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Txfatcat
Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 02:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Let me start by saying that i love my Buell 06 CityX. I have had more fun that I can think of than any other bike I have owned up until this point. She has never let me down and runs just great. I am however disapoint with the dealerships and how the customer service is just lacking. They were great when they wanted my money for the bike. I have been so irratated that instead of purchasing another Buell for my wife. I purchased a yamaha and in all honesty it was the best purchasing experience of my life.

I am also disapointed with the aftermarket support as far as parts go. Al and Dave and most of the sponsors here for this site have been loads of support. I also must say that i did the normal ecm,pipe upgrades and thats it. I have decided that i dont want to spend any more money on something that doesnt bring me the happiness(for lack of a better word) that it once did.
This brings me to my next thought. i am thinking of giving up my buell and jumping ship to buy an Agusta. YES i know they are more money and I realize there may not be many aftermarket parts for them like the Buells but they hand made and very complete off the showroom floor. My only thoughts are riding a bike this expensive everyday, but what good is something if you dont use it.

i am thinking about getting the Brutale 910R

thoughts anyone??
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Earwig
Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 03:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

What type of problems did you find with the dealerships? The 2 sales guys at the dealer I go to (Seth and Pete at Harley of Edison) are awesome... but their parts department stinks BAD. These are my 2 experiences so far...

I needed a new foot shift lever so I told the parts guy what bike I had (XB12S) and he starts looking in an older model's book, I think it was an X1? Anyway, I told him he is looking in the wrong book and he told me they are the same part so it doesn't matter... I saw the parts manager walking around the floor and I mentioned it to him and he agreed that the part did not change at all from the old model to the XB... so....I went home and looked it up and found out it in fact changed completely, so I called him up and gave him the correct part number to order... now when I need stuff I look up the part number myself and just have them order it...

The next experience I had was when I called their parts department and told them again that I have an XB12S and I was looking for the frame pucks. This time (I'm not sure if it was the same parts guy or not) tells me they have the pucks but for every model EXCEPT mine, lol. So I told him that the pucks are the same for all the models except the SS and Uly... so anyway he went back and looked again and realized it was an SS that was the exception... I just think the parts people should be trained on these SIMPLE things...

While I am at it... it is kind of annoying that people say they would rather have people who want to deal with Buells work on/service/work at the dealers than force people to... How about running a job ad for a Buell parts person, or Buell sales person or Buell service tech? Why do you have to force a "harley" guy to learn Buell parts etc? Why not just friggin hire people who care... there are tons of people around here who would love to work on/service/sell Buells. Or... how about if you want to work at the dealer do your job and learn the Buell parts or how to service them... if you screw up too much you get fired just like every other damn job.

(Message edited by earwig on April 26, 2006)
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Kaudette
Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 03:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hey - I forked over nearly 35G over the past 3 years at the local HD dealer and get treated like shit every time thru the door. After 9 months they still haven't finished work on my wifes Sportster (say parts are out... and it's cosmetic stuff).

My experience locally has pushed me wide and far from the HD/Buell brand because I don't intend to continue to bend-over for the sole "pleasure" of being different.

I've written to the president of Buell Europe, and the country leadership to no avail. They just cash checks....

As for Daves - best buying experience I've had but unfortunately he's 7000 miles away.

The Brutale is a nice bike, but it's gonna be hard to get a test ride on one - good luck and let us know what you think when you pick her up!
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Midknyte
Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 03:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The Brutale is a nice bike, but it's gonna be hard to get a test ride on one - good luck and let us know what you think when you pick her up!

And post some pics! Two wheels is two wheels...
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Bikoman
Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 03:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Nice bike, but MV's are $$$ for pretty much everything.

John

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Txfatcat
Posted on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - 05:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

you are all right The Brutale's are very expensive and that is one of my missions today is to see if what they have to offer. My experience has been the same as most of the other people here. The sponsors are great and I of all people dont mind giving my money to the local dealer..i just dont like getting a$$ raped for stupid stuff like telling me they needed to charge me 3 hours to do a tps reset. My salesperson was great and i still talk to "her" all the time. I have just been very disapointed with everything. It may be that 18-20k is not in my budget right now...

