| Author | Message | ||
     Bsanorton |
I've only owned tube frame Buells along with several Triumph triples. The prices on XB's and 1125R's are very low these days and I have some play money. They are tempting. Always enjoyed my tubers, even did a track day on my X1, but might like to try something else. Would like opinions from other tuber owners who have owned XB's or 1125R's and maybe a Triumph. The 1125R issues discussed in the dedicated section concerns me as well as support for parts. XB's have a unique look, but growing on me. I'm wondering how easy it is to do normal maintenance on it with the frame covering the engine. The Triumph I can wrench on, even had the dreaded bad sprag clutch (2000 model, 02+ has access to it), but was able to buy a complete engine for $450 and swap it in. I might want to do a few track days. thoughts? (Message edited by bsanorton on February 11, 2016) (Message edited by bsanorton on February 11, 2016) | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
I own a X1 and a XB12X. Other than spark plugs, my uly seems pretty easy to deal with for a routine maintenance rating. My only real gripes with the XB: Rear wheel bearings Wiring harness+grounding failures Clutch lip failures at least in 2008 bikes The bearing issues is solved by adding a 2010 kit Wiring harness issues are ongoing permanent struggle Clutch lip failure can be fixed by milling the primary cover flat and bolting a STEEL plate. The X1 was not without issues when it was new either. It took the first year/20,000 miles to get it right. Neither as unreliable as a 1979 ironhead which is what the X1 replaced. | ||
| Hughlysses |
I owned an S3, an 1125CR, and I still own an XB12X. The S3 was easy to work on, and a surprising number of parts are common to Sportsters so odds are your local HD dealer has them in stock. That can be really convenient. I had to replace rocker cover gaskets, isolators, and a stator during the time I owned it. The stator was my fault for using gear oil in the primary. The new front isolator failed quickly; apparently there have been issues with those periodically. If you use the latest/greatest version, you'll be OK. Oh yea, this thing would go 250 miles on a tank of gas when cruising at speed. The XB is at least 70 miles short of that. The XB12X seems noticeably more refined than the S3. It rides smoother, handles a little better, and vibrates less than the S3. The power is practically identical. The only wiring issue I had was the infamous "77" connector, which is a pretty easy fix. My XB12X was a 2007 version, many of which suffered from crankshaft problems. The rod bearings in my original engine failed at ~30k miles. Shrapnel scored up both cylinders. I wound up installing a used 2009 engine and ECM with a new wiring harness. If I was going to buy one, I'd avoid the 2007 models and strongly consider getting a 2008-up model due to the better crank and oiling system. The 1125CR was a very different animal. I bought it cheap a few days into the fire sale in 2009. I really wanted to like it but it never really jelled with me. It had gobs more power than the air cooled engines, and a similar character, but it did NOT like to be ridden gently. That's one thing I like about the air cooled V-twins; they seem equally happy putting around town or being completely thrashed in the twisties. The 1125 seemed unhappy at anything less than 4000 RPM, which is pretty fast on this bike. It was also even HOTTER than the XB in slow traffic which is NOT a good thing in coastal SC. I put about 5000 miles on it and reached the point where I was going to have to get the full set of shop manuals for it and learn had to adjust valves, or I was going to have to get rid of it. There've been times when I wished I still had it (like right after my Uly started sounding like their was a gremlin with a ball peen hammer in my crankcase) but I'm pretty sure it was the right decision. Read up on clutch slave cylinders (the original and the factory fix WILL eventually leak; EBR makes a true fix or you can get an alternate version from Twin Motorcycles) and stator issues (fix also available from EBR or Twin Motorcycles). So, to summarize: Tuber- Best looking, easy to work on, cheap, readily available parts. XB- more refined, better ride and handling, similar power. 1125- gobs more power, similar handling, worse heat, known but correctable issues. | ||
| Akbuell |
