| Author | Message | ||
     Todd900ss |
Hi all, After ignoring Buells for some reason unknown to me & after reading up on them I think this is the bike for me. Always late to the party! I have one question, is it worth the extra money to buy the updated 2008 & later models? It seams to me the '06 '07 bikes are good buys now & with some tinkering can be good to go. I will use the bike mostly on the road but it will see fire roads so I don't think the turning radius will be a problem for me. I do push a bike hard on the road & don't know if the smaller forks on the early bikes are a problem?? Sounds like the fuel pump wiring & turn signal problems can be fixed. For reference I am not new to big DS bikes. Past bikes I have owned a KTM 950 Adventure & Cagiva Gran Canyon along with many sport bikes & thumpers. Thanks for any & all input. Todd | ||
| Ulykan |
Hi Todd and welcome to BadWeb. I'm really not qualified to answer your question but there are many folks here that will tell you that there's nothing wrong with an 06 or 07. However, beginning in 2008 there were many changes not the least of which was the fuel injection and the 77 connector that created problems for many owners is gone. My advice is if you find a early model at a good price and it's in fine shape then buy it. If you buy one without the comfort kit installed then I strongly recommend buying one for it. There is a big difference with right side heat. Another consideration no matter what year model you buy is the Erik Buell Racing ECM. For $250 you have a completely different bike. The difference is truly amazing. I'm sure there will be many responses and answers to your question on what year model to buy. In the meantime, glad to have you here. Enjoy your stay. Bob | ||
| Andymnelson |
I just bought my 4th Buell this summer- a 2006 XB12X. I love it, and could not justify the cost difference to an '08. I think the money is just the thing. I bought my '05 for $4500 without bags, and got all 3 bags and mounts for $500. So I have $5000 in it. An '08 with bags would go for $7000+, many are asking $8500. I couldn't justify the cost. My '06 is great.  | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Just keep in mind, with every new model year, the bikes got a little more refined. I have an 05 XB12S and an 09 XB12X, not the same bikes, but the same motors, and there is a world of difference. Just by browsing this forum (for years) I've noticed it is very obvious that people have more issues with the older ones. Now obviously, that could be simply that they are older, and often have more miles... but what it comes down it, is a lot of things that were problematic, have been fixed or replace in the 08+'s. I'd look hard for an 08+ for sale on the cheap. And if you don't have any luck, I wouldn't hesitate to go older. This would be a good fly and ride for ya! Rumor has it they have mucho room to move on the price: http://www.centennial-park.com/preowned/listings.p hp?make=Harley-Davidson&model=XB12X&id=34 | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Here's a further fly 'n ride, but it's a good deal: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/21/ 589166.html?1282716040 | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
I would opt for a 2008+ due to the following upgrades listed in the order of importance to me: Steering lock was increased with offset triple clamps. Throttle body + ECM upgraded to take timing off of the crank directly and resetting TPS is no longer required but can still be done manually without any tools or computer. Oil pump finally not driven off of 90 degree gears like 1957 sportsters! Oil pump is directly run off of the two middle cams. Bottom end was beefed up with a larger crankpin. Redline was increased to 7K. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
If you want to ride one first, go to Buelltoberfest Oct 15-17 in Suches, GA. I'm sure someone would let you take one for a spin | ||
| Todd900ss |
All good info guys & thanks. Any negatives with the smaller forks on the '06 '07 bikes. Mike the one in Ohio looks good for the money & in my old stompin grounds. Are you close to that dealer? They have room to move on the $5995 price? (Message edited by todd900ss on August 25, 2010) | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
2007 forks had better springs than the original 2006. The really cool thing here is that almost all of the upgrades can be installed on the 2006. For instance, I'm a tall fella and wanted the original 2006 seat. I bought one from someone for $50 and it clicks right in with no issue. Just not the engine ones. the 2008+ ones are a different animal. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I live in Columbus, so I'm pretty close to it. And yeah, it's just a rumor, but I know some people that know some people that talk to some people that said they are going to be willing to move on that $5995. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Any negatives with the smaller forks on the '06 '07 bikes. I don't think there are; they are plenty stout. I suspect the larger diameter forks on the 08-up may have been required to accommodate the eccentric loads that the offset axle added. The 06/07's don't have the offset axle so they don't need the larger tubes. | ||
