| Author | Message | ||
     Gambaholic |
Hi guys, I'm considering buying an 03 XB9S from a private seller and was looking for some helpful suggestions from you more knowledgeable folks. If you were a Buell newbie looking to buy, what would you wish someone would have told you to ask or look for when checking out a used XB9S? Any/all suggestions and insights are appreciated. Thx, John | ||
| Bishopjb1124 |
All in all they are pretty reliable bikes, if i has frame pucks on have the owner pull them off and check for dents a lot of folks hide dents in the frame with frame pucks. You can replace frame pucks for around 50 bucks. Also let the engine warm up good and listen for any excessive valve train noise, find out his service history and if he has records, what type of oil he uses sunthetic or mineral and just overall appearance of the bike if it looks like it has been road hard and stored outside leave it alone and find another. Jimmy | ||
| Moosestang |
I have to agree on pulling the frame pucks. I found a minor scratch and dent that I didn't know was there. Looks like it was dropped at very low speed, but dropped none the less. | ||
| Iamarchangel |
I hate that rode hard and stored outside. I don't have a garage but I take good care of it. I had a m/c mechanics license and worked in a race bike shop... thirty years ago. But watch for that anyway. Look at the tires. There's wear bars but the treads are still deep. That caught me and we have to have a safety inspection here so I had to pay for new tire. Try and register on the Buell site and access the owners manual. That will also give you some insights and questions to ask. On another thread somebody was ticked off. His frustration could have been avoided if he had checked the knowledge vault and the looked at notices and updates for his bike. Check that out. I didn't even ride my bike before buying. I had the seller do a couple of drive bys and hard stops. I just listened. Everything sounded good. Three months later, I'm still satisfied with the deal. | ||
| Brent_crossbronkos |
It has been said many times before - wheel bearing recall - seals should be orange not black - and decreased final drive belt life vs the later models. Upgrading the belt can be a little expensive but worth the effort. Do a search here and you will find extensive info on these two areas. | ||
| Andymnelson |
There are several deficiencies in the '03s: - wheel bearing recalled (as stated above, look for orange, not black) - faulty kickstand on a few bikes - weaker belt system than '04 and newer The wheel bearings and kickstand can be done at a dealer for free if the bike is affected. IMO the belt is not that big of an issue (I have an '03, and it's fine...and I rod on bike bike every day). When my belt does break, I will probably upgrade to the '04 and newer setup, but not until. This can be done for about $450, as opposed to the '03 belt which would cost $160. The real problem with the '03 belts isn't really that they are weak, it's that they get mis-handled. They CAN NOT withstand any twisting or lateral bend- they are not meant for that. Don't mi-use it, and you should be just fine. Many have put 30-40k on their '03 belts. I don't regret my '03 purchase one bit. | ||
| Retrittion |
I tried to think of anything these guys missed and I am coming up empty -- I would only add that (on a positive note) color isn't much of an issue on these bikes since you can often find someone willing to trade plastics, even wheels, and those black transmission covers that come on the 9s. Gotta love a LEGO bike! I have an '07 but I would not have a problem getting an '03 with what I have learned -- really you are looking for what you always need to look for, someone who cared about and cared for their ride, and singe owner is best. | ||
| Darthane |
The wheel bearings were NOT a recall. They were a service bulliten item that expired several years ago. You might have a hard time getting a dealership to replace them for free - but by all means check the seals for the orange color to verify they're the upgraded version. Nothing to add other than that. The belts...well...learn how to treat them and even the 'crappy' original '03 belt will outlast its service interval easily. | ||
| Andymnelson |
Ah yes, thanks for correcting that Darthane. Easy enough to do yourself anyway. Look for orange! | ||
| Gambaholic |
Thanks guys. No frame pucks so nothing hidden there. I'll ask about the oil type. Seller is original owner and says it’s had all sched maint by the dealer and has records so that’s cool. Bike always garaged and not a daily rider. Has less than 9K on it. Bike is completely stock so I'll be checking on the bearings and kick stand recall. Would a dealer still replace those for free after all these years? What would excessive valve train noise sound like? What is a fair price? KBB says SRV is $4885 and Trade In Value is $3360. Seller is asking 5K. I was thinking $4500 is fair but I keep hearing things like "I got mine for 3K or 4K". Thoughts? Thanks to everyone for your comments thus far. I've been reading through a lot of the 03 XB9S threads and they have also been very helpful. Thx again guys! John | ||
| Andymnelson |
