| Author | Message | ||
     Leviss |
I am thinking hard about a Buell (XB12S) when spring/summer rolls around. I would like to know some pros and cons on buying used. I have seen some real steals around on bikes that are only a year or two old. I have a couple of questions: 1: Is the factory warranty transferable to me if it is still in that two year period. 2: Is the warranty all that important? 3: Are they reliable enough to worry about it? I just am very hesitant about buying used because I am really ocd about taking care of my vehicles. I like to know that what I have has had the oil changed at the correct intervals and has been well maintained. It worries me that the previous person may have not been so concerned. Can anyone give me any good advice or insight? Thanks! | ||
| Tx05xb12s |
1. Warranty is transferrable. Owners manual comes with tranfer card to send in to BMC. 2. Warranty could be important if you don't like working on your own bike. I've been a daily participant on this board and have heard of no major problems such as engine or tranny, but there are a few pesky issues you may have to address here and there. Nothing major though. Most of us just consider it part of owning/riding a high performance machine and take it in stride. 3. I would consider the bikes reliable and built tractor-tough. If you have any problems, they'll be small things like seals, bearings, headlights on the R model, maybe a leaky gasket or something. Basically wear items that it is normal to have to replace eventually anyway. You'll find that by and large the Buell crowd is OCD about their bikes too, so you can most likely expect meticulous maintenance and probably even records. Don't get your heart set on the first bike you see. If the owner doesn't seem like he's got the stuff, move on to the next one. There are plenty of deals to run across. You'll save yourself a couple of thousand by buying one that has been ridden a season or two. If I had it all to do again, I'd probably do the same thing. | ||
| Aldaytona |
Thinking about used? Better know the previous owner or spend a day reading the maintenance thread questions here. Example: Can I use Mazola oil instead of 20-50? I use Mickey Mouse filters cuz I save a buck. I switched to Soviet sub gear oil cuz it's better for the gears. Oh yeah? I just rebuilt my tranny last month, how do you change a tail light bulb? That should answer the question for you. | ||
| Tunes |
To add to the others... You can usually tell if the person has taken care of their bike... and you can tell if they actually care about their possessions. If you have any pangs of doubt, move on. I own, restore, and ride Norton's. All Norton's are used so when I look at a bike to purchase, there are certain things I focus on. For me to purchase a used Buell, I would look for: Tires - Was the person doing burnouts? Are the tires in bad shape? Should give you an indication of how the bike was ridden. Surface Rust - Tells you how it was stored and/or cared for. Scratches - End of the levers, swing-arm, chin fairing... on the fly screen, so-called gas tank (air box cover), on the seat, etc... Shows care for the bike or if it's been down. Oil Leaks - Bike has been beat or the person did his own maintenance and doesn't know what they're doing... or they don't care... or they care but need to sell cause they screwed-up their finances... etc. Cheap Parts - Means they only care about their wallet, not the bike. Clean - If the bike is dirty, they don't care. If the bike is clean, they give a sh!*. You get the picture. Buyer beware and take care!! | ||
| M1combat |
I'm not entirely certain that I agree with the dirty part Tunes  . I may be the exception , but my bike is frickin filthy and I do all of my own maintenance (and I care ). Haven't had much trouble at all. I just ride it every single day of the year is all. Just rode it home in about two inches of snow just today . | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Dirty bike? Fabulous. If you came to my garage you would see a very dirty CityX that is getting used as a ULY. And it is NOT for sale, so bugger off. That being said, I am up on the Maintenance schedule and check vitals every time before I ride, and I am full OCD about my bikes. | ||
| Molly_hatchet |
he aint lyin..his bike is diiirty...he thinks its a cr450 hahahahaha | ||
| Ted |
hey Tunes, how do you get the friggn cover off the commando transmission? I've got all the screws & levers off but it wont budge. i checked the Kv ! | ||
| Olinxb12r |
Yeah, my bike is always dirty and my tires always seem to be worn out. I do however keep up on the maintenance, use good oil and filters, etc... I think you can tell from speaking with someone and checking the bike over what you are getting in to. | ||
