What Year Lightning Should I be Looking at to Purchase?

[cap1]

Sorry if this has been asked before but I am looking to purchase a Buell Xb12SS (also looking at a Monster 1100 but Lightning preferred) and I have been looking for 2009/2010 bikes but the ones that I was going to make an offer on sold a couple months ago and the few that I'm finding are overpriced so as I'm getting more impatient I'm wondering if I should look at bikes that are older as well? I've been wanting a Buell for a while now, now that I no longer have my GSXR I can now possibly get one for the right price. I settled on the 12 based on what I've been reading on the forum.

 

[Macbuell]

Lots of information on year by year upgrades in this forum somewhere I believe. If I recall correctly, there was a nice upgrade to a bunch of parts but loss of air-hole in the frame kept some turbo hopefulls away from the new ones. I believe this forum has gotten a bit slow. Here is the thread from the "golden years". Wow, 10 years ago. Insane how old I am.

https://www.buellxb.com/forum/showthread.php?4344-differences-between-model-years

 

[34nineteen]

With XB's, for the most part, the newer ones are better. They did various upgrades over the years, and the 2010 got the best of them... and since Buell was shut down by Harley that year, there are also few of them out there.

(Most) owners know this and ask a premium for their bike in return. If you just want to put gas in and ride, aim for the newer ones (granted they were well maintained and not abused). If you know your way around a toolbox and are comfortable and able to work on bikes, an older model may be fine. Just bear in mind that the newest models are approaching their 10th birthday very soon. Ultra low miles is not a indicator of condition...

Also, coming from a GSXR and if you're looking at a Monster 1100, just realize those bikes are going to be much faster and smoother than an XB12. A Monster 696 or GSXR 600 is probably going to be closer in performance to the XB12. However, the cool and fun factor of an XB is hard to beat, and you will need to get used to being asked questions about it wherever you go.

 

[Cooter]

The breakdown is pretty much pre- or post 2008 with the Thunderstorm engine and DDFI2 or 3 ECMs

The earlier bikes are rock solid and ok with lots of abuse, the post '08 bikes addressed a few not so common issues and updated the electronics as the march of time and progress allowed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3BcMKN-2Nk&t=7s

IMO. It's more important to get the right good bike at the right deal in your budget than worry about what year it is.

 

[34nineteen]

The breakdown is pretty much pre- or post 2008 with the Thunderstorm engine and DDFI2 or 3 ECMs

The earlier bikes are rock solid and ok with lots of abuse, the post '08 bikes addressed a few not so common issues and updated the electronics as the march of time and progress allowed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3BcMKN-2Nk&t=7s

IMO. It's more important to get the right good bike at the right deal in your budget than worry about what year it is.

Awhile ago, you wrote up a pretty detailed post about how an older, well maintained bike can be a better deal than an ultra low mileage later one.

You should revive that for this thread. :eagerness:

 

[The Bob]

Since the particular Buell someone is interested in is fairly rare, you can't usually find it in your locale quickly. I wanted a Uly, preferably an XT which would be 08 or 09 with some of the desirable enhancements. I'm on a really tight budget so I eliminated some bikes that I should have jumped on. I bought an 08 XT from NC which was advertised to have been "meticulously maintained" by someone from the aircraft industry. The pictures on CL were very good looking. I messaged the seller and thought it was a good buy so I flew down to NC, rented a truck to drive home. Given my limited budget, I felt I couldn't waste that investment of air fare and truck rental so I went ahead and bought a filthy XT in so-so condition. With great help from Mr lunatic fringe, I think it will be a reasonable bike when I'm finished.

So my message is: Holy Crap. If you don't have time and money to go look at Buells all over the country, it is really tough finding the best deal for you.

Thanks to all y-all here on buellxb for helping me through this.

 

[Pittboy]

Hi cap1, I have a 2006 xb9 I purchased from cooter for my wife, I own an a 2009 xb12r, build and quality seem the same to me, however the 2009-10 refinements and upgrades are better.
Also, I went from a 2012 Ducati 797 to the xb12, the xb12 is nicer, more balanced a bit more power and way less required maintenance , just valve adjustment and maintenance on the ducati was almost 600 smackaroos, whereas the Buell does not need much other than easy general maintenance, oil changes, etc. important point for me as I don't wrench on my bikes much. just my 2.5 cents.

