| Author | Message | ||
     Manos |
Good day all, new member here from Athens, Greece. I’m new to Buell, in fact, I’m one step before that. I’ve had Jap bikes until now and I’m considering buying my first non-Jap bike – a Buell XB. At the moment I’ve found two bikes (secondhand). The first is a 2003-model XB9R and a 2005-model XB9SX, which is practically brand new (1200 kms, still within warranty etc). Frankly, I prefer the latter (it is newer and I prefer the ‘streetfighter’ to the ‘boy racer’ style) but chances are that the SX is already spoken for and I have a better chance with the R. It will be cheaper too... I have a few questions and I would be grateful for any advise/comments you may have: 1. the 9R was registered on Aug 2002, so apparently it is one of the very first that left the production line of Buell. Anyone knows if this may be a bad thing? I mean were there any problems with the earlier bikes that were sorted out later on? I believe there was an upgrade with the transmission and belt drive of all the XB-series. What was wrong with the original design? Any faults/problems/damages/recalls/etc? Additionally, this 9R has been sitting still for about a year to a year and a half. Apart from the obvious damage this can cause (dry seals, tires etc) what else can be wrong and how can I check it? 2. speaking of problems, like I said, I’ve only had Jap bikes so far. Some have been better/more reliable than others, but generally I’ve had no complaints. My present bike is a ’99 Honda CB1300SF, which has been completely and utterly trouble free for the last 26,000 kms. I mean, I haven’t even seen a light bulb fail. I use the bike, inter alia, to commute to and from work. The total distance over summer is about 100-110 kms (about 70 miles) per day and, maybe, 90% of this is on a highway and the rest is city traffic (very dense and very hot...). Over the winter, I ride maybe 30 kms/day, all in traffic. The question is: are Buell XB’s reliable? I mean totally/utterly/Honda-CB kind of reliable, or I’ll have to spend money and time repairing the beast? 3. What sort of power can be expected at the rear wheel, assuming the Buell racing kit has been installed? Buell dealers in Greece state 86 rwhp for the 9 and 100 rwhp for the 12 (without the kit) but I find that rather optimistic (very optimistic, in fact...). I know, there are dynocharts posted everywhere, but I’ve seen so many different numbers (and heard even more) I’m getting confused. Please feel free to elaborate and add any additional thoughts/points you may consider fit I thank you in advance for any assistance. Best regards Manos. | ||
| Roly |
hi manos, get one their real fun, take a few weeks to grow on you after a jap bike , crowd puller when stopped, yes they are reliable, easy to service ,self. 40 to 60 to gall with race kit.4000 rpm to 6500, fun. good luck , roly. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
The early versions, (I have one), are very good and reliable, however there are four problems that are easily solved. a. The belt has been replaced by a newer version, part number G0500.02.A8R. The number is written on the outside of the belt. Some people have upgraded to the 2004 belt, but this requires new sprockets and other parts, isn't really necessary. b. The wheel bearings have been upgraded. The way to tell if you have the latest ones is to look at the grease seals: black=no good, orange = good. Free upgrade by dealer. c. some models had a defective stand. Check serial number with your dealer d. The braided lines that cross in front of the motor on the way to the oil cooler may touch and rub against each other until they leak. Free upgrade by dealer. Additionally, many members feel that the original spec . tires are not very good from the point of view of handling or wear. When you have the wheel off for bearings and belt, you might want to upgrade to the latest sport tires from Michelin, Pirelli or Metzler. 2. Reliability is pretty close to Honda, but not quite-what is? definitely usable as a daily rider. 3. Actual horsepower with the race kit is around 75. 4. Popular upgrades with members of this board are frame pucks,(sliders), the race kit, D+D and Drummer slip ons, swing arm sliders, and Mobil 1 synthetic oil in the engine and gear box. 5. If parts prove hard to get in Greece, you can order them from our sponsors. Daves from Appleton HD sends them all over the place. Trojan and American Sport Bike have lots of aftermarket goodies. | ||
| Eexb |
Manos, IMHO: The XB has tons of "useable" power - better suited to spirited riding on public roads than many of the "racier" Jap bikes. In the last few years I've owned and ridden a GS500 GS1000 GPZ750 Speed Triple CBR1000 and currently a GSXR1000 (which I'm trying to sell) and a few others. The XB (12 in my case) may not be as popular or "accepted" as many of the Jap MCs but it's been more fun to ride. Honda's reliability rep is second to none but the Buell XB (except for early belts and wheel bearings) has a very good rep also. Don't think many XBs have seen the "touring" miles that some BMW's, Haysbusas and bigger CBRs see, but overall XB problems are few and far between. If you want a bike to ride for pure "fun", you can't go wrong with a Buell, if you're looking for a highway cruiser/transportaion bike, there are better choices. Ride safe, EE | ||
| Lovematt |
