I'd take pictures of the one at the dealer so we know what you're saying looks weathered.
I have two XBs's I am considering and would like some advice as this will be my first Buell.
2004 XBs, 15,000 miles, no upgrades, can tell it was kept outside, not bad but a little weathered, $3800 at dealer
2006 XBs, 28,000 miles, filter/performance controller/jardine slip on/3 differed colored airbox and fly screen covers, definitely garage kept and pretty clean, $4200 obo
I appreciate any comments!
I'd take pictures of the one at the dealer so we know what you're saying looks weathered.
I am leaning toward the 04, just because the mileage and it has no upgrades. But like wolfo68 said, whats "weathered"?
Im leaning towards the 04 also. If weathered means faded plastics or something of that nature. Its east and cheap to paint or fix the looks of something. But a motor rebuild would be a lot more expensive.
You didn't mention if they are a 9 or 12. And yes, pics would help
Good points, they are both 12's and weathered is mostly cosmetic I believe. I looked at the one at the dealer and saw no apparent leaks or places where there may have been one. Here is the Craigslist ad for the dealer bike :http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcd/4268580742.html The right headlight appears to have scortch marks around the bulb?
If go for the 06 just cause of the upgraded oil pump drive gear. 28,000 doesn't seem too high. If it runs good at the time of purchase I don't see why it wouldn't continue to. There are plenty of people on here with over 50k and a rebuild is supposed to be easy.
Id go with the 06 if it appears to be maintained better. 28,000 well maintained miles is better than 15,000 neglected and abused miles. Not always but usually outdoor bikes do not get the same attention as they would in a garage. I could be off base here but just throwing out a perspective not mentioned yet.
If the 06 is clean and well maintained, that's what I'd go for.
Personally I wouldn't be comfortable even leaving my bike outside overnight, let alone buy one that was kept outdoors. But, that's just me.
"weathered"... is also up to how much it matters to you.
I looked at an 06 that was weathered... bolts with surface rust, aluminum oxidizing, faded paint on the levers/hard parts.... all small stuff. I didn't think it would bother me, and it did ride just as well... but in the end I went with a MUCH cleaner bike (though I went newer, lower mileage, cleaner... and $2500/$3000 more). If I were buying it to ride daily, i'd rather buy a weather bike cheaper than buy a pristine bike I couldn't keep that way for more $$$.