| Author | Message | ||
     Cyberbiker |
Hi, First of all I just want to say I envy every one of you who owns a Buell. I specifically joined this forum to find out more about the Buell XB9 Firebolt before dropping a load of cash on one. I can't stop drooling over the super-cool looks and features of these bikes....I even like them more than the Ducati 749 and 999 BUT, but the members of every other forum I am a member of say stay away from Buells......spend that kind of cash on something Japanese or if I really like that exotic bike look go Italian.... I currently ride a Honda CBR 600 and I am seriously looking for some honest, first hand experience and advice on the Firebolt -- if I am used to Honda reliability, quality and easy maintenance standards how happy will I be with a Buell? I know the speed is not comparable, but on the other hand, I am still a newbie (rode from August to December last year) and am riding a 1990 CBR 600.....what are the major differences I will notice? Please advise. Thanks! | ||
| Spiderman |
Well I have ridden the 9R an CBR600 back to back. The first thing you will notice is the tourqe HOLY COW!!! The tourqe between the two is a massive diffrence. As for reliabilty There are a bunch of happy guys here that will tel you there story (all good of course) Another thing, Doesn't seen like a big deal to most but for me an the majority of this board... Buell is the most together group of riders out there. Every one here would give there left arm to help you out anyway. On the side of the road or across country with that rare part that no dealer has. | ||
| Austinrider |
I ride a Buell XB9S that I converted to an R. I am in the reverse position that you are in. I'm buying a CBR F4i 600 for a track bike. What I will say about my Buell. Its awesome! There is tons of torque, the bike is pretty low maintenance. From what I researched and experienced - the XB series are tons more reliable than the previous model Buells. We have had what, 2 "safey bulletins" (or whatever they are called). And if you buy a buell now, you probably wont have to deal with those issues. 1. was a kickstand issue 2nd was a bearing issue on the rear wheel. I know my local dealership is having a demo day, and I know they allow demo rides of the Buells. Maybe you oughta ask your local dealer to let you test ride one (unless you are in the great white north and that isnt possible). Good luck, and in my opinion, you wont go wrong with a Buell XB9r | ||
| Cyberbiker |
Wow, Thanks for the quick responses! I am in the Great White North, speaking of which -- anyone know of any Buell forums up here? Hoping to have the option of getting a used XB9R, but they are hard to come by up here! So far best deal is a 2003 brand new at HD dealer for $252/mth for 60 mths w/zero down....works out to about $15G CDN If I finance a 2004, it works out to almost $19G CDN!!! Meanwhile guys up here are buying brand new Suzuki GS 500's for $7G taxes in with $250 down! It's tough having good taste!  | ||
| Mikej |
Cyber, Perhaps the most defining aspect of Buell happiness will be found with your dealership. If they are enthusiastic and supportive then you should be happy, even if you do most of your own service work. If they are anything less than supportive of Buell sales and service then your mileage may vary. There is a very active sub-culture of Buellish people who go out of their way to avoid local dealerships, and others who openly support and proclaim their local dealerships. Visit your local shop(s), then let your gut feel decide. If the local shops badmouth Buells and/or steer you towards Harleys then walk away. If they instead steer you towards the Buells and talk up their parts and service and support of all of their customers then you may be okay. The bottom line is that the final decision is up to you. Coming to a Buell enthusiast's forum the majority of us will obviously say go for it and welcome to the show. This being winter there are both plenty of good deals around and plenty of time to decide.  | ||
| Xb9rski |
Cyber, If I had listened to my friends, I know I would not be happy right now. My Best friend tried for over a year to talk me out of getting my XB9R, I've had it for just under 10 months now, have put over 22k on her and have loved every bit of it. Get what you want and be happy. Ski | ||
| Tucsonxb9s |
Cyber- I agree with Mike. Your local dealer has a lot to do with it. I actually bought my XB9S in spite of my dealer. I'm completely happy and do not regret not getting something else. I think it boils down to what you want out of a bike. If its on paper stats and track days go Japanese. If it's to enjoy you local twisties and back roads, the Buell is hard to beat! | ||
| Kahuna |
cyber, be warned, if you go buell, you'll NEVER go back! i got the bug a few years ago and there's no turning back. i still get the grins every time i fire up the bike and head out. besides, you have to get a buell so that you can join us southern ontario buellers! we're having more fun than anyone in town! check us out under Storm Fronts.  edited by kahuna on January 27, 2004 edited by kahuna on January 27, 2004 | ||
| Kaese |
Ride the Demo, but ask them to adjust the suspension to you. I'm looking for the settings depending on your weight. It's been posted here a few times. I have an printout of it, but will still look for it. | ||
| Nevco1 |
JUST GO BUELL IT !!! You will be glad you did.  It's a bike with a personality, not an appliance that every other kid in town has. | ||
| Dynarider |