Manos, MY XB9R is also from August 2002 and I have just crested 20,000 miles with only a minor issues: - Speedo sensor went out...four bolts to remove and 5 minutes tops to replace. - High beam wire solder tip broke in the switch...again 5 minutes tops to fix by putting a hot tip and some flux to re-solder. - Front spark plug rubbed through...was replacing plugs anyways and now just make sure I have extra wires from now on...at least one for the front just in case. Otherwise...no real problems that are worth mention or that regularly scheduled maintenance would have fixed anyways. I would recommend updating the belt and pulleys to the newer style (American Sport Bike has a great kit for this...they are a sponsor). I used the American Sport Bike kit and the '06 belt is MUCH more beefy...it actually feels more solid when riding too. Just do this when the time comes to replace the belt or make sure you get the updated belt for the '03s as a cheaper alternative. Ditto on getting the Wheel Bearings updated to the orange ones, make sure kickstand has an "R" stamped on the bottom foot portion, and check the front oil lines right behind the front tire for rubbing (there is a clamp available to prevent this which was on the newer years). (Message edited by lovematt on November 01, 2005) | ||
| Slaughter |
I race an 03 One word of caution that often gets overlooked: ALWAYS Let the engine warm up before riding! These air-cooled engines do NOT like being ridden before they are ready! | ||
| Chainsaw |
My build 03 XB's build date was April/June 2002. See profile for specific problems, and add sidestand safety switch to it. Only other problem not covered would be a recall* on the original sidestand. Replacements are marked with an "R" stamped on the base. *there is some fancy lawyer wording like Product Update or some such, it's just confusing | ||
| Blake |
I wouldn't recommend the race kit on a bike that is going to be used for everyday riding. The muffler especially does not perform well down low in the rev range. It does great in the upper range though. Suggest you take a look at the Hillbilly-Motors site and all their dyno charts for different mufflers. They too are a BadWeB sponsor.  The reliability is good. Get the frame pucks to protect against accidental damage. Get either the upgraded '03 belt or swap pulleys and everything including belt guards for the latest greatest tough as nails '06 belt. The new transmission that is being delivered in all '06 model Buells improves the precision of the shifting action. The old transmissions work fine and are reliable, but they require a more deliberate action when shifting. LOL. I actually have trouble when I first start riding another brand of motorcycle. It feels like the shift lever is seized due to the much reduced effort and much shorter throw of the lever compared to that on my Buell. Good luck with whatever you decide. | ||
| Blake |
Forgot to mention power. The XB9's will put down mid to high 70HP, some even over 80HP with race kit, where the XB12s will make low 90's. So your dealer would seem to be about 10HP optimistic in each of his estimates. | ||
| Rocketman |
Cali spera, cali neta, cali mera. Forgive the spelling but it's nice to see a Greek on the BadWeB.  Rocket | ||
| Manos |
Hello all, First of all a great big thank you to all who took the time to respond and shed some light to my questions. Calimera, Rocket (how did you get to know Greek?) I’ve spoken to the owner and, as it appears, the SX is still available so I’ll do the financial maths and try to go for this one. It will not be easy though. Just for the record, here are the prices in Greece: Euro US$ XB9S (new): 12800 15616 XB12S (new): 14500 17690 XB9R (used – the one I’ve found): 8500 10370 XB9SX (used, as above) 10500 12810 Oh, and the racing kit that costs some $620 in the States, retails some 1500 euro ($1830) here! Are you still there? You didn’t spill any coffee on your shirt, did you...? Anyway, so be it, but yes Gentleman_jon if I need any parts (be that spare of performance parts) my first attempt will definitely be with US suppliers, including ebay. Regarding the popular upgrades you say, the race kit is already there on both bikes I’m looking and frame pucks + swing arm sliders should be the first things I’d consider. I’ve also seen some carbon covers of the frame I liked. What’s with the Mobil 1? It is a good oil, no doubt, but why would you consider than an ‘upgrade’? does it make the cement-like transmission any smoother? Regarding power, I used to think that more is better. Now I don’t. I’ve seen people with 160rwhp Hayabusas complaining after a while that it doesn’t seem fast any more. A friend just spent about 4-5000 euro (you do the math for US$) to get about 190rwhp from his ‘busa and a month later sold it for a CBR1000RR. It corners better, he says. The point is that I would like all the horses and speed I can get BUT chances are that I’ll use them and this kind of fun: (1) will have an expiry date (2) I’m old enough (going to 35) to know that I cannot and must not risk the danger. Not any more. I’m married and have two kids, the elder being 3 years old and the younger 2 months old. The stakes are too high. So, if Buells can hold their own performance-wise (reasonable acceleration, decent top speed and the-best-I-can-get cornering) then I won’t complain if the crotch rockets with half the size of my engine will out-drag me. They do it now, anyway, with my CB13, which I feel is plenty fast as it is. 75rwhp, or, say, 80-85 after some light performance mods in the future (I hope...), 175 kg dry weight and 1320mm wheelbase should keep a smile in my face to justify the purchase. Slaughter: one thing a never do, is ride the bike with less than 60-65 deg C. Every morning, I light her up, then light up a cigarette and wait. It’s only for the best (the warming up – not the smoking), the engine responds a lot better and I’ve even gained some mileage this way. Thanks again for all your help. Manos | ||
| Glitch |
Don't sweat the Race Kit. I've got one, and this bike is my daily rider. So far I've almost 40thousand miles. Only trouble was a stator at 20thousand, and the dealer fixed it under warranty. As far as keeping up, i have no trouble with that either, as long as the "Big Boys" can't open their bikes up all the way. The only complain is I have to work, cuts down on ride time. |
