| Author | Message | ||
     Skyguy |
I know I am going to get flamed for this but I am in a pissy mood and mad as hell at my bike so here it goes anyway. It is unaceptable to own a bike that is prone to so many failures. belts, stators, electrical shorts, bad headlights, oil seepeage, front isolators. These are almost all things that should not be happening with a modern machine. I have 500,000+ miles riding various rice powered machines and every repair I have made on every bike I have owned has not equaled the number of things that I have had to repair on one Buell. I have finally had enough and am selling the bike. Honestly the bike would have been gone a long time ago had it not been for this board and the awesome people I have met here. I respect Erik Buell and his vision. I am just no longer wanting to be part of the research and development team. I will take no personality and reliability over personality and constant headaches anytime. | ||
| Skyguy |
If Erik Buell ever comes up with something more reliable I will be the first in line to buy it. | ||
| Jaimec |
I'm surprised. I checked your profile, I would've assumed you had a "tuber," but you don't. Of course, you DO have a "First year model" so that might explain some of your difficulties. I vividly remember my 2000 M2 Cyclone. When it worked, it was one of the most FUN motorcycles I've ever owned. Ergonomically, it was PERFECT. I could put it on the track, blast the twisties, or load it up and head off for hundreds of miles of sport touring. But reliable?? Not by any sense of the word. At the 500 mile service it was leaking oil out of the primary. At 2,500 miles there was oil literally pouring out of the rear rocker box. At 3,000 miles it left me stranded on the parkway when the battery rattled itself to death. At 4,000 miles there was oil pouring out of the front rocker box. At 15,000 miles the battery rattled itself to death again and left me stranded. At 18,000 miles it started to leak oil from a breather tube all over my rear tire! That doesn't count the two speedometer sensors I went through, either. I didn't think I'd ever own another Buell, but I'd been following along on the online boards and discussion groups and last year I took the plunge and traded in my M2 Cyclone for an XB12Ss Lightning Long (it helped that KTM decided not to bring the Superduke into this country for the second year running). It is everything I loved about the M2 Cyclone, PLUS it is definitely as reliable as any other non-American made motorcycle I've ever owned. Just turned over 9,000 miles without a single issue. I'm sure I just jinxed myself, but it is still oil tight, the engine has no unsightly oil seepage stains, and I haven't had a single issue with it. No flames; I can't blame you. I was definitely where you are now. I gave them a second chance and so far I've no regrets. | ||
| Doerman |
Sky I understand. I have an 03 XB9R also and I have not had trouble. I made sure it got upgraded wheelbearings and I put the 04 belt and pulley system on before anything happened. before you sell it tho, make one more trip on Glendora Ridge. If you have not been on it before you may find out it was made for a Buell. See you around here in So Cal sometime. Asbjorn | ||
| Skyguy |
It will be a long time before I give them a second chance. It would be different if BMC took care of the repetitive issues or if the dealers anywhere near me had half a clue. Sadly I really like the ULY but am scared off by the issues and total lack of customer service I have had. Call me crazy but when I suffer electrical shorts due to the factory wire placement I BLAME THE FACTORY!!! But no, I get to come out of pocket to fix yet another BMC design issue. I am tempted to ride it through a window at BMC but fear it would not make the 2,500 mile trip from Cali without leaving me stranded for a fifth time. I have never owned a vehicle that gave me so much trouble. No one from BMC gives a rats arse. I am not sure whether I want to shake Erik Buells hand or kick him in the nads. I keep telling myself that if Erik had the choice he would stand behind his customers bikes and thier design flaws. Someone please tell me this is the fault of HD corp. | ||
| Doerman |
Other manufacturers do not care about one individual's woes either. The difference is just that you most likely won't have to deal with the "home office" since the likelyhood is low that there are issues surfacing. We have about the same miles on the 03 XB9R and you have had more issues than I have. I am sorry to hear that, but believe me, I had my share of issues on a 97 S3. I think the XB series is a leap ahead of the tubers and they have made incremental gains with the XB since 03 as well in reliability and quality. An Uly might most likely treat you well. The dealer.. yes.. sigh.. What a sad story. especially around here in So Cal. Only Glendale seems to care about Buells -A- | ||
| Skyguy |
BMC will not get the chance to pawn off another POS on me anytime soon. I really like the Uly but as the saying goes............. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me. | ||
| Court |
>>>>These are almost all things that should not be happening with a modern machine. That's an accurate statement. >>>No one from BMC gives a rats arse. That's not. | ||
