I bought a Buell xb12x! [Archive]

View Full Version : I bought a Buell xb12x!

Badcat

9th January 2008, 17:53

hey all.
madass and i have traded the ducati ST4 on a buell XB12x
the ducati was a great bike (especially after haldane's gave it the 10,000k service), but it hurt my arms and wrists, and madass didn't like the pillion seat and the grabrail.
we went back to kerry at KTL, and traded up to the buell.
(he has a sweet yellow ST4 with panniers and all servicing done BTW)
http://www.ktlbikes.co.nz/motorcycles.php?bikeId=388
the buell is incredible.
the engine is SO STRONG down low, the thing just bounds up hills.
it's really only for us tall buggers though, i think if you were less than 6 foot you'd have trouble touching the ground with both feet.
the "triple tail" backrest works very well and the seat is very comfy.
we have ridden some of the same roads on both bikes now, and the buell requires a lot less effort to ride quickly.
the fully adjustable suspension is great too - and after some advice from Big Dave, i have started on the road of getting it properly set up.
will keep you updated with a proper review - here's some quick and dirty pics of her.

ken

nallac

9th January 2008, 20:01

you lucky bast#d

I sooooooo want one ,
I have tested ridden a 06 and 07 one, awesum bikes
as Big Dave says a big/tall mans bike..
i"m 5'10 and could only touch with one foot at a time but still want/need one

Lucky Lucky you .Black looks best to.

Ocean1

9th January 2008, 20:13

Very nice, looks like a bunch of fun.

Never did ride one, is it based on the same frame/swingarm as mine or the longer SS?

That front disk is different too...

Cache Wraith

9th January 2008, 20:39

That is one sweet machine. Might be an option for me when I trade up. I'm 6'4" and want a bike that doesn't make me look oversized on it. You are one lucky *&^%$.

Renegade

10th January 2008, 22:07

jealous!!!!!

xwhatsit

10th January 2008, 22:56

Big Dave wasn't lying to me.

Why isn't it orange?

Big Dave

10th January 2008, 23:25

Big Dave tells it like it is.
Often in 3rd person.

Badcat

27th January 2008, 08:21

well....
this is easily the best bike i've owned.
it's PERFECT for me, and Madass loves it too!
the ergos are excellent for my 6'2 90 kilo frame. it's a very upright seating position, so relaxing and great around town, you can see everything.
the pillion seat is brilliant, and the "triple tail" fold down backrest has won madass's heart.
she said she'd never ride a bike without one now.
she doesn't even really hold on anymore - i look back to see her sitting with her hands on her knees, very relaxed.
the suspension is perfect too - i've reset it all back to standard, and stiffening it in increments as we ride it. i think i'll end up with it firmer than my 80 kilos but less than set up for our combined 160 kilos.

the motor - oh the motor!
this took a week or so to get used to - all the power being straight off idle and all, but i'm totally sold. it's like driving a big V8 in a small sports car.
i find i just dial up 100kph and keep it there (mostly) - go fast by not slowing down.
also - with less acceleration and braking, Madass gets a smoother ride too.
i'll get it tuned soon - poss on the dyno. i was going to replace the exhaust but actually like it quiet as it turns out.

all in all, it's a great bike, i find i look for excuses to ride it.
the only thing that was less than perfect is the headlight, it's pretty pathetic.
i may look at some auxiliary lights if we keep doing a lot of country roads in the dark.

if you are tall and find a lot of bikes awkward (or get sore arms and wrists) - i'd really recommend test riding a buell xb12x Ulysses.
i'm rapt that i did.
woohoo!

Big Dave

30th January 2008, 09:06

Big Dave

30th January 2008, 09:26

i"m 5'10 and could only touch with one foot at a time but still want/need one
.

Check out the XB12XT on buell.com

Krayy

18th February 2008, 15:45

Check out the XB12XT on buell.com
I'm looking, I'm liking, and I'm phoning AMPS to find out when they hit the ground.

