Thinking of Buying a XB9

[Pozay]

Welcome all! First time poster here!

So I am looking at getting my first bike, and I've always been intrigued by Buells especially the XB9, and have come across what seems to be a good deal. Since i am new to the world of Buell ( not having any buddies that ride them) I came here for some basic information as to where to start, and What to look for. I see a lot of people mention the reliability of these bikes to be questionable, but as with any mechanical piece of equipment preventative maintenance can make or break a machine.

Anyways I found to what i think is a good deal on a bike. It's a 2005 Lightning XB9SX with 20,000 miles on it. The mileage is a bit of concern to me, but the guy seems to have taken good care. He want's $3,000.00 for it. I want to check on the tire ware and maybe use that as a bartering point. I think if I get get him down a couple hundred bucks it's a done deal.

What do you guys think? What should i look for?

Thanks all input and criticism is appreciated!

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/mcy/3580907966.html

 

[EmptyChambers]

Looks clean. If he's maintained it, I wouldn't be afraid of the mileage. I had an '03 XB9S with 34k on the clock, and it had had a rough life, but was always maintained well, as I purchased it from a friend. Never had any problems. In fact, its been more reliable than my '04 XB12!

$3000 is a good price! If everything checks out, I wouldn't be afraid to plop down the change.

 

[Pozay]

Thank you chambers I appreciate your input!

 

[snrusnak]

That does look clean, and looks like a good price. I paid $2,500 for my 2005 xb9r 2 years ago with 7,000 miles but it was in worse shape. I think $3k is a good deal, and if you get a few hundred off that's even better.

Everything has some minor quirks, including buells, but if you stomach through some of the common issues which is minor stuff and inexpensive then the bike is extremely reliable and nearly maintenance free.

I'd jump on it. I bought my first bike(suzuki bandit) in college and it was ok but I quickly got bored of it and planned on selling the bike and not getting another. I saw my bolt on craigslist one day and jumped on it and I love riding again. I really think I'll have this bike forever. It's just fun to ride an xb, it's that simple.

 

[netty2424]

Go for it! You'll love it. Just take care of it and you'll be happy with it for many more miles to come. Good luck!

 

[deathandtexas]

Looks great for 20k miles. 3k is a good deal. I bought the same bike (albeit with only 5k miles) for 4k USD a little over a year ago.

 

[thrstrmech]

[up]

 

[2004xb12s]

Looks stock and well taken care of. Very clean bike with a very valuable color scheme. No buyers regret on this one.

 

[neilrl79]

Pull the trigger on it, you'll be happy with it.

 

[dannenvance]

Do it. It's a clean looking bike and speaking generally I'd say if a guy takes care of it cosmetically he takes care of it mechanically too. Get it. You'll love it.

 

[rigger4343]

I have heard of guys with over 50 and 60k on those motors with no problems. I have just recently gotten myself 03 XB9R a couple of months ago and love the motor. It is also my first Buell and I am glad I got it. I think the bike looks good and for the money, I dont think I would not get that one.

 

[thrstrmech]

61k+ on mine

 

[crawfo]

I would do it, I love my XB9SX!

 

[Pozay]

Excellent! Thanks for all the input fellows. Unfortunately the guy has someone looking at it Friday ( can't beat him because of my work schedule), but I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping it's around Saturday. If not i found a backup it's a 2003 identical color scheme etc. with 1800 miles. Guy is asking 5 grand going to offer him 4500, which i think is a fair offer.

 

[snrusnak]

FYI 2003 had a few more issues(kickstand issues and drive belt issues). I'd pay less for the 03 than any other year just because you will spend hundreds converting the parts to the later style drive belt system and kickstand for reliability.

 

[user_deleted]

pozay: but that! it's a hero blue city cross which is a fairly rare bike. i'm going to catch feces for this but will offer it up anticipating same: as a GENERAL RULE OF THUMB....and i've been around bikes for close to 50 years now....a machine like this with rear tail section, reflectors, handguards, stickers, and lollipop mirrors intact as it left the factory was probably ridden reasonably gently and maintained well, and left bone-stock. when i see a bike like this but is heavily modified with a motivated seller offering up time slips from local drag-strip, that's when i run for cover. i bet if you ask the seller who serviced it and how often he'll proudly offer up the fact that he did the maintenance and did it often and cherished the bike. THIS is the one to buy.....NOT a beater.

 

[snrusnak]

^what he said.

I'd find a way to get there before friday. Maybe send a friend.

 

[Pozay]

Thanks again for the input. I'm going to offer him a little more money if he will reserve it for saturday. If that doesn't work I may cut out of work tomorrow

 

[Pozay]

So I'm playing hooky from work tomorrow and picking up the bike. Got the trailer loaded and am heading out in the morning! Super Pumped! Thanks to all your input guys it's been great!

 

[Gloomshadow]

youre gonna love it.. its like a little 250GP bike but alot more grunt.. wild ride