I own an XB12TT, and a couple of X-1's. No 1125 experience. As you know, a tuber is all thunder and lightning; a 2 wheeled '70's muscle car. The XB is a precision instrument, a solid, one piece machine. Maintainence is a mixed bag. Plug changes are easy on the X-1. The XB is much more 'fiddley'. On the other hand, I find it easier to change the front tire on the XB. Should the situation come up, the XB fuel pump would be easier for me than on a tuber. Looking at the service manual, rotating the XB engine seems a chore. It is my understanding that after doing it once or twice, it is easy, and makes such things as rocker box gaskets and fuel injectors easier than a tuber. Riding position aside, reading my '08 service manual seems to indicate an XB S would be preferable to an XB R for service ease, IMHO. As mentioned before, tuber engine parts are probably more available than XB stuff. Hope this helps, Dave | ||
| S1owner |
Given the chance I would love to add a Triumph speed triple in the garage not dishing on the XB and 1125 just think the Truimph is exceptional! | ||
| Hughlysses |
^ +1 to that. If EBR doesn't recover, a Triple could well be the next bike in my garage. | ||
| Bsanorton |
Thanks for the input guys. Akbuell - what maintenance requires you to rotate the engine on the XB? I did the fuel pump on the X1 in the background. Always found tubers to be easy to work on. The Triumph was easy to, just swap out the motor, LOL! The pre 02's had the sprag starter clutch buried in the middle of the engine, poor design. To change the spring you have to split the cases. It's cheaper and less time to get a new engine! I sold the X1, it was a nice machine.  | ||
| Hughlysses |
what maintenance requires you to rotate the engine on the XB? You don't have to do it for any routine maintenance. Changing rocker gaskets or intake manifold seals requires it, or doing something like a top end overhaul. I did it on my Uly when I was diagnosing the bad crank, but I haven't had to do it since. It wasn't terribly difficult. Adjusting valves on an 1125 requires you to rotate the engine. | ||
| Steveford |
I'm very familiar with the tube frame and XB models but can't chime in about the 1125s. The XBs are less of a kit bike than the tube frame ones are but the XB frame was really designed with a water cooled engine in mind. I would say that the XB line is a better product than the tube frames were but the tube frames are more fun to ride. In the past year I sold one tube frame Buell and bought four Triumph triples if that tells you anything. | ||
| Jolly |
I have a few tube frame bikes,(1995 S2 with a 98 S3T engine, 1995 S2 stock engine, 1996 S1, 1998 S1W, 1999X1, 2002 S3T) an 1125R and 2 Triumphs: a 2004 Bonneville and a 2007 Thruxton. Recently sold a 2000 Triumph Sprint ST, might should have kept it, but my friend seemed to really need it, and oddly enough two days after I sold it, the 1125R became available and it turned out to be an even trade... bike/cash/bike so it all worked out for what its worth the Sprint ST was a great bike!! The Thruxton was woefully underpowered for what it was trying to be, so it got a 904 big bore kit, high compression pistons, custom cams, stage II head work with 2mm bigger intake vales, an ignitor re-work, air box removal, FCR carbs and a full IKON suspension package...and a clutch to carry the HP...oh and of course exhaust. bike really screams.. literally The parallel twins are extremely easy to work on, the tubers...same, haven't had to do any mx on the 1125R since it had all issues fixed when I bought it. All great bikes! | ||
| Bsanorton |
I hear you Steve. I've owned a 06' Daytona, 03' Sprint St and 00' RS. They are so smooth, but still have a nice growl. you hit 100 before you even know it. Was thinking of trying a >02+ Speed Triple, but the prices on a XB or 1125R are really appealing. I love the look of the 1125R especially with the beauty kit (full side cowls), but the problems put me off.. | ||
| Lakes |
Jolly have you seen the new THruxton 1200? also a friend got to ride the new Norton other day. i like the Speed triples but have never ridden one would like to!!! | ||
| Steveford |
Jolly, With all of that done to the Thruxton, would you say that performance is on par with your X1? It sounds like a rather large bill for the performance work. | ||
| Jolly |