Grrrrrr...

awd

18th February 2008, 19:39

More of you crossing over to the dark side, ha ha!

Gotta agree, mine is the best bike I've ever ridden; comfy, smooth and more fun than I can describe.:2thumbsup

TOTO

12th January 2009, 23:56

Looks like a fun bike.

Can you tell me please at what intevals in Kms is the servicing of the XB12X and the XB12XT ? and how much does a service usually cost ? Do they have normal and "Big" service and how often ?

cherio

ajturbo

13th January 2009, 05:42

hey.. i'm going to be up your way in a couple of weeks... we are going to a BBQ....interested?.. there will be a "few other Buell's there...

Monamie

13th January 2009, 07:18

Services are at 8000kms (first one is 1600kms).
And yes they are a cool bike :love:

jrandom

13th January 2009, 07:30

i'll get it tuned soon - poss on the dyno.

If you do, get that done at TripleZee Cycles (http://www.triplezeecycles.co.nz/Index.html) in Manukau, not on the magic-numbers Dynojet that AMPS bought to bolster the fragile egos of their tractor-riding customers.

:msn-wink:

i was going to replace the exhaust but actually like it quiet as it turns out.

But there's not much point changing the fuelling and ignition timing if you're not changing anything else. The factory probably got it right. Not that I'd know about XB12Xs. Big Dave probably knows these things.

Badcat

13th January 2009, 07:41

If you do, get that done at TripleZee Cycles (http://www.triplezeecycles.co.nz/Index.html) in Manukau, not on the magic-numbers Dynojet that AMPS bought to bolster the fragile egos of their tractor-riding customers.

i did - they did a great job.

:msn-wink:

But there's not much point changing the fuelling and ignition timing if you're not changing anything else. The factory probably got it right. Not that I'd know about XB12Xs. Big Dave probably knows these things.

no - we mada lot of changes and the bike is smoother - more powerful and generally better behaving - john know his buells - he has a ulysses himself.

k

jrandom

13th January 2009, 07:43

no - we mada lot of changes and the bike is smoother - more powerful and generally better behaving - john know his buells - he has a ulysses himself.

Super. John's a good c00nt inne? And I guess Buell didn't get it right then. Don't tell Big Dave, it'll break his worldview.

:msn-wink:

Badcat

13th January 2009, 07:49

Super. John's a good c00nt inne? And I guess Buell didn't get it right then. Don't tell Big Dave, it'll break his worldview.

:msn-wink:

yeah - mine was pinking really badly - and john sorted it.
it's schweet now.
k

Big Dave

13th January 2009, 08:11

World view intact.

Mine runs fine with no pinging. Always has.
Nor do I find anything else broken enough to warrant fixing.
First bike I've owned that is entirely satisfactory as standard - so no experience with hop-ups sorry.

Nearing 40,000km and the only time it has stopped is one broken belt.
One fuel system breakage, but bike still ran.

Some factory recalls earlier but no malfunction from them.

Only real gripe is the muffler rusts.

slimjim

13th January 2009, 08:33

nice bike..and sound's like ya's going to get year's of enjoyment...

Big Dave

13th January 2009, 08:57

Of course there are some really cool mods that don't effect the outstanding handling at all.

rocketman1

13th January 2009, 20:56

I must say I was impressed, it seemed to have alot of torque, at a 100km hr it was hardly revving and felt as though it had good power.
Handled well and build quality was good, overall I felt good on it with its comfortable seat, and upright seating position.
Shook like a bastard at idle though at the lights, but I could live with that.
I wouldnt say it had the power of the SV, or quite the handling, but for comfort, I could have sat on it all day. A sort of cruisy feel in a sports bike thing.
Dont know about reliability?
Yeah it grew on me... I might ride another soon??

Big Dave

18th January 2009, 19:32

.or quite the handling,

IMO set it up correctly and it's got better handling - up to 100kph. After that the wheelbase and height works against it stability wise, up until that sort of speed the mass centralization makes it more chuckable.

