love the looks of buells, but have heard there high maintenance. True?

[twjwt]

Hello,
Buells look like great bikes but I have read alot of negative comments on there reliability and quality. I am curently looking at buying a lightning xb9r. To be clear i really want a buell. But just not at any cost.
So my question is, are there really that many problems with buells or do you guys think people dont like the brand and then comment accordingly.

Any info would be great. Thanks for you time.

 

[snrusnak]

As unbiased an opinion as I can give:

Buells are actually VERY low maintenance. No valve adjustments is a huge plus with the harley based engine. The engine is (relatively) bulletproof, it is all gear driven cams, and a primary drive chain. No timing chains or tensioners to go bad. Also, the drive belt is supposed to last like 30k miles (that may be wrong....either way it's a long time). No more adjusting and lubing chains.

There are some issues just like any other manufacturer though. I know 2003's had issues with the kickstand safety switch, and they had a different drive belt/pulley setup that was prone to failure. Both these issues are remedied by changing to the updated style.

I think there are some other "common" problems like the earlier wheel bearings were recalled, and the headlights fade/dim and were recalled on firebolts, maybe some other things.

The bike I bought was pretty neglected maintenance wise, and since I bought it I think I've put over 2,000 miles on it and have had a few hiccups but nothing major. It's the most fun bike to ride that I've been on, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. The hiccups give it some personality.

 

[Xb12sLt]

As with anything some have problems....some are great. I bought mine new in 04 and have had no real problems. A while ago my fuel pump quit working and it ended up just being a loose connection. Hope you find a nice bike

 

[BuellyBagger]

I would say quirky not unreliable. Ne vehicle with an engine that rattles like a paint shaker and get as hot as an air cooled harley is goin to have issues with things coming loose and heat related deteriation. That being said if u treat a Buell like its ur baby (like lots of us do) and do a good job with maintence and cleaning/ inspect ur bike u wont have ne more trouble than with ne other bike. It's been my experience that alot of the ppl that have sworn off of buells and called them junk have been ppl who expected to treat it like a honda (put gas in it and ride it). For the most part buells are good for that too, but when riding seasons over u tighten and clean everything and make sure ull be good 2 go next year.

 

[Crescent1101]

Change oil, check bolts, don't down shift in to low of a gear at high speeds, Blue loctite is your friend. They are a pretty awesome bike.

 

[BuellyBagger]

Blue loctite is your friend

[up]

 

[netty2424]

I'm no mechanic and I try to do as much work on this bike as possible. The only thing I haven't been able to accomplish that I have started was getting a new rear tire on the wheel. Had to take it to HD to get it on. Other than that, through help from this forum, I have done all of my own work which is primarily mods. No repairs as I haven't had anything go wrong!

Hopefully that tells you that you'll spend more time modding than repairing! I'd take that as reliable.

 

[agfish18]

I have owned 3 Buells, and cant really complain about either of them. Like many have already said, there isnt a bike out there without its problems... Having said that, Buells are probably one of the easiest bikes to maintain/ repair if anything goes wrong with them.

 

[user_deleted]

i'm 58 years old, on my 3rd buell, all have been XB models, all bought slightly used from original owners who took good care of them. i ride mine fairly gently, always garaged, maintain them religiously and keep them clean. in 14,000 combined miles not a single problem. agree 100% with what everyone else above stated to a "T". as with any other bike if you're buying used be damn sure you know how former owner treated the bike. they don't like alot of stop and go type heat in the driveline and an owner who continually pounded on the bike will leave you with a pile of imminent problems. IMO

 

[twjwt]

Very helpful information. Thanks guys.

 

[buellbradski]

I put 5000 miles on mine a year and all i do is change oil every spring , clean and moding but i have had very little problems. Been the funnest bike ive ever ridden.

 

[MAGIC]

I have mine for 4 years. Never stranded or broken down on the road. Just maintenance.

 

[mtnmason]

15,300 on my clock (07 12R). Never been stranded. Never had to pay a bike shop for repairs. Rocker box gaskets are starting to bleed a tiny bit. Not a major issue IMO - i will replace them myself next off-season and I'm just a shade-tree mechanic. I'm fanatical about maintenance and like it clean. I ride her pretty hard and she always comes back wanting more! Try to find an 08 or later model as they have some updates. I highly doubt you'll be disappointed.

 

[tireburner1975]

I have put 10k very very hard miles on mine since June 2011. I'm on my third drive belt. 2nd clutch cable, and 3rd front tire 4th rear tire. I've had to put a headlamp bulb in, plugs and a set of plug wires on, oh, and deal with someone telling me how cool it looks every time I get gas. I change oil and primary fluid every 2k miles. I have no complaints. The parts I have had to buy have been cheap enough. The belts are getting expensive but it's not going to stop me from doing wheelies.

Edit: Bought it with 10k pretty easy miles, just rolled 20k.

 

[vtech007]

From a reliability stand point, I could concur with all of the above. I got a '05 Firebolt XB12R with 15K miles on it in November and couldn't be happier. I did my research first. If you want a Buell, get one. I wouldn't hesitate. I have done a lot to mine, but nothing really related to repairing something that didn't work or was broken. Happy Buell hunting! Post pics of your Buell on here when you get one!

 

[GrahamNZ]

2007 XB12Ss. Bought new. Now 52,000km. Problems are just three - front disc distorted early on, a common problem, so fitted a Braking brand wave rotor - oil leak from rear of rear rocker cover, which is also a common problem and expensive to cure if noticed when out of warranty - just replaced the headlight assembly because the refectors were dulled, possibly caused by using +50% brightness lamps. Overall I'd rate my Ss as very reliable and easy to service. Also the most fun bike I've owned in 54 years or riding.

 

[Blastonia]

Im an old bastard too. Been riding 38 years and have owned alot of bikes. The only bike ive had more fun on was a 76 yamaha rd 400 air cooled twin cylinder two stroke street bike that had been breathed on a little bit. It was a pain in the ass though. This bike is nearly as fun but 10 times more reliable and looks very cool.

 

[garyphantom222]

I have had my bolt for about five years and have not had to do any major work on it,only the rocker gaskets plus breather reroute,has not given me any trouble.

 

[juGGernaut]

21000 miles on mine and it runs like a clock, as stated above, normal maintenance is key. I truly am addicted to this bike, its been the best transportation/hobby I have EVER owned.

 

[Alfatango1]

XB's are generally reliable, Tubers not too sure about. I bought mine new in 03. Brought it from AZ to CA in 06 with 5000 miles on it. Put 10,000 on it in 2010/2011 with no issues.