New to Buell's, Have a few ??'s

[famousseajay]

Like the title says, Ive always wanted one but have never owned one. Went and took a look at a 2004 xb12r last night that I found on craigslist. Until last night I had never even seen one in person. As a newbie I have a few questions:

-at start up is it normal for the fuel pump to be loud while priming?

-I thought these were cornering machines, all this one wanted to do was stand up?

-Talked him down to $4000 with less than 6000 miles, still too much?

I have read that suspension settings are very crucial to proper handling (more so than other bikes) Could this be the problem? Ive also read that they dont handle well in low speed corners...??

Any and all input is appreciated. I know how forums work, I have already searched and researched these topics and still have these questions. Flame away.

 

[theMelvster6]

Fuel pump is priming up. The earlier xb's are louder. It is normal.

They do corner well, could be the suspension setup for a different rider.

My 05 xb9sx blue booked at $3500-3600. I paid 4k w/ a lil over 8k miles but it came with a pipe and buell tank, seat, saddle bags.

Good Luck!

 

[mowgoli84]

I'ver heard some really loud fuel pumps on earlier xb's as well.

As far as "standing up"... are you saying it wants to stand up while leaned over in corners? Suspension set up, tire wear/pressure, you're throttle input all relates to that. There are tons of guides and specs out there for suspension adjustments and playing around with those values make a huge difference to ride quality.

What are the tires like, does it appear the bikes been neglected? If this isnt your first bike then you know all the things to look for. If its super clean then I'd say 4 k might be worth it, if it needs a little love offer him 3800 and see what his response is...

What did you ride before? Some of your discomfort may just be due to the fact that these bikes are radically different than anything else out there, and although they are easy to ride, it takes some time to get used to.

Good luck! Once you get the little things sorted out, you wont be disappointed.

 

[uly luigi]

"Standing up" in corners was a common complaint from the Moto Journalists, from what I understand it was attributed to the front rotor and trying to "Trail Brake", Buells DO NOT like trail braking, ask Geoff and Danny, they are very good at letting the bike roll thru the corners

 

[famousseajay]

Thanks for the input! I appreciate it.

Ill just call the fuel pump a wash. Hopefully its just always loud.

The "trail braking" makes sense, and it probably could use a new front tire so those are possible factors I can eliminate for the handling.

I think I'm going to go for it. Ill let you guys know how the deal turns out. Thanks!

 

[theMelvster6]

If you end up getting it, especially with the summer heat...I know here in 115 degree Vegas, I don't pass too many gas stations. Not because of MPG but because those fuel pumps like to be in a full tank to help keep cool. Just my preference. I understand the later ones are much quieter and are a replacement for any year.

And get used to wrenchin yourself...pretty simple bike, but HD guys don't like to touch em...I LOVE MINE! Everyone is like "What's a Buell?"

 

[user_deleted]

go for it. get it sorted, ride it sensibly, maintain it religiously and you'll receive years of ownership pleasure as these are really wonderful bikes. beat the hell out of it, subject it to stoppies..wheelies...burnouts....and you or your new best-friend local mechanic will be working on it constantly.

 

[Lesley]

beat the hell out of it, subject it to stoppies..wheelies...burnouts....and you or your new best-friend local mechanic will be working on it constantly.

LOL