How reliable is your XB12X, R, and S?

[njdevils1990]

I made a similar post for the '08 1125R guys, I am interested in the reliability of the Uly and Lightning ('08-'10 models with the 1203). I previously owned an '09 1125CR and my main concern is being stranded 500+ miles from home because of an electrical issue. I just want to make a thread for everyone to post how many miles they have on their xb12x/xt or any version of the xb12r/s, along with any issues you may have had, and what miles they occurred. I appreciate any response!

 

[Alien]

All 4 Uly's I've owned have been perfectly reliable.

 

[UMDterp13]

Yep had one 9sx with a Leakey rear cylinder gasket, that was at 27k. 3 Ulys over 25k without issues, 3 Ulys under 15k without issue (other than previous owner induced). Several R models without issue.
So I lost track but 1 or 2 issues on however many XB models. I wouldn't hesitate to ride anywhere if the weather is good...
1 bad front rod at 13k on a 2005

 

[chief_of_smoke]

my firebolt has givin me a fit here and there, but nothing bad. it runs like a champ.

 

[GregoXB]

I popped a fuel pump fuse twice around 2k and 4K on my 09 12Ss. It was in like 90+ degree weather, and the fuel was low. I keep it topped off, Amsoil, RSS and 2 extra fuses under the seat. Haven't had any re-occurrences since then. Other than that its been oil and tire changes.

 

[Matteson]

Dude these bikes have minimal parts. SO if something does go wrong they are very easy to fix. Simple technology.

 

[Theycallmecrash]

Junk.

 

[vance580]

I have an XB9S with almost 40k on it. I ride it everyday rain cold or shine. It has started all the down to -7 degrees. It has been through some crazy rain, extreme heat and has never missed a beat. On that note, I've blown second gear, snapped a belt, and blew a voltage regulator. There have been some other small things but these were the big things. When I blew second I rode it for 3 months while I waited for parts and just skipped second and never had a problem. Has plenty of torque low in third to make it not even feel bad. I did have to get it towed home for a belt obviously. The voltage regulator started making my lights dim so I made it home and determined the problem and fixed it before riding again so didn't leave me stranded. I just got back last week from a ride from NC to Daytona bike week on it and it didn't give me a single problem. I had the rear cylinder gasket leak but repaired when I dug into the trans to fix second gear. They are very good bikes and very easy to work on.
I also have an 1125 that had the electrical issue. It actually never left me stranded because I was close enough to my house to get it home before the battery died. I did the upgraded rotor and a new stator which was under 500 for both and should never have an issue. If you spend 20 minutes on this site you should know about the stator issue and if you didn't get the rotor and a stator to upgrade it it was just a matter of time before it was gonna go. I feel an 09 with the oiling rotor and new stator and even the upgraded voltage regulator is going to be just as good as an 08 1125.

 

[06xbss]

06 XB12Ss:

Snapped belt at 10,000.......should have checked the belt more carefully when I purchased the bike.
Chafed wire on the fuel pump @ 15000...... For me it was an easy free diy fix

 

[Enemy Zero]

Only issues with my 9SX have been related to previous owner abuse/neglect. Now that I've gotten the majority sorted, I ride it almost every day. It's been a great bike and I plan on owning it forever. I bought it with around 9k miles on it last April and have over 13k on it now and have done a lot of basic maintenance and feel its just as solid a bike as any other I've owned.

 

[user_deleted]

buell reliability is defined as follows: buy an abused one....or beat the snot out of the one you have.....and you'll be making daily visits to this site to access repair procedures. ride an XB with a modicum of common sense and maintain it properly and you'll find they're fairly bomb-proof.

 

[djs2k2]

1 rocker box gasket at 25000 miles one stator and one voltage regulator. Never misses a beat other than those issues which have been resolved now over 30k miles!

 

[08herobolt]

Very reliable imo. I have had a great experience with my firebolt.

 

[captain chaos]

I've owned 4 Buell XB's now and they all have been every bit as reliable as any Japanese bike I've owned (though 10x easier to work on).
Common areas to look for (IN MY EXPERIENCE) are:
-Wheel bearings (though 08-10 had an updated 3 bearing setup, I believe, and shouldn't be an issue)
-Drive belts-look CLOSELY for cracks, tears or puncture marks.

XB's are solid bikes. I' wouldn't hesitate to reccommend them to anyone. [up]

 

[thrstrmech]

I know you're asking of the 12...but here's the skinny on my '03 9s...65k+, still running the original belt, some electrical issues shortly after I bought her almost 8 yrs ago with 2500 miles on her at the time. have replaced the idler pulley due to coating wear and shift forks due to wear, once, all within the past couple of years. recently replaced the wheel bearings. I do my own maintenance, engine tear down with help from my son when he can help. follow the maintenance schedule in the service manual as close as possible and treat her right and she'll not let you down. if you beat the crap out of her, well then you deserve the reach around from her

 

[Bullettooth023]

03 XB9R, 17k miles. Only problem I've had was caused by me when I swapped throttle bodies and injectors.

 

[DrogeN Omen]

out of 6 years of owning my 2007 XB12SS it has been off the road for almost a year and a half with electrical issues and another 6 months with mechanical issues.



now i need a new clutch kit and clutch cover

slowly loosing faith in my Buell.

 

[nightfire180]

2007 Buell firebolt xb9r

10,000 miles or more, I had to replace the rear rocker box gasket at around 5,000 miles. However It may of had that issue prior to me buying it. Ive put 7,000 of the miles on the bike, including learning how to ride.

I would do it again in the heart beat, even wrenching on these things are fun!

 

[juGGernaut]

As long as you keep up with the maint. these bikes will last a long time.... I know you asked about the 1203's, but my 06 xb9sx almost has 40k on it and still runs like a raped ape.. no leaks and just minor issues like the belt and voltage regulator going out.. nothing thats truly left me stranded other then the belt.. if you plan to do a long ride like that.. theres a post somewhere on these forums of good items to keep on hand like fuses and what not... I'd recommend a belt also... spendy but its better then being stranded for days waiting for one to come in the mail.

 

[snrusnak]

On a scale of 1 to 10, 5 being the highest, I'd say mine has been a C.