Sounds like the bearing would not be replaced by a dealer- see above comments. The kickstand had fairly few that were affected by it- but it was a recall so you should be able to get it taken care of. If not, it's cheap. NADA is a more accurate guide for vehicle costs, but both NADA and KBB are dealer tools, so take them with a grain of salt. NADA says $3950, but that's average shape and miles- sounds like yours is better than average and less miles. $4500 sounds spot on. Excessive valve train noise? Well you will hear a "mechanical" sound in the upper end of the bike- just listen for it to sound like too much, too loud while running. If it sounds normal, it probably is. BTW- get the frame pucks. American Sport Bike has em for like $50. With the pricey nature of our frames, it's the best $50 you'll spend, should you ever lay the bike down. My clumsy brother has laid his '08 CityX down in 3 different parking lots already, and all he has is a scuffed up frame puck. Next year hopefully he'll again enough riding experience to keep it upright LOL and we'll simply install a new puck and he'll be good as new. | ||
| Bishopjb1124 |
Offer him 3500 he cannot say no and yes at the same time and it gives a starting place for you all to bargain back and forth. Jimmy | ||
| Andymnelson |
If someone offered me $3500, I'd give him the flag, laugh at him and tell him to go away. Bad advice right there. | ||
| Od54 |
Yea, I wouldn't low-ball the guy too bad. Two or three guys did it on the bike I finally bought and you can see where that got them. | ||
| Bishopjb1124 |
The low-ball method has worked for me multiple times I bought my 06 xb12ss for 6000 from a guy when he was asking 8000 for it and that was when the bike was 8 months old with 2300 miles on it and I got my wifes xb9s for 3000 when the guy was asking 4700 so maybe I was just in the right place at the right time. You never know until you ask. If you are not comfortable offering 3500 offer him 4000. Jimmy | ||
| Keitbr |
I just bought an 03 with 4k miles. One owner with K&N, Buell bags, extra plastics, mirrors and bike stand. Owner was asking 5k, paid 4800 cash for all. | ||
| Gambaholic |
Thanks again for all the replies. Well I checked it out today and test drove it. Runs great. Only 8700 miles. Bike is in great condition. I'd say 9.5 outta 10. Not a mark on it and dead stock. Orange bearings and all records for sched maint with dealer. New back tire. Only thing it needs is a new front tire. Still the original and is ready for replacement. I'm guessing about $180 for a front tire with tax, mount & balance. Does that sound about right? Don't know if it makes any difference but this is the "low" model which I gather means its lowered. Bike really felt great. I'm pretty darn sure he's not taking 4K for it as he's not in a pinch to sell. He posted it locally over a month ago and never reposted. I feel like 5K is a little high. I'm not interested in low balling anyone. Honestly I would just like to see a fair price that we're both happy with. He did say "FIRM" in his add but everything in life is negotiable so we'll see. Thanks again for everyone's comments, insights, and advice. It is very appreciated. John | ||
| Semirgdj |
I just sold the same exact bike and got $5,500 for it (my bike had 7900k on it). My bike was a 9.5 out of 10. If it is the "LOW" aka XB9SL... they are hard to find and cost a little more. BUT they are only worth more money to shorter people or people looking for the "low" or "cg" models. So if he know that the "low" model is hard to find then I doubt there is much room for negotiation on the price. It never hurts to haggle though... because you never know. *Be aware that the blue book price is based on 20k on a standard model. | ||
| Walrus2004 |
all depends on location too. a buell will go for more/less in texas than it will in california, and more/less than wisonsin. so some stories on here won't be the best to go by. on that note, bought my 04 XB12s a month ago with 1900 miles on it for $5200 private party. but i agree with the statement of not low-balling the guy. | ||
| Buellatp |
Low ball offers do work sometimes. I have been on both sides. I have bought and sold on the low ball. So far I am ahead. You can always give him the asking price if you really want the bike.  | ||
| Whitexc |
I got my '03 with race kit, new sneakers, and 5k for $4800 cash two months ago. Oh yeah......and I LOVE IT!!! | ||
| Prof_stack |
This last June 30, I asked $4800 for my '03 XB9S, with 12k miles, hoping to get $4500. Only one serious buyer emerged from the Craigslist ad. You might well be the only truly interested buyer in his bike, so don't be in a hurry. Buells are still pretty much unknown and fill a small niche. (Didn't see a single Buell today on my 140 mile day ride on the Guzzi. Except for the dealership, didn't see any MG's either. Mostly Road Kings...) The guy who bought my XB offered $4200 and I said "no". He immediately went to $4500 and I said "no", but said "okay" to his $4600 offer. Both of us were happy with the result. The way it should be. The front tire replacement should knock off at least $200 from his asking price. Good luck. | ||
| Iamarchangel |
BTW, replaced rear tire but front is still original? That would suggest he never rode it hard. The ratio is usually the other way around. The tires are soft and, if I understand most posters, few get that kind of mileage out of them. I'd suggest that the front brake would be like new but the rear would need new pads (service schedule shows they have to be checked but does not say "replace" at any point). If other posters agree then you want him to allow $2-300 for rear brakes. With the $200 for the the tires (I'd would have said $250, a dealer would be required to match the Dunlop, or whatever the rear tire is), you could justify asking him to move $500. At $4500 both of you should be happy. One more thing, the seller of my bike said he had a lot of interest from kids who walked away after they checked the insurance on this bike. Have you checked that out? | ||
