| Author | Message | ||
     Jord1 |
Hi all. New to the forum. I have a question. I am looking at getting a 2009 Ulysses, but before I do. I would like to know about parts availability. It is my understanding that parts would only be made for 7 years after the company went out of business. Is this something I should be concerned with before I buy? Thanks in advance. | ||
| Yan |
we have two Ulysses parked in the garage. Parts availability is always in the back of my mind, but when there is demand there is supply, and I hope that with enough buells still on the road someone will be making parts for them. Like these guys for example - https://www.twinmotorcycles.nl/over_ons.asp And there is eBay - someone is always parting bikes out. It's possible you may have to put the bike on hold for a longer period of time if something major breaks down. Well, get another used bike in the meantime, and sell it when you get your Buell back on the road. Motorcycling isn't a cheap hobby after all P.S. there is a great parts supplier in the US - https://st-paul-harley-davidson-buell.myshopify.co m/collections/xbt-only - but who knows how many more years they will be able to keep stock. | ||
| Froggy |
The 7 years thing has always been a myth that somehow started circulating the internet. As long as the parts are still making money, they will still make them. Nearly every part of the bike is still available brand new from your favorite dealer. I'd say the part situation is pretty much the same as it was over 10 years ago when the bikes were still being built. Buell was discontinued, it didn't go out of business. The big difference is that the company still exists, so getting a Buell part is no different than getting a part for any other discontinued Harley. Similar to how you can still get parts for a Pontiac or Scion at a GM or Toyota dealer despite both of those brands being discontinued. I personally have no concerns for the foreseeable future. (Message edited by Froggy on April 26, 2018) | ||
| Ratbuell |
The other BIG factor is aftermarket. Other than bodyparts and frames, just about anything else can be had aftermarket should the OEM decide to cease production. Jim's gaskets, S&S engine hardparts, any number of "performance" manufacturers...you can get just about anything you need for an Evo Sportster motor, and in reality that's all the XB motor is, albeit with different compression, cam specs, and EFI. Gaskets are gaskets and there are already a lot of companies offering open-source programs for the EFI. If you like the bike, get the bike. Ride, grin, repeat - and welcome to the club! | ||
| Froggy |
Regarding aftermarket, most of the EFI system is common automotive parts. If belts become impossible to get, chain conversion is still an option. Some weird Buell specific parts like the fan have been successfully "rebuilt", and the guys in the Netherlands are working on an aftermarket front isolator. There are a handful of aftermarket brake rotors and pads so even the funky front brake is not a concern, and the guts of the forks are common Showa components. With those things out of the way, there really isn't much left to worry about becoming obsolete, just a handful more oddball parts like neck bearings or rear isolator. There is aftermarket bodywork available to a certain extent thanks to racers, and the flyscreen can be replaced by one made by Madstad. | ||
| Jord1 |
Excellent, thank you for the replies! This definitely helps in my decision making! | ||
| Uly_dude |
Hello fellow buell riders. I still have more tests to do, but I believe my 2006 Uly needs a new starter/solenoid. I called my Harley dealer and they can still get it($350). Good to know. But I'm wondering if there are good rebuilt starters our there for our bikes, instead of expensive new stuff. I've seen some things on ebay, etc, but would like a recommendation before installing one. It's a job I don't want to do twice. Any ideas?? Background; the starter has always turned over very slow when I bought it in 2010. This spring though it has decided to make lots of very loud clicking sounds and some turn over of the starter. I can tell it's going to leave me stranded if I don't fix it. Thanks Greg | ||
| Smorris |
I'd start with load testing battery and checking terminal connections as well as main grounds. not sure that starter problems are common issue. others may know better than i. | ||
| Uly_dude |
Thanks Smorris. The grounds have been gone thru long ago. In my final testing I'll find it, if that's the issue. I'm guessing it's the starter tho. Battery is only 2 yrs old. Starter relay is good also. | ||
| Arry |
I agree with Smorris, sounds like a battery issue (or charging system). | ||
| Zane |
I have an 09 XT. In the last couple of months I've had to get a new ECM, Voltage Regulator, and now a new cooling fan. Had to order parts but no trouble getting anything I've needed. Just put new tires and brakes on it too but those are maintenance items and don't count. Don't worry, just get the bike and ride. When you need stuff, you'll be able to get it. | ||
| Uly_dude |
Thanks for the feedback everyone. The battery is good, new stator, new regulator, even have the little led installed in my dash to tell me if it’s not generating. If anyone knows of a reputable rebuilt Harley starter shop let me know. It’d be good for everyone here to know. Starters on Harley’s have been breaking for yrs. our time will come! | ||
| Phelan |
XB starter is the same as tuber Buells and 91-up Sportster. | ||
| Screamer |
Uly Dude, XB/Tube frame/XL starters have a very low failure rate. It's possible that it's a starter issue, but a battery or ground issue is more common. Load-testing the battery (if you haven't already) may reveal a problem that is difficult to detect otherwise. |
