| Author | Message | ||
     Moonrunrs |
I've been a longtime lurker on this board and did post a few questions regarding the XBs. Well, I finally found a great deal on a used 2003 XB9R and took the plunge. So far, I've owned the bike for 2 days and only put about 60 miles on it, but... I LOVE THIS BIKE!! I'm never selling it, ever. Handles great, great torque, looks great, sounds great -- everything. My first stop to the gas station to fill it up, 2 people approached me and asked what kind of bike it was. They rode too, but had never heard of Buell or the XBs. When I explained to them the engineering with the frame, swingarm and pipe, they thought it was the coolest thing in the world. Thanks to the people on this board who answered my questions. I'm sure I'll have more in the near future now that I own a Firebolt. I want to put a few custom pieces on it and ordered a couple already. One disconcerting that that happened though. When I went to my local dealer (Bartel's HD in Marina Del Rey, CA), the parts guy told me: "Man, parts for the Buells are SO hard to find." I was like, "Great I just bought one." I hope his statement isn't true. Also, I noticed at Bartel's there were NO BUELLS on display on the show floor and no mention of Buell anywhere that I could see. I'm planning on having my service done there, but it doesn't seem like they're too into Buell. Anyway, thanks again and you'll be hearing from me again soon. | ||
| Shawn_9r |
Moon, Welcome... as for parts "Daves"... you can't go wrong. Nothing but good ever comes back about him. Again welcome to the best addiction I have ever had. | ||
| Bubabuell |
Bartel's does have a few good performance mechanics. Oddly they had more Buell banners and display's on the storefront (let alone more bikes) five or so years ago. It's still yuppie Harley kingdom there. | ||
| Daves |
Welcome to the world of Buell! I can get you whatever you need. Dave | ||
| Moonrunrs |
Thanks everybody. Bubabuell, is there a certain mechanic at Bartel's I should request for my service, or is anybody there qualified to work on an XB? Marina Del Rey is a very affluent community so, yeah, the place was filled with middle-aged yuppies buying brand new Harleys at sticker price. (That's an exaggeration, but not by much.) Dave -- thanks. I may be contacting you in the near future. I'm going to post a question or two on the board about a few aftermarket items I'm interested in. | ||
| Anonymous |
Well over 90% of Buell XB parts orders are turned around in one day from the factory. If the dealers don't stock them all they have to do is order them. The parts delivery is now certainly as good as Harley-Davidson. It's a shame that such bu**sh*t exists in the dealer network. | ||
| Ortegakid |
The guy who reset my tps at Bartels was a great tech,didn't even flinch when I warned him about the upsidedown shift pattern on my bolt, don't recall his name but they were all very friendly,and helpful. | ||
| Tripper |
Well Mooney, welcome to the sickness. Get used to being treated as a stepchild at your HD dealer. It's the one and only bad part of being a Buell enthusiast. The good news is that so many HD dealers are dropping Buell. If they don't understand us, 4Q em. Hang around here and don't be shy to ask for help. | ||
| Tripper |
I notice that Moonrunrs has lurked here for 13 months prior to buying his Buell. I also listened and learned here for an extended time before taking the plunge, secure in the feeling that there was a network to support me in learning this unique machine. Like Moony, I also bought used and so far have no intention of allowing a dealer to profit from a new sale (though obviously they have alot of my money for parts). If my S1 suffers a total crash, perhaps, but Aprilia probably makes a better bike for me. I personally have met only one enthusiastic salesperson within the dealers I have visited, and he has left the business. I know that at least one exists somewhere in Iowa or Wisconsin as he frequents these boards. In any case, I wonder how many new Buellers the BadWeb, SacBORG and ATC are responsible for enticing into the fold? | ||
| Black_sunshine |
Welcome Moon! Glad to see you enjoying your Buell. The sickness is a good one to have! | ||
| Moonrunrs |
Again, thanks everyone. Yeah, I was a big lurker on this board for over a year. I test rode a Firebolt last year at the Long Beach motorcycle show and really loved it. I talked at length with the Buell reps at the show as well and was impressed. I was/am most concerned with a vehicle's reliability, no matter what brand it is. After reading this board as well as several motorcycle magazines, I felt comfortable buying a Firebolt. This is a MAJOR purchase for me and a big investment in money, even though I bought used. I feel very comfortable and confident that my 'bolt will last me for a very long time. I can't believe HD isn't pushing and supporting the XBs more. I see Buell's "Own the corners" ads on television all the time -- Speed Channel, Discovery, Travel Channel etc. Buell's invested quite a lot into advertising, it's a shame the dealers aren't more gung-ho about the brand. | ||
| Ingemar |
Welcome moon and congrats on your new addiction! |