As for a test ride...well i am sure thats just out of the question so that will make the decision that much more serious. I also dont want to just buy another bike because its "pretty" I want the most performance, comfort and all in one well rounded package. I dont think that I will be forced or have to do any upgrades anytime soon on the Brutale.

If not I will still love my XB until she lets me down
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Vaneo1
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 12:26 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Txfatcat,
go with your heart on this man. You should know better than asking the Badweb to convince you that it is better to give up the Buell and buy the Agusta. I side with you the dealers are shit, and employees like Dave are hard to find. In fact I dont know any who are willing to assist here in Cali. The dealerships are losing Buell a ton of business because of their crap attitudes, I love my Buell to but never again will I trust a Harley knucle dragger servicing my bike seeing how they really dont want to do the work. (note: my personal experiences!) Anyway here is you blessing... Now go and get that Agusta (youll still be quite different)
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Buellistic
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 09:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

REMEMBER THIS !!!

Two of the most dangerous things in the
world are:

A HARLEY-DAVIDSON "TECHNICIAN" working on
your BUELL ...

A HARLEY-DAVIDSON "OPENINATED" PERSON giving advise about your BUELL ...
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Djkaplan
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 09:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"I am however disapoint with the dealerships and how the customer service is just lacking."

So your solution is to buy an Italian motorcycle? Boy are you gonna be pissed when you see how bad bad can really be.
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Mikethebike72
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 10:26 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I have to post some comments here. I am a MOTORCYCLIST that works at a HD/Buell dealer and also ride a XB12R. I help HD riders and Buell riders with the same attention to detail. However, when I begin to develop a relationship with a customer, things go much smoother. So my advice to all people when dealing with your parts or service department is to develop a relationship with them. Find a partsperson/service writer that you like. Come in to see them when you don't need nonstocking part right now or a 10k svc done right now. Give the dealership your business and they will start tracking parts that sale and start stocking them. Be patient, no dealer can stock every part you may need. But if you are willing to work with them, they will work with you. When I began to work at a dealership, my goal was to give my customers better service than I ever got as a customer. Not all dealer employees are like that, find one that is, and most of your troubles will be solved.
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Jon_s
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 10:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Boy are you going to be shocked when those radial valves need to be serviced, assuming of course that the MV dealer even has the skill to do the work. Trying to get parts from Ducati can be very frustrating (one year for rings for a 2000 748R!). I couldn't imagine what the parts situation with MV would be like. If you like Italian bikes, you'd better develop some maintenance skills and work on your patience. You'll need it.
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Txfatcat
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 10:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

well I totally understand it is what it is. I do understand that the Agustas are not very common. That was one of my missions to see how the service was going to be. The service mananger actually has one at my local dealership. I also understand that replacement parts may and probably will be an issue as well as more expensive. I am just trying to weigh the goods against the bads right now. Personaly so far, I dont see how it can be any worse than what i have with the exception that I wont have to do any upgrades at all. They only had the 910 in...not the 910R. I was told there is 2 of them that will be arriving today or tomorrow.
My other problem is that Buells dont seem to be very popular here in Houston. I have to sell my bike now to best overcome any difference. As everyone knows the dealers dont give any breaks on trading in a bike.

As far as the 910. It was wonderful. They have taken so much detail into account. I was happy to see that everything was adjustable to fit a rider. I guess this is what to expect from a bike so expensive though.
The other thing is they were willing to work with me on price so i could by it for under 18k.

I did consider keeping my Buell and just buying this outright buy not sure the wifey would understand that.
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Vaneo1
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 11:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"I did consider keeping my Buell and just buying this outright buy not sure the wifey would understand that."


Do what I do...Tell her she can go get her nails done...
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Perry
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 11:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I tried that, but she went and bought a new Honda Pilot instead.

