| Author | Message | ||
     Geoffg |
So, picked up the new bike today. This is a "new," previously unregistered 03 XB9R, NOT a demo. The dealer gave me four keys for it--two that fit the ignition and seat latch, and a pair that fit the fuel cap only. This seems wrong--I'd assumed that all three locks would be keyed alike. Now, the fuel cap lock was inoperative on this bike on the showroom--but the dealer assured me it would be fixed up before I took delivery. Naturally, I assumed they'd get a fuel cap keyed to the bike. Having separate keys is gonna be a bit inconvenient. Any suggestions? Can Buell supply me with a fuel cap that is keyed the same as my ignition? Could I take it to any locksmith and get it re-keyed? (I'd prefer to have Buell fix it for free...) I was also given a warning about using non-Harley oil--they say using anything else can invalidate my warranty. Does anyone know if that "Moss" (??) act is valid in Canada? I'm six hours from this Harley dealership, four hours from the closest one...I'd intended to us Mobil 1 redcap. Last thing, the XB12 airbox I'd ordered about 3 weeks ago still isn't in stock...when I'd gone to order some frame pucks, the parts guy didn't know what I was talking about, then when he found them in the catalogue he asked me where they go on the bike. This dealer is not really instilling confidence in me... | ||
| Geoffg |
Hmmm...a few more things. While the dealer was careful to show me all the controls (such as where the clutch, throttle, shifter, brakes, and turnsignals are), they neglected to show me how to check the oil level or how to set the suspension. Now, I know where the basic controls are--but I appreciate that they have to go through the checklist. However, I'd think a few things such as oil level monitoring and proper suspension setup might be helpful... I mean, I'll figure it out (might need some info from this board), but some others might need this info. | ||
| Tank_bueller |
Congrats on the bike!! The key thing sounds like BS, but I really have no idea. Two keys would be a pain in the ... Sounds just like my closest dealer.....who will never see my bike again.(not to sound negative) Mobil-1 V-twin is the way I'm going, but people here use red cap with good results. As far as the warranty, I don't know(or care...see above statement) Good luck with your new bike, and ride safe! tank | ||
| Tank_bueller |
oil dipstick is on top of the swingarm. suspension settings are in the owners manual and are not hard to adjust..........you have an owners manual, dont you?? | ||
| Kowpow225 |
I'd push for the key thing to be sorted out right away. Let's face it. It's a brand new bike which means to me it should have "matching" keys. I don't think it would be too much to ask. Talk to your sales guy alongside the parts guy. | ||
| Geoffg |
Tank, yeah I know where the dipstick is...and I'm sure I'll figure out the suspension. I think I knew more about the bike than the salesman did. What I'm getting at is, if they're gonna go through all the basic stuff, they might throw in a bit of the more useful stuff too. And Kowpow, I'm getting a bit tired of talking to this dealer. They obviously are not interested in Buells, and definitely not interested in their customer's satisfaction. I'll be talking to Buell Canada on Monday. | ||
| Tank_bueller |
no offense intended When I got the "intro", the dude didn't know what the headlight flasher switch was for, and he figured out the deal with the kickstand switch after he stalled it twice trying to move the bike. Any time you need help, just ask. Some here will tell you: RTFM(read the f-in manual) but most will help because we love our bikes and hope every new Bueller will love their bike just as much. tank | ||
| Lastcyclone |
Owning a bike like yours will be a learning experience. It sounds like they took the cap from you bike and sold it or used it on another bike. You really do not want to have two keys. You will forever be guessing which is which when you start or fill up. Go back, let them know you would like the cap that is keyed the same as the ignition/seat. If sales won't help, ask for a manager or the owner. Still no help, call Buell cust. serv. As many other will suggest, buy a service manual. Much can be done with just a rudimentary mechanical ability and the book. It really helps. If you have another dealer close, see if they appreciate you more. Salesmen sell, sometimes they have no desire to do anything more. (obviously Dave S. excluded) Be persistent. It is a new bike and you should be treated the same and the 55 year old, overweight, bearded, tatoo ridden guy who just dumped his retirement fund to buy that new Screaming Eagle Full Bagger w/the extra chrome package for $29,999 he just had to have. Remind them that a Buell is a Harley too! | ||
| Court |