| Todd900ss |
Wow, hard to pass up at that price. Have seen the bike in person? BTW I grew up in Hilliard. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
I would say you could get that Uly for $6000 out the door but not much less than that. (tax,tag & title) They just dropped the price from $6495 | ||
| Druelly |
MikeF, So in regards to the first link, why are they advertising it as a HD XB12X and not a Buell? | ||
| Mnrider |
The sale's man don't have a clue,my title says it's a HD model-Buell. But anyway 06's will haul a "fat ass".  | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
I just noticed that bike has Drummer on it and the Aprilia Tuono mirrors... that bike keeps getting better every time I look at it.... that would go on my VISA... wife may kill me somebody better hurry up and by that thing before I do... | ||
| Froggy |
Because thats normal for a HD dealer. It might even say HD on the title. I love how they listed it as having a 2-up seat as a feature! | ||
| Pso |
Todd, I am selling my 06. Paul | ||
| Ratbuell |
I have an 06. Been beating the crap out of it since new, and it keeps asking for more. Steering lock? LEAN it, it's a Buell. I can U-turn in a lane and a half, all damned day. No issue. I put in '07 fork springs (progressive rate) and use '07 suspension settings. Best $26 I ever spent. The front springs, black rear wheel bearings, an Erik Buell Racing ECM, and screw-terminal 77 replacement are the only "upgrades" I've considered to be "needed". The other stuff - CR mirrors, aux driving lights, heated grips, comfort kit - I log in the "farkle" category. Don't sweat the smaller fork diameter. I've been on everything short of a super technical mountain bike trail on it, and haven't had an issue yet. | ||
| Todd900ss |
Ratbuell, Thanks, thats what I wanted to hear. | ||
| Whisperstealth |
Both those links are to great bikes, selling for good prices. That '08 X at centennial is a hell of a deal. I'd be all over that. | ||
| Pontlee77 |
2006 and 2007 you can play around with the ecm using ecmspy, 2008 still nor ready. I have a 2006 with a few up grades and except for the TB shaft and the fan, haven't had any other problem | ||
| Pizat |
I bought an 07 this spring and love it. Hightly recommended! | ||
| Todd900ss |
Thanks for all the info guys. Anyone in Georgia willing to let me take a short ride? I cannot make the Buelltoberfest, my sons birthday weekend. | ||
| Gamdh |
Todd Do you ever make it up to Dahlonega? | ||
| Todd900ss |
Yes, Will be up there one day next weekend or maybe all weekend. | ||
| Gamdh |
PM me and I'll send you my Cell phone number. I have both an '06 and '10 Uly X | ||
| Uly_dude |
Question Todd; About a yr. ago my sights were really set on buying the KTM 990 adventure, but I couldn't find a good used one in the area, eventually gave up and picked up my Uly in March. BTW, I'm really glad it happened this way cause I luv the Uly and the character it has - something you don't see til you own it. My only gripe would be the lack of off road tire selection available to me. But I digress.... Question is, having owned the KTM already, why did you get rid of it and now opting for the Uly? Your answer might get me to stop thinking about what might have been. Thanks, Greg | ||
| Todd900ss |
I had a Gran Canyon before the KTM & loved the soul of that bike but found it underpowered for long distance riding. I got the KTM to address this as I was going on a trip out west. The KTM was better offroad than the CG, but I only do fire roads. It also was tall & seamed to carry the weight higher then the CG or the xb12x (I sat on a xb12x with the low seat & it was in the middle of the two). Seats are another problem, I had many & none of them worked for long days. If you are wanting to do more off road than on the KTM is better. For fire roads & back roads I would pick the GC or the xb12x. Hope this helps. | ||
| Tootal |
I had a Gran Canyon before the Uly and even though it had a better transmission, fuel injection and suspension it's sit up and beg seating only allowed up to 2 hour rides before the pain was too much. One ride on the Uly and I was hooked. Careful adjustment of the primary chain allows for a decent shift and Erik Buell Racing ecm and 07 fork springs have gotten it closer to the Cagiva but the overall bike is better, IMO, for a touring bike that will head up a jeep trail at will. Best all around machine I've ridden. |