First, to keep this thread somewhat in line with the original question regarding the triumph triples.. this was a 2000 Sprint S2, I can absolutely recommend buying one of these, they run super smooth, not a single problem and they are great bikes!! the only reason I sold this bike was that a buddy of mine was really lusting after it and it seemed with some things going in his life he would get more out of the bike than I currently was, so I sold it to him, don't regret selling HIM the bike, but I do kind of miss having the bike in the stable if that makes any sense?? these can be bought for well under the inherent value of the bike!! I consider these to be "sneaky fast" because they are so smooth.. you look down and are surprised at the speed you are going!  To answer Steve's question.. yeah I suppose after the build you could say it was power on par with an S1/X1, but delivery is so completely different!! and such a different experience to ride! I bought the bike with out test riding it, drove all the way to VT to pick it up, PO lied to me about condition, and after a full day of driving to get there, the bike wouldn't even start! bought it anyway, and got it home the next day...woefully unimpressed!!, poor suspension, underbuilt engine, looked the part but just simply no deliver! so decided either the bike owned me or I owned the bike.... head work: $1,000.00 Big Bore kit (11.5:1 compression) $1200.00 Custom grind cams: $700.00 Ignitor remap: $250.00 Air Box removal kit: $300.00 Exhaust: $550.00 FCR 39mm carbs x 2: $1,000.00 (for the set) clutch... suspension custom paint custom seat LSL goodies throughout custom powdercoating Hand laid CF front fender Hand laid CF side covers Monza style gas cap .......  | ||
| Zac4mac |
Thanks for this thread, I had no idea Norton was back. That Dominator 961 is effin gorgeous.... Now I know where to look if EBR doesn't make it back. Z | ||
| Bsanorton |
Well since I have my beautiful M2, had a Daytona, Sprint RS & ST. I decided I'd try a Speed Triple. A little dirty, but a nice bath and some detail will do her fine. Couldn't pass it up as the price was really right. I was moving towards the Daytona, but I'm getting older and the Speed Triple has a more upright seating position. A little more ummphhh then the RS/ST. Maybe next year I'll try to find my dream Buell, a blue stripe! the picture below is in the sellers dusty basement....  | ||
| Steveford |
I think that one will work out just fine. | ||
| Upthemaiden |
I think you'll really enjoy the speed triple. I have one now(2006). I've never had a tuber but am currently shopping for an S1, and I did own a 2003 xb9s. The speed triple does everything better, but I still miss the buell and regret selling it all the time. You've already owned buells so you know how that is. | ||
| Bsanorton |
Thanks for the input guys. There will always be a Buell in my garage and always be part of this fine forum! Love the bikes and the folks here. When funds allow I'm be searching for another Buell! Still haven't got the bike yet, USPS delayed my check from arriving, but hopefully it will be shipped out this weekend. | ||
| Jayvee |
That last Triumph tail piece looks a little bit like the AirTech Buell GP tailpiece http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/boar d-profile.cgi?action=view_profile&profile=the_wild _one-users | ||
| Bsanorton |
That is sweet on the M2! The Triumph is stock and has the optional seat cowl on it.  | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
It's a good sign that it's uniformly dusty with no oily clean spots on the case. As pretty much every bike I have ever owned has had. | ||
| Lakes |
Zac4mac , yes the new Norton Dominator nice, all hand built. full racing riding position long wait if want one. here in Australia the sell for $45,000 new motor still looks just like the original first made in 1948 ( like me ) | ||
| Andy350 |
I currently own an 05 speed triple and a 98 S1W and I used to own an xb12s. I would agree with the previous comment that the speed triple does everything better. Probably the best all around bike I have ever owned. The S1w in comparison feels like an antique muscle car which is in no way a bad thing, they both put a smile on my face. 9 times out of 10 for daily riding I go for the triumph but definitely love s1w for the occasional romp. | ||
| Firemanjim |
Absolutely agree on the Triumphs--- had a Daytona first, then an assortment of 3 different 955 Sprint St's and finally a 1050 Tiger, all were virtually trouble free and a ton of fun, sold the Tiger when my hip was giving me trouble. Now have a Yamaha FJ-09. |