Fuel cap deal is fixable. Have dealer get the right one coming. Any problem, drop me a note. CONGRATS on the bike! Hogwash on the oil. Use what you want. Read and follow the intervals in the manual. Here...come here...let me whisper something to you....technoids be damned.....but ANY oil you put in your Buell, given the current state of motive lubricants, will do just fine. Yeah, even the $0.69/Qt stuff at Gas-4-Less. Change it frequently and enjoy your motorcycle. High grade oils were developed to promote heated threads on motorcycle discussion boards by folks who have dreamed of becoming petroleum engineers. Court | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Congratulations on your new motor: excellent choice, and I assume it was an excellent buy as well:-) I have an '03 Lightning, so I will take the liberty of making a few suggestions:-) 1. If you treat the typical Harley dealer as enemy territory you will be pretty much aware of what to expect: baloney and incompetence. 2. As Court, who has good connections to the factory suggests, the cap thing can and should be fixed right now. Don't hesitate to drop him a line if you have a problem, or you can call the lovely and gracious Renee at Buell customer service: 414-343-4056. Actually I think Buell Canada may have their own number. 3. The original belt on that machine has been replaced: if yours does not have the number G0500.02.ABR, on the outer face, it will need to be upgraded sooner than later: mine parted at speed, was not a particularly pleasant experience. 4. Most members prefer tires other than the stock Dunlop 207's with Metzler M-1, Pirelli Diablos, and Michelin Pilot Powers being preferred for wear and especially for handling. If I had it to do over, I would have changed to my Michelin Pilot Powers long before the Dunlops shredded at 2500 mi. 5. Important: order the shop manual and parts book from Daves, one of our sponsors at Appleton HD. The Buell is generally easy to work on , and needs relatively little maintenance, but because of its unique design, many of the procedures are unique, and you can damage the bike by doing it wrong: this applies especially to changing the tires and belt. Daves will also get you the parts you need in very short order, and is very Buell friendly and knowledgeable. The Frame pucks are a great investment, and so are the front and rear fork sliders. Some members have painted the pucks to match the color of their machine. 4. As Court may have mentioned, lots of bandwidth has been wasted on the matter of petroleum engineering. Many members, including this correspondent, have been able to slate their lubrication lust with a simple visit to Walmart, where Mobil 1 Red Top, Mobil 1 75W90 gear oil for the transmission, and the Walmart ST4967 filter,( exact OEM replacement), are available without the attitude, and for a small fraction of what your local dealer charges. 5. As this site has been in operation since the advent of the XB models, practically every imaginable question has already been asked and brilliantly answered. Just check the Knowledge Vault section of the site. 6. Setting up the suspension on the bike is rather more important than the normal bike due to the somewhat radical geometry of the Buell. You can start with the setting suggested in the owners manual, then check the knowledge vault if you really want to get yourself confused:-) 7. The wheel bearings on that model were " semi-recalled". That is to say, if you found out that they were inadequate, Buell would replace them for free. The way to tell if they need to be replaced is to look at the seals. If you see an orange line around the bearings, you are ok, if they are black, they need to be replaced.Now. 8. Sometimes the braided oil lines that lead from the engine to the oil cooler can rub together and cause a leak. This can be avoided by simply cutting a 2" piece of rubber hose, slitting it, and covering one of the lines with the rubber where the hoses touch. Well, I think that covers the basics, I am sure some of our members will feel free to correct me:-) Welcome to the madness:-) (Message edited by gentleman_jon on March 12, 2005) | ||
| Pa_xb9sx |
Am I the only one that is frustrated when I hear Geoffg's posts about his dealer? He is the same guy that had warranty issues with the front fender peeling when he bought it. You can read about this is the "Haven't even picked it up yet..." post in the XBoard. This dealer obviously does not care about you or your motorcycle. Do not give them any more business! Please find another dealer that cares and actually deserves your money. What kind of operation is that dealer running anyway? They claim it was a "new" motorcycle, but it is a bastardized version. They put a damaged fender on it and a differently keyed gas cap. I wonder how many different motorcylces' parts are on that. (Message edited by pa_xb9sx on March 12, 2005) | ||
| Geoffg |
