New to Buell Looking for Some Pointers

[Kasmodean]

Hello everyone,
I just joined the community here hoping to get some information and hopefully I'll be able to contribute in the future. I am sorry if these are repeated questions.

My last motorcycle (1992 suzuki katana GSX600) was stolen several years ago and I am finally in a position to get a new bike now. I love the idea of buying American so naturally I have been looking for Buells (not into the styling of Harleys). Problem is there are not many around where I live. Anyways, I found a 2004 Buell Firebolt XB12R for sale with 13k miles for ~$5000.

Is $5000 for this bike a reasonable price with this many miles?

Is 13k miles a lot for these bikes? How many miles is typical for air cooled Buells?

When I go look at the bike is there anthing specific to the year and model that I should be checking the condition of before agreeing to purshace? Or for that matter should a 2004 be avoided for any reason?

I am not looking to go racing. I think I only went over 100 once with my old bike just to say I did. I am just looking for something fun and dependable to ride. Having said that, how would the V-Twin XB12R compare to my old 92 carburated I-4 600? My old bike could beat any car, but got stomped by other bikes, and couldn't lift its front. (Once again not saying I want to, just using this as a comparison).

Lastly, how is the availablity of parts now that Buells are out of production?

[wiznut]

The question of if it is a good deal depends on where you live. In general though, that would not be considered a good deal. A bike with half the mileage should be less than $4000. 13k is considered on the higher end of miles for buying a used bike.

[GW 04 XB12R]

Welcome Kasmodean!

I'll try to answer most of your questions... But first I'll compare my Buell to my last bike, a 1985 Honda Interceptor (should be a great comparo to your '92 GSX600).

My Buell has about 100 times the torque of the Honda (similar to a Harley if you've ever ridden one) and can easily lift the wheel in 1st, and if you're accelerating fast it will lift when shifting to second and hold the wheel off the ground until you shift to 3rd...

The fuel injection is sweet; starts up every time, and the custom tuning/mapping is very nice. I had it winterized with no battery all winter... This spring I put the battery in, turned the key, waited for the fuel pump and hit the starter. Started right up. Really can't complain there.

Now for the price: I bought my bike last year (2004 XB12R Red/Black) with 3400mi for $3600. I would consider this cheaper than average, but I would consider the one you mention to be more expensive than average.

Mileage: If well maintained, 13,000mi is nothing. But, it's tough to prove maintenance when it's someone else's bike. I've heard of people with about 40k miles on their Buell.

2004 has a weak oil pump drive gear. Not a problem if you keep the revs low until the oil warms up however.

Parts: As long as people ride them, there will be parts, whether factory, used, or aftermarket.

Hope this helps!

--Gary

[BitchinXb]

I just got my 06 XB9 city cross with 3800 miles for 3000 and a rifle..hehe