| Teeps |
Leviss Posted on Monday, February 19, 2007 I just am very hesitant about buying used because I am really ocd about taking care of my vehicles. This (in red) sums it up. Buy a new one. | ||
| Moondust |
Hey Leviss Get it new on finance - someone who isn't that sure about a used one with OCD has already answered their question .. me thinks. At the end of the day - you can still get a brand new model & things could be just as bad as an unknown used model but at least you have peace of mind that the warranty & your dealer should fix it up. I've had my new XB9SX a few months now & Im learning more & more each day - it was daunting at first but then you learn the bike for its quirks and it gets easier. You then will probably kick yourself - you didn't get a a used one with all the extras but thats how it goes. Im slowly adding bits to mine that I would never thought I'd need ie: a new exhaust ( better sound + lil power ) - new lower seat - brake / clutch levers - poss a race kit - all comes as you start to ride - I did'nt think I would need these extras, as I thought the XB9sx was amazing as it was then I came on here & realized , why bikers always get hooked on buying extra gear - it just comes with the territory. I think you will have do some work on your bike eventually unless you have the cash to keep putting it in the workshop - I feel much better about maintenance on my XB9SX than my previous Monster 750 - thats was nightmare for servicing & maintenance. Good luck - | ||
| Tunes |
Um guys... if you were selling your bike and wanted to get top dollar, would you clean it? That's all I was getting at. I know many folks who ride first and clean later... but their bike is not for sale. Nothin' wrong with a dirty bike. Ted - Because these bikes have been around, someone may have used some serious gasket sealer. I use a dead-weight mallet to get 'em off. PM me and we can work this out off-line, ok? | ||
| Leviss |
I just worry about the previous owner being rough on it. I wouldn't mind buying used if I could tell that the person was really into their bike. I have also considered waiting until the '08s come out and then go looking at dealerships for an '07. Is this a decent way to go about it? Would I be saving much money? When will the new models come out? It seems like last year they came out mid-late summer. | ||
| Moondust |
i don't think your gonna save much at all - i was quoted £200 less for an 06 model when i brought my 07 model - their really is'nt much in it - remember if you buy an 07 when the the 08 comes out - you already lost a year on your warranty... ( at least i think thats the case - maybe not ?? ) | ||
| Buellgirlie |
i saved a whopping 300 dollars when i bought my 2004 XB at the *end* of august in minnesota. so, in my experience, no you dont save much when the next model year comes out, or at the end of summer in a snowy state. new models are always launched at summer dealer meeting which is typically mid-late july. sometimes there is a mid-year launch and that happens at the winter dealer meeting in january. being the first owner of bike, just like a car, will bite you in depreciation. trust me, i'm selling 4 bikes on ebay now and the ones that i bought used, i'm going to be ok on. the 2 that i bought new - my H-D and my XB lightning, i'm taking a 4-5K "hit" on both if i dont count all the fun, friends, and experiences i had while on them... warranty on a new bike is 2 year, regardless of who owns the bike. so dont worry about that. D | ||
| Indy_bueller |
Warranties go into effect the day the vehicle is titled, or at least thats been my experience. | ||
| Moondust |
When the bike is pre registered - ie: brand new but with a no.plate - the warranty is in effect ( thats what my dealer told me anyway ) so it was a case of paying the extra for a brand new 07 or getting an 06 slightly cheaper with what ever warranty was left. | ||
| Buellgirlie |
indy and moon - both not quite right. when you buy a new bike from a dealer, they send a "SWR" (sales warranty registration) back to the Harley/Buell factory. The date on that SWR is the effective starting date of your 2 year warranty. there is a limit on how long that holds true if the bike hasnt sold on the dealership's floor, but i cant remember what that limit is. maybe 3-4 model years old? i.e. you can't buy a 2001 model year bike and still expect a 2 year warranty, even if you are buying it "new" D | ||
| Cityxslicker |
