank on this bike. He said out the door after taxes and everything I would be looking in the area of $6500. ouch | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Ain't Bad Web good?  | ||
| Alanshouse |
I have been in persuit of a 12S for more than a year (I had enough time on my hands). I knew what I wanted to pay and I wasn't budging. The 12s I ended up getting was less expensive than the 9 you are looking at, had less miles, had a few aftermarket parts and I'm taking a guess that it was better maintained as well. Good luck calling around to dealers to see what they have in stock. I called every dealership in PA (19) and some in NY and MD as well. No luck. I couldn't begin to explain why. Being on the west coast you may have more luck though??? IDK Depending on how soon you want to get the bike, I would follow the other suggestions and watch ebay. Many dealers list their used ones, as well as even more private sellers. I just looked at the listing and the most appealing part was "$150-395 ships USA." That seems unbelievable as I paid $730 to get mine across a 1200 mile trip. | ||
| Skyguy |
Got my XB9R on Ebay a year and a half ago with 2,000 miles and custom paint for 5,700. The deals are out there but looking during spring and summer lends to higher prices. | ||
| Pipefittermike |
The advice given about ebay was perfect as I have found 6 so far that ended without selling and are cheaper, along with a ton that sold and cost less with less miles. Seeing how much I can save I am going to hold out for now until something better comes up. Thanks again for the advice. | ||
| Pipefittermike |
I just wanted to say thanks again to everyone that responded with advice. I am going to sign on a bike tomorrow with about 2k less miles for about $1500 less and is 1 year newer. Can't wait to pick it up, THANKS!!! | ||
| Alanshouse |
Welcome to the club  | ||
| Ryker77 |
don't pass on the deals that can put you in a tuber frame Buell. Same enjoyment, sound, and power. Normally can find them with low miles and nice low price. 1998-2002 are the better years. Don't be afraid to travel. I flew from Atl to Ohio to get my first buell 1998 s1w then rode it home. I drove 3 hours to pick up my second Buell. | ||
| Ryker77 |
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-Buell-M2L-Low-Miles-One-Owner-Florida-EX-CON D_W0QQitemZ4635037374QQcategoryZ49983QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem 4900.00 but its on the other side of the country. Just an example of the deals on a tuber, that would put out 1200cc power verse a little 9. | ||
| U4euh |
Who you callin little?!!  congrats on the new bike,Mike, post up some pictures now. (Message edited by u4euh on April 26, 2006) | ||
| Buellgirlie |
congratulations on your new bike!!!! D |