But the three way suspension both ends has to be set up correctly - which unfortunately rarely happens on a test ride.

Bike magazine rated the Firebolt the best cornering bike ever. The X is the same platform with longer travel suspension and swingarm. It makes very little difference to the chuckability. But then it has the ability to ride over gutters and across paddocks as well as tour and do stunts and carve up and...etc

Flynn

26th September 2009, 08:10

Big test for me on monday, and then the world will hopefully be my oyster.

As new to the riding scene, not too sure of one bike from another, but know what I like and dislike. Quite keen on a xb12x. Any constructive advise? From the experts.:laugh:

Big Dave

26th September 2009, 09:53

Set the 3 way adjustable suspension in accordance with the owner's manual and check the tyre pressures first.

MotoKuzzi

26th September 2009, 13:47

Big Dave

26th September 2009, 14:08

I'm seriously considering a Buell XB12X or possibly a Tiger 1050 for my next bike, mainly because low back problems are limiting my enjoyment of riding on the California. Be interested in any comments from this perspective by Buell or Tiger owners.

All the ADV/Dual Sport inspired bikes are good for backs.
You need to be able to stand up on them - so that means the sitting position is upright too.

Flynn

26th September 2009, 21:33

I'm seriously considering a Buell XB12X or possibly a Tiger 1050 for my next bike, mainly because low back problems are limiting my enjoyment of riding on the California. Be interested in any comments from this perspective by Buell or Tiger owners.

Ha, my two preferences, exactly, when ya making the next big purchase? Be interested in which one you buy and why?

MotoKuzzi

27th September 2009, 07:01

Ha, my two preferences, exactly, when ya making the next big purchase? Be interested in which one you buy and why?

Probably be mid next yr sometime. I'm leaning more towards the Buell because of ease of maintenance and I'm 6'1" 90kg, they get a good review every where I've read. Would love the Tiger engine though. Low mileage pre owned with some of the depreciation knocked off is probably where I'm aiming.

86GSXR

27th September 2009, 08:17

I've got the Tiger 1050 which I love. It's extremely comfortable and the engine is great. 10000K service intervals and the 20K is the biggie.

Problem is, my lovely lady has the XB12 and I've done a few 100 ks on that as well. I didn't think I'd be saying this but of the two the Buell is definitely more fun and versatile.

The handling is superior and the power delivery is out of this world. The Tiger is a great bike and like any bike it has it's limitations, especially when pushed. The Buell is more 'instinctive' and handles like a razor. Both bikes have a great upright position and with the Buell, you are more 'in touch' imo. Both bikes get along very nicely and the Buell is more fun at moderate speeds.

The Tiger tends to snatch a bit to much for my liking, especially at low speed, low gear moderate revs while the Buell delivers in a totally predictable linear manner, probably partly due to the belt drive which has a great automatic tensioner (and a very effective stone guard - important)

The Tiger is slightly taller too and the standard screen gives you a fair bit of buffet. The 09 Buell screen is very quiet and does a better job. Heated grips are standard on the Buell but not on the Tiger. Buell service intervals 8000km, and very simple.

I prefer the Tiger's looks, but the Buell ain't to shabby in this dept either. The front end lets it down slightly I think.

I'm seriously considering a swap, don't know yet though.

TripleZee Dyno

27th September 2009, 08:29

I'm seriously considering a Buell XB12X or possibly a Tiger 1050 for my next bike, mainly because low back problems are limiting my enjoyment of riding on the California. Be interested in any comments from this perspective by Buell or Tiger owners.

