| Author | Message | ||
     Xlbob |
Hi guys, I'm a new guy here. I don't have a buell and I currently ride a 2002 XLH 883. I'm thinking about getting a Buell, but I have one major concern: there's no Buell dealership here in Jakarta, Indonesia. There are HD, BMW and Ducati dealers here but no Buell. I have several questions: can the routine service and maintenance be done without going to a dealer, i.e. do it myself? I do the service and maintenance of my sportster myself, but the difference is there's a HD dealer and an indy shop here so if I screw up I can always take my bike to them :-) I look at the Buell service/ maintenance chart posted here, and see that most of the items can be done at home, except the TPS setting or other stuff that requires special software. Second question, if you were in my shoes and there's no dealer to go to, would you get a Buell? and which model is the most reliable? I saw an XB12S last month for the first time, it's the only one I've seen here, and I really like it, though I think the look is too aggressive for me. Even just sitting on it, in the showroom, made me want to ride fast :-) Last question, for an XB12S or XB9S, is there an aftermarket seat that's comfortable for ridding 2-up and also comfy for the passenger? Thanks in advance, Jakarta Bob | ||
| Diablobrian |
The xb12ss would probably be the bike you would want for 2 up, that or the Uly. The XB series are very reliable and the manuals are great. Nearly any maintenance can be done by the home mechanic with simple hand tools. You would probably want to buy the vdst software package for tps resets and trouble code reading. You also found the best resource for Buell info anywhere right here. There are a lot of Buell owners with no dealer near them that order parts through our sponsors. Like DaveS at Appleton Buell. The only REAL obstacle you have is warranty work, having no dealer near you. The good news is only a small percentage of XB Buells have any need of warranty repairs. | ||
| 12r |
Hi Bob - I recognise you from my time on the XL-list - good to see you over here ! Coming from an '02 Sportster, the Buell is just as easy to work on. The FM is very helpful and with the help of a few home-made accessories routine maintenance is pretty good. My Firebolt has been just as reliable as my Sportster was (as in zero faults). Bob, I would have no hesitation in recommending a 12SS (long) over a Sportster. Unless you're really into the Harley thing the 12SS is a better motorcycle in every way - you won't be disappointed. | ||
| Xlbob |
Thanks Diablobrian and 12r. Mark I recognize you too, thanks for the welcome. I've been thinking about trading my sportster for some time now. I thought about getting a S2R monster, but when I saw it at the dealership, it just didn't click. It's a nice lookin bike but it didn't move me, if you know what I mean. OTOH, when I saw the Buell (XB12S), whoa I really like it. It's like love at first sight. Just like when I first saw my bike at the dealership 4 years ago :-) Someone offers me a yellow 2003 XB9S, with only several hundreds km on it. It's never ridden I guess. Price wise, it's much less expensive than the 2005 XB12s. Is there a specific problem with 2003 XB9S, recall or anything like that? I'm gonna put my bike on sale, and when it's sold I'm gonna get me a Buell. Thanks, Jakarta Bob | ||
| 12r |
Good move Bob  IIRC there were a few problems with the belts on early 9s/some issues with the wiring around the lights and chafing oil lines but these have been fixed. You might want to take a look at http://motorcycles.about.com/library/recalls/blmotorecalls012.htm but an 04 or later model should be Buell-tastic | ||
| No_rice |
basically all that the oil line problem was had to do with the fact that they crossed each other and rubbed and could cause a hole(trust me, been there) its a simple preventative fix to get a clamp that holds them apart. comes standerd on the 04 and newer ones. the belts are also an easy fix. the stock original 2003 belt may last you a long time. it may not. simply put they were not as durable as the revised versions or the newer style ones are. any miss handling and they could be damaged. it has been upgraded a few times and you can buy a upgraded version that fits your stock setup. you also need to check the wheel bearings they need to be red sealed ones. if they are black they never got replaced so you will want to. honestly for the 03 xb's being a completely redesigned new model, there are not to many problems. they are still usually very reliable. | ||
| Rudy838 |
this is the email i just got from my dealer about my 03 9s.<p> The wheel bearing update was not a recall, it was a "product program" and was only for 03 XB9R, & XB9S models built before Nov 7th, 2002. The product programs don't show up in our records when we do a regular safety campaign history check. If your bike does have the black wheel bearings, we can update them for you during a walk-in service appointment at any time. The new wheel bearing product program is not called a recall because it is not a safety issue, however, the new wheel bearings have an improved seal for better grease retention.} | ||
| Xlbob |
Thanks guys for all your input. I went to an indy shop yesterday to get a 44 slow jet for my bike. This is the place where I saw the XB12S. Anyway, I was also told that there's another Buell (XB9S) for sale, I just din't expect to see it there. Well, the yellow XB9S was there, it has exactly 153 miles on it. I sat on it. Then the guy started the engine, whoa, I really love the sound. I was kinda expecting a sound like a japanese sportbike, but what I heard was a completely different sound. Mind you it's the first time I hear Buell sound:-) It just sounds beautiful. I went home and didn't rejet my bike, cause I couldn't stop thinking about the Buell :-) Thanks again guys, Jakarta Bob | ||
| Jim_m |
yeah, that Buell sound is pretty addictive. | ||
| Cyko_bob |
Bob...I am in Korea...at least for a few more months. Like you, I don't have a Buell dealer nearby. I have an '03 XB9S/Yellow. For the 10K maintenance I did switch belts (upgraded version) and changed the clutch cable...another preventive maintenance thing. I do a lot of preventive maintenance...even change my oil in both the engine and primary every 2500 miles. The Seoul Harley shop does not service Buells, but I am a home-wrench, so I do all my maintenance, and when I need parts I get them from DAVES...Appleton...one of the web sponsors. Bottom line, in the two years here, the only thing I had a problem with, besides swapping tires every 3K, was a speedo sensor, a very minor thing. That has been upgraded too. I got a new/upgraded sensor from DAVES, and all is well. I think you will be really happy with the XB9...gets great gas mileage too. BTW, I still love my Sportys...I am just a quad cam fan that includes both the Sportys and the Buells. I will get a new Buell if and when they come out with a street version with the 1340 engine (will still keep my XB9 even then...part of the family now); otherwise I will just keep on riding my XB9...love it...you will too! |
