| Author | Message | ||
     Moonrunrs |
hello. I'm new to this board and am considering buying either an XB9R or XB12R. I like the design, engineering and looks of the Firebolt, but have heard questionable things about Buell's reliability. I've read a few horror stories on the internet -- mybuell.com, eopinions, powersportsnetwork -- so I'm a little leery of investing thousands in a bike that might give me problems. Can anyone share some experiences regarding their bikes and problems they've had or not had? Thanks in advance, it'll really help me before making a decision on a purchase. | ||
| Apex1 |
By most accounts, the Buell XB's have been proving themselves quite reliable. Much more so than previous models. To prove the point, Buell has introduced a 2yr., unlimited mileage warranty for the '04 XB's. | ||
| Steveford |
There was a thread on this earlier and the general consensus is that they're as reliable as anything mechanical can be. Mine is a good example: 3500 miles, one blown tail light bulb, replaced the wheel bearings under recall, had to put pipe sealant on the lines to the oil cooler and that's it. | ||
| Darthane |
There are several people on this board with 14,000+ with only minor problems. The XBs have blown away Buell's old reliability problems. | ||
| Buellfan |
I have an early 2003 XB9R. "Only" 3,000 miles so far, but about 1,000 of them have been on the race track above 5,000 RPM. I've ridden it as hard as I can and still havn't found it's limits, but I've gone through two sets of stock tires and one set of 208 GP's in the process. It's never leaked a drop of oil, missed a shift, or let me down in any way. The sidestand and wheel bearings were replaced for free as "performance upgrades" at the dealer, but that's the only time it's been in the shop. My last bike was a Honda Hawk 650 and needed rings and a valve job after 1,000 miles on the track so I'm thinking the Buell is going to be just as reliable or more as my Honda was. In my 25 years of riding, it's been the most fun I've ever had on two wheels, and best of all, I've never regretted buying it, not even for one second. | ||
| Bads1 |
I've had a tube framed Buell and loved it to piece's and now own a XB12S and this thing has stretched out the smile on my face so much that it won't go back to the way it was.Remember when your Mom would say don't do that to your face cause it will stay that way.HA HA HAHAHA!!!! | ||
| Jim_witt |
My 3 cents, Buell biggest problem hasn't been reliability issues with any of their bikes, instead it has been dealer reliability and warranty issues. Find a good dealership (good luck BTW) or do "all" the work yourself and you'll love your Buell regardless of its' year of production. -JW:>  | ||
| Dynarider |
I could go on a rant, but I wont. Enjoy the rainbows of sunshine being blown your way  | ||
| Spiderman |
LOL who are you and what have you done with Dyna. | ||
| Stubby |
I love the bike, but it has leaked oil from every seam except the final drive pinion. Seems the oil ought to stay inside. Stubb. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Dana, Mom used to also say something about needing glasses too!!!! I love the tube frame Buell and it has been reliabile minus the self inflicted breakdowns. AND THE BELT | ||
| Buckinfubba |
13,000 plus miles....nothin but oil and tires. And its been ridden very hard. In fact I have tried to break the bike. I've wrecked it ridden it for many miles at 5k plus. Here in the mountains it loves it right there. No sunshine or rainbows here, Just the truth. It has been the most fun I have ever had on a bike. I have also toured on it for 2 days at 13 plus hours per day. It was comfortable and very reliable. The old tubers were great bikes with too much personality. The xb's have just the right amount of personality. You won't be sorry! Brian Tilley hd/buell buckinfubba@hotmail.com | ||
| Leeaw |
All of 385 miles on mine and only slight leak from an oil line fitting, and I just snugged it up. You can't judge by the low miles I have on mine, but I have 17K on my M2 in the past 4 years. I have had a few problems with it that cost me some money. I have also had my worries about reliability. There are people who complain and do have more problems than you could even imagine, but for the most part, people like myself and many others who bought an XB after owning one or more tube frame bikes. I think that says enough. | ||
| Mikej |