As someone with a broken MotoGuzzi who also has a Ulysses I may as well offer my 2 cents.
I have ridden a 1050 tiger but have done more miles on the 955 Tiger.
I think the thing worth noting is that these bikes are essentially road bikes with longish suspension and an extra couple of inches of ground clearance. The off road adventure thing is marketing bs. Your cali would be a better metal road bike than either of these. The earlier tigers were OK on the metal.
If you are going to do a lot of adventure/off road riding then get a KLR650 or similar.
But as a relaxed/comfortable/touring bike with a bit of go in it when required, you cant go wrong with either the Ulysses or tiger.
Ulysses
Cons unladen seat height too high (for me). Put an XB9 (I think) shock in the rear and thats now all good. Pathetic steering lock. I have got some ali sitting there waiting for me to machine some new yokes. one day when it really pissess me off and I will get it done.
Lighting. Was losing nearly a volt by the time the electrons got to the bulbs and back to the battery. Made better by running fat wires up to the front and using relays to run the lights.
pro's comfortable,economical. Over 20km/l on a trip. I can do 300k between gas stops and maybe the last 15-30 min I end up moving around a bit. luggage and bags no problem. Wide flat seat and grab rails make it easy to pack. I have a packrack fitted. The triple tail thing works. zero warranty or breakdown issues. I use the Buell as a test bed for EFI maps I do and so it spends a bit of time on the dyno. I am always swapping ecus, running dataloggers, swap a few mufflers, and generally fooling around, no problems at all.
Hve fitted a right side scoop and it seems to have stabilized engine temps. A bit lower than before and not so much variation. According to my logger anyway. Tried the touring screen, for me a waste of money, too much turbulence.
Servicing costs are minimal. All I do is oil and filter. Adjusted the Primary chain once. Everything else is check/replace as neccesary. Running stock tyres, both last in excess of 10000k
The 955 Tiger went OK but the 1050, like the Buell is more road oriented. 17" wheels, fat tyres etc
The Tiger doesnt do anything for me. its toooo nice
Another bike worth a look at is a Vstrom. Had one before the Buell. Kinda bulky, kinda conventional/boring but better than the buell on a metal road. 400+ km to a tank. Excellent tourer, excellent luggage capacity and pretty good 2 up. Pretty good bike actually, I'd have another one. The Barracuda Orange buell or the battleship grey Vstrom? Mr sensible or mr something else? I guess the orange got me.
The Buell sounds like a bike. Runs rough and shakes at idle get the engine spun up a bit and it really performs. Bit like a Guzzi. Blows heaps of bikes away thru the twisties. (the vstrom was useless through the twisties, too much like hard work) The only time I cut loose is when there is a nice bit of road coming up. And thats one thing the Buell does better than most, IMHO anyway.
good luck

MotoKuzzi

27th September 2009, 14:13

As someone with a broken MotoGuzzi who also has a Ulysses I may as well offer my 2 cents.
I have ridden a 1050 tiger but have done more miles on the 955 Tiger.
.........

Good warts and all write up TZ, given me more to think about. BTW, sorry I never made it in for TPS check a few weeks back, the Cali drive shaft shit itself outside your workshop at 5.30am on the way to work. Got towed home courtesy AA plus.:eek:

Flynn

21st November 2009, 10:22

Just brought one of the last, if not the last xb12x T in the country. So far done 175 km, just love it. See how it pans out over the months to come when summer finally arrives:2thumbsup

lanci

21st November 2009, 11:13

I read the Superbike magazines opinion on this bike a while back and was surprised to see the polar opinions here. Just proves to me that you have buy what you like...

Buellluva

27th November 2009, 14:21

howdamnhard

27th November 2009, 14:48

Very nice !:yes:

carver

27th November 2009, 14:55

poor you.
buells have more warranty claims than harleys

YellowDog

27th November 2009, 15:04

poor you.
buells have more warranty claims than harleys
Not much chance of a warrantee claim now Buell has ceased trading.

I can't see any problem with availability of spare parts as parts is big business :)

Flynn

27th November 2009, 16:12

Congrats man, cool bike, welcome to the club. Have had mine a while now, luv it to bits, favourite bike to ride out of all the twins, fours etc i've owned.
Pissed me off how harley Fucken davison have ditched the brand, bunch of assholes.
Makes me more determined to keep it as they will become rarer as the years go by.
Enjoy.

