Welcome to ST.N
Guest
. Please
login
or
register
.
April 17, 2024, 03:37:07 pm
"Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit."
Home
Forums
Photo Gallery
Login
Register
Shop @ MG.C
Shop @ ST.N
Contact
Sport-Touring.Net
»
The Club House
»
Manufacturer Row
»
Buell
» Topic:
38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
Pages: [
1
]
Go Down
Print
Topic: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000 (Read 5948 times)
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Joey Stalin
sick of pictures of gas stations
Reputation 15
Offline
GPS: nOvA
Miles Typed: 2125
My Photo Gallery
38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
on:
June 01, 2012, 01:03:41 pm »
Coworker/good friend has an XB-12 (I want to say it is a 2005 or 2006, not sure) that he has put 38k miles on, he bought it new and has maintained it well. He's getting tired of sport bikes, is worried about future buell repairs and the increasing expense of repair of a buell as time goes on. Right now it has an engine code that he scanned, it is some exhaust flapper valve in the muffler. Needs a new muffler for ~$500 (flapper thingy is internal to muffler) and some electronic controller for about $160.
Anyway, he's older, wants to change bikes anyway, and offered it to me for a grand. I don't really need a fourth bike, but seems to me that it should be worth 2 grand at least. So my only motivation for buying it is as a toy that I can easily resell after I get some enjoyment out of it. Would I have a hard time reselling this? Even putting the money into the engine faults, if I could
easily
sell it for $2,000, I will probably do it.
If I didn't have 3 other bikes, I'd take it. I just don't want to be tied to yet another asset that I can't easily get rid of.
This is the kind of buddy where if I bought it and resold it for much more than I paid, I'd give him some money back. I'm not trying to make money off of a buddy - I only do that to strangers who don't know any better.
Logged
Joseph "Joey" Stalin
BMW R1100RT-P
Kawasaki KLR650
Sport-Touring
Advertisement
Sponsored Links
Remove Advertisements
Jesse
Reputation 11
Offline
Motorcycles: '06 XB12X Uly, '05 SV650, '91 Suzuki VX800, '90 VX800
GPS: Western Pennsylvania
Miles Typed: 191
My Photo Gallery
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #1 on:
June 01, 2012, 04:03:16 pm »
That's a steal - go for it!
The exhaust actuator valve opens to improve engine response at wide throttle openings. If it's not opening it could be a cable problem or, more common, stripped teeth on the actuator gear. Some people wire them open when the teeth strip and do some voodoo to get rid of the engine code - don't remember the details but it will be easy to find on badweb (badweatherbikers.com).
Jesse
Logged
---
Jesse
Cobalt
The monkey's football
Reputation 167
Offline
Motorcycles: Something old, it's not blue, nor 'tis borrowed, so screw you.
Miles Typed: 3345
My Photo Gallery
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #2 on:
June 01, 2012, 04:37:48 pm »
I'll take it if you don't.
Logged
"Chris is correct." -- bomber
Advertisement
Jesse
Reputation 11
Offline
Motorcycles: '06 XB12X Uly, '05 SV650, '91 Suzuki VX800, '90 VX800
GPS: Western Pennsylvania
Miles Typed: 191
My Photo Gallery
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #3 on:
June 01, 2012, 04:47:55 pm »
Quote from: Carbonero on June 01, 2012, 04:37:48 pm
I'll take it if you don't.
My guess is that this price is only for close friends. If I had thought for a second that Joey Stalin wasn't just looking for a bit of encouragement and wouldn't jump at it, I'd have got in line at that price+
Jesse
Logged
---
Jesse
Rogue
Menace to Society
Reputation 108
Offline
Motorcycles: Buell and Honda
Miles Typed: 6884
My Photo Gallery
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #4 on:
June 01, 2012, 05:51:40 pm »
Is it a Firebolt or Lightning?
Is it '05 or '06?
There are significant differences. Nevertheless it's a steal. Will you be able to unload it for $2k? Yes. Fast? Maybe, depends on its condition. That kind of mileage scares most people.
The XB's, especially late model XB's are very easy to maintain and parts are still plentiful and inexpensive.
