| Author | Message | ||
     Steveford |
I'm thinking of buying a second Buell as my two-up bike but want to know if anyone has 50,000+ miles on theirs and what life can I reasonably expect out of the major components (engine, trans, primary) assuming that it's maintained properly and isn't ridden by some idiot? I have the Firebolt for myself but am thinking of an '02 X1W White Lightning for use with the Mrs. Little stuff going wrong doesn't bother me but I'm afraid of selling my Guzzi Le Mans which will take you anywhere without a major catastrophe for something that will leave me in the lurch 1000 miles from home. Thanks in advance, Steve Ford | ||
| Mikej |
I know there are people out there with well over 50K on their bikes. Not sure what life to expect on various components. I've got 20K each on both mine and all is well. Most problems seem to happen with the f.i. bikes, but some have no problems with that aspect so, as always, YMMV. Just a point, I would not hesitate to hope on either the M2 or S2 and head cross country in the summer. | ||
| Court |
Steve: For what it's worth, I've ridden Buells for years. My S-2 only has around 25,000 miles on it (hasn't been ridden in a couple years) but those miles were put on in the space of about 18 months. I never hesitated to fire up the bike and head, non-stop, from Topeka, KS to Pocono, the Honda Hoot or California. The bike coughed once, in the Finger Lakes of New York on a day when I was headed from Clevland to New Jersey, via Dunlop in Buffalo to shoot some pitcures. I'd stopped for fuel and inadvertently placed the tankbag on the vent tube. Total down time was about 15 seconds. I've ridden the thing in 44 of the contiguous 48 and still find it one of the most rewarding bikes I've ever ridden. If you are looking for THE two-up Buell, do not miss THIS bike. Court | ||
| Dynarider |
The new XB's appear to be pretty reliable, as are the pre 99 tube frames. The bikes from 99-02 seem to be hit or miss. If luck is smiling on ya then you will be ok..if not, well then I suggest a tow card & a good pair of comfortable shoes. | ||
| Tripp |
henriks bike is awesome i wish i had the cash to pick that up that's proby the nicest buell i've ever seen 4 sale! | ||
| Court |
Tripper: Pictures fail to do this bike justice. The grouch is the world's SECOND pickiest person and no expense or meticulousity was spared in changing/updating/refining any suspect peice or part. If I had the heart to part with one of the Buells or that snazzy Cushman in the museum, I'd have that baby in a heartbeat. I am actively campaining AGAINST it's sale or...if it MUST sell, to contract for delivery services  Court | ||
| Mikej |
If anyone could convince him to swap for a non-VW based kitcar I'd do so without hesitation, might even throw in a lead pumper to sweeten the deal (within legal parameters of course). 'Course he'd never go for it as his bike is worth at least twice what the car is currently worth.  | ||
| Firemanjim |
I can attest to that bikes ride as Henrik and I swapped rides on the roads around Blue Ridge Pway.That S-3 rode like a Cadillac on rails.Course after he got back to NYC he had to buy himself an S-2 cuz I had ruined him(and Jim Bantz, too,on the same trip--only JB2 bought his on the way home). And Court what is all this continual raving about Henrik being a grouch, I don't remember anything like that.He didn't even yell at Rocket--and I think we all did that.(We love ya,Sean) | ||
| Sparky |
After 79.9k miles on my 96 S1 I still get that inner glow of satisfaction and silly grin on my face from each ride. I can't quite put my finger on why though. Maybe it's the color. I've always liked red, and Red Snap with those PM wheels and X1 chin spoiler makes it look extra sharp. I don't know. Maybe it's THAT LOOK -- a stubby body on a space frame with a hulking V-twin exposed that gives it the jaunty look of a classic hot rod. Maybe it's the muted rumble of the stock pipe that doesn't intrude on a pleasant riding experience. Maybe it's exclusivity, that certain feeling that a classic car owner gets. I still feel confident about riding it, maybe partly because it's had very few things go bad in its time or partly because it's mostly stock and I don't feel like I need to prove anything while riding it. So, it must be all of the above, ya know, sorta like the whole greater than the sum of its parts. As a bonus, wife Jen likes to ride it too. The 98 S3 at 49k miles on the other hand has been great too but in a different sense. I view this bike, with luggage rack and factory bags, as a replacement for my now sold but similarly configured Harley, a 87 FXRT. It's my 2-up, go camping, go anywhere bike, sorta like a truck. Like the S1, it's had a couple glitches, but it's very reliable and Jen likes riding pillion. As you can tell I'm more fond of the S1, but still like the S3. I'd say the older Buells are destined to become classics. You can't go wrong, now would be the time to start looking around to get yours. Regards, Sparky 96S1, 98S3, XB9R | ||
| Steveford |
