| Author | Message | ||
     Hogluvr |
I might be closing a deal on an '03 Firebolt, was wondering what kind of things I should be looking out for? I know there were some differences between the '03s and later XBs, the pulley & belt are things off the top of my head. Anything else I should take a look at, or consider changing if I do pick it up?  | ||
| Doz |
I've been riding my bone stock 03 xb9r just fine without any mods. The wheel bearings are the only thing I can remember that you'll need to look out for. Orange seals are good, the original black ones supposedly had problems | ||
| Greg_e |
Pull the spark plugs and make sure they do not have black crud from leaking valve stem seals, might need to shine a light down into the cylinder to look at the top of the piston. | ||
| Slaughter |
Bore scope the combustion chambers - look for cylinder scoring. Compression test (rings, seals, valve seats) You're already onto the belt issue. | ||
| Rsh |
Check if the headlight recall had been done. Unfortunately if it has not, it is to late to take advantage of the upgrade from Buell. The oil pump drive gear could be an issue depending on miles. The speed sensor, if not already replaced may become an issue at some point. Hopefully the owner did not fall for running Mobile 1 gear oil in the primary/tranny, it would cause the stator to eventually burn up. Have the forks ever been serviced? could be time. Has the front rotor ever been serviced, could be time as well. Check the steering head bearings for clunking. Check the front and rear isolators for wear. Early 03 XB's had a potential wheel bearing issue. Check the wheel bearing seal color, if the seals are black, there was a recall for them. Orange is what you want. Depending on miles, the primary chain adjustment shoe may need replacing. If adventurous, take the front pulley cover off and check the #77 connector by pulling it a part, look for signs of excessive heat (melting) which can lead to potential charging issue's. Check to see if the hardware attaching the primary cover inspection plates/covers has not striped out the treaded holes, or if it has, check the quality of the repair. Primary covers are over $200.00 new. The later model XB's have a better design inner air box cover, which if installed on an 03 makes it run nicely. (Message edited by rsh on January 14, 2012) | ||
| Hogluvr |
Wow, lot's of good info here, thanks for everyone's input! I do have a question on the headlights. I heard there was an issue with the coating, but how can you tell if it had been replaced? Also heard something about a gear in the oil pump? What do you do to upgrade that, sounds like something not to mess around with!? | ||
| Rsh |
If you are a relatively descent mechanical type, replacing the oil pump drive gear isn't to difficult. Otherwise, a good Buell dealer can do it. Depending on mileage, it is not immediately mandatory to have it done. The replacement headlights look like this. There are other options available, lots of posts on the subject. .  The replacement lights have the raised ridges in the center of the lenses. Overall if the bike is in good shape, and its a deal you can live with, have at it. If not in a hurry,there are lots of bikes out there, be patient. | ||
| Hogluvr |
Rsh, I do all my own mechanical work, both cars and bikes, so that's no biggie. Very helpful with the lights, at least now I know what to look for! Bike has 17K on it, picking it up for 2 large, thought it was a pretty good deal. Thanks for all your help! |