 

[cap1]

Thanks everyone, after everyones input and all things considered I will try to patiently look out for a 2008+ XB12 unless I find something older for a steal.

With XB's, for the most part, the newer ones are better. They did various upgrades over the years, and the 2010 got the best of them... and since Buell was shut down by Harley that year, there are also few of them out there.

(Most) owners know this and ask a premium for their bike in return. If you just want to put gas in and ride, aim for the newer ones (granted they were well maintained and not abused). If you know your way around a toolbox and are comfortable and able to work on bikes, an older model may be fine. Just bear in mind that the newest models are approaching their 10th birthday very soon. Ultra low miles is not a indicator of condition...

Also, coming from a GSXR and if you're looking at a Monster 1100, just realize those bikes are going to be much faster and smoother than an XB12. A Monster 696 or GSXR 600 is probably going to be closer in performance to the XB12. However, the cool and fun factor of an XB is hard to beat, and you will need to get used to being asked questions about it wherever you go.

Thanks for the input, I would like to just put gas in and just ride. I'm not worried about having a bike that's faster, I'm not going to be able to use that much speed on the streets and I don't find that much speed to be safe on the streets. Faster doesn't necessarily mean more fun, I'd rather have a bike that sounds great and makes me happy which is why the XB is highest on my list and the Ducati is only an option at a steal due to its reliability.

The breakdown is pretty much pre- or post 2008 with the Thunderstorm engine and DDFI2 or 3 ECMs

The earlier bikes are rock solid and ok with lots of abuse, the post '08 bikes addressed a few not so common issues and updated the electronics as the march of time and progress allowed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3BcMKN-2Nk&t=7s

IMO. It's more important to get the right good bike at the right deal in your budget than worry about what year it is.

Thank you, this helped me in my decision to look at 2008s as well, although the black frame for the 09/10 is more attractive to me.

Since the particular Buell someone is interested in is fairly rare, you can't usually find it in your locale quickly. I wanted a Uly, preferably an XT which would be 08 or 09 with some of the desirable enhancements. I'm on a really tight budget so I eliminated some bikes that I should have jumped on. I bought an 08 XT from NC which was advertised to have been "meticulously maintained" by someone from the aircraft industry. The pictures on CL were very good looking. I messaged the seller and thought it was a good buy so I flew down to NC, rented a truck to drive home. Given my limited budget, I felt I couldn't waste that investment of air fare and truck rental so I went ahead and bought a filthy XT in so-so condition. With great help from Mr lunatic fringe, I think it will be a reasonable bike when I'm finished.

So my message is: Holy Crap. If you don't have time and money to go look at Buells all over the country, it is really tough finding the best deal for you.

Thanks to all y-all here on buellxb for helping me through this.

I don't have the luxury of being able to travel for the right deal, I have a 6 month old at home and a wife a who works 6days/90hours a week.

Hi cap1, I have a 2006 xb9 I purchased from cooter for my wife, I own an a 2009 xb12r, build and quality seem the same to me, however the 2009-10 refinements and upgrades are better.
Also, I went from a 2012 Ducati 797 to the xb12, the xb12 is nicer, more balanced a bit more power and way less required maintenance , just valve adjustment and maintenance on the ducati was almost 600 smackaroos, whereas the Buell does not need much other than easy general maintenance, oil changes, etc. important point for me as I don't wrench on my bikes much. just my 2.5 cents.

Thank you, this reinforces the reason why the Buell is highest on my list and the Duc is only an option at a steal.

 

[cap1]

Btw I found a 2007 for $3k, not sure if it's a good deal. It's 2 hours away from, the ad gives no details, I had to ask the owner for year and told him not at that price. I feel like I would do it at $2500, what do you guys think or am I being unreasonable?

 

[njloco]

Too far,??????, perfect reason for a walk ( ride ) about !

Your trading it in, for what ? Inquiring minds want to know, also nosey people ?

 

[cap1]

i'm trading in a late 2009 Cherry Bomb CityX with 2000 original miles on it sometime next month. flawless original condition and a real SX and real Cherry Bomb model. looks exactly like one i have now. original owner can't find the hand guards but is looking. i'm in southern PA so probably too far away. shipping would be expensive.

