| Author | Message | ||
     Geoffg |
Ok, here it is. A couple of months ago I located a new old stock 2003 XB9R at a dealership. I was interested to say the least, but financially things have been happening (selling a house, buying a house...) Anyway, in the meantime I discovered another dealership that had been selling 04's for $1k less than I was looking at for the 03...anyway, looks like that option's gone because they were sold out and they haven't been able to find another 04 for me (and I doubt they will). So, the 03 is still in stock, and the dealer is starting to be more willing to deal. I can't do anything for another month (house deal should be confirmed by then). The other dealer will likely have their 05's on sale next Spring, but not as cheap as this year...likely...I dunno. By the time my house deal is done, it's gonna be pretty much the end of the riding season here, maybe a month or so left, then it's into the garage for 6 months of snow. I'm thinking I might pick up the 03, but only if it's a screamin' deal. Otherwise, I will just wait and see how much I'm gonna have to shell out for an 05 in the spring--won't have to make payments through the winter either, that way. One last thing--the dealer with the 03 keeps pushing the race kit. Now, after reading this board, seems I might be better off with the race ecm, 12 airbox, K&N filter, and maybe a Drummer pipe...should I just get the Buell race kit instead? (I'd get it included in the deal...). Last thing. The 03 was manufactured in July, 02. It has the black bearing seals (new ones, right?) but I assume it'll have the older, failure prone Gates belt? (I've read on this board they updated to a better belt--not the current 14mm belt, but a newer "old" 11mm belt also made by Gates). Hmmmm. What to do? | ||
| Lpowel02 |
fyi...the black bearings are the "old" ones..the dealer should replace them for orange "new" ones at no charge | ||
| Lpowel02 |
also...the "race kit" is the race ecm, K&N filter and race pipe...so really the only difference in your list is the Drummer I hear great things about the Drummer, as you've read here I'm sure. I have the race pipe and like it a lot, so if the dealer was offering to throw it in for a good price I'd go that way and go for the 12 airbox regardless...easiest and cheapest couple of hp going... | ||
| Darthane |
I had the full race kit on my '03 XB9R, recently traded it for a Drummer. I like the sound of the Drummer better (deeper and less stacatto) and it makes better power down low. Most of my riding is between 3K and 5K and the Drummer beats the race pipe hands down through there. The race pipe makes all it's power up high, like 5K+. If you get a great deal on it, I'd say take the race pipe. If you're willing to fork over the extra dough, I'd recommend the Drummer. WRT belts: I have 15K+ miles on my original Gates belt. If you treat them correctly they're no more failure prone than any other system. Just the same, if you want the bike, tell them that you want the 'upgraded' Gates belt thrown in as well...and watch while they put the damned thing on, or you may just end up with a busted 'upgraded' belt anyways. | ||
| Geoffg |
Thanks so far, guys. Darthane, did you replace only the race kit pipe with the Drummer and keep the rest? (that's kinda what I was thinking...). Like the pics of your 'Bolt in Black, BTW! One more question: there is some severe peeling of the plastic on the front fender--dealer says they swapped the fender with one from a customer's bike, and they'll replace it. Anyone know about the peeling? | ||
| Darthane |
Yes, I replaced only the pipe. I still have the race ECM, filter, and a 12 upper air box. It can happen. The plastics have a clear coating over them. Once they start to peel, that's all she wrote. Only way I know of to stop it is to put a sticker over it! I'm sure someone smarter than me knows how. It takes something to get it started, though, they don't just spontaneously start peeling. Cut, scratch, gouge, etc. | ||
| Leeaw |
I would agree that it would have to be one hell of deal considering I got mine for under $8,000 last year. If it were in the 6,000's I would entertain it, but otherwise I would try for an 04 or 05 as the prices keep coming down. | ||
| Chainsaw |
Buy the 04. Upgraded belt, sided stand and bearings. 2 year warranty, and that new bike smell.  | ||
| Coldwthrrider |
Geoff, you still haven't gotten a Buell?! I remember a few months ago you and I were both on the fence. If you can get a great deal, go for it. Otherwise I'd recommend waiting til spring. That way you can save up money over winter (as though you're making payments) but not accrue interest on a bike you're not riding. When spring comes there may still be an '03 or '04 sitting around for less than right now. You'll have more money down so the payments will be lower. Worst case is you buy a new '05 and get full warranty and a great new bike. Of course I understand how hard it can be to wait when there's an opportunity to get one NOW! I got mine used and it had the bearings updated already, kickstand too. The belt has been fine for a few thousand miles, bike has almost 8k on it total. I won't do anything until/if it breaks and I'm not terribly worried. All my body panels have plastic peeling, either from before of due to me (just used soft saddle bags with padding this weekend and it scratched the hell out of both sides...but the tail already was peeling when I got it). There's not much you can do once it starts but contain it by cutting off the loose stuff. | ||
| Geoffg |
Cold, no I still haven't got mine yet--other things got in the way (wife and I decided to move this fall rather than next spring, I've been working double overtime to get the house ready for sale, looking at new houses, etc)--but as soon as the house deal's done I'm going for it--either this fall or next spring. Yeah, I know there are benefits to waiting--but I'm gonna see just how bad the dealer with the 03 wants to get rid of it. I may not get it 'till Christmas, I'm in no rush, he's paying interest on it... Otherwise I'll do like you say and just save my pennies for next spring and look at an 05 (from what I've heard, new 04 XB9's are gonna be hard to find...). |
