30k on my Buell XB12R Firebolt

[Rogue]

So after 30k miles on my Firebolt, the lust has faded a bit, the Cool-Aid watered down some, and the bike has aged.  

What do I still think?  Did I make the right decision?  How reliable has the bike been?  Moot questions for a brand that doesn't exist anymore.  However, my wanderlust for a new bike has been rising up from the Buell Cool-Aid blend so these questions have been filling my mind.

In the last 30k miles, I've ridden the Buell mostly for sport, commuting, and to a small degree, sport-touring.  Even after 4 years the bike makes me smile each time I ride her in the twisties.  The bike works best in slow, decreasing radius corners, but it does very well on bigger sweepers as well.  But since much of my riding in the twisties involve slower corners, the Firebolt is perfect.  The bike has just enough power to make me happy.  However, I'm kind of wishing for more top end power now.  I would like another 20 bhp.  I also wish the bike had 6-speeds instead of 5--that extra gear between 1st and 2nd would be nice.  One thing that has stood out is how well the bike works around town in my commute.  No, it sucks in stop and go traffic!  But it works great as long as I'm moving.  It's small, narrow size allows me to split lanes with impunity.  The torquey, responsive V-Twin is awesome for that holeshot across the intersection.  There have been few (a handful) of occassions when I sort of doubted if I could beat certain cars--a Corvette Z06 and a BMW M3 came close to beating me in a drag race!  

Did I make the right decision to buy this bike? Yes!  It was the right bike for me at the right time.  It fit my riding style very well for the past 4 years.  Great twisty road bike, great commuter.  Those are the two main things I used the bike for.  It also had just enough power to keep me alive and away from jail.  I wanted to clean up my record (from owning that bad, bad, Hayabusa) and I've done that.  I also wanted to experience the Harley V-twin mystique without going over to that side.  Finally, I wanted something that was different.  The Firebolt gave me everything I wanted.

The bike has not been 100% trouble-free though.  Due to cheap little parts (headlights, tailights, cooling fan), I've had to work on them/replace them within 20k miles.  I've also had to R&R its fuel pump at 21k miles, which to me was a major thing that could have left me stranded.  I'm still dealing with the cheap headlights today.  At 25k miles I had to replace the front rotor due to warpage.  Recently I had to replace the front wheel bearing.  So I've been a little disappointed about all these things reliability issues.  Having said that, the bike has been leak-free, has not thrown a piston, has not dropped any parts on the road, or just stopped running.  It started everytime, and ran well every time.  It continuous to run really well and be reliable enough for the daily commute.

Overall, the Firebolt has aged well.  Its paint is still lustrous, the aluminum has not faded, the painted chassis aluminum has kept their glow.  The painted steel parts like the kickstand and muffler have faded though.  

I have come to terms with the fact that the Firebolt is not a great ST-bike.  DUH!  What was I thinking?  Its limited range of 120-130 miles to reserve, its small rear seat that won't accept reasonably large tailbags, and the small fairing up front, doesn't make it a great  long distance ride.  The riding position is also cramped.  For a sportbike it's comfy.  For an ST, it's a rack.  Even though the Firebolt's powertrain actually works really well as an ST platform due to its relaxed beat, tall gearing in 5th, and belt drive.  

At 30k miles, I have to start thinking about whether I should keep this bike or move on.  If I keep it, I keep it for a long time.  If i don't keep it, I would like a bike with lots more power, but with similar if not better handling, longer wheelbase, ability to carry more stuff in back, but NOT an ST-bike (that's what the VFR is for).  

Contemplating what comes next.....  

[Castaway]

Nice writeup ... I've a appreciated the Buells from afar (though I was never in the market for one).

I'm in somewhat the same position with my Superhawk - I've loved it for what it is (simple, clean fun), but it's aging and after owning it since '99 I'm ready to try something new. Parting with the SH won't be easy, for both market reasons and sentimentality.

[chornbe]

 

Great write up.

I still, at times, regret not going on with the deal on the Uly XT I had lined up.

They're good machines. They're fun machines. I've enjoyed the rides I've taken on them. And frankly, the issues you've had aside, you can't ask for a simpler or more bullet proof engine (when ridden within its design constraints).  