Its a decision only you can make. The people on the various Buell sites are the greatest. I can say my own personal Buell ownership experience has been horrible based strictly on the non reliability of my X1. But the friendships I have gained because of the bike, I treasure & value highly. PS, isnt coming to an enthusiasts board & asking if you should buy the bike, kinda like asking the pope if he believes in God?  | ||
| M1combat |
"It's a bike with a personality, not an appliance that every other kid in town has." Exactly... It may not be your thing, but I like exclusive items and the Buell is one of them. That's only one of the many things that pulled me in though. The others are the torque, the handling (make sure you set the suspension to your weight), the looks, the torque, The technology showcase that IS the XB, the torque, The fit and finish (I've heard it said many times the attention to detail is very japanese like), the torque, the "community", the fact that it makes me think of the 427 Cobra (The trickest chassis with a big ass American muscle car engine), the gold pipes just plain rock, the EXTREMELY low unsprung weight (which is a large portion of the reason it handles sooo well), It actually jumps quite nice (almost dirtbike like but I've only had it about 6-8" off the ground and it was somewhat accidental, I don't necessarily recommend it...), VERY nice feedback from all points of rider contact, I do indeed like the IL4 sound better than the stock pipe but go ahead and find the clip of the NRHS signature series exhaust and you'll be saving up for that system in short order  , The fact that the bike itself will subtly let you know if you don't have good form (If you don't hang off somewhat properly it requires a tad bit more steering effort than one would think but as soon as you get it right the bike WILL reward you), the fact that it'll still get it up at 5K' elevation where a 750 IL4 won't..., I don't know how many times I've had cuties tell me "nice bike " and I've had to bite my tongue and not say "nice ass  ". I guess the biggest thing though are the people right here on this board. I've watched MANY threads where someone asks a simple question that turns complicated and some "anonymous" user comes in and sets it straight or makes a suggestion. I can only assume that a good portion of the anon's are Buell employees. Some even Erik himself... Go Buell my friend. You won't hit 200MPH but you'll eat 'most anything alive in the twisties around your home town . | ||
| Skully |
Cyberbiker, I have a '97 F3 that I race in the CMRA and I own a '03 XB9S that I ride to work and take on trips. After riding XB, the F3 feels like a truck. It is very planted, but heavy steering. As soon as I can afford it, I plan on replacing the F3 with an XB set up for the track. The Buell's reliability has been great; a couple of small problems initially then it's been perfect.And, I don not miss jacking with a greasy chain! Check out my posts in the "Tale Section", "From Cruiser to Sport Bike - An XB9S Rider's Log by Keith Thrash..." Keith | ||
| Court |
>>>>i got the bug a few years ago and there's no turning back Me too....in 1988. Now, 9 Buells and 44 states worth of riding, I find my enthusiasm increasing. Plus, it's more fun than when there were only 6 of us who owned Buells in the country. Buy it. . . revel in the friendships and make your life all it can be. This is NOT a dress rehersal. Court | ||
| M1combat |
You're a wise man Mr. Canfield. | ||
| Road_thing |
 Does this look like the basement of a wise man??? r-t | ||
| Brucelee |
I totally love my XB9S. I sold a 2002 Ninja Zx6R to get my Buell and have no regrets whatsoever. Go for it!! | ||
| Kaese |
Roadthing, that basement looks like my garage! Cyberbiker, just go do it, get the XB! After your break-in, just make sure you factor in an extra $550 for the Drummer and Race ECM. That way you will not be dissapointed in the performance. edited by kaese on January 28, 2004 | ||
| Darthane |
I've got an early build XB9R. Very few issues with it, the maintenance is a breeze, and the bike is just plain loads of fun. As said above, if you get a new one you won't have to worry about the bearinigs or the sidestand. Also as noted, if you're not a wrencher yourself, either find yourself a good (read, Buell-trained technician who's actually ridden a few) dealership to do any necessary work or buy a different bike. Oh, and if you manage to find a truly good dealer let the rest of us know - they're in short supply! For what it's worth, my Firebolt is second on the list of things that I miss most while I'm away from home! Bryan | ||
| Anglo9 |
Go for it , mate ! Yer never gonna keep up with a 140bhp race rep , but I live in the land of speed cameras/cops..so who needs 165mph.These bikes are just bloody good fun , and thats what i ride for.Wheelies & stoppies make a change from speed fines & paranioa! Only one thing to watch and thats the depreciation,which in the uk has been savage(Its always gonna be a limited market).UK/US dealers are dumping 'em price wise , so shop wisely & haggle hard.........Remember how you loved your very 1st ride ? Thats every time on an XB Good luck | ||
| Cyberbiker |
