Would you recommend someone to buy a Buell now?

[Squidbuzz]

There is a thread over on BadWeb in the Uly section with someone asking about buying an '06 Uly.  He is wondering if he should buy one since Buell is out of production.

What do you think?

Just wondering since I don't think I could recommend it.

[veefer800canuck]

Isn't Harley mandated by law to provide spare parts for (xx) years?

I would think the aftermarket would ramp up to meet demand too.

And the engines, well, there's a BAZILLION Harley parts out there that will fit, or could be made to fit.

I don't see a problem.

[naustin]

I owned several - I wouldn't buy another one even if they were still in production.  All spare parts will be Chinese remanufactured inferior crap, and he'll have to do all the work on it himself. Bull owners got no respect and 2nd rate service even while buell was alive. Now that bull is dead, good f- in luck.

[Rogue]

I did.  Bought an 1125R eight months ago.

Maintenance parts are plentiful.  All these parts are available online from American Sportbike.  Most body parts are available from American Sportbike or the dealer.  Maintenance you do yourself.  I did even when Buell was around because it was dead simple.  There is no maintenance scheduled service on the Uly that requires opening up the motor like valve inspections.  Oil/filter, spark plugs, air cleaner, brake pads, tires, are the only wear items.

Al Lighton at American Sportbike put it well when he said, you can still buy parts for the old British bikes today!  So there is no worry that Buell parts won't be around.  In any case, AS is well stocked.

[kevin_stevens]

I wouldn't.  My experience is that the parts situation has gone downhill fast despite H-D promises.  For example, it appears that the Lawn Dart will grow new parts quicker than we can buy ones for the Buell damaged in the same adventure.

KeS

[Testcase]

Bought my '06 Uly last year. Promptly destroyed clutch pack and then clutch hub. Replacement parts haven't been an issue. The HD dealers here dropped Buell like a hot potato, but the wrenches still know how to work on em and will. There are hoops and crap to jump through, no joke there, but with a little effort put in with the right service folks, it's not bad. I tend to *like* wrenching on the Uly myself so I've only gone to them for things over my head but it's been fine so far.

IMO, make sure eyes wide open and then recommend it.  

[sammyseaman]

No

[Rincewind]

Interesting comments.  I have not noticed a corresponding drop-out-the-bottom pricing of used models..

[scottzilla]

Interesting comments.  I have not noticed a corresponding drop-out-the-bottom pricing of used models..

I agree. Used prices are still kinda high, IMO.  

[Paulie Hotnuts]

I purchased an 07 Uly this January, rode 5k+ miles on it thus far and I would definitely recommend this bike. Its not for everyone as these forums tell but I have no regrets on my purchase. Some H.D dealers can be a pain in the ass when it comes to parts, and some are very helpful. There are a lot of dealers! I found a dealer today, 25 minutes from my house, with a EBR 1190 for sale and will be a EBR dealer when more models are available. I believe this Dealer will be getting my business from now on.  1190 is really something to see!  

[Rincewind]

I purchased an 07 Uly this January, rode 5k+ miles on it thus far and I would definitely recommend this bike. Its not for everyone as these forums tell but I have no regrets on my purchase. Some H.D dealers can be a pain in the ass when it comes to parts, and some are very helpful. There are a lot of dealers! I found a dealer today, 25 minutes from my house, with a EBR 1190 for sale and will be a EBR dealer when more models are available. I believe this Dealer will be getting my business from now on.  1190 is really something to see!   

Which dealer is that, please?

[Paulie Hotnuts]

Whites Harley Davidson in Lebanon PA.

[Tpoppa]

I've owned 3 buells, 2 XB9s and currently have an 1125R.  The dealer support was always the weak link in the Buell experience, and I happen to be near one of the best Buell dealers in the country.

I traded in an XB for the 1125 during the fire sale.  Of the 20+ streetbikes I've owned the 1125R is definitely the most fun.   It currently has 14k on the clock and I plan to keep it until it grenades or I huck it over a guardrail someday.  The 1125 stator is the only real trouble spot...it's not ideal for sure, but on the other hand it's never left me on the side of the road either.  

Luckily XBs are pretty bulletproof, and the maintenance is simple DIY.  1125s seem to be pretty bulletproof,  too but more maintenance intensive for those not brave enough to rotate the motor and crack the cases for valve checks (myself included).  Any good independent mechanic should be able to handle the valve check as long as you supply the service manual.

As long as there is ebay and people keep crashing bikes there will be parts.  


     

[Bueller]

Frames will be the killer for them.

I'll be keeping my Buell's but it wouldn't be practical to buy one and plan to ride it in to the future.

Not much appeals - maybe an RC8R for me, but if this guy wants a Uly he is better off looking at the BMW, Suzuki and KTM adventure bikes

[Rogue]

If the Uly is priced right it would be a good buy.

Lots of people buy older used bikes for good prices and they have fun wrenching and riding them.  However, the parts availability and dealer support would not exist as well as a bike that is less than 10 years old.  For example, if you were to buy a 1996 VFR750, well good luck finding parts at the dealer for that.  But that doesn't mean you shouldn't buy it!  Just be aware.

If you look at it that way, it's actually better to buy a Uly that is newer because there will still be plenty of parts and owner support for it in the next five years.  The XB's were produced from 2003 all the way to 2009, which means there was a long production run.  All this of course as long as the price is right.  A BMW R1200GS will set you back at least $15k for a used one and well over $20k for a new one.  That price discrepancy alone will be a huge factor.  Granted you will have 100% dealer support for such a bike.  If dealer support is important then I say buy an existing brand with a good dealer near you.  If a good, bargain yet relatively new bike is more important then I think XB's are a very good buy.

[2DFlyer]

Like any other bike on the short list I wouldn't hesitate to snatch up the right Uly or 12R that comes along at the right time for the right price.  The only difference is I might push an XB higher on the short list and, as Rogue noted, probably stretch a bit more for a newer model.

[Rogue]

XB's are proven.

The 1125's have issues that need to be rectified immediately before they become reliable.  '09-'10 1125's have Stators that overheat and fail.  The only known fix is to replace the stators with 2008 stators.

[Tpoppa]

Not much appeals - maybe an RC8R for me

I just rode an RC8R during a track day at Mid Ohio.  I rode it for something like 40-50 laps.  Fantastic motorcycle.   The riding position would be ok for long days in the saddle.  However, if you are worried about dealer support, it won't be much better than the current state of Buell.  There aren't many KTM dealers in the states to begin with and many of those don't even support the v twins.  

[Brad1445]

I bought 5 of them new. They were hard to get services correctly before they committed suicide .  But now even the old Buell people them selves have no official fixes for many of the problems, and now never will.


I used to promote the heck out of them, now I say they are bikes with terminal conditions and no DR can help.

[Tpoppa]

They were hard to get services correctly before they committed suicide .  But now even the old Buell people them selves have no official fixes for many of the problems, and now never will.

Back to this?  Other than the 09 stator, what problems are you referring to?