View attachment 11374

If I'm not mistaken that's a XB9 right? I'm looking for an XB12.

 

[34nineteen]

If I'm not mistaken that's a XB9 right? I'm looking for an XB12.

Towards the end, there was an XB12SX. I dont know if it was 2009 or 2010 when it was around. You said you were looking for an XB12SS. To me the longer wheelbase of a SS (or Uly or STT) is much more of a preference (to me) over the shorter wheelbase models. Having owned both, I probably wont own a short wheelbase one again. Nothing wrong with the short wheelbase XB's , I just prefer the longer wheelbase and slacker HTA of the "Long" bikes. I'd rather own a XB9SS (they didnt make one) or an XB12S anyday. I still regret selling my 06 XB12SS.

Speaking of faster isn't always more fun. A LOT of people who have owned and ridden both bikes will say the 9 is more fun than the 12... myself included. I generally dont ride fast or even aggressively... just for some people the "lack of power" and smoothness compared to a non-Harley bike is a bit of a culture shock for someone who is used to Asian or Euro bikes. Don't get me wrong, I love my Buells, but there are reasons why the "other guys" tended to out sell them. As far as sounding great, a Buell with an aftermarket pipe sounds great, but so does an aircooled Duc with Termis.

Here is a breakdown of the model years I found doing a search on here:

Pre '08 = Original ECM's & Oil Pump Gear
'08 - Later = Newer "Learning" ECM's & upgraded Oil Pump Gear.
(Some '07s will be included in the "Post '08" category. And the "Learning" ECM's will generally only compensate for either an upgraded intake OR exhaust. They have trouble with both and may require a custom map just like the earlier years.)


2009 = ZTL2 8 Piston Front Brake (XB12 Models)


2010 - Current =
- Fuel pump & fuel pressure sensor similar to the 1125's.
- Front & Rear New style LED turn signal.
- 30mm rear wheel bearings
- 3 bearings and dust seals. (One bearing on brake side and two bearings on sprocket side.)
- New tools are required to remove and install the new bearings.
- Axle & Wheel hub changes due to the new bearings
- Front Cylinder O2 sensor has been added.
- Wire harness changes. (Addition of fuel pressure sensor wire and front O2 sensor wire.)
- For XB12R models, the rear sub-harness is now part of the main harness.
- Fuel pump break-out location change
- JST Connectors on tail light & license plate light.(XB12R ONLY)
- Updated oil check procedure
- New Fan logic driven by speed and temperature
- Battery tender connector built into harness


Some of the guys who have ridden both the ZTL and ZTL2 brakes swear by the ZTL2. I've only ridden the ZTL (ok, I had a ZTL2 on my 1125CR) and its always done great for spirited street riding.

IMO, the 3 bearing rear wheel is probably the best reason to choose a 2010 model. However, this can be retrofitted to an earlier bike if you really want to.

My $0.02. Hope this helps.

 

[pdksh]

I picked up a 2008 XT, if I could I would go with a 2009/2010 XB12SS. The blacked out frame/engine/forks have me! The 2008+ machines in my humble opinion are worth the extra time to search out. DDFI3, better oiling make it a little more - gas and ride - friendly.
Now the rawness of the tubber is also da sh!t.
And the 1125.... just get one of each!!!

 

[34nineteen]

I picked up a 2008 XT, if I could I would go with a 2009/2010 XB12SS. The blacked out frame/engine/forks have me! The 2008+ machines in my humble opinion are worth the extra time to search out. DDFI3, better oiling make it a little more - gas and ride - friendly.
Now the rawness of the tubber is also da sh!t.
And the 1125.... just get one of each!!!

On my 2006 SS, I had the forks and seat rails powdercoated black (along with the wheels and other bits). I think the gray frame and swing arm looked nice to help contrast all the black on the bike. I wished I had done the cam cover.