Guys, Thanks for the response! As I'm in Toronto, Canada my dealer options are pretty limited. The one I've been to seemed kind of irritated when I asked him to price out a Blue 2004 vs a White 2003 which he has sitting in the shop. I may have caught him on a bad day, but that was my first impression..... Once I got him to do the price comparison though, it turned out he was selling the 2004 for $4K more! Obviously, I am not prepared to pay $4k more for a color....told him I'd think about it and get back to him...I think I want to do some serious haggling here or simply take the white '03! $4k for Blue vs White!??? Anyway, I think my next step is to get on a Firebolt (once all the friggin' snow clears! wish it was possible sooner!). Then I will be better prepared to make the final decision....if the dealership turns out to be good I will pass it on. If not, I'll live, 'cuz I do know a lot of motorcycle mechanics and I love learning about bikes. As for dependability that would be nice (really nice)-- my primary ride for 4 yrs was a 1979 Fiat Spyder -- and yes my mechanic was Tony as in Fix It Again Tony! Its just that with summers being so short -- I really don't want to miss any riding opportunities! Especially if I fork out new bike money! Finally, if anyone can tell me about the little things that differ from a CBR 600, like the clutch, gear shifts, the braking, the throttle, the weight etc....I'd really appreciate it.....need some kind of dream to get me through the winter! Thanks! | ||
| Mikej |
Cyber, Here's a little test: Go in to that dealership and ask if he'll include the '04 drive belt upgrade on the '03 bike. If he won't do it for free at that price then ask him how much it would cost. If he doesn't have a clue what you're talking about then head back to the service department and ask them what it would cost in parts and labor to upgrade an '03 XB to the '04 drive belt system. If they don't have a clue what you're talking about then you can fairly safely assume you'll be doing all your own service work if you do get a Buell. On the other hand, if they know exactly what you're talking about and have the parts in stock and offer to install it right then and there while you wait if you buy the '03 bike, then you might have found a good shop. | ||
| M1combat |
I have heard the clutch pull is a little stiff to some peoples preferences, but I have no trouble with it at all... Gear shifts... I have a tiny bit of trouble every once in a while going into first from second but only if I don't blip the throttle at all and I'm going way too fast for first gear. As far as upshifts... Very nice. Give the lever a little tug and it sucks itself into the next gear (or seems to). One time it indicated neutral when it was actually in first. Something felt wierd though, so I slowly let the clutch out and sure enough, neutral light was on and I was moving... Kicked it down again and then up a little and all was well. Braking is freakin excellent as far as feedback (mostly through the bars). I haven't tested overall brake power on another modern bike, but it has a LOT more stopping power than my '82 CB750F-SS. I remember the first time I rode my 12... I couldn't help but think that I somehow was applying power to the rear wheel directly with my hand. The torque is VERY nice and throttle response is basically instant. I have heard very good things about the stock ECM and FI system. After 1500 miles the throttle needs a tad bit of adjustment to take up a tiny bit of slack. I am pretty sure that the XB's are lighter than the CB600 but I'm not sure. I just know it's one of the lightest. | ||
| Skully |
"I am pretty sure that the XB's are lighter than the CB600 but I'm not sure. I just know it's one of the lightest" According to my F3 and XB shop manuals, the CBR600 F3 is actually about 10 lbs heavier. Keith | ||
| Dynarider |
motorcyclist lists the dry weights for the following bikes. XB12R..395 CBR 600F4i..370 KTM Duke..320 GSXR1000..370 Yamaha R6..357 Honda Rune..794!!! Be happy your XB weighs 400 lbs less than a Rune | ||
| M1combat |
Nevermind . edited by m1combat on January 28, 2004 | ||
| Dynarider |
I think those numbers are wrong but that's a debate for another thread. 320 for a duke?? Take it up with motorcyclist. And dont forget that Duke 2 is not the new one coming out, but rather the old single cylinder deal. And for comparison just look at the difference bewteen dry weights & wet. An XB12R weighs 461 lbs fully gassed & ready to ride. Thats a 66 lb difference between dry & wet. I think manufacturers & magazines should list wet weights. You cant ride a bike with no fluids & they need a battery, so why bother with the bogus numbers? | ||
| Bigj |
Some WET weights from Sportrider: XB9R- 454 XB12R- 461 The two current 600's from Honda CBR600F4i- 435 CBR600RR- 445 And just to chew on Yamaha's current 600 R6- 415  edited by bigj on January 28, 2004 | ||
| Cyberbiker |
Wow, I can't believe all the talk about weight! Since my CBR is a 1990, I'm pretty sure it is the clunkiest of the bunch mentioned above. Anyway, I've come to a couple of decisions. 1) I will lust after a Buell until I get one, so I may as well give in and do it. 2) I need to finish off the work I am doing on my CBR first and then think about selling it (spring should draw a good price). Unfortunately, in my case it isn't reasonable to do "1" before "2" unless I find a dealership which I can strike a deal with, with $0 or $2K down.....and finance the rest. Meanwhile, here is a pic of what my tail section is going to look like -- of course I will paint afterwards.....pretty excited about this project too!  | ||
| Skully |
Dry weights really mean nothing- there are too many differences as just what "dry" is. Most do not include the weight of the battery. Compare "wet" weights - where all cavities are full of the correct fluids and the battery is installed. Those are the weights I quoted above for my F3 and XB. Keith |
