Beullers? Buellers?

[garylspolar]

mrVroom? Others? The XB line does seem to be quite reliable, complete opposite of earlier Buells that tarnished the company's reputation. Thump and torque of a big twin, big shake at idle, it just seems so cool. Still looking for something fun with character to hop on for short rides, now that baby is on it's way and I won't have time to show a long distance hauler like my FJR the kind of ride it deserves.

What changes were made through the years to the XB line? Looks like the 9 turned into the "CityX"... has the 12 changed at all? I remember reading something about an easier to use clutch, maybe in 2005? I am aware there is a 12Ss (Longer), and a Ulysses with increased suspension travel, bigger seat, and hard luggage options. All very cool.

 

[MrVvrroomm]

For '06 all XB series receive easier pull clutch, 100% new transmission (no longer called "rock crushers"), and a new belt that has no scheduled replacement.

The '03 XB's had a different pitch belt & sprockets. The '03's belt guard removal is tedious at best. Greatly improved '04 and later.

'04 was the first year with the 1203cc motor. The 9 is actually a 984cc.

I was one of the most devout Buell-bashers ever. My actual reason for buying one was as an experiment. I have since sold my '03 GSX-R750. I simply wasn't riding it.

The XB is an excellent streetbike. It's easy to ride in town and it's literally like cheating on a track.

All that being said, my '04 non-ABS FJR is for sale. I'm jones'n for a new '06 XB12X Ulysses.

 

[garylspolar]

All that being said, my '04 non-ABS FJR is for sale. I'm jones'n for a new '06 XB12X Ulysses.

I test rode one. Fun, fun, fun. No chance of me finding a used Ulysses this year, unfortunately. 2004 XB12's are going for $6,500 or less.... what a deal. Not many miles on 'em either.

I'm cool on info for the XB9, if that is the route I go (I like the CityX setup), but want the 12. Pretty much the same XB12s from 2004 to 2006, it seems. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Same power from alternator as FJR, so I should be able to power a set of Motolights. I don't like having just one beam for other drivers to see... maybe a headlight modulator would do the trick.

Edit: Sorry, just saw the new transmission and belt thing for "all" XB's. 2006 May be the way to go... get warranty too.

 

[MrVvrroomm]

Edit: Sorry, just saw the new transmission and belt thing for "all" XB's. 2006 May be the way to go... get warranty too.

Yeah, and all the '06, and perhaps the '05 have 2 year factory warranty.

I prefer the 984 motor because it revs higher and quicker. I rented a CityX when I was in Tucson last month. Felt just like my '03 XB9S, but less power. I have the "race" kit on mine, ECM, K&N, high flow exhaust.

 

[garylspolar]

Ulysses for Ten Thousand

XB12S for 9 Thousand

XB9SX for 8 Thousand

Wussup with this Ocala FL Dealership? Great prices, as long as they're not charging an astronomical "Setup" fee. Hell, add $500 bucks to these prices and it's still great.

 

[MrVvrroomm]

Ulysses for Ten Thousand
XB12S for 9 Thousand

XB9SX for 8 Thousand

Wussup with this Ocala FL Dealership?  Great prices, as long as they're not charging an astronomical "Setup" fee.  Hell, add $500 bucks to these prices and it's still great.

Where do you live? Not much info on your profile.

CityX in TX for $6600

And this one has race kit, 3500 miles, warranted through 12/08, and he sounds desperate.

 

[garylspolar]

Cleveland, OH. That's the kind of deal I'm looking for... much thanks, and if you find any more, maybe closer to my neck of the woods, I'll be here.

 

[MrVvrroomm]

Cleveland, OH. That's the kind of deal I'm looking for... much thanks, and if you find any more, maybe closer to my neck of the woods, I'll be here.

Bad Weather Bikes for sale

I don't know if you've been over to the Bad Weather Bikers site. It's a Buell owners forum.

 

[garylspolar]

Bad weather bikes... goin' there right now. Thanks.

The "Rock Crusher" transmission, and tougher clutch pull. Your opinion? The deal on some of these used Buells is hard to beat, and I'd love to pick up an '04 XB12 or XB9 for the prices they are currently going for.

