I have an 05 with 7.2k miles on it - no issues yet (owner since 6k miles last year). It had a bit of stumbling which is very common, but that's fixed mostly with tuning - which is cheap :D
Hi folks. I'm new on the forum and I'm looking at buying an XB12R. The ones I've seen are '04-'07, and there is an '07 with 5600 miles on it available very close to me. I've been a Honda/Suzuki guy in the past, but love the V-twin sportbike idea (had an RC51) and I really like the way the Firebolt looks.
Is there any significant difference between those model years? Also, what are the common problems on this bike and/or are there specific things that I should look for on an XB12R when checking one out. I read through the forum and found several different issues that seem to be a little more common, but I didn't find a sticky post of what should be looked out for on these bikes. I do have to say that reading through the forum, I'm getting a little worried, as there seem to be a lot of issues with the Buells. The one thing about the Japanese bikes I've had is that they have been, for the most part, trouble-free. I'd make me feel much better if a bunch of you guys told me I'm crazy and that I'll love the trouble-free ownership of an XB12R! LOL
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
S
I have an 05 with 7.2k miles on it - no issues yet (owner since 6k miles last year). It had a bit of stumbling which is very common, but that's fixed mostly with tuning - which is cheap :D
Buells do have some issues (just like all things man-made and mechanical) but keep in mind that forums are often used to discuss problems and are seldom a good indication of how reliable or crappy something is.
From my experiance with an 04 XB12R:
I had one wire (cylinder head temp sensor) that was not routed correctly and was rubbed a bit. Not rubbed through and shorting out or anything but had some abrasive marks on the insulation. Fixed it with 1 zip-tie. cost about $.01
I had the infamous "headlight problem". The reflective coating was trashed in my headlight housings which meant lousy light output. I think this was solved for later years but I'm not 100% sure.
My particular engine used some oil, about 1/2-3/4qt between changes. I had a Sportster that used a similar amount so I believe it's just a Harley trait. It didn't leak any (it didn't have that Harley trait: neither did my Sportster) but it did "eat" some. oil consumption seems to be hit and miss though. Some claim theirs don't use any where-as I had 2 harleys engine, back to back, that used almost the same amount.
Overall Buells are pretty good, although "quirky", bikes. Like I said, all bikes are know for some kind of stupidity. the bueaty of a Buell though is that they tend to be VERY easy to work on, should it be needed.
I think a better question for you to ask would be: what kinds of quirks/ differences should I expect from a Buell vs. a Japanese bike? Some of them may not bother you and others may be an issue. I ultimately sold mine because i had a hard time living with that Harley engine (not that it was unreliable or anything).
there an extremely simple bike. anything that goes wrong can be fixed in your driveway for the most part.
I had a 2003 xb9r with 10,810 on the clock when I bought it and all it needed was plugs/wires and a tps relearn to get her running good, it was my first bike. I sold her with ~15,000 miles because I got into an accident. I then upgraded to a 2009 1125cr which is a very different beast. But I have had a couple reliability issues most common problem with the 2009-2010 1125 bikes is the stator goes bad in some cases about every 3-5k miles. My stock one went at 5500 miles and I currently have 10k and it's still going strong. But the second issue is my fuel pump is on its last leg and is about to go. Other than those issues it's an amazing bike and I plan to keep her till she blows up or EBR comes out with an affordable bike I can trade her in for.
Sorry for the kinda off topic rant but I do plan on picking up an xb12 lightning in the future as a second bike and making the 1125 a track bike or maybe a firebolt, I do miss the firebolt tho.
Very simple bikes pretty easy to diagnose. Some ground issues, I recommend a breather reroute and right side scoop for all xbs. Once there dialed in they are very reliable bikes most problems are caused by mods. Many brilliant mind on here that can help diagnose or dial in.
03-07 have recalls/upgrades;
08+ have upgrades, easy maintenance procedures, newer engine parts
I have a '05 Firebolt XB12R, 15K miles. I am loving it. Very fun to own and ride. Amoung other bikes, also riding a 'Busa for 10 years. Two different breeds, but I really like this Firebolt. No big issues. Get one.
Mine is an 09 Bolt. Love the thing, I guess I am old school cause I still like push rod, air-cooled engines. Simple machines, at least compared to todays hi-tech stuff(no offense to hi-tech). If you like to tinker they are cool. Consider that the basic engine started in '57(I know there has been many changes) but thats a good run. Ride one and I think you will be sold. Buell On!