Why Buy a Buell Firebolt XB12R?

[capebay23]

Bought my XB12R to supplement my FZ-09 commuter. Thought I would just use it on a weekend ride or two. Now I find myself wanting to ride it more and more. It just pulls me. Weird.

 

[Cooter]

Hey Tone "Galloping knob rot" will be my new puppies name when I get one. :black_eyed: I hope he doesn't get lost and I have to wander the neighborhood calling his name!

I have owned several XB's and 1125's. I have noticed that they each have their own character. Some make more noise, some need more love, others just like to be flogged to death and punish you for parking them. It's easy to find a high mileage example that will treat you well, and just as easy to find a low mileage bike and assume it hasn't been beat.

It seems unfair to judge the entire brand over the single example you own.

 

[Chicknstripn]

^^^^what he said!

Very well put.

 

[Outlaw]

Agreed. They are what you make of them.

 

[BuellyBagger]

Jeez it's a damn good thing tpehak doesn't own a boat. If you want to see a vehicle that is unreliable despite high dollar maintenence. ... but it comes with the territory! I've always been a firm believer that if you don't like what you have because it's not worth the hassle to you then get rid of it and quit bitching

 

[oh9bolt]

^

 

[TPEHAK]

That is why I do not recommend topic-starter to buy a Buell except he is OK to have this experience. I would recommend to add some money and buy a new EBR for cheap because I believe it should have less trouble.

A couple years ago I said my coworkers that I'm going to buy a Buell and they said me to not buy a Buell, but I did not follow their recommendations because I liked Buell design, they said I will have a bunch of trouble. I don't regret that I bought the Buell, but they were right, and now when I have this experience I would buy another motorcycle, I would prefer EBR. They had Buell too and they described owning Buell motorcycles as horrible experience.

If topic-starter wants to let him know why he needs a Buell it means he does not take responsibility on him about regrets he can meet, it means that those regrets can be really huge. I would say if he really needs Buell he would not ask someone why he needs it. So in this case it would be better to let him know about cons of owning a Buell.

 

[iShruGs]

View attachment 4938
This is why!

beautiful bike, same color as the one im looking at i believe! gonna go test ride it wednesday, little does the owner know im test riding it to a local shop that offers used bike look overs.

 

[iShruGs]

That is why I do not recommend topic-starter to buy a Buell except he is OK to have this experience. I would recommend to add some money and buy a new EBR for cheap because I believe it should have less trouble.

A couple years ago I said my coworkers that I'm going to buy a Buell and they said me to not buy a Buell, but I did not follow their recommendations because I liked Buell design, they said I will have a bunch of trouble. I don't regret that I bought the Buell, but they were right, and now when I have this experience I would buy another motorcycle, I would prefer EBR. They had Buell too and they described owning Buell motorcycles as horrible experience.

If topic-starter wants to let him know why he needs a Buell it means he does not take responsibility on him about regrets he can meet, it means that those regrets can be really huge. I would say if he really needs Buell he would not ask someone why he needs it. So in this case it would be better to let him know about cons of owning a Buell.

i honestly came for everyone here to chime in with their 2 cents, and ive gotten a ton of positive 2 cents and only a couple negative 2 cents. It sounds to me its like anything else with a motor, take care of it and it will take care of you, like i said gonna get a full run down on the condition of the bike atthe shop that he has been taking it to for the past couple of years for scheduled maintenance and see what they recommend, and i do not like the style of the EBR, and i do not mind putting in the work to keep a buell in good condition i plan on keeping it for a long time, also it seems your experience with your XB is not a common one so you might have gotten the lemon on your deal, sorry man. i want a buell becuase i dont want just another Jap sport bike, been there done that and didnt enjoy it as much as when i would ride my friends XB12S, i would like to get an S but there are none in my area for sale, and i have 2 very nice options for a nice price so i will most defeintly be riding a Xb9r or 12r soon.

Thanks for your input everyone this got alot more action that i anticipated! so for that i thank you !

 

[Keenan]

TPEHAK, not to bash EBR or anything, but my 1190RX isn't completely trouble free. I've had a slew of troubles that I have had to deal with (chain rub on swingarm, display issue, numerous starters, fuel pump), but what is awesome is the fact that the bike just keeps you satisfied. The fellow owners are great to ask questions on, and lately EBR's Service and Tech department has reached out to the community in response to the issues at hand. I absolutely love my EBR and my XB12R, and will try like hell to never sell either. Both offer a different personality and different attitude on the road, but a similar reaction to other bikers who aren't familiar.
Recap: Bikes have issues, Buell and EBR communities are spectacular, EBR is mistaken for a new RC51 model or something lol

 

[Tbone]

Well I have had an 09 Uly XB12X for the last 4 years and ridden it for 30K miles. Yes I have had wiring problems specific to the Uly, as well as chaffing wires etc... I have gotten used to using liquid electrical tape, doing my own maintenance. Been to the shop for a cracked ECM, specific to the Uly seat right on top of it. Also was in the shop after being hit by a truck on the Highway and not totaled or salvaged. The pickup truck that hit me was totaled. This bike is totally worth it, every way, and everyday I have owned it and I will always own it till someone pry's it from my cold dead hands. Granted a Uly is not a Firebolt, or Lightning, 1190, 1125, but I have seen the light when better rider's or mechanics than me have done some amazing things with it. If you push your limits with this bike you will not be disappointed as it will take you were you want to go. I have met a few people who were not inspired by these bikes, usually they were not interested in pushing their bikes or themselves further, they just kinda of ended back on a UMJ, Ducati, BMW, or Triumph and never really realized the potential or capability of these bikes. Hope you made the purchase by now and can give us an update?