 

[MrVvrroomm]

Bad weather bikes...  goin' there right now.  Thanks.
The "Rock Crusher" transmission, and tougher clutch pull.  Your opinion?  The deal on some of these used Buells is hard to beat, and I'd love to pick up an '04 XB12 or XB9 for the prices they are currently going for.

Find yourself a smokin' deal on an '03-'05. The rock-crusher adds to it's "character". The clutch pull is not a factor to me.

You'll love your FJR even more after spending a day shifting the XB.

Trust me, nothing short of a supermotard is going to beat an XB down a set of very tight twisties.

at a track day last summer.

...and don't forget to "have a nice day". This was on an '05 CityX rental in Tucson last month.

 

[Shadowfax]

I'm looking for an XB for a track bike and have found the 2003 XB9Rs going on eBay for $4-5 depending on miles and condition. I'm actually looking for more of a wrecked one for much cheaper, but the deals are looking good.

The tubers did good for the most part, my RS1200 developed a fork leak at 9000miles .. but it was also 13 years old (I'm the second ower, bought it with 6600)

I'm on BadWeb as Josh_ just chime in anywhere :clap:

 

[garylspolar]

Dealer has a 2004 xb12, still in the crate., still with two year warranty. They're putting it together, and calling me within the week. If I can get it for less than Blue Book, or $7,000, it's a steal. I'll let ya know.

Any chance I can do better? I mean, this baby is right out of the box. I have no idea about whether or not they'll sell for BBook retail anyways, as it is new. The beautiful thing is, these Buells are everywhere, and I'm in no rush. It's a good time to shop.

Sat on it in the dealership today. This thing just disappears underneath me. Awfully tiny, to have so much power.

 

[fjr]

I test rode one last year and that front wheel comes right up....

Got a free backpack as well.

 

[Shadowfax]

They might sell for BB, it may be new, but it's 2 years old!

Look up all the differences (belt, swing arm, transmission) and express "concern" about the "older" ones when you start haggling

You can get a free hat with a test ride now (a nifty one with a crease in the brim so you can fold it up) and the free "SlingBag" promo will be back April15th-June 30th.

Gotta love a brand that lets you test ride and track* their bikes.

If you local dealer doesn't have enough bikes to test ride, check the Buell website for the Buell Demo trucks that tour the country.

*Buell has $99 track days complete with instructors and the Buell Demo fleet.

 

[MrVvrroomm]

Dealer has a 2004 xb12, still in the crate., still with two year warranty. They're putting it together, and calling me within the week. If I can get it for less than Blue Book, or $7,000, it's a steal. I'll let ya know.

Yes, they are tiny. Have you ever ridden one? They have a good bit of torque, but it's nothing that's going to get away from you.

I'm assuming the 12 was an S (Lightning) and not an R (Thunderbolt).

$7K is a great starting point for a new '04. You can do better.

The belt & transmission are different on the '06, but I didn't know they did anything with the swingarm. Hmmmm?

The belt is an easy swap on the '04 & later. Ride it until it snaps...it will be a long time.

 

[garylspolar]

Yup, I've ridden the 12X Ulysses, and the XB9S. I'd love to buy the Ulysses, but I'm keeping finances in order for my baby, due 8/31/06. Real baby, not motorcycle.

I did like the 12X quite a bit, but the XBS was a hot ride as well. I'd never take either off road, but Uly would be nice for potholes around here. Also has a nice perch for passenger, and hard luggage.

I've already got that sling bag in my closet, maybe two. I think I got one from each test ride, different dealers. I can't see carrying more than that bag carries, on the rides I take, that just seem to get shorter and shorter with my added responsibilities.

 

[designeraccd]

I test rode a 12 shortly after they came out, I was riding the BMW R1150GS (which replaced my HOT '03 FJR) I had when I tried the Buell. The LASTING impression it made however, was my having to PUSH it back the last 1/4 mile or so to the dealership! It died at a stop sign and was totally dead. It had gas and the fuses checked out when I got it back to the dealer. I asked them to call or e-mail me when they figured it out....they didn't.

So I do believe I'll continue to make do with my modified '04 1200R Sportster and keep waiting for my new bluuuu FJR....and Spring.

OTOH a fellow I correspond with on the left coast bought a Ulysses and loves it. DFO <_<