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Buell Forum » XBoard » Archive through June 15, 2015 » 30K miles on the XB9SX - got the BMW airhead itch... « Previous Next »

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Trpldog
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2015 - 12:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Rundown -
I'm 60 years old and started riding in 1974. My current daily driver is a '06 XB9XS approaching 30,000 miles. This is my third Buell - I cut my Buell teeth on a '03 XB9R Firebolt, then on to a 12 Firebolt. They have all been stone reliable. I've had about 25 bikes since '74 and the Buells have been overall, the most fun to ride, and when set up correctly, practically unbeatable in the twisties. The Drummer sounds glorious on a early morning ride in the canyons above my house. I'm not ignorant of the Buell reputation, but I have 30,000 miles on my original wheel bearings, my transmission output shaft turns freely and without crunching or play, it has never missed a beat, except for a recent worn through plug wire. Having said all that, and I can only own one bike at a time, I have always had a hankering for a mid to late '70's Airhead BMW. My hesitation is I know I will be giving up the razor sharp handling of the XB and the great personality and sound of the XB. Maybe I'm getting wet feet because of the high mileage currently on the Buell, I'm not sure, but I sure like the classic look of the R series Beemers. The XB is the most fun bike I have ever owned, but it would certainly be harder to sell it with even more miles on it and if my pre-'08 crank grenaded on me. I know I'm reaching back a lot of years for the airheads that appeal to me, but many of them start their stride at 50,000 miles. Anyway, sorry for the long post, but this is on my mind and it hasn't gone away. My Friday's are spent primarily in the twisties on the XB and I understand that the BMW is a completely different animal and it won't be railing corners for sure, but the classic bike has a real appeal to this old geezer at this point. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Agggghhhhh!
Thanks guys.
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Ducbsa
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2015 - 08:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I had a '77 R100/7 from new and loved it. It had no fairing or windshield, but it had RS bars. A 700 mile day behind my Harro tankbag was normal (32 years ago ) After I got my 12S in '07, the only thing I missed about the BMW was its comfy stock seat and the riding position. I gave the BMW to my son, but if he gets tired of it, I'll take it back, though.
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Dwilson357
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2015 - 09:24 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If I were you I would consider this:

You unload you xb9, get the beemer and get tired of it after a few years...because lets face it twisties are fun and 2-3 shift powerwheelies are awesome.

Will you be able to easily find another reliable xb?

I heard this saying the other day. It was advice from one boat owner to a prospective owner in some article I was reading.
"Don't get a boat, unless you absolutely can't be happy without a boat."

I have had a hankering for a 70s sportster, to rebuild from the ground up, for 10 years now, But I won't part with my xb12 though, its too good to pass up on in an uncertain market.

(Message edited by dwilson357 on April 27, 2015)
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Teeps
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2015 - 11:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Rundown -
I've had about 25 bikes since '74 and the Buells have been overall, the most fun to ride, and when set up correctly, practically unbeatable in the twisties.

The Drummer sounds glorious on a early morning ride in the canyons above my house.


Having said all that, and I can only own one bike at a time, I have always had a hankering for a mid to late '70's Airhead BMW.

My hesitation is I know I will be giving up the razor sharp handling of the XB and the great personality and sound of the XB.

Maybe I'm getting wet feet because of the high mileage currently on the Buell, I'm not sure, but I sure like the classic look of the R series Beemers.
The XB is the most fun bike I have ever owned, but it would certainly be harder to sell it with even more miles on it and if my pre-'08 crank grenaded on me.

I know I'm reaching back a lot of years for the airheads that appeal to me, but many of them start their stride at 50,000 miles.
Anyway, sorry for the long post, but this is on my mind and it hasn't gone away.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Agggghhhhh!
Thanks guys.


This situation can best be understood by examining the old saying "they don't make'm like that anymore", and realizing that it is an extremely good thing that "they don't make'm like that" anymore.
Same can be said for wanting a classic muscle car; the handling and power to weight ratio (not to mention lack of safety) of our beloved muscle cars is crap compared to what you can buy new today.