[Rogue]

I have no doubt about the powertrain.  The small parts however are cheap, made in China shit that crapped out on me.  The fuel pump issue was due to its internal wiring rubbing against an aluminum part, which wore the insulation down and caused a short.  I replaced the wiring loom with a new loom from Buell that now had a protective nylon sleeve.  That same fuel pump is still pumping.  There is absolutely no excuse for those shitty tailights and headlights...it irritates me to this day.  Couldn't they get better parts?

I am surprised at the finish and how it has held up.  But then again, I keep my bike indoors and wash & polish at least once a month.  The steel, cast iron looking muffler has faided and has rust in a few small areas where there are corners/welds.  The powder coated wheels have held their luster.  Painted plastics are the same.  The aluminum parts have remained near-new.  

The only other sign of age when I'm riding is the suspension feels a bit softer now, but only a bit.  The whole bike remains with a feel of solidness that I really liked from the start.  Firm, compliant, and well controlled.  Even though she vibes at idle, nothing has fallen off or cracked open.  I really have mixed feelings as to what to do now.  The Wanderlust for a new machine is strong but the Firebolt remains a viable ride still.  

[Tyrroneous]

More powah with Buell handling?  Sounds like you need an 1125...or something like a SuperDuke.

[Rogue]

I would have been all over the new Buell Piranha (2011 1125R with more) and would have given it strong consideration as a replacement.  But......  

SuperDuke not to my liking....to much dirt-bike to its looks but that's just me.  

[Kootenanny]

I just came back from a Ducati demo ride, and did a Triumph demo last year.  I attended both demos with a buddy who has a '95 VFR and is looking to upgrade; he's looking at the Triumph Street Triple R, the Ducati Monster, Hypermotard 796 or 1100, or maybe even the Multistrada 1200 (which is his favourite, but very expensive).

To get to these demos is a 5+ hour ride over some great twisties.  On each occasion, on the ride home, I asked myself if I felt any of the bikes I'd ridden during the demo would be more fun than the 'Bolt...and on each occasion, the answer was immediate: no!  True, when I got on my 'Bolt immediately after riding the Street Triple, it felt like a truck--but once I was at speed in the corners, the Buell made me grin so wide...

[Rogue]

Koot, although the Firebolt's handling remains topnotch, I feel that the powertrain and braking standard has moved on.  The 1125R addressed these of course.

[Kootenanny]

Rogue, when I bought my Buell, power wasn't really what I was looking for--even at the time, there were much more powerful bikes available (including the XB12R).  Most of the bikes I rode during my recent demos were more powerful, too.  Powertrain...well, 6 gears would be nice, and the transmission is a bit, uh, "definite,"  but other than that I've been completely satisfied with the Bolt's power and running gear.

Brakes, well, not these aren't modern, radially mounted brakes, but again I feel they suit the Bolt very well.  I can stoppie with ease...how much more power do I want?  And the modulation's OK, too--like I say, easy stoppies!

So although motorcycle technology has moved on, the thing is that I haven't yet ridden a modern, high-tech bike that feels better to me when riding than the 'Bolt.  Maybe I'm just getting older, and don't need so much anymore...and I do like simplicity...

[Bueller]

For me the big step up in the 1125R has been the cornering.  

I still ride the Firebolt every day.  I've had a couple of breakdowns in 44,000 km.  A belt, broken ignition switch wiring and a split fuel line.  I find it comfortable touring.  I use a Ventura system and that holds more than I need.  I did 6,000 km on a 6 day ride last November including over 1000km on the last day with parts on gravel.  

I love the XB engine.  I wouldn't care to ride the 1125R on some of the mountain gravel that I took the Firebolt.  The smooth low torque is hard to beat.  The same riding home from work on crowded freeways when it is wet and dark I'm much more at ease on the Firebolt.  Really good low speed control.  The 1125R is a pain to ride in difficult conditions - though a lot better since I fitted the TorqueHammer muffler and tune.  The Firebolt can still be a pleasure to ride in the same conditions.

I've never managed to get setup that suits on the Firebolt.  If I hit a rough corner at speed the front wheel tends to kick in and I can feel the steering dampener working.  I have the odd ugly corner still.  I've done 7.500km on the 1125R and it just corners so light and easy.  The suspension is rock solid.  I bought a steering dampener with it but I never bothered to fit it.  Corner wise it does everything right.  The other place it wins in throttle control.  On the Firebolt when I roll on around a corner I never know how much power it will deliver.  Probably a characteristic of the way the adaptive fuel value works.  The 1125R still has the adaptive fuel concept but it doesn't just rely on a single O2 sensor on the rear cylinder.  It uses the combination of O2 sensors, barometric sensors and MAP sensors on both cylinders.  When I roll on I know how much it will give me an makes for much finer throttle control.  Cornering especially when its tight is much easier on the 1125R.