| Skyguy |
Court, If BMC cares so much why are us customers having to come out of pocket at full retail for things like belts, isolators, headlights, regulators and stators? From a customer perspective any modern bike that suffers these kinds of problems (often multiple times) is a POS. I would be more willing to endure the problems except it is costing me a freaking fortune. My recent stator failure (and resulting stranding in a bad neighborhood until 1:00am) is due to two wires being worn through. This is due to poor routing and or placement. This is not normal wear and tear. Yet I have to pay full retail for the parts to fix it. If taking it to a shop another 300.00 in labor. This is simply B.S. I have also spent over 900.00 fixing broken belts. Not to mention all the other crap that has needed fixing. Not to mention that I have been stranded by this bike four times so far. It has placed an incredible financial burden on me. Again, from my perspective it seems that BMC's primary concern is to cover their asses and yes make a better product. I for one am sick and tired and pretty pissed off to have their concern not come across in any fashion that benefits me or at the very least reduces my cost of ownership. I feel like BMC will succeed becasue of the stupid assholes like me who gave them the sales they needed to move forward. I feel like I dropped the soap in a prison shower. | ||
| Diablobrian |
It sounds like your issues are not truly with BMC. The dealers in your area have been substandard, and I understand that that term is probably being generous. The dealers are your interface with BMC, and they have a lot of latitude when it comes to whether a problem will be covered under warranty or not. If the dealer does not like Buells you can guess how many claims they will approve at their level. The key is usually, if you cannot get satisfaction at the dealer level directly and nicely, to talk to Buell Customer Service and/or our own Mr. Court Canfield. Between them they have an amazing record for correcting problems. The catch though is that you need to have names, dates and receipts to make things work for you. That is vital. If you have the records and pics of what happened you should be able to make use of the valuable resources that we have at our disposal. Buell Customer service exists for us, the customers. Court helps us because he has a sick twisted compulsion to help Buellers in need. (How bent is that?  ) These are not like 900 number services where you pay by the second. Have you tried going through BCS or Court to get things fixed? Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to get down on you, I want to be sure that you've exhausted all of your options before giving up on your Buell. BTW I'm assuming it is the failed wheel bearings that have fueled this thread? | ||
| Beachbuell |
These motorcycles are mechanical, machines. They do break, things to get messed up at times. Maybe yours was produced on a Friday afternoon 30 minutes before quiting time or maybe on a Tuesday morning after a long drunken weekend. Who knows?! EVERY manufactuer has lemons or screwed up models come off the assembly line everyday. Maybe you just got a bad seed. Sorry about your bad experience with Buell motorcycles, but some of us have had great experiences. Whatever you choose to ride, ride safe. | ||
| Xldevil |
Accept or forget it. I always loved imperfect bikes as well as imperfect people. Call me stupid,but rough edges make a unique and likable character.Perfection is mostly boring. Ralph | ||
| Espcustoms |
I'm with you Skyguy. I've had nothing but problems with my '04 XB12s since I got it. As soon as I get the broken exhaust stud removed from my front cylinder head, mine is going up for sale too. Between the constant little issues and the total lack of ANY dealer support in my area, I've come to realize the Buell is just not right for me. It's an awesome bike when it works, but I've spent more time fixing mine than riding it. | ||
| Blake |
What Court said. | ||
| Sparky |
Sky, BMC is not the problem. It's the dealer interface that's soured you. If you had the dealer resources I've experienced in the heart of the LA South Bay area (3 within 25 miles), you'd still love your Buell regardless of the problems the bike may have. 96 S1, 92797 mi 98 S3, 53953 mi 03 XB9R 45553 mi, all serviced at Bartels'. These guys care. Sparky | ||
| Thepup |
Skyguy,I feel your pain and I have already purchased a japanese bike.I believe if you could talk to a representative of the insurance company that does the extended warranty,you would find that there are alot more problems with XB's than ppl on here let on.Get you a different brand bike and enjoy riding. | ||
| Bads1 |
So pup why do you come here to be part of a Buell forum if your happy with your new purchase?? I'm not saying this to be argumentive,I just find it strange. | ||
| Skyguy |
I come here because of the people. That being said I really wish my Buell experience had not left me upset. You guys have no idea as to how hard I try to love my bike. I have nothing but respect for Erik Buell and have convinced myself that given full control Erik himself would be handing me a new bike. This bike has been a nightmare, no one seems to give a shiot. That upsets me. Strangly it upsets me more than Honda would given the same problems. I expect to be treated like shiot from Honda. I expected more from Buell. I have been whacked by this bike more often than is believeable. It has been an unreliable POS from day one. Dammit. | ||