End of the day, keep the Buell, or step into the dark side and go full modern?
This is my dilemma too...
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Swamp2
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2015 - 12:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hmmm... I've had a '77 R100S for many years. Neat old thing, probably has 150k miles on it and runs fine. Definitely has character - but I wouldn't want it as my only bike.
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Trpldog
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2015 - 06:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I think if I get rid of a perfectly good Buell, I'll regret it. Maybe I'm getting senile in my old age. Because the Buell simply has everything that I enjoy - first, the handling is second to none with fresh tires and the correct suspension set up. It shakes like it's alive and sounds like a cross between a Harley at idle and a Ducati when giving it the beans - I get compliments often, from even non-riders. You don't see many around, making it a little exclusive. It looks like it wants to bite someone just sitting on the side stand. It sets off car alarms. The Harley guys think it's a sport bike, and the sport bike guys think it's a Harley. I can truly say that I like it at least as much now as when I first got it. I open the garage just to look at it. I drink coffee sitting on a milk crate front of it. I lube the levers multiple times in a week. I watch YouTube Buell videos. People stare at stop lights trying to figure out what it is. It sucks up GSXRs and Ducs regularly in Apex Land. I'm now answering my own question - I must have been insane. Forgive me boys. I now know for sure - this bike cannot be replaced. I needed a slap on the face. Whew - that was close!

(Message edited by Trpldog on April 27, 2015)
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Meggadeath
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2015 - 09:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yup! a future classic (with benefits)! I friend of mine purchased a Vincent from a loft in NYC about 25 years ago for the then tidy sum of $8500.00 (Whatsa Vincent?). Now that bike is worth upwards of $150K, STILL being ridden regularly, and there are more parts for it now than there ever were when new. Chin up! You're ridding an American Vincent!
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Trpldog
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2015 - 10:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Perfect. Sitting in traffic a few minutes ago shaking and rumbling away with two little 6 year olds waving at me from the back window of the soccer moms SUV.
Waved back with my Darth Vader black helmet, gloves, and jacket - made their day. Ha ha. The best is when people ask you what you ride, and you say, "Buell" - most of the time you get a blank stare - love it. Thanks for the refocus.

(Message edited by Trpldog on April 27, 2015)
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Trpldog
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2015 - 11:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


Old Geezer
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Trpldog
Posted on Monday, April 27, 2015 - 11:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks again!
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Submax
Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 - 01:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Nice pic! Love the hero blue...same as my XB12Ss. Glad to hear you're sticking with the Buell! And...I'm sure I heard you wrong...you can't RIDE more than one bike at a time, not OWN more than one bike at a time. Why not have both? Life's too short to compromise on these things!
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Greg_e
Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 - 12:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

There are many days where I want a real comfy touring machine, then there are days when the XB9R is the only choice to have. Keep thinking an X or XT would be a good second machine for me to compliment the 9R
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Trpldog
Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 - 04:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It does look Hero Blue in the pic, it's actually the "Kick Ash" dark gray. Probably a stupid HD color name - ha ha.
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Teeps
Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 - 06:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

How'd you get rock store photos, guy, to shoot you?
He doesn't shoot me anymore... maybe I need to buy a photo?
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Fotoguzzi
Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 - 09:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

BTDT.. a good place to keep an old BMW is in your memory.
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Natexlh1000
Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 - 10:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"Kick Ash" is an "army of darkness" reference : )
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Desert_uly
Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 - 11:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Trpldog - I bought my R75/7 new in 1977, sits in hibernation in the corner of the garage with 44000 miles. Since it has been around for 38 yrs I just could never consider letting it go, although it would probably not work out well if it were my only or primary bike. Trips up Angeles Crest wouldn't be the same.
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Submax
Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 12:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Buell was cool before...but naming a color scheme using an Army of Darkness reference...that's awesome!
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Trpldog
Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 12:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Desert, yeah, I think the first trip to Newcombs Ranch would make me cry. Dragging cylinders all over the tarmac and all...
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Trpldog
Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 - 12:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Teeps, I don't go up there often as I live in Rancho Cucamonga, but the last couple times he's been in the apex shooting away. That pic is the latest, my first one was on my ''03 XB9R - before I wadded it up by Silverwood Lake one day.
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Elff
Posted on Tuesday, May 05, 2015 - 06:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I was able to buy back my 2006 Buell last week.
The entire time I did not have a Buell, I was trying to find a nice one to buy.

If you want another bike, get one, but keep the Buell

Awesome Pic on the Dragon!!!
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Shupe
Posted on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 - 08:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm about your age and started riding in 73.
I have a Cyclone and a couple of Harleys now. I tried an Airhead back in 1997 - a 74 R90/6.
On paper it may have been faster than my 69 XLH I had back then, but it seemed kind of gutless - no low end torque compared to my Harleys. Compared to my M2 - no comparison in low end or any other acceleration.
Nice enough bike, though. But I sold it after 1 year and have not wanted another BMW since then.
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Slaughter
Posted on Thursday, May 14, 2015 - 06:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sheesh. At age 60, I still had a year to go in road racing (retired last year)

I've had both XB racing motors apart for regular inspections that I wouldn't ever be afraid of having one long-term... in fact, I'm converting the lower-compression "B" bike back to street legal. No reason to sell.
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