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[Macbuell]

2007 Buell XB12s - All black, unmodified, still has warning sticker on swingarm. 13k miles, claims to be owned by a motorcycle mechanic. - $3,500

2007 Buell XB12s - Translucent Red, red rims, seems to be unmodified. 1,750 miles. - $5,000

What is 11k miles worth to people?

 

[noone1569]

the 3500$ one all day. Decent price. 13k miles is nothing.

 

[mrlogix]

well in this case it looks like the extra $1500 would be worth it to me. I have learned that no matter the appearance, you still can't be sure. The warning sticker can be taken two ways. The owner didn't molest the bike and it's 99% original, but that doesn't mean that it was well maintained with regular oil changes and anything beyond dealer service. The only for sure thing about the red one is the minimal miles means that it hasn't had many miles past any service from the dealer for neglect to happen. 1750 miles since 2007 = average of 218 miles per year. Tendency with a toy's (motorcycles, boats, etc., etc.) is most use when new with successive years use trailing off. I would thoroughly check either bike out before purchase though. You have a better chance of negotiating a lower price with the low mileage bike though typically. It's usually being sold because of financial issues (he, she or they decided they need the money more than the toy because of family changes) or just lack of use and time to move on. Some of the best deals is when 'momma' says time to go, especially if she is involved with the negotiation. I know that hurts guys, but it's the truth. Just my .02

 

[Macbuell]

Yeah the red bike is being sold by someone who is building a house. Started asking 5600 and we are down to $5k now. Still kinda high. I too like the peace of mind that comes with lower miles. Bought my non translucent red bike- 2004 xb12s with 700 miles on it in 2008.

Red bike is no doubt on original tires which would be additional cost. I don't want to be riding around on 8 year old rubber... I don't use any 8 year old rubbers

 

[djs2k2]

Yeah you don't want a blowout on any kinda rubber either one will land you with multiple doctor visits!

 

[gbalias]

ive got 2 plugs in my tire. no worries here. lol

 

[eppt]

I would go with the red one, people that claim to be mechanics scare me.

 

[St1tch]

Yeah. Do the Cherry Bomb one.

 

[yellowcarbon]

I'd go with the higher milage bike. Too little miles isn't good. The oil could have potentially never been changed for example on the low mile bike. Very low mileage bikes are typically not owned by enthusiast who take care of their stuff. They are owned by people who liked the idea of a bike then got bored. So it sits for long periods of time and usually don't get the care they should get. Unless it is owned by a true bike guy that's has too many bikes to ride regularly.

The 13k milage bike is in the sweet spot where it got taken out for rides. It also hopefully would have been maintained as it got used. 13k miles is also enough for any problems to rear its ugly head, so it most likely isn't a factory lemon.

 

[Dellinger]

My $.02, I bought an 08 scg over a year ago with less than 4k miles on it. Super clean. 3 months after I was tearing it down and doing a full rebuild on the engine due to the rod bearing failure I didn't foresee. Bring a telescopic magnet and stuff it in the swing arm. If it looks like a disco ball, walk away. Sniff the oil too. If it smells like gear oil be nervous and investigate.

 

[rchuff]

Mac I think you should go check them out and test ride them and then get the one you think is the best bet. That is the best way to know what you are getting and ask questions.

 

[FlaXB9R]

I'd personally go with the higher mileage bike also as a neglected bike scares me more than a bike that's averaging roughly 1500 miles a year. Motors are built to run not sit...............

 

[TPEHAK]

Old motorcycle with low mileage means dry cracked rubber and plastic parts, tubes, gaskets. It can have insects and creatures in the engine cavities etc. I bought Buell XB12Scg 2009 with 900 miles last year and after 1500 miles it started leaking between PCV valve and breather tube. The breather tubes where like plasticine on the motorcycle with 1500 miles. I replaced these tubes at 10 000 miles to be on the safe side but now my motorcycle has oil leak somewhere under the starter engine, so after one year of gently riding there is a leaking gasket somewhere. 10 000 miles is only one year of riding so the one with 13k miles is still low mileage and can have issues because this is old motorcycle.

 

[Macbuell]

Thanks for all the insight guys. Might go do some test riding this weekend and will hopefully be back in the family soon!