Logged
Rogue
Joey Stalin
sick of pictures of gas stations
Reputation 15
Offline
GPS: nOvA
Miles Typed: 2125
My Photo Gallery
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #5 on:
June 01, 2012, 06:59:06 pm »
It looks exactly like this
Needs a good wash and polish to remove the scratches, wear and tear around the triple clamp from keys, etc. other stuff from 38k miles of commuting. But the big thing of course is that I haven't ridden it yet. Probably next week.
Logged
Joseph "Joey" Stalin
BMW R1100RT-P
Kawasaki KLR650
Kootenanny
"Not That Good"
Reputation 33
Offline
Years Contributed: '09
Miles Typed: 4630
My Photo Gallery
Buellshit!
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #6 on:
June 02, 2012, 12:30:11 am »
Holy crap. BUy it!
I have an 03 XB9R with similar mileage, and there's no way I'd sell if for a measly $1k...this is one of the most fun bikes you'll ever ride!
BTW, the XB12R was ranked the "Best Cornering Bike Ever Made" by the UK magazine "Bike" in 2005.
Just buy the damn thing!
Logged
E=MC2
Mastros2
Reputation 68
Offline
Years Contributed: '09, 10
Years Supported: '11
Motorcycles: Triumph Street Triple R
GPS: Central NJ
Miles Typed: 4146
My Photo Gallery
My daddy loves cookies
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #7 on:
June 02, 2012, 08:00:14 am »
Quote from: Kootenanny on June 02, 2012, 12:30:11 am
Just buy the damn thing!
Yep! Ride it for a few months and then post it on the Badweb to make a profit.
Logged
mastros2.wordpress.com
Joey Stalin
sick of pictures of gas stations
Reputation 15
Offline
GPS: nOvA
Miles Typed: 2125
My Photo Gallery
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #8 on:
June 02, 2012, 08:06:26 am »
How much do you all think it is worth?
Again, I'm not trying to make money off my buddy, if it sells for 3 I'd probably split the difference with him. But easy sale is the key since I already have 3 bikes.
Logged
Joseph "Joey" Stalin
BMW R1100RT-P
Kawasaki KLR650
Jesse
Reputation 11
Offline
Motorcycles: '06 XB12X Uly, '05 SV650, '91 Suzuki VX800, '90 VX800
GPS: Western Pennsylvania
Miles Typed: 191
My Photo Gallery
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #9 on:
June 02, 2012, 08:53:46 am »
Quote from: Joey Stalin on June 02, 2012, 08:06:26 am
How much do you all think it is worth?
Again, I'm not trying to make money off my buddy, if it sells for 3 I'd probably split the difference with him. But easy sale is the key since I already have 3 bikes.
If it looks good and runs well, you should be able to get 2.5 or 3K IF you have someone who is specifically looking for an XB12. That is, someone who isn't worried about parts availability and "high mileage." The reality is that such buyers are few and far between for any type of bike and the fact that Buell no longer exists as a manufacturer will scare off a lot of potential buyers, at least in the short term. Some years down the road if/when Buells are still running and parts can be sourced that mindset will probably change. You might even have an appreciating asset on your hands.
If "easy" quick turn around is your goal, buy it but don't expect to make a lot of money. If you don't invest a lot, you *should* be able to make enough to cover your time and costs...but you may have to wait a while for the right buyer.
My bottom line advice as one bike lover to another: buy it, fix it and ride it, you'll very likely want to keep it. You've got a chance to pick up a piece of American motorcycling history for a song - don't pass it up if there's any way you can squeeze it into your garage even for a short term stay.
Jesse
Logged
---
Jesse
Joey Stalin
sick of pictures of gas stations
Reputation 15
Offline
GPS: nOvA
Miles Typed: 2125
My Photo Gallery
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #10 on:
June 07, 2012, 07:56:04 am »
I rode it around the base, maybe 10 or 15 minutes, couldn't go very fast, 20-40 mph. Initial impressions were that I didn't like it. For all of this talk about mass centralization, why is it
so hard
to get the thing to turn? And when leaned over, it wants to stand up. Very nervous over bumps in the corners as well. The vibrations and heat were almost comical how bad they were. I may need to get going faster, maybe it turns better at higher speeds, so I am going to give it another try some day on some real back roads. But it felt really good to get back on my VFR, a bike I've never even really loved.