 They are both nice bikes but for me one doesn't replace the other.

[steve.m]

modern bike with higher top end, and all the nice handling combined with a (relatively) relaxed ergo package...

sounds like you want a cbr600rr.  i've been looking at them for a track bike to be totally honest.  get a used one that's lightly rashed and they can be had cheap.

[Bueller]

I been thinking of an 09 XB12Ss repairable wreck as a track bike.

[steve.m]

i just like the attractive cost and high rpm limit of a lightly abused cbr.  plus the 600's are a hoot to ride if you keep the tach above 10k.  ideal for the track.

on that note i'll quit thread jacking.

 

[Tar Snake]

I wonder if hanging on to it and lightly using it (You've got the VFR that can do pretty much everything well) might pay off either in $$$ or pride of ownership like owning a Norton, Ariel, BSA, etc. does today?

If you've got room for it, and like it enough to ride now and then just keep it.

 

[Mastros2]

I wonder if hanging on to it and lightly using it (You've got the VFR that can do pretty much everything well) might pay off either in $$$ or pride of ownership like owning a Norton, Ariel, BSA, etc. does today?

If you've got room for it, and like it enough to ride now and then just keep it.

This is my thoughts concerning my old tuber.  I have the vfr for touring and will take the X1 on day trips.  I say keep it!  

[Rogue]

I wonder if hanging on to it and lightly using it (You've got the VFR that can do pretty much everything well) might pay off either in $$$ or pride of ownership like owning a Norton, Ariel, BSA, etc. does today?

If you've got room for it, and like it enough to ride now and then just keep it.

 

Good advice.

I would keep the bike if I had the room.  Right now, I don't have the room for 3 bikes.  And if I did have 3 bikes, most of the time 2 will just collect dust.  Two bikes is the maximum for me because I don't like letting them sit.  Still haven't fully decided what to do yet so I keep riding the Firebolt to commute.

[2DFlyer]

Good advice.

I would keep the bike if I had the room.  Right now, I don't have the room for 3 bikes.  And if I did have 3 bikes, most of the time 2 will just collect dust.  Two bikes is the maximum for me because I don't like letting them sit.  Still haven't fully decided what to do yet so I keep riding the Firebolt to commute.

So what's it gonna be Rogue or are you going to give it a rest for another season and come back to it when you've racked up another few K?

[Rogue]

I haven't done much since this post.

Ever since my beloved mother passed away in July at the age of 80, and watching my 90-year old Dad deteriorate with age, I'm thinking I should slow down a bit and enjoy life with my wife more and take lesser risks.  Listening to my Dad rambling about what he can remember, he occassionally interjected a few wise words--enjoy your life now while you're still young.  So lately, the desire to ride has faded and the desire to "enjoy life" with my spouse has rekindled again.  That means, less riding.

I do ride to commute so I get that done and it's fun but since I ride in the 'burbs the risk is rather low--not much traffic, not so fast.  

There are a few moments when I entertain the thought of giving up riding altogether.  I know that would make my wife very happy.  But each time I ride I'm reminded of why I ride in the first place!  Each time I drive my car and get annoyed by some fool driving in formation, I wish I was on my motorcycle.  So right now I'm on the fence.

On the bright side, I just bought a new helmet, which I actually wanted  to do (it wasn't a necessary purchase).  So I'm kind of getting the fire back again.  So for the foreseeable future the VFR800 will stay.  The Firebolt just got new tires and planning on doing a fluid flush on her (oil and brake fluid is all).  Been commuting on her and she is really fun for that (although not when it's really hot).  The Triumph Speed Triple idea is simmering in the back burner but it's still warm.  I want to see if 2011 holds anything interesting for me.  The Kawasaki Z1000 is another possibility.  I can pull the trigger any time I just need the desire but the latter isn't quite there yet.  

[Kootenanny]

I did give up riding, for a lot of years; got back into it about a decade ago.

My dad passed away a few years ago...on his last visit to my home, I showed him my Firebolt, and his response was, "I wish I could still ride one..."