| Blake |
"I believe if you could talk to a representative of the insurance company that does the extended warranty,you would find that there are alot more problems with XB's than ppl on here let on" That is ridiculous. Darn near everyone here makes a point to share their issues/problems with their bike(s). The great news is that Buell responds to darn near every single issue in some way, shape, or form. The Japanese build some real good bikes and some not so good, and sometimes they sell some that turn out to be real headaches for their owners. You are not welcome here puppy boy. Your agenda is clear and runs counter to the charter of this forum. Take a hike. You've been warned before, yet you continue to reappear. Enough. | ||
| Thepup |
Blake,whenever someone has a problem,it is blamed on them.Blake what agenda do I have,am some kind of corporate spy?For all the problems I have had with my bike I still like it,I just wish Buell would have made a bike that I could trust. BLAKE,WHAT IS MY AGENDA? | ||
| Thepup |
The funny thing is Blake ,there are only two places i have said anything bad about Buell,here and sacborg.But you know what,I think that might change.If I can't come here and vent I guess I will do it on someother motorcycle forums.By the way,Buell has already lost 3 sales,because people I know are soured on Buell because of my experience.Blake,ban away. | ||
| Brucelee |
My 03 XB has been great. One bad clutch cable in 13K miles. | ||
| Doerman |
Blake We here on the left coast are cursed with an unusual level of dealer apathy toward Buell. Sparky mentions Bartels, they have a good service department as does Glendale. The rest of them are of such quality that it is actually a risk to take you bike in for repair or service. Prior to moving here, I lived in Utah and before that Cincinnati, OH. Dealers there were much more attentive to detail and customer satisfaction. You mentioned that BMC does care. I know they care as well. But when you live in Southern Cal, it surely does not look like they do. SoCal is an awesome market for bikes. I know BMC knows that too. I can not understand why BMC does not take an active role in improving the "face that meets the customer" (dealers) in this area and thereby up their ante a bit. Asbjorn | ||
| Bads1 |
Pup the problem is that everyone has tried in one form or the other to help at one point and at one time felt your pain,but your constant whining is like listening to puppy whining in his cage to get out(irritating but you have to put up with it). Your problem is with Buell not this forum or the people that come here to enjoy. Move on with your life a motorcycle no matter the problem shouldn't make you a miserable person. | ||
| Court |
That's a VERY inaccurate statement. Beaer in mind that Badweb, and the internet if general, is not at all a good indicator of or representative of Buells in general. Few folks, having a wonderful ownership experience, go seek out a forum to cheer. Buell tracks warranty $$ per unit mfg and I'm pleased to tell you that the XB series is extraordinary. In fact, I think you'd be quite entertained at some of the firms who have sent folks to tour Buell to figure out how it's possible to get this level of quality with HUMANS (egads...I am one!) building the bikes. Elves are incredible. | ||
| Thepup |
Court,Buell keeps track of factory warranty work,do they also keep track of the extended warranty work?Why doesn't H-D/Buell cover the extended warranty instead of selling an insurance policy for the extended warranty.I also wonder how much warranty work is denied because of different exhaust?I still have my Buell,I just would like to figure out why the mainshaft in the tranny keeps having trouble.I wonder if it has anything to do with the tightness of the belt,if it does,no one will ever admit to it. | ||
| Thepup |
Bads,I am not a miserable person,I have moved on.When did I whine?I have been alittle upset early on,but now,I pretty much know that something serious is going to happen to my Buell every 8 months or so.I went out and bought me another bike so I don't have to worry about having to depend on my Buell.I may even keep my Buell after it's fixed.Has the problems directly cost Buell 3 sales,and who knows how many indirectly,yes it has.i guess a few of you here need to quit taking it so personal,talk about needing to get a life. (Message edited by thepup on October 01, 2006) | ||
| Brucelee |
"Why doesn't H-D/Buell cover the extended warranty instead of selling an insurance policy for the extended warranty." This is a pretty common practice in both autos and MC industry these days. | ||
| Rocketman |
Buell tracks warranty $$ per unit mfg and I'm pleased to tell you that the XB series is extraordinary. as in extraordinarily poor when compared to manufacturers producing several thousands of units more than Buell............ Rocket | ||
| Blake |
Some people here are pretending to know what they are talking about. Shame on you Sean. |