Logged
Joseph "Joey" Stalin
BMW R1100RT-P
Kawasaki KLR650
Rogue
Menace to Society
Reputation 108
Offline
Motorcycles: Buell and Honda
Miles Typed: 6884
My Photo Gallery
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #11 on:
June 07, 2012, 02:24:25 pm »
Joey, that XB12R is set up way wrong.
The XB chassis is very sensitive to suspension set up and tires—a lot more than your typical Japanese machinery. The bike needs to be set up to your weight…the Buell owner’s manual gives you a table specifically stating spring pre-load and damping settings for a weight range. You need to get that right. Then the tires. Tires make or break the bike’s handling. If the front is worn, it will exhibit strong tendency to resist turning and will stand up under braking. Ditto if the tire profile disagrees with an XB.
When I got my XB12R brand new, it came with Dunlop D207’s, which were standard equipment for this bike due to H-D’s insistence. These were horrible tires for the XB. The turn in was heavy, and the bike stood up to attention under braking. These on new tires! I replaced the tires with Pirelli Diablo’s, later Diablo Rossos, and my last sets were Bridgestone BT016’s. All of those other tires eliminated the XB12R’s ill handling characteristics. Since ’07 Buell fitted all their XB’s with Pirelli Diablos.
Whatever the case you are buying a used bike. It will need to be set up to you. Tires could be worn. Brakes could be warped. Engine may need a tune up. The XB12R’s even more so. After I got the suspension and got the right tires on mine, it handled beautifully. Even compared to my VFR800, the XB12R still out-handled it by a fair margin. My XB12R flicked into turns and settled into deep lean angles that has my VFR protesting and wallowing. Every time I would go for a ride in the mountains, the XB12R was the bike I took because it was built for it.
As for engine heat, it will have it. The fan sucks in cooling air through the frame rails and out the back. So at slow speeds, you WILL feel that heat. It’s not made for stop and go traffic and low speeds. Get it out on the highway and the mountains. Get the suspension sorted out. I wish I could do it for you so you can see how that bike can really shine. Unfortunately, the XB12’s are not “universal” or “mainstream” bikes. They require a modicum of fine tuning to get them to perform the way Buell intended. That fine tuning is almost specific to Buells so known formulas for Japanese sportbikes may not always apply. Sorry.
Logged
Rogue
Kootenanny
"Not That Good"
Reputation 33
Offline
Years Contributed: '09
Miles Typed: 4630
My Photo Gallery
Buellshit!
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #12 on:
June 07, 2012, 02:51:42 pm »
Quote from: Joey Stalin on June 07, 2012, 07:56:04 am
I rode it around the base, maybe 10 or 15 minutes, couldn't go very fast, 20-40 mph. Initial impressions were that I didn't like it. For all of this talk about mass centralization, why is it
so hard
to get the thing to turn? And when leaned over, it wants to stand up. Very nervous over bumps in the corners as well. The vibrations and heat were almost comical how bad they were. I may need to get going faster...
Well, yeah.
The Firebolt isn't meant for tootling around at slow speeds. I was at a Triumph demo a few years ago, I wanted something from the convenience store 2 blocks away so I jumped on my 'Bolt during a short break to head over there. After riding the Street Triple, my Buell felt like an old pickup truck...slow, heavy, and rough. But ya know, on the way home (four hours of twisties) I never once thought, "Gee, that Triumph would be nice!" In it's environment--fast twisty backroads--the Firebolt is incredible. Yes, it shakes at idle, and yes, the steering is not light at slow speeds. But there's a reason "Bike" magazine rated it the best at cornering--the Buell may need a bit of input, but the response is immediate and very precise at speed, and it is a very satisfying ride in the twisties.
Now, I understand that not everyone's gonna like it, but...well, if I had the chance to pick up another Firebolt for $1K, I wouldn't hesitate at all.