Riding is "enjoying life," IMO--seeing my dad in poor health during his later years helped me realize that I should do the things I enjoy while I still can.  (note that I don't commute, and don't have to deal with traffic...)

[Rogue]

Koot, I understand what you’re saying.  

I’ve been riding a motorcycle regularly since I graduated from High School in the 80’s.  When got into it very heavily in the late 90’s, I was already married so I spent a lot of time away from home.  My wife is very understanding now as she was back then so she just let me go without any drama.  My mother’s passing and my Dad’s sunset years however, has kind of jarred me out of my selfish euphoria of riding my motorcycle with abandon without much regard to the feelings of people who are depending on me and care about me.  My point is, lately I’ve felt that my time may be better spent with loved ones rather than on the saddle.  I still enjoy riding, but the price may be a too high for others close to me.  I figure there are other ways to enjoy life.  Maybe someone is trying to tell me, it’s time to tip the balance from personal enjoyment to enjoyment with loved ones.  My wife and daughter are still heavily dependent on me.  Yes I have a life insurance and they will be set if it came to that, but money doesn’t replace the man.  

It’s still up the air and in the meantime, I’m still riding.  Just laying low and just commuting in the suburbs for now.  

[2DFlyer]

Well Rogue,  I am very sorry to hear about your Mom and Dad.  I'm not much older than you but the realization that we're the next generation is a bit sobering.  I find comfort in the belief we're only separated from our loved ones for a very short time.  

I still have a house full of kids and an understanding wife that also understands I'd be a much bigger prick if I didn't have the bike in the garage.  All my riding comes in the form of commuting and that's okay.  I get to ride in relatively sedate conditions (slab against traffic in a rural direction) and there's enough back roads to make the Friday afternoon ride home fun but short enough to get me home for dinner.

I guess the point is something doesn't have to dominate your life to remain an important part of your life.  I know you'll find your sweet spot brother.

[Rogue]

Thanks 2D.

We are indeed THAT generation and as the Baby Boomers are retiring we are taking over.  My parents were the parents of the Baby Boomers and part of the greatest generation ever.  My Dad fought the Japanese in WW2, and my Mom survived their brutal occupation.  That experience really taught that generation to act and rarely ever whine about life.  They just dealt with adversity and made the most out of their lives.  I'm proud to also say that my parents were the type of people I consider movers and shakers of their time.  They didn't just work their asses off, they went beyond that by taking control of their lives via their own business that they grew and employed lots of people.  They are my heroes, and now it's my turn and my daughter is looking up to me to live up to those expectations.  The one difference I have with my parents is that I never went through much hardship.  I never had to actually fight for my own freedom and survival.  I also had many advantages that they never had.  So, I have more time to pursue pleasure and sometimes that pursuit has led me astray and/or blind to the needs of others around me.  I'm trying to change that now.  Riding will no longer dominate my life but like you said, I still plan to enjoy it to a lesser extent.  

I just put new BT-016's on the Firebolt, changed the oil, and next week will be brake fluid flush.  After that she'll be ready for another 4k miles or so.  That's the nice thing about her, takes very little work to keep her running.  I hesitated doing her service because I thought I would simply trade her in.  But now those plans are on hold.  In the mean time, she's still a lot of fun and the motor is tight as a drum and just keeps on rumbling away.  I realize I'm not doing the motorcycle industry a favor.      

[Mastros2]

I just put new BT-016's on the Firebolt    

This spring I mounted them on the tuber.  Great tire.  I really like how they handle.  

[Rogue]

I've tried a variety of tires on the Firebolt and the BT016's seems to be the one it likes the most.  It lightens the steering considerably and they do stick.  

[Brad1445]

I loved my 04 Firebolt so much I did 23,000 miles in 12 months.  Then when they introduced the 1125 series I bought another Firebolt.  A bike that is so good you must ride to understand.  And unlike the newer water cooled Buells you will not be stranded or laughed at.

[steve.m]

they're just physically a wee bike, kinda miserable for those taller than 72"

[Tpoppa]

It's hard to appreciate whats really good about XBs without a lot of seat time.  I put 34,000 sport touring miles on an '03 XB9S.  It was absolutely trouble free.  I eventually sold it an picked up a Honda 919, after 2 months and 2k I sold that (loved the motor, HATED the handling).  I've had a handful of other bikes during that time, but none really inspired me to rack up the miles like the XB.  So, I wound up buying a used '05  XB9SX.  After 8k, I traded the XB9SX in on a 1125R during the fire sale.  I use the 1125 as a sport tourer, it does surprisingly well in that role.  About 3 weeks ago I did 650+ miles in a day in relative comfort.  The 1125 is a better performing bike in every way, however, sometimes on a really tight technical backroad (like 20-25mph switch backs) I miss the crazy flickability of the XB.

