In Buell market, any "lemon" years?

[Sdoja3]

Hi guys, new to the forum and new to the Buell.
Here's my question, I've been riding a 06 Honda 599 and looking to make the switch to a XB9 or XB12. I've heard from some Buell owners to stay away from 06 models and older. I guess there were some major improvements on the 08 and newer?

Anyone guide me in the years to look at? Or the things to stay away from?
Really appreciate it.

[cb750]

As far as *I* know, it's a different (better) ecm, but others who know more will be able to elaborate.

[Alfatango1]

03-05 are fine but they did upgrade the drive belt after those years. I'm the original owner of an 03 9R with original belt and it been fine for 10,000 miles.

[Sdoja3]

Alf,
So do you think that if I had the option I should look at 06 and newer?
(For a guy who isn't too mechanically inclined)

[Alfatango1]

A lot of people have had the belt replaced so I would ask that first. I'd just get a low mileage bike and one with documented service history if possible.

[Snosnake65]

I'm riding an 2006 XB9SX with a race ECM and Jardine can. I have absolutely NO complaints with over 22,000 miles on it. 8500 of those miles in the last year.:):):)

[Sdoja3]

Sounds great. Any signs if the belt has not been replaced?

Also, for my Honda the main service requirements were plugs, oil every year, coolant, and air filter. Anything different service wise with the Buell I should focus on?

Thanks again.

[afinley]

03 has belt problems
09 has fuel pump problems

[Thorivola]

BUELL XB MODELS

03 XB9s were the ONLY Buell with the thinner belt, everything else has the same belt drive they have today

in 2008 they upped the crank-pin from 1.25 to 1.5 inches, increases longevity of the engine greatly

07 and later I believe has dual O2 sensors and upgraded ECM/Timing, this may be 2008 models and later though, check the cam-gear cover on the right side and if it is a circle it's the old settup

2007 and later has a different transmission

2006 and later years were changed to an openish-airbox with a zero-resistance intake, previous years used a ram-air intake on the left-hand side

there wasn't particularly a bad year

the 1125s you definitely want an 09 or 2010 model

[crxtasy169]

I have a 2009 xb12ss and have never had any problems. Who and where did the info come from that there are fuel pump issue? I would like to read a little about this and any symptoms.