| Author | Message | ||
     Tnm2 |
I've been searching around, and haven't really found a lot on this subject. Maybe there just isn't a lot. I'm in the market for a Firebolt XB12. As much as I'd love to go into Bumpus and get a new one, it likely just isn't in the cards, since my credit is pretty well shot. So, I'm looking at used ones. What I want to know is if there is any substantial difference between earlier models and the '08 and up models. I've read about the differences in the newer model's crankshaft, and noticed the different cam cover shape, although I have no idea why it is shaped differently. The brake caliper change is nice, but retrofitting the kit to add it to a bike that doesn't have it doesn't look like a big deal if you buy the kit. Since financing isn't an option, I'll have to do this all out of pocket, and the typical price difference between say, a clean '04 and an '09 can be several thousand dollars. Is it worth the extra money? Would you hold out on buying an older one now to save up for the newer one? | ||
| Luv2spd |
I was in a market for a brand new XB12R, but bought a '03 XB9R instead with 10,000 miles for half price of the new one. The difference between my bike and a brand new XB12R are: new one has a longer swingarm, frame slider is standard on new bike, belt is wider and stronger, 4 piston brakes up front not the old 3 piston. I would imagine since the bikes had a lot of electrical issues in the beginning that by this time they would of fixed them. My used Buell has a lot of racing parts on it, and so far I only had a relay burnt out and my speedometer stops working occasionally, but other than that I love the bike. In my opinion it's not worth buying a Buell without an aftermarket pipe. Now that the company is closing, I might consider buying a brand new XB12R. | ||
| Tnm2 |
This past weekend, Appleton H-D / Buell in Clarksville TN had a Buell Demo Day event. They had at least one of each new model available to ride, so I got some seat time on pretty much all of them. Appleton is a great dealer, to boot. The fellow that owns the store is not only a Buell enthusiast, he was out leading rides. He talked about the fact that it was a bittersweet day...the demo event was planned well in advance of H-D's announcement. As we all stood on an overlook talking about the bikes, we all knew that this likely would not be happening again. I'm so glad they went ahead as planned. The 1125 in all its forms is a tremendous motorcycle, but the Firebolt stole my heart. For me, there are qualities this bike possesses that don't show up on a specification chart. In talking to one of the fellows that works there, the '08 and up models are said to be product improved in a lot of small ways. Even though it means I'll have to be patient, I think I'll try to hold out for a newer one. | ||
| Luv2spd |
....in addition to my nerdiness above, the new Firebolts also have a bigger frame a bit which means that the fuel capacity is 3.82gal instead of 3.7gal, and there is an additional air intake to the air filter above the gas cap. | ||
| Wilcom |
With new ones selling below the cost of a used Buell just days ago(My 2009 XB12R was $5500+tax and Lic.)the used market is dead. Most folks just won't sell or should they, the prices will come back and adjust. BUT...... if a guy HAD TO SELL he is going to take a bath big time. A 2007 with 5-10K miles on it couldn't be worth more than $3500 with fresh units just 2 grand away. You may be able to get a used Buell at a price that would put the seller in Therapy for years to come .......LOL | ||
| Blackandchrome |
03 - 05s are still asking around $3500 on ebay. 06 - 08 are in the 5ish range. I've talked to all of the dealers within 2 hours from me. None are offering less than $6000 + tax. Yeah it's only $2500 more and you're getting a brand new bike, but you're spending nearly double. I've checked insurance and it's double the price for the same coverage (not including upgrading to collision just in case). Add all of the additional mods too, who can keep a bike stock... | ||
| Froggy |
2004 first year of the XB12R 2005 New 43mm front forks 2006 New smoother shifting transmission, new higher capacity frame, new swingarm (Not longer like posted above), new airbox and air intake system 2007 Another new airbox setup, new Pirelli tires 2008 Significant engine changes, entire bottom half of engine is different, new oil cooler and oiling system, new ddfi3 fuel injection system, new throttlebody with IAC, no more need for manual TPS resets. Frame pucks standard now? I can't recall if it was 07 or 08. 2009 Blacked out body including frame and motor, ZTL2 brakes. 2010, new right side scoop, new 3 bearing rear wheel. There was cosmetic changes each year like various new color options. Belts got revised just about every year and keep getting better. | ||
| Husky |
Froggy, I ordered what I thought was the latest belt, G0500.1ADF, and was told by the dealer that it was superseded by rev 'E'. My 08 parts manual said the 08 has a rev 'D',I wanted the latest one that fits (longest life). You know a Hell of a lot more than I do about this stuff. Please tell what is going on! Have all of the ref 'F' belts been spoken for already? No more rev 'F' production! Thanks, Husky | ||
| Froggy |
The revision codes normally go in alphabetical order. Before we go any further, we are talking about your XT right? You got a Firebolt/Lightning 52" wheelbase belt listed. The Uly belts start with .1AK, and after the K is the revision code. D is what came on most 06 Ulys (few unconfirmed reports of B), E came out for 2009 when they switched to Goodyear, and G0500.1AKF came out a few months ago, no clue what is different about it. I don't want to point fingers, but it wouldn't surprise me if the dealer was trying to clear old stock and they gave the wrong info. | ||
| Tnm2 |
Froggy - Thank you for the info! I'm surprised a chart or table isn't in the KV showing this info. If it is, I couldn't find it. Let me ask you this, since you have owned a bunch of these over various year models. Would you buy an older one (pre '08) that you could afford now, or hold out and keep saving for a newer ('08 up) model? Like Blackchrome said, the difference between an '06 and an '09 is nearly double. Are the bottom end, oil cooler / oiling and F.I. changes worth holding out for? I want another Buell so bad my eyeballs ache, but as hard as it is right now to come up with $6 - 7K, I want to make a good decision. (Message edited by tnm2 on November 04, 2009) | ||
| Froggy |
It is hard to say, as they are all good bikes. Only real advantages of the older bikes are that they are cheaper, and can be tuned with ECMspy (free program). The Firebolt didn't get changed as much as the Uly, and us Uly riders bicker all day over the 06 vs later models thing. I wouldn't just hop on a bike because you can afford it right now. Don't rush into it, you might find a better deal in the near future. Also to add to the list above, the 06 bikes got a new bronze oil gear, and the 07 bikes got some other oil system boost. One of the other benefits to the new bottom end on the 08's is the redline was bumped from 6800 rpm to 7100. Only real issues to look for on the older bikes are the wheel bearings, headlight reflectors, and the connector from the voltage regulator to the battery can fail. | ||
| Jensenanton |
Wow, I just love your article here, I have been working on essayguardian.com reviews and all the information you have shared here are worth the count, Will always be waiting to get more articles from you. | ||
| Anonymous |
Wow, I just love your article here, I have been working on essayguardian.com reviews and all the information you have shared here are worth the count, Will always be waiting to get more articles from you. | ||
| Brunojameson |
There are a lot of great messages here, and it's going to be great to talk with the best coursework writing service about these messages. Don't you think that? If you don't think that, you must be sleeping. |
