| Author | Message | ||
     Odbuffalo |
Okay, Ive found 2 '03 XB9Rs here in town, both have approx. 2300 miles and both are asking right around $4500. Seems like a good deal for either. Ones blue and stock, the other is white with the race kit, LSL sliders, pucks, Stortz dampner and new Michelin Pilot Race tires. Any tips on buying a '03? Would you choose stock over added parts? I want to say thanks to everyone for sharing all your information and opinions here. Great site and people. | ||
| Terribletim |
Here's my $0.98 ($0.02 after inflation). I picked up my '03 used with 5000 miles on it. Here are some things I would look for if I did it over. Take a good look around the top side of the swing arm towards the front. Look for signs of oil or grease or anything that looks not normal. not that they always leak, just look to make sure. Plus this will give you a good indication of how well the bike was maintained. That area isn't the easiest to clean, if it looks great, they cared about the bike. Listen to it run real close. Mine has a funky ticking that I tend to hear on every other '03 I listen to. I think it is lifters, not sure. Anyway, listen for it. Another problem I've had is my speedometer went dead about 2 days after I purchased the bike, followed in another 2 days by the turn signals. Don't know why, but my research showed me that my bike likes to eat speedo sending units. Installed a new one and all is good for now. The turn signal on the other hand, I have yet figure out! Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing the bike. I love mine and you couldn't pry me from it no matter what you offered! Just hope to make you aware of a few things I found with mine. That said, if it was up to me, I would take the white one with the race kit and all that. You try to add that stuff to the other bike after purchase, you'll be shelling out a lot more money. Unless you really like blue, go with the white one. New body panels are cheaper than the add-on parts. Then you can change to what ever color you really want. Hope that helps you! | ||
| Xbob |
make sure the frame pucks arent covering up a dent. | ||
| Glitch |
Any tips on buying a '03? Use cash. Would you choose stock over added parts? Only if the choice was between two bikes with high mileage. | ||
| Rd3501 |
I have an 03 white willing to let go..let me know.. | ||
| Skully |
Make sure it has the updated wheel bearings (black, not orange) and at least ask if it has the updated belt that fit the 2003s. | ||
| J0ker |
"Make sure it has the updated wheel bearings (black, not orange) and at least ask if it has the updated belt that fit the 2003s."..... Uhhh, dont you have this reversed? IIRC, the orange bearings are the newer ones..... | ||
| Odbuffalo |
Hey RD3501, where are you located? I just sold the Supercrew tonight so the search is on. Im located in North eastern Indiana. Looking for a 9 or 12. Thanks. | ||
| Skully |
Doh! You are right! Look for orange not black wheel bearings!  | ||
| Diablobrian |
Tim if your bike eats the speedo sending units you need the updated part. I think that the new part includes a filter/capaciter on the input voltage. The voltage variations to the sending unit is a known problem in the 03's. Later models have not had this problem iirc. | ||
| Bake |
I'd be looking closely at the one with the goodies and new tires myself, saves you from a few purchases down the road. | ||
| Doerman |
The Orange bearings have already been mentioned. That's important! Other than that, the normal "purchase used bike rules" apply. Look for wear and tear and if it seems to be treaded gently or not. With only 2300 miles, it is most likely going to be in good working order. The 03s had a different belt. I changed mine over to the newer version; not because I had problems but I wanted to make rear wheel removal easier. You can identify the 03 setup by the encased upper belt guard. An upgrade will cost you about $450 in parts. Modded vs. stock? That's entirely up to you. Good luck and have fun with it. Asbjorn | ||
| Terribletim |
Diablobrian - Thanks for the tip! I got my current one straight from the dealer, so hopefully it is the updated one. The install was cake. Now if I can just sort out the turn signals. . .  | ||
| Vanvideo |
I bought a used '03 9R in white, with a race kit and lots more aftermarket goodies. Compared to a stock 'Bolt, the exhaust note is so much nicer with the kit and aftermarket exhaust- a nice, deep rumble. I couldn't tell you about the level of the performance increase, since I've never driven a stock 9R, but others have said the race kit makes the 9's performance closer to the 12s. The frame pucks are a must; I found out the hard way (ouch!). Given a choice, I'd go for the bike with the race kit. |
