| Author | Message | ||
     Bellsguns |
hi..... new to this site love all the info been reading it for some time so now i have decided to take the plunge, and ask for advice from what i gather to be the premier buell site! for some time[yrs] i have been eyeballing buells, but they where to tall[got 30"legs] and later it seemed reliability was a problem. about the same time i found myself attracted to [dare i say on this site] ducati monster. well time went by and a few bikes later i'm looking again and now feel worthy or ready to get one. i like the way both bikes look. and the buell [04] xb9s-low and the duc monster m750 both fit me or i fit them pretty well. the dealer was out of the 04 xb9s and so i feel more in love w/the duc and found one i like at a good price. and as far as the buell goes i like the [04]xb9s-low more than the the new city and more than the new scg1200. plus it doesn't cost as much as those. but now the hd dealer just got a few xb9sl's in as factory demos w/1800-4000mls. for 6400-6900$. this is more than the used duc, but might be reachable. so i dare ask for some non biased advice. i'm collecting as much info as possible as to help me make the correct choice. i'm sure some of you may have been there. reliability is a factor. and i've heard that the xb9 can be tuff to ride cause of the front end wanting to come up so often. dealers ,a lot of them don't like buells. so i'm looking for positive and the negatives of owning a buell xb9s,vs. the duc monster. i'm trying to do this before the dealer runs out. but i can't test ride the buell cause i getting over knee surgery. btw. i have ridden a friends duc m620 many time' s and kinda like it. buells kinda scare me. any recalls on the 04. and how have they been sofar? here that the o4's might be better than the 03's... is that true? alsogot a post from 2- people who used to work at buell that in general say buell has gotten better but not to buy one,as it seems buell still has a long way to go, and it seems they both own ducs now. they said nothing really bad, jus that duc. seemed to be better sorted. so any help would be great..... sorry bout the long post! thanks to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ps... this is not my 1st bike, i have 4 other bikes confused | ||
| Daves |
Could I interest you in a trip to Wisconsin?  | ||
| Thepup |
The Buell will be cheaper when it comes to routine mainenance,I would look for one that still has the factory warranty and I would buy the extended warranty also. | ||
| Doughnut |
Have you ridden them both. If you have, you probably know the answer.  | ||
| Danvetc |
Well, I'm no expert, but other than personal preference and riding style, you have to factor in service capabilitly. If you have a good Buell dealer, the XBs seem quite reliable, and the servicing is relatively cheap. Ducs reputation for service needs is well known. But with 4 other bikes, who cares, right? I do find it curious that so many people keep mentioning a Buell's tendency to wheelie. While there is loads of torque available via Buell, throttle control is the responsibility of the pilot. Charlie p.s. Hope your surgery went as well as mine. I just had ACL reconstruction 25 days ago, and I snuck out on my XB9SX today! (Could not stand it any longer.) | ||
| Dago |
2004 xb12 with 9000 (hard) miles. not one problem. | ||
| Bristolxb |
Buy the Buell, most fun you can have with you clothes on!i've had plenty Jap 1,2 3,4 cyl a few with character XS650, Fj1200 CBR1100r + Speed triple 955i but this Buell 1200s is just so good you have this s**$ eating grin all the time. Buy one + enjoy"! | ||
| Fullpower |
an XB and a Monster will make a fine pair. one of each should be a good start. I have both, and either one could be the perfect bike for the day. | ||
| Yeags30 |
i own a 03 xb9sl and i love it. The front end doesn't come up as easy as u think. Sure i've had it come up but the bike is very controlable and handles great. Plus i bet it sounds a lot better then a ducati!!! | ||
| Imonabuss |
The Buell is waaaayyyy more reliable and well sorted than a Ducati. Anyone telling you differently is lying or ignorant. There is no comparison. Now, Ducati has a great image and name because of their racing, and that could be a reason to choose one. But, the Buell XB9SL will significantly outperform the M620 in every way, including cost of ownership. | ||
| Jlnance |
new to this site. love all the info. been reading it for some time. One thing I like about Buell is the community of riders which has sprung up around it. This site is excellent. I went to a BRAG event last year and the people there were outstanding. Even if you buy the Ducati, stick around Badweb and go to a BRAG outing. You will have a blast. | ||
