I need advice on a Buell for Buell trade.

[LoneStarBeer]

I have an 05 xb9r Firebolt with 7400 miles that's bone stock and pristine. After riding a friend's Lightening, I really one one. So after some searching, I found one. It's an 03 xbsl Lightening Low with 32,000 miles. It appears to have been well cared for. It has many performance upgrades as well. Owner also said that the motor has been completely one through.

What do you guys think? Should I be concerned about the milage and the the engines been apart? I believe it has an xb12 top end. He claims it has xb12 headers. It's definitely what I'm looking for, I'm just not sure I want to trade such a low milage bike for a higher milage bike.

Your thoughts?

 

[mrlogix]

wouldn't worry about the miles on the engine. Be sure to check frame and wheels(bearings, belt, etc., etc.). More than a few bikes on here that are 30K+. Money to you on trade. Just my opinion.

 

[thrstrmech]

In the end it will be your choice to do it...so here's my 2 cents

Keep your bike and buy the parts needed or trade for the parts you need. I did just that before doing the S to R conversion. Traded off parts I wasn't using and bought those that were still needed. You know you're bike well, what is or isn't wrong with it, with that said you're willing to give it up for an unknown. I have an ''03 9S that was originally an SL, swapped the suspension, but has the race kit. I'm the third owner, however the bike had 2500 miles on it when I bought it. Eight and half years later she now has 68k+, however I know my bike well. Your bike only has 7400 miles for being an '05 that's pretty awesome.
The owner of the other bike tells your the engine has been gone through completely...xb12 top end and headers, hmmm. What else has he done to it?
It's an '03 9SL, race kit installed or not? Personally, I would not trade my low mileage bike for higher mileage with unknown history. You say friend now, but the moment you find something wrong and bring it to light, friends no more and you're screwed with a broken bike. Just saying be cautious over the whole thing, look at it as though you're not the one buying it and scrutinize the bike over.

 

[UMDterp13]

The freaking top ends are the same! minus pistons.

If it's been ported/polished that's another thing. I'm pulling a 26k 12s apart for 3rd gear issue

I'd say that's fair trade if it's not making any noises. S is much harder to come by but a clean fire bolt is equally as rare.
I would think 12S has more value than a 9r

 

[Sirius815]

I agree with thrstrmech. I sold my '05 12R only to buy another a few months later (same year, same color combo, approx same mileage). It's the same bike, but it wasn't my bike that I knew like the back of my hand. I think you'll feel the same about trading for the sl.

What is it about the Lightning you enjoyed over your Firebolt? Tail swaps are easy and are usually less than $700 to do and even less if you buy used parts and sell your 'R subframe parts (which may be difficult however). The front end swap is a little more intensive as you have to relocate the electronics, but it isn't that expensive either. The best part about it is though that you still get to keep the bike you know so well. And it's in great condition!

I wouldn't trade my sub-10kmi 12R for a 30+kmi anything...

But that's just me Well...and thrstrmech

 

[Matteson]

Here's my $150,000 house without a hot-tub for your $100,000 house that comes with a hot-tub.
Geez. Keep your bike man. Don't make my mistake. Read some of my Ninja threads.
There isn't a whole lotta difference between the 9 and 12. If more power is what your after sell the 9 and get an 1125r or jump on an inline.

 

[LoneStarBeer]

The main reason I want a Lightening is the seating position. I prefer to be more upright vs. leaning over. I also like the tail better, which is easy enough with a tail swap, but finding the parts isn't very easy.

 

[thrstrmech]

but finding the parts isn't very easy

That depends on how you're searching for them and what you're willing to pay for it. Look at newcastlehd.com they have the best online prices for parts that I've found online. Buellsterparts.com and pinwall cycles are another source as is surdyke.com. There are several other sources out there, just have to research it.

 

[UMDterp13]

I might have a tail in a week or so. Paul has one right now if anyone is looking

 

[thrstrmech]

^[up]

 

[LoneStarBeer]

Does anyone wanna trade tails?

 

[UMDterp13]

No I have 3 R tails

 

[LoneStarBeer]

Well crap. I need an S tail. See, they are hard to find!

 

[Sirius815]

^^ I ended up buy all my pieces brand new with exception of the seat lock. I think everything came out to right around $700. But that was also when the rails were a bit cheaper (about 4 months ago), before yet another price gouge.

 

[XLXB]

No way I would do it. Even if you did trade you would make the S your own and put some more money in it. Not to even consider the additional 25k of wear and tear on the entire R bike. I would get a S tail, be patient their out there, 1" drop foot pegs, and get handle bar risers for your R. Then you could keep the R front and not have to move the electronics. Then if you want to you could change the tail back if you start riding 2 up a lot, not the most comfortable for the passenger on a S tail. If you want a S front there would be alittle more work but trading an R front for an S front shouldn't be any problem. It seems every one wants an S tail with a R front. Heck I may be up for that. Friends are good for 2 things take your money and f#@k your girl.

 

[mrlogix]

^^lmao

 

[oh9bolt]

Keep yours and keep your eye out for parts here and ebay. I found everything for my swap in those places and only thing I bought new at the dealer was the undertray and the seat.

S Tail
CG Suspension

 

[thrstrmech]

^nice, what is that above swingarm?

 

[oh9bolt]

The helmet lock? Where the upper belt guard used to mount?

 

[thrstrmech]

think I remember when you posted pics of it awhile back