| Author | Message | ||
     Falloutnl |
Cross posting from the XB specific board cause Hughlysses said I would have better luck here: Hey there! Was hoping you guys could shed some light on this. I'm taking a look at this bike this evening: http://link.marktplaats.nl/m940729258 A 2006 XB12X Ulysses with about 8000 miles on the ODO. The price is right (well, it's not bad for prices here in the Netherlands). Except I've read that there have been some serious issues with the crank on XB12X bikes made before 2008. Or did the crankpin issue just plague 2007 models? Would love to hear what you guys think. ------------------------------ Hughlysses already provided me with this answer (on the AVD rider board): Crankshaft problems are almost unknown on the 06 models. The failures seem to be fairly prevalent on the 07 models; my 07 suffered a failed crankshaft at about 29,000 miles. A Buell engineer allegedly stated that a series of defective crankshafts were produced during the 2007 model run and this is why they failed. While the 08-up XB models have a more durable crankshaft and improved oiling system, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 2006 model if the price is good. So unless anyone else here thinks differently, I guess there's a good chance I'm buying this bike tonight. | ||
| Phelan |
My '06 has 71,000 miles, no crank issues or major issues. | ||
| Falloutnl |
71 thousand! Excellent. Looks like it'll be fine then. (of course it always luck of the draw and proper maintenance, but it's a good indication, thanks) (Message edited by falloutnl on June 22, 2015) | ||
| Reepicheep |
Here you go: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/648773.html?1374261251 The 2007's are definitely the worst, but not all are bad, and there was at least one 2006 failure also. Of course you can pick probably any bike ever made and find at least one crank failure for a model year somewhere. | ||
| Red450 |
My 06 had over 71k when I sold it. (Due to finances.) | ||
| Etennuly |
My '06 got it's first 60,000 miles in five years. Due to changes in my business and such it has only seen a couple thousand since. I had it out last weekend for a 35 mile trip to a store that is only seven miles from my home. Damn thing can't seem to go in a straight line to anywhere!  Ya need to plan a little extra time to go anywhere! The Uly had not moved but one time in the last six months and it ran as perfectly as always. When it is going to be sitting I make sure it does so with premium non alcohol gas. Top up the battery charge, check the tire pressures and oils and it is ready to go. As a maintenance program I keep things like the clutch cable and motor mounts lubed with motor oil. I never start it unless I am going to ride it. These things do not like short trips in cold weather, it needs ten miles minimum to keep it happy. The '06's had some new model year issues that are mostly easy fixes. Wiring problems were the majority of the problems with mine. Once fixed though, the problems never reappeared. Everyone of the things that can pop up have been covered on BadWeB. The biggest issue with my '06 was an over heat problem that would put it in safe limp home mode when it was hot out. Fixed that with a change in fan logic(went manual). The only real repetitive thing has been front motor mounts. I frequently ride over the bike's GVW limits when two up. I'd buy another '06. If you can do your own maintenance you can likely handle what comes up. No real need to pre-buy parts or do preemptive repairs as many folks have done here. A lot of the issues mentioned never happen to the majority of the Ulys out in the real world. We '06/'07 Uly owners benefit from 50+ MPG. '08 up (DDFII) seem to run at or below 45 MPG.  | ||
| Falloutnl |
Thanks for the replies everyone, and the extensive write-up Etennuly! Sounds good. I'll let you guys know what happens this evening and post some pics if it all goes through. | ||
| Timinnc |
I just got an 06 with 48k miles on it. I am pretty sure there were a lot of bugs that got taken care of... has the comfort kit installed. All I know is that it runs great. Not getting 50 mph yet but it could be my riding style and the fact that I live in the twisties of NC.... I do know that I just put on a Parabellum 28" (yes that big) windscreen and it increased my fuel economy by a few mpg's. | ||
| Teeps |
I would say you can't go too wrong buying that bike. However, I think at 4900Euro (5500 UDS) it's a little over valued. Given the extras on the bike, in the US it would do well to bring 4500, maybe 5000 USD. At the end of the day, you know your market better than I do so, the asking price could be right. Take cash... make an offer. | ||
| Timinnc |
I paid $3800 for mine.... more miles yeah but you probably have some wiggle room. | ||
| Reedo |
I have an '06 with 30k miles. Only issues so far are rear wheel bearings, broken drive belt and now a bad stator or voltage regulator (still troubleshooting). No crankshaft problems. | ||
| Falloutnl |
Well, thanks to everyone who chimed in! I bought the bike yesterday. Managed to talk him down to 4650. Still a lot of money, but yeah, bikes and cars are simply a lot more expensive over here due to taxes. Plus, most other XB12X's have more than 25.000 miles and go for around 5 or 6000 euro. So, hoping I got a good deal for some reason (and not a lemon that was too good to be true, haha). Pic I shot after the deal was done, will take some better ones once I pick up the bike later this week:  | ||
| Arry |
Congratulations, Nice low mile bike! | ||
| Falloutnl |
Thanks! | ||
| General_ulysses |
Nice score. I just sold my low mileage '06 Uly and am having a bit of seller's remorse. It really did run supremely and was a sweet bike. On the up side, I still have my S1 though...and a little more room in my garage, of course.  | ||
| Etennuly |