Logged
E=MC2
Bueller
Reputation 3
Offline
Years Contributed: '07, '09
Motorcycles: Buell XB12R, 1125R
GPS: Melbourne
Miles Typed: 654
My Photo Gallery
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #13 on:
June 08, 2012, 06:45:50 am »
Quote from: Joey Stalin on June 07, 2012, 07:56:04 am
I rode it around the base, maybe 10 or 15 minutes, couldn't go very fast, 20-40 mph. Initial impressions were that I didn't like it. For all of this talk about mass centralization, why is it
so hard
to get the thing to turn? And when leaned over, it wants to stand up. Very nervous over bumps in the corners as well. The vibrations and heat were almost comical how bad they were. I may need to get going faster, maybe it turns better at higher speeds, so I am going to give it another try some day on some real back roads. But it felt really good to get back on my VFR, a bike I've never even really loved.
Short wheel base with a big difference in tyre radius means you need to countersteer a bit more. Dropping the elbow on the side you want to corner helps a lot as well. Having it set for your weight plus liitle adjustments to taste make a big difference to the cornering as well.
Your comments remind me of my initial impressions. They didn't last long
The bolt does everything I like just the way I like it now.
Logged
sprk_sprd
Reputation 2
Offline
Motorcycles: 05 Buell XB12s, 06 Buell XB12x
GPS: MD
Miles Typed: 167
My Photo Gallery
Re: 38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
«
Reply #14 on:
July 15, 2012, 10:23:26 am »
So whatever happened? Update please.
Logged
Pages: [
1
]
Go Up
Print
Sport-Touring.Net
»
The Club House
»
Manufacturer Row
»
Buell
» Topic:
38k mile XB-12 for $1,000
Jump to:
Please select a destination:
-----------------------------
The Open Road
-----------------------------
=> General Sport-Touring Discussion
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
=> Pit Row
-----------------------------
The Open Road
-----------------------------
=> Beginner's Garage
=> Motorcycle Polls
-----------------------------
The Marketplace
-----------------------------
=> Bike Tech
-----------------------------
The Tech Zone
-----------------------------
=> Mods & Maintenance
=> Gadgets
=> Gear and Apparel
-----------------------------
The Open Road
-----------------------------
=> Ride Reports
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
=> Iron Butt
===> Aprilia
===> BMW
===> Buell
===> Ducati
===> Honda
-----------------------------
Global Positioning
-----------------------------
=> U.S. Region 1
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
===> Kawasaki
===> Moto Guzzi
===> Suzuki
===> Triumph
===> Yamaha
-----------------------------
Global Positioning
-----------------------------
=> U.S. Region 2
=> U.S. Region 3
=> U.S. Region 4
=> U.S. Region 5
=> U.S. Region 6
-----------------------------
The Lounge
-----------------------------
=> Off Topic Discussion
-----------------------------
Global Positioning
-----------------------------
=> Canada
=> Europe & U.K.
=> Australia & New Zealand
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
===> KTM
===> Harley-Davidson
-----------------------------
The Marketplace
-----------------------------
=> Vendor, Group Buy, Member Offers
=> Bikes Only
=> Non-bike Items
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
===> Other
-----------------------------
Administration
-----------------------------
=> Announcements & Rules
-----------------------------
The Open Road
-----------------------------
=> ST.N Rallies/Meets
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
=> Dirt Lovers
===> Off Road Ride Reports
-----------------------------
The Open Road
-----------------------------
===> STN National
===> WCRM
===> ESTN
===> Borscht Burn
===> SNOB
-----------------------------
The Lounge
-----------------------------
=> EOE: Experts On Everything
-----------------------------
The Club House
-----------------------------
=> Manufacturer Row
-----------------------------
Sport-Touring.net Vendor Deals
-----------------------------
=> MOTORCYCLEiD
Loading...
Copyright © 2001 - 2013 Sport-Touring.Net.
All rights reserved.
Terms of Use
Copyright
Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Choices
Manage Consent
SimplePortal 2.3.1 © 2008-2009, SimplePortal