Gentleman Jon, thanks for the info. Yeah, I'll be calling Daves with an order: frame pucks, 03 manual, 12 airbox, etc. (thinking about a Helibars riser tripleclamp, too). This bike did have the "bad" wheel bearings, but they did change those out (at my insistence--I e-mailed them the Buell service bulletin that I found on Badweb). They haven't changed the sidestand--they insist the bike is not included in the recall (build June 02). I'll check. I'm a competent mechanic, and expect to do all my own maintenance (except digital stuff, and with the new scan tool available maybe even that too). And Pa_xb9sx, as I said, this dealer does not instill confidence. I don't have a wide choice of dealers, but these guys give me the feeling they just want to get that Goddam Buell off the floor so they can get back to the business of selling Fat Boys. Anything they can do to get rid of it...they've commented to me on how much money they've lost with the bike (yet, they continue to be a Buell dealer--they have one 05 on the floor...). I chose to deal with them because they are in a city I go through regularly for work, and hey, I felt a bit of loyalty due to their test ride policy--but I'm starting to feel like the poor country cousin no-one wants around. I was roundly criticised for my earlier post about the fender, and I've decided to just accept it--although it was during conversations with Buell Canada about that that we discovered the dealer was telling them a different story from what they were telling me. I still don't believe Buell, as a corporation, wants brand-new bikes rolling out the door with cosmetic damage... Oh, BTW, they did find my owner's manual (at my insistence)! | ||
| Aldaytona |
You got what you paid for, stop bitchin. The fender, the gas cap, no owners manual, a NEW 2 year old bike. None of these issues are Buell issues, they are dealership issues. Extremely low price usually equals extremely low service. You probably got more than you paid for and no one forced you to buy it. My 11 year old daughter only cried for 5 minutes when she opened a box with a new doll in it that had a broken leg. How long are you going to cry?  Ride it or sell it, give us all a break. | ||
| Geoffg |
Aldaytona, what's with you? Yeah, I got a good price--on a bike that gathered dust on the showroom floor for 2 years. (BTW, the price was no better than any other dealer was selling their leftover 03s for--in fact, this dealer sold their other 03--with no problems--for the same price.) You're saying I should accept shoddy service and broken promises because of that? This is still a NEW bike, not a demo. I was assured the fuel cap would be fixed--is it too much to ask that it be fixed right? They couldn't get the bike ready for me last time I was in town, either (on 4 days notice). I assume you work for a dealership, so I ask--would YOU send this bike out the door in this condition? I feel my issues are valid, not "bitchin'" as you put it. Perhaps these are dealership issues, but the dealerships represent Buell corporate--and I think Buell knows this, seeing the recent changes to the dealership structure in the US. Buell is a company trying to build market share in a competetive business--and the kind of "service" I'm getting from my dealership is not the way to do that! Maybe there's a reason there are no Buells on the roads in my area... | ||
| Pa_xb9sx |
"this dealer sold their other 03--with no problems--for the same price" This statement says it all. Why would YOU pay the same price for the same motorcycle (that Bake purchased) with all of these problems? This seems like a bad consumer decision in a free market system. And once again, it should have sent up a red flare when you gave them four days notice and they still did not have the motorcycle ready. | ||
| Daves |
While I was the first to stick up for the dealership about the fender issue(a deal is a deal) I do not agree that they should send the bike out with mismatched keys for the ign and gas cap if it can be avoided. They also should have gone thru the suspension with you, showed you where the dipstick was(maybe they don't know themselves,it's not chrome ya know) This dealership or at least the salesperson and parts people you have been dealing with are not doing a good job. Maybe they need to be culled from the Buell dealer herd. It is unfortunate that you have learned a hard lesson here. When you buy from a dealer that sucks so bad that they still have 2 year old bikes on the floor, the low price will reflect the amount of support and professionalism you will get. There is a cost of doing business as it pertains to good or poor service. You almost always get what you pay for, good or bad. You have no idea how many Buell riders I have talked to in the last 5 years that at first gloated with glee about the rock bottom,I stole it,wow I must be the best price negotiator in the world price, only to be very disappointed later by the lack of knowledge,service or even common courtesy they got from their dealer. Sometimes(ok, always) it is better to pay a little more or travel a little farther to do business with dealerships that value you as a customer and take pride in their products! PS I am currently trying to buy 9 leftover 2003 Buells from a dealer. | ||