 

[cap1]

Towards the end, there was an XB12SX. I dont know if it was 2009 or 2010 when it was around. You said you were looking for an XB12SS. To me the longer wheelbase of a SS (or Uly or STT) is much more of a preference (to me) over the shorter wheelbase models. Having owned both, I probably wont own a short wheelbase one again. Nothing wrong with the short wheelbase XB's , I just prefer the longer wheelbase and slacker HTA of the "Long" bikes. I'd rather own a XB9SS (they didnt make one) or an XB12S anyday. I still regret selling my 06 XB12SS.

Speaking of faster isn't always more fun. A LOT of people who have owned and ridden both bikes will say the 9 is more fun than the 12... myself included. I generally dont ride fast or even aggressively... just for some people the "lack of power" and smoothness compared to a non-Harley bike is a bit of a culture shock for someone who is used to Asian or Euro bikes. Don't get me wrong, I love my Buells, but there are reasons why the "other guys" tended to out sell them. As far as sounding great, a Buell with an aftermarket pipe sounds great, but so does an aircooled Duc with Termis.

I did consider the XB9 as well, however being 6'7" 260 lbs with a 38 pant length I have heard that the Xb12S/SS would be the best option based on my research. And I agree a Duc with Termis sounds great but that doesn't negate the lack of reliability so in order for me to purchase one it would have to be a steal.

I picked up a 2008 XT, if I could I would go with a 2009/2010 XB12SS. The blacked out frame/engine/forks have me! The 2008+ machines in my humble opinion are worth the extra time to search out. DDFI3, better oiling make it a little more - gas and ride - friendly.
Now the rawness of the tubber is also da sh!t.
And the 1125.... just get one of each!!!

The black parts is definitely the reason why I really want the 2009/10

 

[34nineteen]

At your size an SS or an SST would be a better choice. Lowkey on here is selling his amazing STT. It’s not the lowest price in the world, but it’s a well maintained and tastefully modded bike. Well worth the asking price and he’s always willing to help out a fellow Bueller... esp with ecm tuning.

 

[cap1]

At your size an SS or an SST would be a better choice. Lowkey on here is selling his amazing STT. It’s not the lowest price in the world, but it’s a well maintained and tastefully modded bike. Well worth the asking price and he’s always willing to help out a fellow Bueller... esp with ecm tuning.

What's the difference between the STT and the S/SS, that's the only model I dont know anything about.

 

[njloco]

STT is for a single rider, it will go off road, it has a little less fork travel than the Ully does.
The S is basically an SS but shorter from axle to axle.
At your height I doubt that you will have any problem with seat height, you might have to get the drop down foot pegs for comfort.

 

[Cooter]

I have a 36" inseam and an STT modded to look like an SS (inexpensive body parts). It's tall for very comfortable suspension travel and fire roads if you want to, but still super quick on the street in the corners. I still put on 1" drop pegs, and could not be happier.

Any of the seats are interchangeable between SS and STT if you want to change it up.
R means Firebolt
Scg means "very low" with the standard length frame.
S is the standard height, standard length.
SS is standard height and longer frame/swingarm (with the bigger fuel capacity the longer frame gives)
STT is taller than an SS with the same long frame/swingarm:love_heart:
Ulys are even taller than that, and the longer frame too, among many other things.

Pick the right height and frame length for your size, then its easy to make a Buell XB whatever you want it to be:eagerness:

 

[cap1]

STT is for a single rider, it will go off road, it has a little less fork travel than the Ully does.
The S is basically an SS but shorter from axle to axle.
At your height I doubt that you will have any problem with seat height, you might have to get the drop down foot pegs for comfort.

I have a 36" inseam and an STT modded to look like an SS (inexpensive body parts). It's tall for very comfortable suspension travel and fire roads if you want to, but still super quick on the street in the corners. I still put on 1" drop pegs, and could not be happier.

Any of the seats are interchangeable between SS and STT if you want to change it up.
R means Firebolt
Scg means "very low" with the standard length frame.
S is the standard height, standard length.
SS is standard height and longer frame/swingarm (with the bigger fuel capacity the longer frame gives)
STT is taller than an SS with the same long frame/swingarm:love_heart:
Ulys are even taller than that, and the longer frame too, among many other things.

Pick the right height and frame length for your size, then its easy to make a Buell XB whatever you want it to be:eagerness:

Thanks guys, I think I still want an S/SS