| Cyko_bob |
Bellsguns I am also vertically challenged with only about a 29 inch inseam. I bought the standard XB9S, then bought the low seat. The low seat helped a lot. So even though you might not be able to find a low, you can get the seat easily and cheaply. I have a moment or two when I think I am off balance when I am parking it, moving it around slow, but no problems. I did have problems with the stock stock...dropped it twice at slow, nearly stopped speeds. However, I forgot to remove the disc lock once and that threw me down. Anyway, the low seat helped me. I just got a Corbin seat, but I have not put it on yet. I can give you a better answer on it soon. As for reliability, with the hydraulic lifters, the maintenance is pretty easy. I have not changed the plugs yet, but they may be a little tight. I have about 4300 miles on my XB in a very hostile environment, and it has been rock solid. Because I am overseas with no Buell dealer, I do have some backup parts (extra clutch cable, extra belt, plenty of oil filters) so I am not sidelined waiting for parts, based on problems mentioned on the BWB. I have owned nearly 40 bikes in my life. My favorites so far are the Honda VF1100 Sabre, the Kawasaki ZRX1200, and this wonderful little Buell. I am a Quad-Cam fan (Sportster based engines)...also have a Sportster  Go for the gusto...I think you will enjoy the the Buell and those wheelies an endos once you get used to it...and yes controllable. Cyko Bob  | ||
| Okinawaxb12s |
hey bob,you and i are almost neighbors.i am on okinawa.any other buells in korea or are you running solo like me? | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
Hey Oki, I don't know how public you want to be here but are you on a Camp or the Air Station. I was in Okinawa for 4 years and thats where I first saw my XB9R. Man I wish I had her while there! Could have shown a few of those Jap street fighters a thing or two. No, maybe not, those guys were pretty good! And crazy too! Go eat some Dragons across the street from Foster for me! LOL! Bellsguns, I'm with doughnut. When your well enough, ride em' both. The Buell WILL speak to you. It's already whispering in your ear or you wouldn't be considering it. Good luck with your knee. | ||
| Vikingdave |
I'll sell you my 03 black xb9s...2400 miles, dealer installed race kit,w/ ecm & air filter for 6 large american dollars...it'll beat the snot out a that lame duck, and as the other posters are saying very service friendly...gas, oil, and go. The only real service is the adjustment to the primary chain...pie  ce of cake! | ||
| Okinawaxb12s |
charlieboy,i am on an air station,and yes these japanese have way more balls than i do at this particular point in my life.i'll check the dragons out for you. | ||
| Cyko_bob |
Oki...no more XBs that I know of here in Korea. Unlike Europe the BX does not sell them here in Asia. I have seen a couple of tube frame Buells that GIs have brought over. There is a H-D dealer in Seoul, but he is not a Buell dealer. Besides, I am not sure I would want them working on it anyway. I was here before, had a Sportster then. As soon as I found out I was coming back I got the XB9...did not really care if it was a 12 or 9 since I would be here. I have yet to be beaten by another Harley...of course not. It is kind of like being the fastest gunfighter in town...everyone wants to try you, ha ha! I have encountered some of the Korean crotch rocket riders in the mountains, and they sure give the Buell a look, notice lots of the little things like the idler, gas in the frame, and even point to the swingarm. I think some of them have read about the Buell, but it is the first one they have ever seen. If ya get to Korea let me know you are coming and we will have a few brewskies and share a few stories... Cyko Bob | ||
| Okinawaxb12s |
will do bob.keep it on two wheels and keep your eyes on your crazy ••• neighbors to the north. | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
Ahhh, the North is just jealous cuz they can't get Buells LOL! | ||
| Okinawaxb12s |
i may try to get over there this summer if all things go well.i'll let ya know so you can have the beer iced down. | ||
| Ingemar |
I had a monster and did not like it. Totally different animal and IMO a lot less comfortable. I also find the XB much more confidence inspiring once suspension is properly setup. Ride 'em both and get the Buell. | ||
| Court |
>>>>If you have a good Buell dealer, the XBs seem quite reliable, Whether you have a good, bad or no dealer the XB is proving, in actual service, to be one of the most reliable motorcycles EVER manufacturered. Fact. I see you are in IL. . . I suggest a "Buell Lesson" on March 26th. I think I can assimilate you to "the light of the Elves". Clear the 26th of March on your Calender and drop me an e-mail. Court | ||