| Arvebuell |
Dave,geoffg, I bought my XB9S from a dealer yesterday. I have been asking a lot of questions in this board and everybody has helped me a lot. I hope I did not make a mistake, but I bought a leftover 2003. The same...it is not demo, it is new. I thought about buying a used one from ebay but paying like 1.000 to 1.500 more I can get a new one with warranty so I say to myself what the *&%$#? I do not know about mechanics so what I am reading and some of the advice is kind of worrisome. Hell, Jon told me about the wheel bering and I still do not know what he means( thanks jon...I hope the dealer knows) At the same time, they told me that they would take like 5 days to "prep" the bike, but that is because I told them about a list of things a needed (that most I read from Jon in these board and other new friends) like the orange wheel bearings, like the new stand and the upgraded belt. I hope that it is not because they are a "bad"(not bad as in michael jackson) style. I dont think I did the deal of a lifetime, I actually paid more than a really low mile bike on ebay, but I am still expecting good service. ....I hope. Take care my friend and enjoy your new bike | ||
| Court |
Dave Stueve is absolutely correct. Then fender issue fully disclosed and known to Geoff prior to purchase, belongs to Geoff. The gas cap, which sounds like part of a scenario where the dealer swapped parts bike-to-bike, is the dealers. Buell, I am confident, would be willing to help the dealer out on this one. If you are going to discuss the "lowest" price, you are subject to sleight of hand. Someone, if you don't do it I will, will soon quote John Ruskin. Ruskin, primarily known as an art critic, gave us one of the best value v. price quotes when he described the perils of buying solely based on the "lowest" price. I submit that for some folks, the "best price" would include flying to Wisconsin or Iowa. It won't always be like this. But purchase decisions, all of them, need to be made carefully. Court (live from the city that has more "low price" camera and electronic outlets than any other city in the world....anyone want a Nikon D100 for $800?....ooopppppss....menus are in Chinese!) | ||
| Daves |
Arve, That's kind of my point. Why would a dealership have a bike on the floor that has not had the upgrades done, other than the belt. They only had 2 years to do it. The original belt is fine as long as it is not mishandled. A bike with a warranty should always bring more than a used bike without a warranty. I'm sure you will be fine. We, the people of Badweb are always here to take up the slack! Congrats on the new bike, spring is only a couple weeks away. You should make plans now to come out for the Homecoming event in June. Bring Jon along with you. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Arve... fear not. We have as much experience here working around bad dealers as we do keeping tubers running well. A few good and decent dealers got bumped in the recent dealer cull. Many absolutely horrible ones did as well. I'm not saying don't do ebay, but know that buying retail means you typically pay more and get more. I paid full retail for mine, and have not regretted it for a second. Yours may be either, we will see, if they are a bad one we can work it out, lots of ways to resolve it. If you had a tuber with an extended warranty, it could be a big deal. With a new XB, I would not be that alarmed, even if your dealer turns out to be a turkey, we can work it out. 5 days for an upgraded belt setup is not unreasonable. Its not the type of thing a dealer will typically stock, and it will take them 2 or 3 days to get the parts in, so they aren't wasting a lot of time. It's not unreasonable. Congrats on the new bike! If it's not too late, you might want to call the dealer and ask to talk to the tech and tell him you heard it is really easy to damage the Buell belts on installation, and that you would really appreciate it if he would take some extra time to be really careful to follow the install instructions that come with it. Be humble, polite, and understanding. You are gonna love the bike! Don't compare ebay to retail, some ebay transactions go great, many turn into a nightmare, all end up a lot of work. | ||
| Trolldaddi |
I agree with Dave, I got a great deal on a 03 XB9R. The salesman told me the bike was sold as new, but was actually a demo, I found all this out from Dave. I also had a key problem, which Dave also straightened out for me. My next bike will be purchased through Dave, even though I will have to drive five hours to get it, I know I will get excellent service. Steve | ||
| Daves |
I'll make the Kool-Aid | ||
| Geoffg |