| Gambaholic |
I checked with Arrowhead Harley here in Phx AZ on the cost of a new Pirelli Sync (remove, mount, balance, replace). They quoted me $214.69 "out the door" and said it would take about an hour. My insurance is with Farmers. I have my house, 2 cars and a vespa through them. I'm 39 with an excellent driving record. They quoted me $72 a month for full coverage. 25/50/50, theft, collision, comp, uninsured/under insured motorist, road side asst... yada yada... I feel like that is high although we are leading the nation in red light runners.  When I asked "why so much" she said "its a Buell" and something about "crotch rockets..." As far as the price I feel like $4500 is fair for both of us and would be happy with that. Once I get the final confirmation on the funds this week, I'll work out the price with him. Thanks for the tip on the brakes. I'll have to check the price on that with the dealership. Wish me luck!! | ||
| Krassh |
Shop for Insurance. That is way to much for insurance on a '03 XBS. I am paying a little over 1100.00 a year for Full Coverage on 3 Bikes and a Piaggio MP3 Scooter through Geico. 2007 Harley Electra Glide, 2008 Buell 1125R and a KTM950R Super Enduro. | ||
| 2008xb12scg |
Re; insurance. I have my house truck life through allstate. When I got the bike and called my agent told me to call geico as allstate is high on the bikes. But prices on my truck/house are good with allstate. Point-shop around it sounds high. | ||
| Moosestang |
$99 per year for liability.  If I got full coverage, then i'd need to sell my car in order to save money on gas. | ||
| Iamarchangel |
Ha, you guys don't know how good you've got it. Go online to a Canadian insurance company and pretend and see what you get. Most will not recognize the Buell. Most do not have any R bike listed. Company I've been with for thirty years (no tickets, no accidents, no claims) best offer was $1550. Other estimates went as high as $2800. (Remember we really don't have much more than a six month season here.) Found Riders Plus for mature riders and premium bikes (over 30 and Harley and cruisers, somehow Buell is listed) and now pay almost $1100. That's just for the bike. Apparently, it will all lower next year. We'll see. (Some weird condition of not having an insured bike for the last three years keeps it high.) | ||
| Gambaholic |
Well its almost done. We settled on $4600. I'll probably be picking it up wednesday! I do have another question... He financed through Harley and hasn't finished paying it off yet so he doesn't have the title. How does this work as far as MVD registration and who will Harley send the title to once its paid in full? Also are there any Phx AZ Bueller's out there who can tell me where to get the best deals on a good full face helmet? Thx, John (Message edited by Gambaholic on September 08, 2008) | ||
| Mudshuvel319 |
You have to be careful if you're paying for the bike without the title in his hand. Unfortunately a lot of times the seller is only able to pay off the bike once he gets the buyers payment so it does happen fairly often, but even if you physically have the bike in your possession after handing him the money, it really isn't worth much without the title. Be sure you trust him before doing so, and bringing along a friend to witness you making the financial exchange isn't a bad idea either. My friend just bought a Buell from a guy on Craigslist and has the same experience with the seller needing to pay off the bike to get the title. My friend trusted him enough to give him the money and take the bike with the expectation that he would get the title once the bank forwarded it to the seller. It took about 3 weeks for the title to make its way back to the seller and until it did, I'm pretty sure my friend wasn't able to register the bike at the DMV or get insurance because he didn't legally own it at that point. The registration laws may be a little different in Arizona and you may not have to wait as long to get the title from the Harley financial institution. Good luck and be careful with the transaction. Oh, and enjoy the bike! | ||
| Gambaholic |
Thanks for info Mudshuvel, I did a little more homework and found out what is involved. I called Harley Financial today and this is what they suggested so here is the plan. 1. Call Harley from sellers house, make phone payoff and direct Harley to send the title to my address. 2. Have seller fill out the MVD "Power of Attorney With Odometer Disclosure" form. This will allow me to put the title in my name once it arrives in the mail. If the seller doesn't have the funds to make the payoff then I plan to make the payment there on the phone and give seller the remaining balance from the sale. Anyone see an issue with this or know of a better way? Thx, John | ||
| Whitexc |
Sounds like it should work....good luck and enjoy! | ||
| Iamarchangel |
In Ontario, Canada, where the gov't sometimes gets too involved, the seller must sign a disclosure identifying all liens or the buyer can't register the bike. Follow Harley advice, it's their trade. Good luck, you're doing alright so far. |