Damn that XB cost me a LOT of money!
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Sgthigg
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 12:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I LOVE mine too. But having to pack 4 ozs of oil to ride more than 200 miles is absurb.
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Buellistic
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 12:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sgthigg:

Tell us about the 4 ozs of oil ???
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Sgthigg
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 12:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

My xb uses oil almost like a 2 stroke motor. If I ride any more than 200 miles it is well below the add mark on the stick, so for any kind of trip 200 miles or more I have to pack it with me. It does it consistantly no matter how I ride. I use atleast 1.5-1.25 qts of oil every 1500 miles. Its within Harley specs....No more than 1qt per 1000 miles is acceptable and would not be covered under warranty.
Like I said I love this bike and am not interested in any other bike...I could get one if I wanted but I love my buell. However haveing to add oil at every other fill up or every fill up is absurd. I could just imagine how much more enjoyable it would be not to have to worry bout oil all the damn time and how much it has used.
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Buellistic
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 12:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sgthigg:

Call BUELL SERVICE and have a talk with them about this !!! Look at it this way,
if you change you oil every 3K miles and
at the end on 3K miles you have put in
three quarts you will never have to change
oil, JUST ADD ... This is "BUELLschitte" !!!
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Djkaplan
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 01:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

My bike had an excessive oil consumption problem that turned out to be a galled exhaust valve guide. It was replaced under warranty after I found a dealer willing to help me.

The key was finding a dealer with a service manager that would listen to me. Plus, they had a very talented mechanic with good attention to detail. To this day I feel indebted to the service manager and mechanic (they were Harley guys, too) for turning my Buell experience into good one.
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Jackbequick
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 01:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Jason,

Are you seeing any oil on the bike or any smoke when it running? If ride with someone, ask them if they see any smoke on acceleration or deceleration. Maybe someone can give you a clue on where to start looking for that.

Jack
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Rocketman
Posted on Thursday, April 27, 2006 - 08:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'd never spend big money on a bike without first riding it. I've already tested a couple of 750 Brutale's, and I think they're fabulous . Imagine looking at a Brutale and thinking just that, then riding one and finding out it's even more so.

I'm told (reliably so) the 910 has a little of the raw edge that the 750 had, taken away. Many it seems who've ridden both prefer the 910. The best way I heard it described was the 910's an easier bike to ride fast. The 750 is absolutely gutless below 4000rpm, revs to 13k or 14k rpm. The 910 revs to about 11500rpm and doesn't have the low down flat spot. Despite the capacity hike there's only about 8hp between the two capacities, but more torque is the advantage of the 910. That's where the difference lies.

The 750 Brutale is an awesome bike in every sense. It is very fast up to 150 mph. It handles effortlessly and is a total pleasure to ride. I'd defy anyone to ride one and not enjoy it.

The motor is designed with help from Ferrari, and has been around for nearly 10 years now. I haven't heard of any scare stories with any part of the bike, never mind the motor.

There are plenty of aftermarket parts available for the Brutale's, ranging from cosmetic to performance, but you will need deep pockets. I don't think that's the case for the initial purchase though.

In the UK market place a 910 Brutale is great value at £10500 when compared to a 1200cc Buell. But I've always thought Buells overpriced.

2006 XB9SX Buell Lightning CityX £6495

2006 XB12R Buell Firebolt £7745

2006 XB12S Buell Lightning £7,745

2006 XB12SS Buell Lightning Long £7845

2006 XB12X Buell Ulysses £8195

I've not had the pleasure of the 910 yet, but I know it won't disappoint.

Buy the Brutale, and if you go for the 910R, WOW!!!!!

From the archives......

Last Wednesday I booked a test ride on some exotica.

Rocket
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Sgthigg
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 01:01 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I called Customer service already. Like they said "as long as its not MORE than 1 qt per 1k miles they wont cover it under warranty work." As that is Harley/Specs for theyre "middle weight power train" bikes. Man thats Pretty Shi$*ie if you ask me.
No smoke
No fouled plugs
No leaks
No trips longer than 200 miles without packing oil.
I own another air cooled motorcycle...It hasnt used any oil so far w/500 mmiles on her.

Well like I said I LOVE my bike and it has brought me priceless moments I will always remember...And all good ones. I wouldnt own any other for myself. But this really blows.
The new xb's should come with a optional pouch that you can slide a qt sizes oil container in. Kind of like a tail bag or something.
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Odie
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 01:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

My 04 12S uses very, very little oil and I ride it hard. 10,250 miles.
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Peanut_man
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 02:10 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I wonder what's the problem. My 02 XB12S uses no oil that I can detect. As it's air-cooled, I'm sure it does use a bit, just none that I can see.

