| Author | Message | ||
     Whitexc |
I am looking at two bikes: -2002 Firebolt XB9R with 11,400 miles, race kit, newer(?) tires, after market blinkers, and is blue in color with what appears to be some powder coat work...wheels, rear pulley and some other stuff is blue...nice bike for $2900. -2003 Lightning XB9S with 4,600 miles, race kit and new tires. Other than that this is a nice unmolested bike ridden by a 56 year old guy for maybe $4700...haven't tried to talk him down from $5200 yet. I have seen the Lightning in person and it is nice and the Firebolt has to be shipped and I have 14 days to return it if I'm unpleased....what to do???? Thanks for your time and input. | ||
| Dynasport |
Which riding position do you prefer? I'd probably buy the Firebolt myself, but that is a very personal preference kind of question. I do think 5200 is high for the Lightning, but I haven't been pricing them lately. | ||
| Dynasport |
Well, after some research on Cycletrader, the price on the Lightning may not be out of line after all. Good luck on your decision. | ||
| Whitexc |
I won't go any more than $4700 for the Lightning but the mileage on the Bolt has me wary. How many miles do these bikes go, if properly maintained, before a major overhaul. Thanks and I'm not trying to be a PITA, just feeling things out and trying to get the best deal, like everyone else! I also forgot to mention that the Lightning has the Voltage body kit...if that matters. I am not crazy about the looks of it but like the bike. (Message edited by whitexc on March 29, 2008) | ||
| Teddagreek |
I like the looks of my lightning but the ergos of the bolt better.. | ||
| Prowler |
If the firebolt you're talking about is on Craig's list, which I'll bet it is, it's a scam. The posting has been all over the country. If you actually believe that someone will ship you a (really cheap $$ bike)for free and offer you 14 days to return it, sorry, you need a reality check. So needless to say, get the lightning................... | ||
| Sam_07 |
The price on that firebolt is to good to be true. Dont ever purchase a bike that needs to be shipped and you cant test drive. There are a lot of scams going on and this smells like one. | ||
| Henry_the_8th |
The $2900 Firebolt is most likely a scam. Please beware of the "too good to be true deals". | ||
| Prowler |
Threads like this really piss me off. When you think about the number of people that would actually send someone money (in this case $2900)sight unseen for something they don't even know exists, it's scary to wonder how many other people that are out of touch have already done this and are out the money and wondering where their "newly purchased" stuff is??? The US treasury, FBI, or CIA should come up with a unit to hunt these scamming bastards down where ever they are (in the USA or out) and "take them out" slow and painfully if you know what I mean. Rant off...... (Message edited by prowler on March 29, 2008) | ||
| Whitexc |
  Exactly what I didn't want to hear, but needed to hear. I should have listened to my gut from the get go...Thanks for the replies folks, that is why I came here for info. It is much appreciated. | ||
| Dogdaze |
$5200 for a 2003 Lightning is a little steep unless its in immaculate condition - IMHO. A stock 2005 Lightning with similar miles just ended on Ebay for $5k. You might be able to do a history search on Ebay motors and see what they are fetching these days. (I was lucky and picked up an '04 w/ 9k miles and race kit for $3.9k) | ||
| Slaughter |
I always send a note to anybody offering something like the "too good to be true" Firebolt - asking if I can send somebody to look it over (pretending I have a friend who lives nearby). I have yet to get a reply - except one time... and the guy lived pretty close and I BOUGHT the bike (Sunny's VF500 Honda) | ||
| Whitexc |
I did exactly that ^^^ and asked if I could check it out in person as I live close and am waiting on a reply. As for the Lightning, I know the owner and the dealership is 5 miles away that performed all work/maintenance so I know this is a nice bike...as close to mint for an '03 as you'll find. Like I said I may be able to get it for $4500-4700 and after some heavy shopping, and the mileage and history, doesn't seem outrageous to me. I may find a bike a bit cheaper but I would have to go get it and spend money there so it's a toss up...this one I can ride home! | ||
| Sam_07 |
5200 is steep for an 03. Average asking price comparing ad's on the classified forum, craigslist, ending bid on ebay and cycletrader is 4000-4500. (and yes, i am sitting home recovering from acl surgery and took the time to check each one of these websites with the characteristics listing the type of bike you are looking for) | ||
| Reducati |
plus there aint no 2002 firebolts... | ||
| Xb9er |
the lightning price isnt to bad. Those 03 lightnings always bring good money. I say buy it and sell the plastics, those plastics bring crazy money. | ||
| Whitexc |
I didn't think there were Bolts in '02 either but NADA has them in their listings for used pricing....check it out. | ||
| Bads1 |
Actually in 2002 the Winter of is when the bolt came out so yes there was 02's. The lightning came Spring 03 if memory serves. | ||
| Nik |
How many miles do these bikes go, if properly maintained, before a major overhaul. I've seen them with over 50k without any signs of age. They last a lot longer than the Japanese bikes typically. Yes they make less power from more displacement but that means they're less stressed. Kind of a tortoise and the hare thing. I just got an 05 XB9SX for just under 5k with 21k miles in San Diego, CA... a couple weeks later and I'm at 23k  | ||
| Court |
The first XB was a 2003 model. | ||
| Bads1 |
Right Court but wasn't the Firebolt a early release model in 2002. I could of sworn Coolice told me his was a 02?? | ||
| Rd3501 |
frames say 2002 production date...they are all 2003...never made a 2002 model.... | ||
| Whitexc |
NADA lists them as 2002 Firebolts(XB9R)....just looked again. I am going after the Lightning, which is the bike I wanted from the get go, so the Bolt is out. (Message edited by whitexc on March 30, 2008) | ||
| Court |
It'll be easy . . . look on your title. I'd put little stock in what the National Association of AUTOMOBILE Dealers says. The MSO (Manufacturers Statement of Origin) . . that's what you'd want to check. | ||
| Beachbuell |
There is no such thing as a 2002 Firebolt! They weren't produced until 2003 in the 9 version then in 2004 as a 12. | ||
| Whitexc |
So, with that said...where do you check for used MOTORCYCLE values? KBB says the same and I'm not arguing, as I thought they were '03's as well and then out came the 12's in '04. | ||
| Beachbuell |
I just check the log books in my head. | ||
| Rah7777777 |
No firebolt in 2002 and if it has to be shipped its a scam!!!!!!!!!! Please do not fall for it! I had a good buddy get jacked for $5k on one of these, i'll ship it to you deals!!! one year ago this month, i paid $5300 for my 2003 XB9S. had the race kit and 11k on the odo. i think it was a good deal as it had been taken care of. yea, it needed a tire and brakes, but that was no biggie. i bought it and didnt look back!!!!!!!!! wouldnt trade it for any other XB newer or not! | ||
| Damnut |
Pay a couple of grand more for a older but brand new XB12S http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/171 43/347142.html?1206454236 Not too far from NY, they're in RI. | ||
| Whitexc |
Thanks for the link but I want to keep it to $5k or less. I should be able to talk the guy down on the '03 Lightning some and am going to go after that. | ||
| Flyingpenguin86 |
I always check nadaguides.com for what prices are "fair." I got an 03 XB9S almost a year ago. 6,000 miles with race kit for $4300. It's nice, but I'm already looking to upgrade soon to either an XB12R or 1125R. Just want something a little more sporty... |
