NEWB! Info Request: '99 Buell Lightening X1 or ANY of the Lightening year models

[2WHEELFREAK]

Hello. Newb to the board and to Buell scoots. I'm sure some of my questions could be found in an extensive search, but I need some info fast, but yes I am looking for info on my own as well. They have always intrigued me, and now I am in the market for a 2nd bike. I currently ride a tricked out '16 Road Glide (and NO, none of that front big wheel ****). There is a '99 Lightening X1 for sale and I am thinking about going to look at it today or sometime soon. It has 33k miles on the clock and advertised price is $4k. I am trying to read up on all the Buell models that interest me. I seem to be gravitating towards the Lightening series. Anything specific (outside of the obvious) I should know about or ask owners regarding any of these bikes, such as:

1. Maintenance intervals that were supposed to be done?

2. Electrical (I seem to keep seeing posts about ensure all grounds are clean)

3. Cooling issues

4. Engine/Trans quirks on certain year models

5. Frame design

6. Brakes

7. Are parts readily available through any HD dealers, other dealer networks or online distributors? Parts hard to secure when needed?

One thing I have noticed, a lot of these bikes I've seen for sale "with age" don't seem to have a lot of miles. Is that due to potential collector value, not dependable/reliable issues, or perhaps just a weekend toy that doesn't see the light of day much, or engine/exhaust heat issues people don't want to deal with, etc. I've owned VFRs and Ducati's (last being an 1198SP) so I am use to engine/exhaust heat; doesn't bother me. Just wondering what info or advice you may have to share. Main point is I want to know if there are ANY year models I should completely steer clear of. Thanks in advance.

2WF :up:

 

[Silverrider]

Sure like to see the one you are looking at and the HD you own. I like pics. Welcome, Good questions.,All your question have answers on the board and Google search's, go for it.

 

[Cooter]

An X-1 is considered a "tuber" because of the tube frame as opposed to the later 03-10 lightning models.
The X-1 could be considered the pinnacle of the tuber series as it has all the latest upgrades including fuel injection. They are rock solid and don't really need much of anything. I'm currently finishing a 3000 mile trip on a M-2 tuber and have be very impressed with its comfort, power, and reliability.
Low mileage bikes are bought from people who aren't motorcyclists. Buying anything with an engine and not using it is stupid (imo)

 

[2WHEELFREAK]

SR, not sure how to post pics or I would. Do I need a host site?

Cooter, thank you for the info. Maybe other others will chime in to share. I'll begin looking into all models I like. I like the XB12Scg model also. I just wonder how these bikes fit riders taller than 6'. I'm 6'1/225. Guess I'll know soon enough. Surprisingly enough hardly any of these bikes are for sale in my state. I'll most likely have to buy outside the state. But this '99 is local, so I will take the opportunity to go look at it, sit on it and maybe ride it. I am looking for another bike to carve up the canyons that doesn't have gobs of power or break away power to get me into trouble. My former big liter Gixxers, Ninjas and Ducati filled the bill for blazing speed and power, so I need something a little more relaxed that I can throw into sweepers and turns. Thanks guys!

 

[Silverrider]

No host needed , in the tool bar click on the tree , Select from your pc and load , bamm.

Here is one I had , Liked it , I am 6'

 

[2WHEELFREAK]

SR that is sweet! For some reason the X1 I am looking at I cannot copy/save or download the pics from the site, so I will just add the link to it.
https://www.cycletrader.com/dealers...946/listing/1999-Buell-Lightning-X1-122018833

Here are some pics of my RGlide.......

 

[Outlaw]

That's a nice glide. That X1 is super cool.

 

[Outlaw]

I ride a 13 streetglide and a 99 m2 cyclone. It's nice to have both ride options.

 

[Silverrider]

Ya did it ,pics , Great thx , Sweet bike , How many miles you have on her ?

 

[pur pony]

Welcome- X1's are great solid bikes. They do have a few issues but are completely fixable. Some of the main things you want to look at- Oil pump drive gear. The originals are known to eat teeth. You want the upgraded bronze gear. The primary tensioner also has been updated for these bikes along with isolators. The bike you posted has the PM aluminum wheels, a Penske rear shock, the updated 2001 shifter, and a forcewinder air filter. This air filter gives the most room for your knee being you are 6ft+. Funny though that the previous owner removed the original airbox and installed the aftermarket under tank trim on the filter side, but left the OEM scoop on the left. Most remove that and install the matching trim on both sides.
I bought my X1 back in 08 bone stock with 3200 miles for $3500.... this bike seems slightly high on price for the miles I think. Also, 99 was the first year of the Fuel Injection.

here are some pics of my X1.... a before and after, and the white is how it currently looks...

 

[2WHEELFREAK]

That's a nice glide. That X1 is super cool.

Outlaw, thank you. Any pics of your scoots?

 

[2WHEELFREAK]

Ya did it ,pics , Great thx , Sweet bike , How many miles you have on her ?

SR,

Thank you. Just shy of 8k miles.

 

[Silverrider]

barely broke in.

 

[2WHEELFREAK]

Welcome- X1's are great solid bikes. They do have a few issues but are completely fixable. Some of the main things you want to look at- Oil pump drive gear. The originals are known to eat teeth. You want the upgraded bronze gear. The primary tensioner also has been updated for these bikes along with isolators. The bike you posted has the PM aluminum wheels, a Penske rear shock, the updated 2001 shifter, and a forcewinder air filter. This air filter gives the most room for your knee being you are 6ft+. Funny though that the previous owner removed the original airbox and installed the aftermarket under tank trim on the filter side, but left the OEM scoop on the left. Most remove that and install the matching trim on both sides.
I bought my X1 back in 08 bone stock with 3200 miles for $3500.... this bike seems slightly high on price for the miles I think. Also, 99 was the first year of the Fuel Injection.

here are some pics of my X1.... a before and after, and the white is how it currently looks...