Rogue, sounds like we have similar riding styles...on the sporty side of sport touring.  Have you looked at the new 2011 Ninja 1000 (faired Z1000)?  I just found out it has available sidecases and a top case.

[Rogue]

Rogue, sounds like we have similar riding styles...on the sporty side of sport touring.  Have you looked at the new 2011 Ninja 1000 (faired Z1000)?  I just found out it has available sidecases and a top case.

I've seen the pictures and the info.  I like the idea since I'm already liking the Z1000 naked.

Having said that, I kind of like the look of the naked Z.  Because honestly, if I was in the market for another sporty bike it would be the R1 with the Cross-Plane crank (ie. V4 firing order and flatter torque curve).  Bottom line is I'm lusting for a naked.  In the meantime, still enjoying the Firebolt.  I may not have a proper daytime running light (have it on high beam right now) but still liking it.  It is very suitable for my daily commute.  Lots of torque off the line and in the midrange which is perfect for city and suburb running.  Small and narrow which is great for lane sharing.  Low maintenance.  Not a big target for theft since it's not any of the Japanese makes.  Since I use a Timbuk2 Messenger bag, no need to have any type of motorcycle specific bag to mount and dismount.  So the miles are piling up slowly but surely until the inspiration to replace returns.  

[Tpoppa]

Regarding the lights...I never owned an XB-R, but I believe the was an updated/improved headlight reflector that was available as a recall.  Not sure if that applies to you bike or not.

[Kootenanny]

they're just physically a wee bike, kinda miserable for those taller than 72"

But great for us short-asses!



The small physical dimensions are one of the things I love about the 'Bolt (although I had to install Helibars to bring the grips within easy reach of my short arms, and it's good that I'm OK with tall seat heights--especially when I have the "Buell Custom" seat installed).

[Rogue]

Regarding the lights...I never owned an XB-R, but I believe the was an updated/improved headlight reflector that was available as a recall.  Not sure if that applies to you bike or not.

It applies.  But it's too late for that now.  I would rather replace both headlights with the Hella's like Bueller did.  Wish there was a bolt on kit.  In any case, I can easily spray the reflector portion with a mirror coat.  Just don't have time and the motivation right now.  

[Bueller]

Greg_e on BadWeb has a post on the Hellas.  He has a new type with shutters for high and low beam - Halogen and Dot approved unlike the Hella Bi-xenons.  He's got a bracket he's working on and I think he is looking at making them manufacture quality.  It looks pretty good.

The Headlight Upgrade ended in July this year.  From what I can tell,  from those who got it, the limit date for manufacture of the bike was around December 2005.  A lot off 2006 models and all 2007 models (like mine) weren't eligible.  The orignal headlights for the 2003 were the same part number as the 2007 which indicates that there wasn't an improved version of the lights for those who missed out.

[Rogue]

The headlight and tailight quality on the XBR's were simply inexcusable!  Granted it's not the first time this has happened in a motorcycle but still.  I finally got my low beam working again.  The wiring inside has frayed due to heat damage and I had to clean it out, re-attach the spade connector, wrap the compromised portion of the wire, then re-connect.  This is the 2nd time I've had to do this.  I'm trying to avoid having to remove the whole light and R&R the whole thing but it's getting to the point where I'm left with no choice.  

Right now, I'm simply manually pushing the high beams on so that both high/low beams are on for daytime running.  I find this minimizes automobiles from cutting in front of my path because they see me sooner.  Bueller, I have not placed the order for the dual running light wiring as I want to make sure the low beam is reliable first.  I will have to see how my repairs fair in the coming week when I plan to ride the bike for my commute to work.

[Bueller]

You're right to check out the lights and get them working again before looking at the TL.

The stock wiring to the lights is so thin and I've seen how the insulation start to harden and crack on the low beam.

As soon as I saw my the way my friend'd light degraded I started planning the Hellas.  I've run complete new wires through them from the battery that are much thicker.  The wiring in the TL is also much thicker than stock.  It's one of the things we've done to gt he lights brighter.