Buying 04 XB9R with slight issue.

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Ayres56

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Sep 11, 2012
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So I'm a few days out from buying an 04 xb9r from a friend of mine. Thing is she says it's stuck up in 4th and 5th gears and will not come down. She says she spoke with a friend that is a bike mechanic and he says that it's "a dropped pin or bolt." My experience in this area is limited. So, first questions any idea if this diagnostic is correct or what it might be? Secondly, the bike has ~8000 miles and I'm getting it for 3 grand, still worth it with the issue? Thanks!
 
I'm no tranny guru, but 3K is steep for something I'm sure you will have to split the case to repair. And with only 8000 miles it is a sure sign to me the bike has been abused and or not maintained properly. It is possible a pin sheared off but the most common problem is bent or worn shift forks.
Here is a thread that may help you decide if you want to tackle this project or not.
http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Buell-Firebolt-XB12-XB9/2003-XB9R-tranny-questions
Raz
 
2k at most, because you are more than likely going to have a lot of work ahead of you. Because most likely the cases will need to be opened up. So gaskets will run about $100+ plus piston rings, hone the cylinders, fix tranny problem (200+ I'm sure depending on if used or new parts are used), plus your time. If you have a dealer do it I'm sure you would be looking at at least $800 if not more as all new parts will be used.
 
1500, you'll be up over 3 if you get it worked on at harley.

That sounds like a shifter fork. it is the earlier design of fork and they seem to have a bending problem if they are abused.

and a good gasket set is 140 for the whole bike.
 
I agree with them^ you'll be pulling the engine apart. I paid 2,500 for my good running 2005 xb9r with 6,900 miles. I got a steal of a deal but still $3k is too much for a bike needing that work.
 
Thing is she says it's stuck up in 4th and 5th gears and will not come down.

that's not a "slight issue". get qualified mechanic to give you ballpark estimate on cost to remove motor, strip, split cases and repair the problem. deduct that from the $3000 asking price and make the seller that offer. if they bulk keep looking.
 
Thanks guys. I also talked to a few mechanics today and they said the same thing. I am glad I decided to trust my gut and do a little more research. I still want to find a Buell, so my search continues.
 
if you haven't give craigslist searchtempest a try in your area. some excellent deals on there but i see buell prices stabilizing and slightly on the rise this year so get moving, son.
 
For further reference, I bought my 03 XB9R a few months ago for $3500. It had 22K miles on it. No engine or tranny issues that I know of to this date and I've put about 300 miles on it. It did end up needing a new voltage regulator and battery. It still needs tires but not desperately. It had a light drop in the past - probably while parked and idling because the evidence is barely noticeable. The headlight assembly needed to be replaced but it was functional. I'm going to change the belt too because the previous owner knew little about the history and only had it about a year. The belt is just for peace of mind.... it looks normal. Everything else I've done has been cosmetic or a desired upgrade. All that considered (and the fact that the bike was relatively close to home) I don't think I got a bad deal, but I would say I know it was no bargain either. Unless you got this bike for almost nothing, for the cost of the bike and the cost of the repair work, you'd be better taking that money and getting one that doesn't have major problems. If he would sell it to you for no more than $1000, it MIGHT be worth it. I doubt he will get anything close to the 3 grand he's asking.
 
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