Daily rider question from a newb

[shinobi]

So because these awesome bikes are becoming harder and harder to get, I stopped by the local dealer to see what they had in stock.So I was chatting with the sales person about what I really want (scg) and he laughed at me and said that these were weekend only bikes and are known for having to constantly fix em if driven everyday. now I called BS and wanted to get my info from the ppl who actually own lightning.
1. Do you ride everyday and if so any issues?
2.Are the fixes expensive?
Thanks in advance

 

[djohnk]

I hate to say this, but purchasing a Buell is going to be expensive unless you do you own wrenching. Remember the Harley dealership repair centers are not cheap.

As far as reliability goes I think my XB12s are just as reliable as any other bike, if not more so. I use my Uly as a daily driver and it has 55,000+ miles on it. I still trust it for cross-country trips (just went on a 3100 mile trip with it last month). If you do your own wrenching I think Buells are very easy to work on.

As far as scg model specific problems ... someone else needs to chime in.

 

[frostedflakejake]

I ride as much as i can, but being in Michigan that's only 4-5 months a year.

I have 10,000 miles on mine (2010 xb12ss) and the only maintenance I've had done is a new rear tire, oil changes, and battery tending.

If a sales person laughs at you, don't buy a product from them.

 

[Zeroflat24]

The SCG is still an XB model. My buddy has over 30k on his xb9r and i have over 20k on my xb12r and i have done nothing but brakes and oil changes and changed the plugs. They are very reliable bikes.

 

[Saftie]

Local dealer as in Harley or different bikes?
My HD tells me parts are about 90% available - my Honda dealer tells me obviously the opposite and nothing is out there. The only expensive part about my Buell so far were the labor costs if I had to take it to HD. But they still have people who know Buell.

 

[ReconLdr]

I'm on my 2nd Buell and have never had either one to a shop for anything, nor have I ever been stuck along the road.

 

[shinobi]

So with that said i do my own work, and i should be okay! thanks guys

 

[motoqueiro]

I have a 2005 xb9 with 67000 miles, i ride every day for the past 8 years, hell of a bike!!!

 

[user_deleted]

between 4 bikes on this post alone and my 3 buells this is a total of approx. 200,000 miles without a major failure. these bikes are virtually bomb-proof if religiously maintained and ridden sensibly. and incredibly simple to do routine maintenance on as well.

 

[Cooter]

Really? A HARLEY salesman said that BUELLS aren't reliable?[confused]

These are dead simple, with relatively few common problems. A couple cheap fixes (found on here) and ride 'em!!!

 

[Zeroflat24]

between 4 bikes on this post alone and my 3 buells this is a total of approx. 200,000 miles without a major failure. these bikes are virtually bomb-proof if religiously maintained and ridden sensibly. and incredibly simple to do routine maintenance on as well.

i have had my bike for a few years now and when you put it like that, its pretty impressive what these engines can do with so little problems.

 

[stamen]

lightning=perfect commuting bike [up]

 

[Lesley]

I own a 2005 Scg that had 5,700 miles on it in 2007 when I bought it. The clutch cable needed replaced at around 25,000 miles. That so far has been the ONLY mechanical failure I've had. 38,000 miles are on the odometer currently.

These bikes are like an old tractor. Take care of it and work it right and it will last a long time.

 

[Alien]

My Uly is my only vehicle. It got me from pa to fl & back w no issues. Just get to know your bike, look for common faults such as wheel bearings, etc and ride the damn thing!

 

[thrstrmech]

63k+ miles, have rode my '03 daily for the most part over the past 7 yrs with minor issues. As a daily commuter, you may want to look into dual compound tires for longer life than running a softer compound tire. Stick with the maintenance plan out lined in the manual or as close as possible and you'll be fine. It's up to you how often to inspect your bike. If something doesn't seem right, address right away, don't blow it off...could be a safety issue and costly outcome.
Lots of good info presented above, continue asking questions if we haven't already covered it, even then ask again. Each bike is unique, although they came off the same assembly line. I do believe these bikes are reliable, unless you neglect it like everything else. Lots of resources on the forum for info on our bikes, take some time and read through the "General Motorcycle Chat" forum. The first few threads listed are packed with info for beginners/newbies to Buell motorcycles. That would be the best place to start your experience with an awesome piece of machinery I call "art". good luck.

 

[shinobi]

Definitely art...... looking to pick up an 09 xb9 tomorrow!