Why do I all of a sudden feel like I'm riding a leaky old broken down 1942 Kuncklehead with lots of personality. Anyway, As JW pointed out, the biggest factor in Buell ownership will be the dealership you mainly deal with. Both my tubers have been as reliable as I would expect them to be, I would have no hesitation hopping on either one for a cross country ride at a moments notice (if I had the time and didn't have other time commitments). With each could of negativity you have to factor in at least a few clouds of quiet uncomplaining happiness. (put rainbow here) As always YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary, and probably will). By the way, Moonrunrs, what part of the Universe you do call home or at least temporarily reside in? This helps people to know roughly where you're from and helps them to offer further suggestions on who to see and more importantly who not to see as far as dealerships go. You're the one who's going to be riding it, so ultimately the decision will be your's. Take care, ride often. Bye. MikeJ (Occasionally bike shopping, and looking for one that fits my needs, wants, parameters, and budget. XB's are nice, but not quite right for me at the moment. YMMV.) | ||
| Newfie_buell |
I love the XB platform but personally I think its too small for my frame (being the small guy I am). Doug from Iowa was kind enought to let me ride his XB9R when I was over in Wisconsin this summer and I loved that bike but felt I looked like "Circus Bear on a Push Bike" on it. Oh well for now I'll stick to my ole Tuber and I'll take all the personality it has. One of the Sport Bike Gals up here often refers to my S1 as "The Saucy Bitch" because it has so much personality. As for servicing retailers I don't have one and rely on my own skill and the skill of Oz666 whenever I breakdown near Buffalo, NY or Spidey and his custom fabrication of license plate brackets. | ||
| Tripper |
 too much personality????? that's too funny. | ||
| Mookie |
newfie, as for never seeing you I dont know what you look like. but how do you figure the bike is small. I am 6'4'' and Im not really inconvienced by the bike. I have th 9s pegs on my bolt and Im doing ok other than my nutts cooking. Mookie. who are both the people in your pic on your profile? | ||
| Buckinfubba |
what I ment by too much personality. Is this....psyco girlfreind that rocks your world more than any prior and since. More fun to ride than anything else in the world. But sometimes leaves you left holding the bag and she pisses you off. But you still want her more than ever. So you let her back in your world and she rocks you and rocks you hard. Than she goes off with your best friend. Now you both can compare notes. Than when you see her out in a bar you both get stupid and try for her affections all over again. trust me I f I could have afforded to keep my S1 I never would have let her go!!!! I loved my S1 but I will say this with out apology. My XB is a better bike than my S1. in every aspect to me for my riding. It is better in the corners than the S1. Granted the S1 is more torquey but I like the way the short stroke revs and rides. You know I would never say anything bad about a buell that didn't deserve to be said. But I will also tell it like it is in my eyes. No rainbows and sunshine unless it is the truth Brian Tilley hd/buell buckinfubba@hotmail.com | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Bubba, Your right about the handling. I just love your analogy - I know a gal like that but she doesn't share with your buddy - keep up the good work - this is just too funny. As for roasted nuts go to the other thread thats just too funny too. In my opinion as long as Jack Frost is not nipping at something else your safe............ You could always come up here to ride this time of year - no roasted nuts here. As for my profile the HD/Buell cops have not busted me yet for the pic so it will stay until they decide to cross the Chilly Cold Gulf of St. Lawrence to even try to get me. The goon on the left is indeed me. | ||
| Tripper |
Fubba; agree on all points. | ||
| Darthane |
Mookie, Mookie, Mookie...the one on the right is none other than Erik Buell himself. | ||
| Mookie |
ok. I had the idea i was sticking my foot in my mouth and that is what I thought. I just thought he looked different from the pics I have seen. now that I think im done making an Idiot of myself, ill ask you who it was I met at the house the other day. | ||
| Mookie |
checking my list of dumb topics to ask. spray painting my can....... Done newfies pics .... done how to create electrical snarl in helmet...... done I think I have met my quota for the week. | ||
| Newfie_buell |
You don't remember meeting me the other day???? | ||
| Mookie |
Im just gonna keep quiet. Im doing pretty good with saying stupid things. but I thought by your nickname that maybe you were a bit far from home. mud | ||
| Darthane |
LOL...that was Joe, he very, VERY rarely posts on BadWeb, but when he does he goes by 'JSS' if I recall correctly. | ||
| Mookie |
sweet. Im gonna go crawl back into my hole now and wait for my bike. | ||
| Lake_bueller |
Reliability.... 1998 S3/1: 38K 1998 S3T: 21K Enough said | ||
| Darthane |
I'll roll over 15K on my XB9R this week. (I've got about 10K on the Blast, too) Woohoo!  And here's to many more! edited by darthane on September 22, 2003 | ||
| Bigdaddy |
Mookie, Does the bike 'scrunch' you up too much to road trip? I want a XB12R bad and I'm worried about fitting. I'm 6'2" 250 and worried about a semi-proper fit. My M2's a great ride with stock, or S3, handlebars. |