| Brucelee |
I love the monster but its riding position is quite different from an XBS for example. This is an important diff to most riders. Ride them both when you can. (Message edited by brucelee on February 20, 2005) | ||
| Matty7092 |
Bellsguns, I was kinda in the same boat as you. I was thinking of getting a Duc or a buell. I hadn't owned a bike for nearly ten years when the urge hit me pretty hard. I stopped by the Harley dealer first and proceeded to ride my new xb9s home. Test ride the Buell, they are not as overpowering as you think. My 91 cbr600 was way too quick for me, but my Buell,even with a lot of torque, is very comfortable to ride, and a ton of fun in the corners. I know its all in what you want, but if you get the Buell you wont be disappointed. IMHO. Matt | ||
| Enigma |
BristolXB where in the city you based, jees thought i was the only 12. These bikes are getting to common now! | ||
| Sarodude |
Experience has shown me that the vast majority of problems with Buells (and, in fact, darn near anything that occasionally gets handled by anyone) are servicer induced. BTFM. RTFM. You're the only person who's gonna truly care about the work done on any of your vehicles. Learn how and do it right yourself. -Saro | ||
| Thepup |
I agree and disagree with Court.If something does go wrong with your Buell,good luck.I had a factory warranty repair about a month before my warranty was up,it was repaired by the dealer,took three weeks,about 2 months later after the warranty was out I had to take it back because of leaks and a rattle in the primary,good thing I had the extended warranty.This from a dealer that was giving an award this year from Buell.Good dealers are few and far between.There have been some other small problems like speed sensor,voltage regulator,intake leak.These bikes aren't perfect as some here would leave you to believe.All that being said I still love my XB,and understand that sometimes things just happen. | ||
| Enp83 |
I was looking at Ducati Monsters REALLY HARD for a while before I got to thinking about Buell XBs. Having not ridden either of them, from what I remember the Ducati Monsters have a riding position inbetween the Firebolt and Lightning. I knida wish the Lightning's stock bar was a little lower, but that can be changed. The one thing I don't like about both bikes is the stiff clutch pull compared to jap bikes...it's just ridiculous to make the clutch lever pull that high effort. I think in '04 Ducati fixed that on their 620/800 models with a new type of clutch set up, you can really feel the difference. Reasons why I like the XB over the Monster... Belt drive, I hate lubcricating/cleaning/adjusting a chain. Adjust the valves every 6k miles on the Duc, that's a pricey service. American VS Foreign Ducati parts seem to be more expensive. Ducati service is more expensive. Even after Buell restructured their dealerships, theres more Buell dealers in KS/MO than Ducati dealers. 1200 vs 1000DS the 12 makes more hp and more torque. Suspension, the XB uses better bits and pieces and is more state of the art. | ||
| Court |
>>>>These bikes aren't perfect as some here would leave you to believe. I agree and, although you said you disagreed, you never did. The Buell XB series is proving to be one of the most reliable motorcycles ever made. Fact based on warranty $$ per unit manufacturered. Be they good or bad, Harley-Davidson has the most formiddable dealer network in the United States. Buell parts, once a very sore spot, are now fabulous. All parts orders are shipped within 24 hours, usually the same day. I love the looks of Ducatis. I have several friends who are executives at Ducati. I like their parties, the food and the friends but I confess that when I see some of the things the company has done, I fear their motorcycles a bit, the ownership experience a great deal. I recently posted a picture of the Ducati Flagship Store in the United States....or where it was, it's now a deli on 11th Avenue. Court | ||
| Reepicheep |
The "take home" here is about the extended warranty. Your local dealer has the power to make that warranty as useful as they wish, or as much of a doorstop as they wish. Had you called me on Wed. and described your leaking gaskets and rattling primary chain, then rolled a bike into my garage by 8 am or so the following Saturday morning, we would have been done with the job and out riding by noon, probably for less then $60 in parts (depends on the gasket that was leaking). |