Thank you one and all for your responses. It does seem that there's quite a lot of variation in the older Buells; I rode a friend's '01 or '02 Cyclone and thought it was the worst thing I'd ever been on (probably set up incorrectly by some greaseball) yet rode this '02 Lightning I've been eyeing for the past year and loved it. One bike has to go in order to swing this leftover Lightning and it was either my big Guzzi Le Mans which is old reliable or my old Triumph Bonneville which is viewed with suspicion. The Guzzi stays and with any luck, this particular Buell will be a good one. | ||
| Buellistic |
Buellers: Have 58278.1 miles on my 97S3T..... The top end has never been off!!!!! "MAY THE LONG LASTING BUELL BE WITH YOU" In buelling LaFayette | ||
| Josh |
Top has been off on each of my bikes. | ||
| Steveford |
Am closing in on 1000 miles on the Firebolt (snowed again yesterday) and the Buells have rekindled my love for motorcycling which began many moons ago. The stoplight bulb isn't up to the task so it was replaced with a Harley one (68168-89A), the primary chain needs adjusting before the 1000 mile service, the mirrors bite and were replaced with a Napoleon bar end and it needs a steering damper. Wileyco cannister, race ECM, K&N and Trojan Horse carbon fiber frame protectors go on it real soon. Can't wait to finish paying off the X1W Lightning. Is this some sort of weird disease or do Buells fall under the addiction category? | ||
| Court |
>>>do Buells fall under the addiction category? Absolutely, welcome. 1313? . . . how man miles? | ||
| Buelliedan |
Addiction? I am not addicted!! Of course I have been accused of being in denial!!  See my profile.... | ||
| Rick_A |
I'm nearing the 10000 mile mark on my '96 S1 and have had a few niggling hassles...but most are due to the loose nut between the handlebar and seat. It's never left me stranded in the year and 7000mi's I've owned it. It's in real good shape, never been down hard and is meticulously maintained some of the time Lots of aftermarket mods too! cheap fixes | ||
| M2cyclone00 |
My M2 has about 28,000 miles on it now. Planning on riding it lots more in the next few years. Just bought a 4 year service plan from Orlando Harley-Buell. Covers all services & tires. I can barely buy oil, filters, & tires for the amount that I paid for this plan. | ||
| Buellish |
'96 S2T 44,000 miles,going to Talladaga to ride on the race track Sunday.Good service so far. | ||
| Buellistic |
BUELLERS: As of ride yesterday,Wednesday 7May03 my BUELL odometer reads 60159.4 miles... The "TOP-END" has never been off... "MAY THE LONG LASTING BUELL BE WITH YOU" In buelling LaFayette | ||
| Blake |
Too cool! When you coming to visit me in Kilgore? | ||
| Chainsaw |
7,000 on my '03 Firebolt, 10 months old. 1 oil leak on loose fitting by oil pump (a teflon tape repair) 1 rear tire due to wear Currently in the dealer for sidestand replacement and bearing replacement under recall / warranty. Snowing in Denver right now, don't miss it today. Otherwise, just gas and oil...I'm very happy! ChainSaw | ||
| Mbsween |
I'm not in the high mileage club, but I have 12500 on my 01 X1. The biggest issues I have are rocker box leaks, Engine-temp sensor gone bad, rear brake line broke. Addictive??? Stay away from these things, you'll start living on this board, Ebay will love you, mail order dealers will love you........ | ||
| Buellistic |
BUELLERs: 60,996.3 miles as of the last ride... "TOP-END" never off!!! "ORIGINAL DRIVE BELT"!!! "ORIGINAL OWNER"!!! In buelling LaFayette | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Rubbing in the Drive Belt AGAIN!!!!! Congrats | ||
| Edmanning |
I bought my 97M2 new, and though I only have 10k on it, its never so much as had a rocker cover leak. Its been run on Mobil 1 synthetic motor and gear oil since 4k and as the guys will tell you I far from baby it. | ||
| Buellistic |
Manning: Where you been, working nights again??? Newfie-buell: That long lasting belt broke a 61,512.8 miles... Got on it twice and the second time it broke!!! Tomorrow get to put on the -91 "SPORTSTER" belt!!! In buelling LaFayette | ||
| Skully |
Steveford, "Am closing in on 1000 miles on the Firebolt... and it needs a steering damper." Just curious. Why would you want a steering damper? Keith | ||
| Steveford |
If you take your hands off the bars on the XB9 series at 70 or so, the front end will start to develop a slow motion tank slapper. I put a Storz damper on my Firebolt and one click took care of it while our demo Lightning took 5 clicks to cure it. Perhaps the difference is due to the riding position? Am now at 2000 miles and the original tires are due for replacement soon so has anyone tried the new Michilin Pilot Road radials on their Buells? | ||
| Dynarider |
If you take your hands off the bars on the XB9 series at 70 or so, the front end will start to develop a slow motion tank slapper. Have heard that if you replace the factory "lighweight" tires with standard rubber the stability of the bike is greatly improved. | ||
| Rick_a |
Now 11600 miles and a few days after riding through some flooded streets my Buell left me stranded for the first time with some funky electrical problem. Damn thing should be submersible, damnit! About steering dampers...the idea is to reduce unwanted oscillations with your hands on the bars... |
