Buell XB12R Firebolt

[GeordieBoy]

Sorely tempted to get one of these before they're replaced by the new 1125R in November. Always had a soft spot for them, and the indications are that reliabilty niggles have mostly been sorted out.

Am I mad?! Anybody on here got any experience of Buells? Just after objective/balanced views (as opposed to those offered by the enthusiast sites).

Mark

[PBBoxer]

Well it wasnt one of those, but I bought a Buell (55 reg) in May and had it precisely 130 miles and approx 4 hours.
It literally fell apart and also rattled me so much my eyes wouldnt focus

[herrman]

Hi Mark,
I had an early XB9R, Loved it---When I could ride it!!! To many silly little niggles for my taste. Dealer I used only sold Buells because he had to, More interested in selling the HD lifestyle. Shame as it was a lot of fun. Pretty sure that if I had not had the problems I had (failed bearings and a snapped drive belt mainly) there is every chance that an XB12R would be in my garage now!!! I do believe that many problems have been addressed but for me its a case of 'Once bitten twice shy'.


Regards Peter.

[GeordieBoy]

Well it wasnt one of those, but I bought a Buell (55 reg) in May and had it precisely 130 miles and approx 4 hours.
It literally fell apart and also rattled me so much my eyes wouldnt focus

Lol! Isn't that what they call character Paul?! Which model was it & what fell off?!

Peter - Got a pretty good main dealer in Newcastle and a good specialist across the Tyne in Jarrow. Strikes me you have to treat them as exotica - they're like Dukes & Aprilias, but with better dealer back-up & parts availability. It's not a decision I would take lightly, but there's no denying their desirability - especially as twins are becoming decidedly thin on the ground. I'd definitely buy new to take advantage of the two year manufacturer's warranty...

[herrman]

Mark,
Sounds like you've already made your mind up!! I reckon some of its down to Luck of the Draw, Some have had more than enough grief from the 1100s and the 1200s are not totally problem free. If you do buy make sure you get over to Hawes next month to show it off!!!!

Peter.

[GeordieBoy]

If I take the plunge (it's subject to a test ride) it'll be over the winter to get a better deal. Then there'll be 1000 mile running-in period to complete before the TT!

Will try & put in a guest appearance at Hawes on the 11S as it's not a million miles from here.

Mark

[Gromit]

Mark - I love Buells. There, I said it.

I, like Peter, owned an XB9 Firebolt a few years ago. Never really had any trouble with it in over 6000 miles apart from it blew a speedo sensor (a common and easily-rectified fault).

I have it on good authority that Buells are now a much better sorted motorcycle - they are in many ways still an acquired taste but if you end up liking them, they are huge fun. I've yet to ride any bike (and I've ridden a few!) that handles as well as the Firebolt - one tip though is to change the woeful OEM Dunlop tyres. They are absolutely dreadful and ruin the bike's steering.

I still also don't get why people complain about the bikes' vibration - sure they shake about a lot at idle but once underway are smooth. If they vibrate above 1500rpm it's down to bad set-up (ensuring the engine mounting bolts/bushes are correctly tightened cures this). Every Buell I've ridden has been surprisingly smooth.

If I could afford 2 bikes I'd definitely consider another one.

[PBBoxer]

It was a Ulythingy traily bike.
It was fitted with a full micron race system and had just undergone an 80 point safety check by Wolverhampton Harley.
The exhaust came away from both manifolds and also fell apart where the downpipes fitted into the "silencer"
The clutch slipped in top gear at anything over 2/3 throttle.
It may well have been set up badly according to Grom's imput, as it vibrated so badly that after an hour or so riding I couldnt focus on stuf when travelling at 30mph.
I was gutted, as the bike felt to handle really well and I really liked teh look of it / sound etc.
Good luck with it, I feel its quite likely down to the 80 lack of point check that was done to mine rather than the bike being duff.
It went home to Wolverhampton with the RAC!

[GeordieBoy]

Well, hoping to sort out a test ride soon, so I'll report back with my findings!

Grom - Had OE Dunlops on my '04 R6 and hated them with a vengeance! Been a big Bridgestone fan since my Fazer 600 a few years ago, so I might have to consider a tyre swap.

Paul - Your feedback's appreciated! For every positive comment I hear there's a negative waiting in the wings! Very much a "marmite" marque I think, but there's a lot to be said for owning something a bit different.

From what I've read, the Micron system only comes as a full system, so it could have been a Micron or a fitting issue. Also, the Ulysees you tried would've been a fairly early one with all the attendant teething problems. With this in mind I'm more drawn to a Firebolt than a brand new / untested 1125R (despite the 146BHP Rotax-designed V-twin powerplant & 21 litre tank!).

HP endcans are recommended for the Firebolt (isn't that what you've got on your 12S?). Rumour also has it that Buell's are top pillion choice with the ladies

Mark

[PBBoxer]

Good luck.
146 bhp. cor blimey.

HPE is what i HAD on the 12 s
The Buell was an early one in that it was a 55 reg, so you are probably right. I still love the idea of a Buell myself. They've certainly got oodles of character!

[Black Knight]

Friend of mine has one. He loves it...most of the time.

An important bearing in the gearbox went - Quite a common fault.

I think the bearing was about £2.

Pity about the 40 hours labour needed to fit it.

£1602 later and he's still smiling.

[GeordieBoy]

Hmmmm... I definitely think a full manufacturer's warranty is the way forward (or a dependable Japanese crotch rocket!).

Will report back soon with results of my test ride.

Mark

[Gromit]

Friend of mine has one. He loves it...most of the time.

An important bearing in the gearbox went - Quite a common fault.

I think the bearing was about £2.

Pity about the 40 hours labour needed to fit it.

£1602 later and he's still smiling.

40 hours!!!

Hell's Bells, you can strip a Sportster motor (basically what the Buell mill is) in 10 mins with a lump hammer and plenty of bad language. They really are incredibly simple motors.

[Black Knight]

Hmmmm... I definitely think a full manufacturer's warranty is the way forward (or a dependable Japanese crotch rocket!).

Will report back soon with results of my test ride.

Mark

It was under warranty - Wasn't covered.

[GeordieBoy]

Well, I finally test rode the Buell today. Had it for 4.5hrs, and rode 120 of the most enjoyable miles I have ever ridden in 13 years of riding bikes. The bike was sensational - agile, torquey & free-revving with a lovely transmission and a deep, rumbling V-twin sound to die for (it sets off car alarms on the standard can!). Have to say the 11S felt stiff, lardy, asthmatic and painfully slow afterwards. Maybe it's time for a change...