PP,

Thanks for the info/advice! Wow, that bike of yours is unbelievable!

The areas you mentioned i need to take notice of; are those question I need to ask, or would I visibly be able to see if those upgrades/changes have been made? Appears this bike is at a dealer, so they probably can't validate if made or not, unless able to see with naked eye, or they know the bike/owner, etc. Easy to make those changes, does the engine or primary have to come apart to make them?

I see there are service manuals/guides on eBay - will pick up one if I pick up one of these bikes.

You mentioned the PM wheels. I've run them before on some of my older Gixxers. Where these wheels an option or standard on the X1s?

Lastly, you mentioned the asking price seems kinda high on the X1 I am looking at. With what you know or see on this particular bike, what do you think its really worth? I haven't even looked at book value (if there is such a thing), but assumed the price is out of touch with reality - hey, its a stealership.....LOL.

 

[2WHEELFREAK]

barely broke in.

Yep, but with my busy lifestyle I'm proud of that 8k in less than a year LOL! It is so much fun to ride, and I have changed the suspension to Ohlin's products that now help it handle so much better and even more comfortable to ride. My floorboards have pavement scrapes on them, and will soon be ripped off in-place of forward controls! After I made the suspension changes it became a completely different bike. Ohlin's equipment is no joke!

 

[bsd]

That bike has been for sale a long time. And to me the price is a little high with that mileage on it. But the rims and the penske shock are not cheap. The stock shocks are a weak point. Also that year the throttle body are known to fail. The shaft is supported only on one side. When you go to look at the bike take the seat off and see if it has the race ecm on it. Also the left side air scoop will help keep the rear cylinder cool in your hot AZ temps. I have 2 X1 both are 99' and they just feel raw compared to my 08 xb12ss.

 

[Silverrider]

Yep, but with my busy lifestyle I'm proud of that 8k in less than a year LOL! It is so much fun to ride, and I have changed the suspension to Ohlin's products that now help it handle so much better and even more comfortable to ride. My floorboards have pavement scrapes on them, and will soon be ripped off in-place of forward controls! After I made the suspension changes it became a completely different bike. Ohlin's equipment is no joke!

8K in less than a year, that is very good !

 

[Internet Annoyance]

I am far from a Buell expert but the oil pump drive gear is well documented and not hard to replace, just count on R2 (Remove & Replace) for peace of mind. If done right the oil pump drops right out and just a gasket to replace. Some are able to stick a small camera in the cavity (Think those cheap inspection cameras now on sale everywhere) but there are many pix and discussions about them. Not worth the risk.
I hear mixed reviews on the stock EFI on these years, I cant say for certain but many will swap out to a Mikuni HSR which is a good carb. (I am adding one to my 1998 S1) But I think the truth is, the reason so many do the swap is because they cant deal with the EFI/ECM. I have a 2001 S3 and not running but I will soon figure it out myself.

Get rid of that stupid ass Pipe wrap is #1, not always a popular Opinion but IMHO its based on fact, physics and basic mettallurgy. The wrap rots out the pipe. A CERAMIC heat coating ID&OD is however an EXCELLENT idea, and passes heat OUT the pipe instead of radiating and cooking the hell out of the pipe under insulation.

Some really like the PM wheels, not my taste, but some like them. I have a set on a bike I plan to sell this winter. But there are smarter more talented people than me on here (Like PURPONY & others) who did great swaps updating their wheels to XB series wheels and forks. THAT is a worthwhile swap IMHO and one I plan as well...(Started the process a few years back but took a break due to other issues)

I personally really like the tubers and IMHO they are more what a Buell should be, (A american sportbike like the naked Ducatis.) Trellis frame and all motor. Now I like the XBs as well but to me the tuber is more of a pure-raw muscle bike. GLWS

 

[pur pony]

For the oil drive gear.... you can drop the oil pump straight out the bottom and have a look up inside to inspect the gear. First see if its Bronze, and if its not, see if there are any teeth missing. With that mileage its either been replaced, or its missing teeth . To place properly you would need to pull the rocker box covers and unloosen the rocker boxes to relieve pressure off the cams and then pull the cam cover.
As for the primary, only way to really inspect the adjuster is pull the primary. Mine is a 99 and i have done all the updates/upgrades. I also upgraded to the 2007 ( i think it is) oil pump along with XB rocker box covers.

PM wheels were a factory upgrade right from HD. They had Slotted and Non slotted... The PM rear wheel is also a 0.500" wider then the Cast wheels. PMs came with a 180 rear tire and the Cast wheel cam with a 170.
I originally bought a set of PM wheels for my bike when i first bought it and were going to powdercoat them (im not a fan of polished) and though they would look good... but then ended up doing my first XB wheel swap instead.

So far i have has good luck with my ECM. I prefer fuel injection and knock on wood so far so good. I do have a factory buell race tune loaded in the bike through ECMSpy.

As for Price... i would say its more a $2800-$3000 bike. The Penske rear should though is a fantastic upgrade. I run one on my bike and love it.

 

[Cooter]

The XB wheel/fork swap really updates the bike visually and functionally. Totally worthwhile swap!