Yeah, really enjoying it so for, I tell ya, more people take a second look that what I got on my gsx 250!

poor you.
buells have more warranty claims than harleys

May be you've been reading that mormon book too much:innocent:

Not much chance of a warrantee claim now Buell has ceased trading.

I can't see any problem with availability of spare parts as parts is big business :)

Yeah true, but hey as you say parts are huge, my second choice was a tigger but for the price, just couldn't beat it really.

Flynn

3rd January 2010, 14:04

Well, done 2000km on the black beast now and going great.

Had a small hick up at 800km when the oil light came on while riding over the saddle road. Turned out to be a faulty pressure sensor, replaced and no worries since.

First service done so onwards and upwards.

Looking forward to putting the luggage on it loading it up and going for a decent ride, which hasn't happened yet.

banditrider

3rd January 2010, 15:12

Flynn

3rd January 2010, 16:14

We'll have to do something about that then...

I'm keen, I'll leave convincing her indoors to you then for me:pinch::yawn:

banditrider

3rd January 2010, 16:17

I'm keen, I'll leave convincing her indoors to you then for me:pinch::yawn:

I wasn't the one that signed that contract...

Flynn

3rd January 2010, 21:57

I wasn't the one that signed that contract...

Yeah, yeah, guilty as charged:yes:

ynot slow

4th January 2010, 09:39

I wasn't the one that signed that contract...

That be the one were she gets hold of ya balls.Silly Flynn for not reading the fine print.

Flynn

4th January 2010, 11:06

That be the one were she gets hold of ya balls.Silly Flynn for not reading the fine print.

Has Janine read this, or don't ya let her near, don't worry we'll tell her,

We are filling a perfectly good BUELL thread with manawatu shite, btw:shit::shit:

Camshaft

18th January 2011, 15:14

is it broken yet

Flynn

19th January 2011, 17:54

Shite no, It is awesome, 13,000km now, one set of Angels, just been changed to PR2's and we are away again, awesome, awesome, awesome!!!

Big Dave

19th January 2011, 18:11

5 years of BD abuse and no plans to change it. Been the best bike I've owned. Quite reliable and solid and an extremely good fun machine.

nallac

19th January 2011, 19:58

Hey BD, how many k's on yours now?.....

Big Dave

19th January 2011, 20:16

Only 40k - racked up heaps more on test bikes.

nallac

19th January 2011, 20:32

Fair enough...i realise it must be hard a gig, being an international bike tester and all....

Its sad my X1's only clocked up 48k in 11 years....i've only put on 10 of em in the last year.

Big Dave

21st January 2011, 10:39

Has its moments.

buellbabe

21st January 2011, 10:53

5 years of BD abuse and no plans to change it. Been the best bike I've owned. Quite reliable and solid and an extremely good fun machine.

I can relate to that.
My beloved X1 has been solidly thrashed for over 10 years now and she is still going strong!
And despite the fact that I can't get enough of the CR (what absolute bliss to ride) every time I get back on the X1 the thrill is still there.
:love::love::love::love::love:

Vampirella

21st January 2011, 13:26

Has its moments.Dave do you know weather that S&S 106ci engine will fit into a XB12SS

Big Dave

21st January 2011, 13:31

Dave do you know weather that S&S 106ci engine will fit into a XB12SS

My *guess* would be no. The primary too lardy, but then, as an engineer I'm a great photographer.

Vampirella

21st January 2011, 13:34

My *guess* would be no. The primary too lardy, but then, as an engineer I'm a great photographer.Oh cos I noticed on the S&S site that it was built for harley sportsters and Buell X1's and I was'nt asking you as an engineer sweetie but as the sites resident pre eminent Buell expert.

Big Dave

21st January 2011, 14:09

cheers - the real question would be why? The thunderstorm puts out a relatively un-stressed 103 horsepower and the package weighs +/-190kgs.

I'd have to check the S&S specs - it'd have to make better than 120 to be worth it?