| Author | Message | ||
     Aussiedjm |
G'day folks. I'm new here and looking for current information on longevity of XB12X/XT in general. I'm in Sydney, AUST. I have read all the info I can get on usual issues and found some great info on high mileage bikes from this great resource - thank you all. I am very keen to purchase a 2009 XT; my only worry is what I might expect in terms of part available to keep a thunderstorm engine running that has already done a bit over 101,000 km (not miles) Of course history is all important - lets assume the machine has been well looked after and go from there? Any input is greatly appreciated. Dave | ||
| Froggy |
There are plenty of XBs out there with higher mileage, so I wouldn't let the number itself scare you. When it comes time to rebuild the engine, many parts you would need like some of the gaskets are common with the Harley Sportster, so they usually will not be difficult to source. Any engine builder that has done work on Sportsters can find their way around the XB fine. Parts are plentiful and available in both OEM and aftermarket to keep the bike running. Just about the entire fuel injection system is off the shelf automotive parts you can get at a car parts store. Honestly the only part I would keep around as a spare is a drive belt, they are Buell specific, and there currently are no tried and true long term tested aftermarket versions. The belt is not typically stocked by dealers, so it is best to get one yourself before you find yourself waiting 6-8 weeks for one from the States. | ||
| Aussiedjm |
Thanks for that Froggy, that's what I wanted to hear. Time to go shopping! | ||
| Buell_lee |
Hi Dave I'm in Sydney also and have a 2007 Uly and a couple of Cyclones and have never had any issues getting parts. Trivett or Blacktown Harley can get most parts but if you are in a hurry Al and Joanne from American Sport Bike in the states usually get parts to me in a week. (Crazy I know but that seems to be how it works). Send me an email from my profile page if you need any help with anything. I'm happy to look at the bike if you need a second opinion. | ||
| Reepicheep |
The 2008 and up bikes, with the new uber-oiling system (oil pump mounted in the cam cover) and new larger crank will give you a lot more peace of mind than the pre 08 XB12's. The XB9's all seem to be bulletproof. I would expect an 08 and up XB12 to run 100 miles, though you may need a few valve jobs if you want to keep full power. That sounds bad, but I got my last top end rebuild for less than the average Ducati owner paid for their last valve adjustment, and at worst I'll only have to do it once every 30,000 miles or so. I personally think my valve damage was as much a problem with the ethanol they are forcefeeding us here in the states, not so much the motor, so you might not have the same issue. | ||
| Sagehawk |
Reepicheep, what exactly did you find with the valves? thin edges, burnt seats, coked stems that were seizing in guides, seals that were not sealing? You speak of 30000 miles with your uly motor, yet on a lot of evos , folks speak of 25000 miles on lifters. Have there been any badwebbers who have experienced valve lifter issues? | ||
| Reepicheep |
I replaced my lifters anyway, because I had it apart and they were only $12 each or something if you get them from autozone instead of HD. Three of the four I pulled looked perfect, one may have been a little soft, but was probably fine as well. My problem was carbon everywhere. On the stems, in the ports, on the valves, in the head. The biggest problem was where chunks of carbon had gotten between the valve and the seat and gotten "mushed". Or maybe it built up there. But whatever, they couldn't have been sealing very well. I cleaned them up as best I could (a dremel tool with lots of light polishing wheels worked best for me, but I was careful to never use them on any sealing surface). Then I packed them in bubble wrap and shipped them to Pammy at CycleRama. Pammy cleaned them up and did some porting, and the bike has never run better in terms of power. It still has the stupid rattle that started the whole ridiculous exercise. I've taken apart just about every last moving part anywhere on the bike to find it, and no luck. My next candidate is that it is in the exhaust somewhere, maybe a broken weld internally. Someday somebody will be selling a stock exhaust locally and I'll buy it and swap and see if *that* does it. I'm just riding it now, trying not to let it bother me. Which should be easy, because the thing runs so spectacularly well. It's funny, I pulled the heads and had them rebuilt to solve the rattle. The rattle is still there, but I'm glad I did it anyway because the heads were such a mess. |
