| Author | Message | ||
     Phx_firebolt |
Hey all, I'm new to the board with a 2004 XB12R and loving it. Has anyone tried the factory saddle bags for the firebolts? I just picked mine up and am trying to make the best of them. They are really overpriced for what you get, no instructions and my dealer doesn't take any returns on special orders (which every buell item seems to be). Do I need to be concerned with the nylon straps wearing away my paint on the rear cowling under the seat? Thanks | ||
| Glitch |
Welcome to the Buell asylum! I don't have an R, but I have heard of people using (Message edited by Glitch on October 21, 2004) | ||
| Bud |
i was thinking off buying those buell bags for my R, but i bought a pair off oxford saddle bag insted way more price friendly, for the fuw time's that i ever use theme ps. welcome gr,b | ||
| Chaser |
Use electrical tape NOT duct tape | ||
| Henrik |
You can get some 3M clear plastic, that should adhere wo/ glue - I'm guessing static electricity? Cut to size/shape and stick on the bodywork under the straps. Even if the straps themselves won't mar the bodywork, the road dust and grime that will make it under the straps will. so whatever you choose do *something*. Henrik | ||
| Xb9er |
The straps aren't what you have to worry about, it's the inner surface of the bags that rubs up against the body plastic at the widest point. Dirt and dust settle there and scratch up the plastic. The bags should have come with two adhesive strips to protect the plastic. Make sure you don't throw them out. You should have ordered a set from Daves. Special Order? That's ridiculous! Mike. (Message edited by xb9er on October 21, 2004) | ||
| Deerhunter17 |
okay, the bags pretty much stink, but I have gotten used to them, Use electrical tape AND I used harley soft cloths, rolled up and tucked between the bags and the bike. DON'T overload them, and be sure to have them ZIPPED all the way when cruising down the highway, ( They will open right up if air gets in, lost my hat that way ) You will need to check the straps regularly as well, they tend to loosen up. Sad to say, but I only have about 3500 miles on the bike with them installed, and don't see them lasting through next summer. Live and learn | ||
| Phx_firebolt |
I thought the "special order" was ridiculous as well. Unfortunately at Chandler HD they don't carry any Buell accessories. They do finally have some apparel, but still no accessories. At the time of my purchase they said they were trying to be one of the largest Buell dealers in the nation and that's why they had 30+ on their showroom floor. Turns out they were just trying to send Chosa's HD out of the Buell business and it worked. Since Chosa's quit selling Buell, Chandler's inventory has gone down to about 8 bikes on the floor. The funny thing is that Chosa's always carried more accessories in stock. At least I got some of their remaining inventory at 1/2 price! I called Hacienda HD about a race kit and their reply was, "we really don't do much with Buells". What a great attitude for a Buell dealer to have. I guess that leaves me with doing "special orders" from Chandler. The only downfall of owning a Buell is the lack of dealership support. As for the adhesive strips, do they come off the bike ok? I haven't used them yet as I am waiting for the installation instructions to be sent to me from my dealer. I'm about to just take on the argument and try to return these bags. They would be nice for about $100, but $230 for bags that will fit a couple of shirts at most is just too much. I should've went with the tank bag first. (Message edited by phx_firebolt on October 22, 2004) | ||
| Darthane |
No, it doesn't mean you have to put up with them. Call Daves. Period. He'll get you anything you want, providing it's possible, along with a 10% discount, no sales tax (outside of WI), and just plain great service. | ||
| Fdl3 |
"The only downfall of owning a Buell is the lack of dealership support."  This is the saddest, and most ironic, statement I have heard yet. The whole idea behind Buell using HD dealerships is to capitalize on the strong HD dealer network. While it seems to be working in some areas (like where I am at in Nashville, TN), it seems to be woefully inadequate in other areas. This kind of statement SHOULD not even come up in regard to Buells! Not to infringe on Dave's excellent internet sales and service, but perhaps Buell needs to provide a means of ordering parts from their website. Of course, this does nothing when one needs to have mechanical work. It certainly is a blessing for ME to have more than one good servicing HD/Buell dealer in my area; it SHOULD be a blessing for ANYBODY who owns a Buell in the USA to have good servicing HD/Buell dealers (maybe even just Buell dealers!). Ah, well, rant over... | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
PHX with Hacienda it really depends on who you talk to there. Granted they don't have as much stock on hand but there are a few people who are Buell enthusiests and riders at Hacienda. Brady the service writer is very Buell friendly since that is his Black XB9S and Ron/Rob (can't find his card and its been a few weeks since I talked to him) works in Parts. When you call for parts tell them you want to talk to the one that rides the Suzuki Bandit  he is like DaveS of Appleton. Doesn't care what you ride as long as he can help you. Its really come down to who to choose. Hacienda or Chandler. Arrowhead always hit me with the Special order fee for anything Buell (even in stock Plugs) and Hacienda has only done that on actual special order items which I get from DaveS instead. Stock items such as bars, pegs or plugs they didn't. Anyways welcome and check out the Storm Fronts section under AZ Buellers. We always could use more riders Oh and there is a BattleTrax in Yuma this weekend listed under the Battletrax thread just below AZ Buellers | ||
| Vetbustr |
I've had my bags on the 9R and now on the 12R. Zipper broke the other day and in the market for a "right" bag. I used the teflon clear tape under both bikes and it seems to help out with the chafing of the bags on the plastic. My 2 Cents | ||
| Aldaytona |
The solution for preventing scratching/rubbing of your plastic or paint finishes is at K-mart. Contact brand opaque plastic shelf liner will adhere to almost any surface with its weak adhesive and is easily removed without and mess. It can be layered for heavier loads, I have used it for years with no damage to my vehicles. |