Dave and others, I appreciate your input. Yes, I bought a leftover, 2-yar-old bike. It's what I could afford--even so, it's a serious financial committment for me. I located several of these bikes, at a couple of different dealers (the largest dealership in BC had five)--all were at the same price. I chose the dealership I had been dealing with because I felt some loyalty; they are the dealership I get drive past the most, and I wanted to establish a good relationship with them. It wasn't until I had signed on the bottom line that I discovered just how uncaring they really are. I'll suck up the fender (although I still feel it is a material defect)--but the fuel cap is a different story. They had to replace it, and they did. They had, literally, months to do so. How much extra effort would it be to order one correctly keyed to the bike (Buell can provide the correctly keyed one with the VIN, I now understand). Don't get me wrong--I'm excited about the new bike. However, this dealership is not earning my future business. Dave, I'll be calling you with a list of things I'd like--things I'd order from my local dealer, but as I've said... | ||
| Arvebuell |
Daves,Reepicheep, Thanks for the advice. I am here trying to learn. I am sure I will have some problems and every help is appreciate it. I am like socrates...but in motorcycles....I know that I dont know. Any long trip...I will have to go over with the chief. Never in WI but I am not from the US as you can probably guess from my name(but very happy to be here and an admirer of the US). Good pick on the profile | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
Arve, Whatever you do, look at your dealer, don't blame the bike. You'd be cheating yourself out of a lot of fun. Take it from me. I've got an 03 built in 02. I also had to make sure all the mods got done, but, I've been really happy with my 03. BTW, my original belt is still going strong at 15,000 mi. | ||
| Flick |
Geoffg, you might want to mention how few Buell dealerships there are in the part of BC in which you reside (West Kootenays), as this DOES become an issue when purchasing. Not many buyers are going to travel half a day for servicing!? I suspect your dealer is in Kamloops (?). Your next dealer is in the Vancouver area (?). Look on a map guys...Geoffg has some legitimate concerns! You can spank him on the fender issue, but give him a break...he lives in Canada! How many dealerships do you think we got up here!?!? Bad service is usually what you discover AFTER you purchase! | ||
| Bake |
Geoffg, Geez man, you are definately having your problems with these guys. I got my plate yesterday and put a few hundred k on in the last 2 days! Am I ever impressed. I got the same seminar as you, lucky for me my g/f rides a sporty and showed me how to check my tranny oil. good grief! ditto for the suspension, they told me squat but I looked it up in the owners manual and softened it up for the break in, easy stuff. They also told me if I didn't run HD oils and filter they wouldn't honor my warranty. 1 key does it all on my bike, you shouldn't have to have a second. I was thinking of buying another bike from them in the next few weeks but am having my doubts now bake ps Just wait till you feel the torque and how rigid that frame is in the corners.... can't wait for the gravel to go and the tar get hot. Yee Haw | ||
| Geoffg |
Bake...I've ridden Buell XBs before, that's why I'm willing to go so far, and through so much, to own one. I love the bike--my problem is with the DEALER, Kamloops H-D, who seems to be concerned ONLY with their bottom line and NOT with their customers' satisfaction (hey, they were complaining to ME about how much money they were losing on this bike...hell, if I hadn't bought it, it woulda sat in their warehouse another year). As someone said above, poor service is something you don't usually discover until after your purchase. | ||
| Bake |
Maybe a nice ride through the twistie mountains for service in Calgary? | ||
| Geoffg |
Yeah...or Hwy 3 to Vancouver. I've just ordered a whole bunch of stuff from Daves...just a short hop over the border for me to pick it up. Some of this stuff I already had on order through Kamloops (12 airbox, 03 shop manual) but it just wasn't showing up even after several weeks, so I cancelled--Daves had it in stock, and his prices are about the same as Kamloops' quoted me as their cost. So I gotta pay a few bucks shipping...worth it to me! Plus, when I said "frame pucks," Dave knew exactly what I was talking about, and somehow I'm sure he knows where they install! I'm a pretty competent mechanic, and I intend to do all my own service (except for TPS resets, etc.). I was really burned when I got the "Harley oil or no warranty" spiel--what a crock! | ||
| Exupmonkey |
Hats off to you Geoffg, your posts always seem to spark up a 'healthy' response! I hope you get your issues with the dealer squared away so that you can get on with the pleasure that is 'buell ridin'. Ride safe  |