I checked it every other fill up or so and I think I loose more oil by wiping that dip stick to do measurements than the engine uses up the oil.

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Reepicheep
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 08:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sgthigg... I am getting a huge drop in oil consumption by... wait for it... changing my oil!

I was running Castrol 5w50 full synthetic, as they had it for a good price at my local auto parts store, and did not have any full synthetic 20w50 in any weight, and I had not heard much yet about the new Mobil 1 15w50 oils.

In theory, for temperatures above -50 degrees F, it should behave the same as 20w50. But it didn't. It was consuming a lot of oil. Like you, I could not take a long mile trip without packing or buying oil.

I switched back to Mobil 1 15w50, and low and behold, I am now consuming oil MUCH slower, like maybe 1/3 as much. I have probably gone close to 600 miles and used less then half the "low to high" margin on the dipstick. So that's like 1200 miles between adding oil, which is totally acceptable.

Next change I will go find some full synthetic 20w50 somehow (even if I get mugged at the dealer for the Harley stuff), and see if that makes it even better.

I also have a ton of "play" on my kickstand on my 9sx. The bolt was loose, and I think it got bent some. I have since corrected the bolt problem, so it is solid, but I think the bike sits quite a bit further over then stock now when on the side stand. That could be leading me to overfill as well, or just to get goofy measurements.
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Txfatcat
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 09:10 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I am going to get with my dealer and tell him I want to ride a 910 at least. I have heard rumors now that there are only 43 910R's coming into the states. My dealer says he has two that will be there this week or early next week. I have talked with some people that have had Agustas on order since Jan. I will just have to see how this all plays out. I do appreciate all the feedback from everyone here.

I havent jumped ship yet
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Diablobrian
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 09:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Go with what moves you. I'm sure you've seen that we don't alienate people that move
to other brands here. (despite accusations to the contrary).

As I've said before, motorcycling is one of life's great passions, Life is too short to
regret things you didn't at least try.

Let us know how the test ride goes!
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Honu
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 10:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Txfatcat
I was at the Dealer on FM1960 yesterday and there was two Brutales sitting there. Not sure on size, I was too busy drooling on the MV's next to them!!
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Buellistic
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 10:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

THERE ARE "TWO CLASSES" OF BUELL RIDERS:

Those that curently ride BUELLs ...

AND those that changed to another BRAND and
WISH THEY HAD THEIR BUELL "BACK" !!!
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Sgthigg
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 12:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Reepi...Thanks but Been there done that..
Dino oil...EXACT Same consumption
Mobile one full syn 15-50 EXACT Same consumption
Now im running Harley full synthetic EXACT Same consumption.
Kickk stand..Didnt think of that...But Wouldnt the kick stand causing the bike to lean more over on the left side cause an indication the oil level is more full than what it really is since it is on the left side? Either way when you watch it(the oil level) drop if she is leaned over more on the left doesnt matter. As long as you see the level continualy drop I would think atleast.

Oh well I still love the bike..

(Message edited by sgthigg on April 28, 2006)

(Message edited by sgthigg on April 28, 2006)
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M1combat
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 03:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mine consumes oil if I put too much in to begin with...
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Tcskeptic
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 06:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

sgthigg -- How many miles do you have on your 06? I didn't see it mentioned on the thread, there has been a lot of discussion about oil consumption dropping as the miles increase, especially around the 5K mark.
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Txfatcat
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 07:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

thanks for the input Rocketman. Diablobrian....this has been one of the most informative and helpful sites i have ever been on. I dont plan to make any drastic decisions just yet..I always like to do plenty of research first.

Honu, Thats where i purchased my new FZ6 and I have already put money down to hold a 910R. They should have two arriving soon so I will just wait. I cant do anything until tuesday anyway because once again my HD dealer is jacking me around. I may just buy one of the 910S's they have there on the showroom floor.
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Buellfirebolt31
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 09:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If your looking at a Brutale look at a Speed Triple too, by Triumph...both nice bikes.....IMO
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Sgthigg
Posted on Friday, April 28, 2006 - 10:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

8100 miles so far...It has from day one used oil almost at this rate...If anything it has increased a little.
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