Reply With QuoteGet the Kawi, sorry but paying a figure like that for an old Buell is crazy. The Buell has character but not that much character.
Hi all, totally new here. Found the site while researching bikes, and looks like this forum has a lot of really knowledgeable people and a relaxed atmosphere. Thanks in advance for that!
I am just now getting back into motorcycling after a really long hiatus (20 years!). I have recently rented a small bike locally here to get familiar again, and now I am ready to buy. Now to the question:
I live in Thailand, where the second hand car and motorcycle market is outrageously expensive. I have found 2003 XB9S here for roughly $11,000 USD (yes, seriously....and yes, same can be had in USA for about $3,500, give or take). For the same price (actually a bit less), I can buy a 2015 Kawasaki Ninja 650 or similar bike, brand new.
Whatever I buy has to be an all-arounder, and top speed is not a major factor. From research, I know the Buell has higher HP, higher torque, vastly better suspension, and no chain maintenance. The Kawasaki has ABS, a slightly more upright riding position, and a warranty. A big factor for me is that the Buells are rare here, and Japanese bikes are here in their many thousands.
What other things am I maybe not seeing that could persuade me to persuade myself to buy a 12 year old bike vs a new one? Is it that the Buell has more character and more sound, or is there something else? Looking forward to your replies.
Get the Kawi, sorry but paying a figure like that for an old Buell is crazy. The Buell has character but not that much character.
I think you've already done a good job of identifying the dichotomy you're in (ie. the choice between the reliability of a new Japanese bike versus the character of an old American bike). Now, only you can decide what your priorities are.
I don't think you'd find an appreciable real-world difference in power & acceleration between the two.
Personally, if it were my choice to make, I'd go with the Ninja.
There are a LOT of buell guys in Thailand! Ask one of them to move some on price. Email me or PM info and I'll get you in touch.
You are paying for the exclusivity, not the bike itself.
I could see getting the Buell if it was a later year (and not an '03), or a 12 instead of a 9, or lot's of quality add ons you like, or came with another bike;p but….
Get a much better deal on the Buell, or get the Kawi.
UMDterp, many thanks! I will PM you. I have found three here altogether for sale, but one issue here is ensuring the bikes have the real registration book, and not only an import tax invoice. If you buy a bike here without the book, its really risky.:)
the big issue for me would be support infrastructure. Both bikes are good but they are a mechanical device that will require maintenance and parts. How hard will it be to get parts where your at? I know NZ and Austrailia have a Buell following and parts. Will it be a recreational vehicle or daily transport? Just my .02
Guys in Brazil are paying a bit more than that for XB9's... and they are ragged out pieces of **** most of them. No ability to get parts and what they can get is 4 times the normal price. Make sure you can get replacement parts at a decent price.. if not, they would have to come down a lot for me to be interested and I got two XBs so Im a Buell fan. How much do they want for the SV650? I ask this because the XB in Brazil is one of the cheapest bikes you can buy at 8-11 thousand.. then they buy it and can never afford to keep one running right. If the SV is the same price, I would take the XB as long as I could get parts for it.
@ Gloomshadow - I think the SV650 will cost less than the Buell prices I have seen.
As to spare parts, the items common to Harleys should be no problem, but Buell-specific bits could be a challenge.
One factor is speed, if you have to drive at slow speeds alot, the buell may not be a good choice, they dont like low speeds, (under 15 mph school zones) , stop and go traffic in hot temps, and you should always run high octane gas, not sure if thats readily available there or not.
Good luck with your choice, and there are a few members here that would probably help you with getting parts if needed
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