Nice looking ride. From here it is easy to get hooked on the Uly. You will be telling your friends about it soon.  | ||
| Tootal |
Prepare for PERMAGRIN!  | ||
| Falloutnl |
Nice score. I just sold my low mileage '06 Uly and am having a bit of seller's remorse. It really did run supremely and was a sweet bike. On the up side, I still have my S1 though...and a little more room in my garage, of course. Ah, an S1? That is really nice. Probably on the top of my list when it comes to Buells I would one day like to own. Very rare and extremely expensive here in Europe though (some go for nearly 10k). Also, room in the garage doesn't hurt, not to mention one bike less to worry about in terms of maintenance. Nice looking ride. From here it is easy to get hooked on the Uly. You will be telling your friends about it soon. Haha, I know, I've already been driving them nuts with my Buell obsession over the last two years. This Uly is my third Buell. Already own an X1 Lightning and an M2 Cyclone. Been on the lookout for a low mile XB and this fitted the bill. Also figured that this dualsport would be a much better addition to the collection than another Lightning in terms of a bike that actually does something different. Short ride on the Uly was awesome, that thing glided over bumps like nothing I've ever experienced. Prepare for PERMAGRIN!  (Message edited by falloutnl on June 24, 2015) (Message edited by falloutnl on June 24, 2015) | ||
| Uly_man |
Falloutnl. You will be happy to know that you got that bike at a VERY good price and it would have cost more in the UK or Germany just in its basic form. Your bike is in near mint condition plus it has the LSL bars, right hand air scoop, exhaust chin vent, better mirrors, fork gaiters and the latter better seat plus more. That bike was someones pride and joy and you "lucked in" on that deal. Some advice though. Chain the thing up or it may be stolen to break for parts, like my 06 Uly, for the German market. You seem to know your bikes but I would go over it very carefully to make sure all is working as it should. I would defiantly remove both wheels and check the bearings. Also remove the rear sub frame Earth point at which the two small wires and battery Earth are mounted to ensure the paint on the face has been cleaned off. It causes lots of problems otherwise and is a know fault on the early bikes. You will also find a FST works great, if you want to invest in one, as does the breather re-route. Apart from the FST none of this will cost much. Also buy a spare belt, AKF version, as you will need it sooner or later. I would not worry on the crank issue myself either. (Message edited by uly_man on June 24, 2015) | ||
| Big_island_rider |
Is it my imagination, or are there grills or screens on the chin spoiler? | ||
| Phelan |
That's an aftermarket chin spoiler. Very nice piece. | ||
| Falloutnl |
Is it my imagination, or are there grills or screens on the chin spoiler? - That's an aftermarket chin spoiler. Very nice piece. Yeah, was wondering about that myself. Falloutnl. You will be happy to know that you got that bike at a VERY good price and it would have cost more in the UK or Germany just in its basic form. Your bike is in near mint condition plus it has the LSL bars, right hand air scoop, exhaust chin vent, better mirrors, fork gaiters and the latter better seat plus more. That bike was someones pride and joy and you "lucked in" on that deal. Some advice though. Chain the thing up or it may be stolen to break for parts, like my 06 Uly, for the German market. You seem to know your bikes but I would go over it very carefully to make sure all is working as it should. I would defiantly remove both wheels and check the bearings. Also remove the rear sub frame Earth point at which the two small wires and battery Earth are mounted to ensure the paint on the face has been cleaned off. It causes lots of problems otherwise and is a know fault on the early bikes. You will also find a FST works great, if you want to invest in one, as does the breather re-route. Apart from the FST none of this will cost much. Also buy a spare belt, AKF version, as you will need it sooner or later. I would not worry on the crank issue myself either. Thanks for your advice. I will take good care of it and it will indeed be chained up to the other two Buells. I know something about Buell maintenance, have taken apart the X1 to fit new cylinders and pistons. With the help of my dad though  . So while he's the one with the golden hands, I do sort of know what to look out for and your suggestions for improvement sound very sensible. Will take care of them as soon as I get the bike (bearings especially). It'll be fun. Hoping to make many, many miles on this baby. (Message edited by falloutnl on June 24, 2015) | ||
| Uly_man |
Good to see someone who knows what they are about. Rare and special in today's world. | ||
| Smorris |
so, tell us the maker of the chin spoiler. is it as specialty item to fit an aftermarket exhaust or is it for the oem can? | ||
| Falloutnl |
I don't know who made it, but I do know it fits the stock exhaust. | ||
| Jstav2012 |
You got a good deal if it included all those parts. Your chin spoiler came from Frank Parts of Germany!: http://www.harleycustom.com/Prod-Frank_Parts_Buell -457-898.html | ||
| Falloutnl |
Alright guys, here it is:  Picked it up last Friday. Couldn't be happier. Already rode it 400km and back to the Dutch TT in Assen yesterday. It was awesome. (Message edited by falloutnl on June 28, 2015) | ||
| Twisteduly |
Congrats again, she's a beauty | ||
| Hughlysses |
Already rode it 400km and back to the Dutch TT in Assen yesterday. Nice to know there was at least one Buell in that huge sea of motorcycles they showed in the parking lot! | ||
| Tootal |
Wow, I sort of remember when mine was that clean!! I think you got your moneys worth! |