I would love to talk resale on the XB's, but nobody in my area is trading them in. Now the older tubers I get every other month, (two in stock now) The Ulys arent coming back, even the Blast is not coming back in on trade in. They maybe be up on the web, craigs list what have you, but they are not coming back for trade-in. Maybe that will change with the new model change (be it 2008 or 2009) Used bike is a used bike, it will have a history, and it will not be your riding, so if you are really OCD about it, get new. | ||
| Aldaytona |
Warranties go into effect the day the vehicle is REPORTED sold. It doesn't have to be titled. I've reported several tubers sold to take advantage of dealer rebates/incentives. It gives you bargaining leverage over dealers who don't. I don't think anyone could expect a 2 year warranty until the 2004 models, no matter how you bought it. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I bought a used M2, put close to 30k miles on it, and *traded it in* it for about $2000 less then I paid for it. I doubt that I will ever have such a cost effective bike again (unless I put 100k miles on my XB9SX, which I can't rule out). It's a little more risk, but some great opportunity. | ||
| Uawjesse |
The jokers at the local buell dealership want $8,999.00 for their "new", yet still unsold 2004 xb12s models. They have three in stock.  | ||
| Uawjesse |
I just checked Kelly Blue Book and retail for a 2004 xb12s is $6,665.00. I guess the ones at Mancuso HD are extra special or something.  | ||
| Buellgirlie |
I would love to talk resale on the XB's, but nobody in my area is trading them in. I've got 2 XBs on ebay right now....closing in about 2 hours, and nowhere near (a very reasonable) reserve price  Warranties go into effect the day the vehicle is REPORTED sold. It doesn't have to be titled. I've reported several tubers sold to take advantage of dealer rebates/incentives. It gives you bargaining leverage over dealers who don't. right, the warranty starts when dealer sends in the SWR (as i mentioned above), which is a completely separate process from title, license plate, etc. isn't it illegal to report a bike sold when its not just to take advantage of rebates? you're really just screwing the customer when their warranty period is shortened by the dealer/salesman's actions? and being dishonest too....... D | ||
| Djkaplan |
I'd never buy a used bike from myself, that's for sure. | ||
| Vanvideo |
I always buy used bikes. Used cars, too. Let the other guy pay the big depreciation. My used '03 9R has been a blast (so to speak) since I bought it. The original owner added a lot of aftermarket goodies and I got the bike for below market value. It's not in showroom condition, but I don't expect it to be; it's meant for street riding, not posing. Sure, I pay for maintenance, but that total cost -along with the price I paid for the bike- has come nowhere near the amount I'd have spent had I bought one new. I highly recommend used Buells. Of course, the old adage still applies, let the buyer beware. | ||
| Leviss |
I think I'm just going to keep my eyes open for some used 12S's in my area. I've seen a couple around IL in the classifieds, but they were 9's. I'm not in a hurry, I have a bike (SV650S) now that I am going to have to sell before I do anything...I just like to be prepared. If I can't find anything I may end up buying new. Maybe I'll wait until the 08's come out and just buy one of those, so I don't lose a years worth of value in a couple months. Good idea? | ||
| Aldaytona |
isn't it illegal to report a bike sold when its not just to take advantage of rebates? you're really just screwing the customer when their warranty period is shortened by the dealer/salesman's actions? and being dishonest too....... No it's not illegal. Given the choice,I've found most customers will prefer to save $1-2,000 for the loss of a couple months warranty, and for those who have deeper pockets and want the full 24 months we had those bikes too. Saving people money is good. Not dishonest. | ||
| Aldaytona |
Illegal, screwing the customer, and dishonest too.................OUCH. Even a couple hours later that still stings............and you seemed so nice in person. | ||
| Leviss |
Maybe I'll wait and see if anything worthwhile happens in 08. Until then I'll keep my eyes open.  At least I'll try to wait. (Message edited by Leviss on February 23, 2007) | ||
| Cyclonedon |
"Maybe I'll wait and see if anything worthwhile happens in 08" but the 2008 models won't start hitting the showrooms until mid to late August so you'll be missing most of the summer riding and when the dealers get the new models, they aren't as willing to make deals on those until the 2007 motorcycles are sold. | ||
| Buellgirlie |
Al - it wasnt meant as a personal attack. i *am* a nice person, I am also an opinionated person. enjoy daytona, i wont make it this year, though my bobber is being trucked there now...to its new owner D |
