Purchasing a bike, need a bit of help

[clintk55]

Hi guys, I've been ridding on dirt for way to long and now that I have some extra money laying around and with the summer quickly approaching (live in OH) I'm in the market for a Buell. I've been scanning Craigslist the past few weeks and two particular bikes have since caught my interest, the XB12R and 1125R. I've gotten in contact with a few people and have scheduled a trip down to the Columbus area this weekend to check out a few bikes, but there are two that really stand out to me pending my negotiating ability.

The first one http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/2944465366.html is the 2008 XB and despite the price tag I really like the look of this bike.

The second one is about thirty minutes further down the road, the 1125R http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/2944513871.html It allegedly has only around 800 miles on it which I've read can be either good or bad, but what concerns me about that one before I even look at it is that the levers have been swapped and there is a major discoloration of the pipes (is that normal for a Buell? Sorry, I'm new to this market). I'd like to say I know exactly what to look for when I get down there (3 hour drive!) but aside from obvious things on a test run I really don't know much about it.

I want the bike to be my primary mode of transportation during the season. That includes to and from work, town, and general ridding. Work is five minutes down the road and I live in the country about ten minutes from a small town. Chances are most of the miles I'll pick up will be on backroads with a few buddies. I'd appreciate any insight you could give me as far as the quality of those two bikes based solely on the pictures provided (not much I assume), advice on things to look for your average joe wouldn't think about, and which model you'd recommend for my preferred usages.

Thanks so much!

 

[mjp5318]

pm sent

 

[anrkizm95]

imo you'll be better off with the 1125.most people swap out the levers and i wouldnt worry about the pipes.

welcome to buellxb

 

[LightningJAM]

The 1125 had a few service bulletins. Talk to a svc mgr at your local HD shop, if he's cool you can call him with the VIN and he can tell you if the work was done. IC swap, brake line reroute, couple others. It's been awhile but you can search for them. I love the XB but I sold mine for the 1125r.

 

[Timeless]

Between those two bikes, the 1125 is probably a better deal. It may require more initial attention than the XB, but given the mileage you shouldn't have any serious issues.

As the mileage is so low, I would assume it is the original owner who is selling the bike. Accordingly, he should have decent records of any maintenance/service done (if any).

 

[clintk55]

Thanks for the input so far. What would the initial attention generally speaking? I'll have to ask about the records and vin number but assuming he is the original owner it shouldn't be an issue. I'll probably take a look at the XB first since it'll be closest, and I was hoping to barter down in to the mid fives on either before considering, seller permitting.

 

[mowgoli84]

Hey, Clintk55, what part of ohio are you from?

 

[clintk55]

Northwest right on the Indiana border about 20 minutes from Fort Wayne, IN

 

[clintk55]

Ok, I have been reading up on the 1125 and it seems like 08 had a number of issues as far as manufacturer recalls and general problems are concerned. I got a picture of the invoice from the owner and it was just a general service check up. The bike has 887 miles on it. I'm worried about it because he isn't the original owner, rather, he traded his Harley for the bike and has since logged about 100 miles on it, stating he has three other bikes as well. I'm trying to figure out a way to find out if the bike has any known issues or unfixed manufacturer faults before I go down there but that is proving difficult.

 

[ConVICK Pitbull]

Pm sent.

 

[clintk55]

Big thanks to convict pitbull he just did a hell of a job helping me out, stand up guy

 

[clintk55]

Well I went and looked at a few bikes and am very happy to say I'm now a Buell owner! The 1125r was literally perfect, all recalls checked, and has 887 miles as of now. It may be a little too much bike for my skill level but as soon as I got on it I knew it was what I was looking for.

 

[ConVICK Pitbull]

Congrats, welcome to the addiction!

 

[anrkizm95]

thats awesome congrats [up]

 

[03Firebolt9R]

Let's see some pics. Congrats and welcome.

 

[clintk55]

There's a pic of it. Has 889 miles on it, as well as papers from two different HD stores that did oil changes/tune ups on it, both of which checked for recall problems and found nothing. Everything is stock on it except the levers and the Kick Ash windshield.

 

[ConVICK Pitbull]

[up]