2003 Buell XB9R

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[@michaeldavison430]

Had a Buell XB12R for quite a while, absolutely the most fun bike I've ever had. So many great memories from that bike.

[@mariorossi8929]

Still have my 2004 Firebolt , just can't let it go for $3K

[@user-rb9oo7tc2x]

We're they reliable? I would love to have one of these bikes!

[@michaeldavison430]

@@user-rb9oo7tc2x had no issues with mine over many miles and many track days as well. That being said they are getting pretty old at this point and certain parts may be hard to find.

[@xassassin1148]

Yeah i have the XB12R as well most fun bike i ever rode

[@bluedogreddog7623]

Harley really messed up, I love my Buell

[@TheQQRYQ80]

Had one .. xb12r cherry bomb 💣2007 That was my American dream here in UK

[@ryanczap4808]

This is the Brandi Love of the motorcycle industry.

[@fvgc454ss]

🤣

[@ashtonmariefranklin725]

I own an 03 XB9R. Track tuned with EBR race parts on it and adjustable chain drive conversion, ohlins rear shock, and full racetech valving and tuned forks, upgraded front brakes to the ZTL2 caliper and master cylinder. Has 8k orginal miles on it, and I love every single second riding it. That HD thumping vtwin sound with sportbike handling is so perfectly balanced.

[@scenicsoundendevours332]

I have one as well. Same year! Looks exactly like the one in the video to this day!

[@jamesbaxterandthebeachball7005]

Had an 05 9R , literally the most fun I've ever had on a street bike.

[@dukecraig2402]

I had an 06, of all the bikes I've had come and go in my life it's the one I wish I had back the most. The only reason I sold it is because my dead friends CBR929RR Erion Racing Edition (he was murdered by his girlfriend) was going to be put on the market by his family and before they advertised it they got a hold of me and gave me first dib's on it, so I sold the Buell to get it. One day hopefully I'll be able to replace it though, of all the street bikes I've ridden (and it's a lot from working in shops and even having my own shop) it is without a doubt the lightest, most maneuverable bike I've ever ridden, coupled with it's wide power it makes an amateur like me even faster. After 2 weeks of riding the CBR I came to the conclusion that it had to weigh 10 to 15% more than the XB9 just by the way it felt, I was shocked when I compared the specs and saw that the Buell only weighed 4 lbs less than the CBR, but when you think about how Eric Buell got as much weight down low as he could it made sense. I really do miss pushing that thing through the winding mountain roads in the Appalachian mountains where I live, without long straightaways for the CBR to stretch it's legs it didn't stand a chance against that XB9 on those roads, it feels like an overweight pig on the twisties compared to that Buell. EB was a freaking genius, HD pulling the plug on him was one of the stupidest moves they ever made.

[@hugieflhr03]

BUell managed to squeeze a lot of reliable power out of a Sportster V Twin. As many don’t know is Buell used his own designed parts. Pistons, heads, lightened crankshaft and everything else has the Buell touch on everything!

[@walkawayjoe]

I have that exact bike! It's such a blast don't think I'll ever get rid of it . Those xb's have such amazing engineering built into every inch of them . Just need me a 12 now

[@cbcsucks2205]

I have an XB9R as well as a Ulysses. The square bore 984 is a much funner solo motor in the twisties in my humble opinion. The stroked 1203 is definitely welcome for two up riding though.

[@jebbohanan2626]

Thank you sir! Thank you for not showing stupidity. Thank you for keeping both wheels of your ride on the pavement. Thank you for the example of motorcycle riding that is not an attempt to gather “LIKES” on social media. Thank you for not providing an example of testosterone levels. You made a very informative video. I certainly appreciate this.

[@ianrobinson525]

When I was a young teenager I always wanted a buell cause it was a road bike but with a Harley heart. Very nice bike but your Patriot missile looks like a an absolute weapon. You guys have got to much good stuff to comment on lol. Your so right my dad had a wide glide softtail at the time & I always wanted one of these lol

[@LRP-e1m]

Finally some buell content! Can't wait to get my 97' S1 fixed up

[@monkmoto1887]

Man as a kid who was always bike obsessed, I knew what this was the second it went by, that ohv vtwin sound on a sport bike can only be found in a buell

[@yasmun1]

Just picked up a 07 xb9r. Had a blown engine with no compression in one cylinder. Anyway I got a spare engine with 9k miles on it. Never rode one but that sound of a harley on a sports bike got me motivated to do the engine swap. Parts are getting rare now

[@kk2into194]

Yep, one of the stupidest mistakes made by Harley breaking ties with Buell.

[@roelfkromhout]

@Luis Alberto Pinto Sanchez you prefer the Buells though, don’t you? :P (I’ve owned ten Buells in total, three in my garage right now. Havent had that many issues at all.)

[@andybowyer3602]

Yea I agree they would have mainstream high production sports bikes, they'd never be gsxr 1000's but they would sell in high numbers! Keeping men in work and Harvey davidson thriving instead of going stale, bad move by the corporate clowns!

[@fvgc454ss]

@Luis Alberto Pinto Sanchez bs. Ive had 4. Not a single problem n I beat the piss out of em

[@AJ-no1gt]

@Luis Alberto Pinto Sanchez It's still a ZX6, no one cares. Buell/EBR's all day!

[@keystonerider1308]

@@fvgc454ss yeah. Not sure what that dudes talking about. I agree they are super reliable. Don’t require much maintenance. Simple oil changes and tires.

[@andybowyer3602]

Those BUELL'S have that much torque and bhp that they will pull themselves to pieces if you don't look after them!.only buy if your handy with a tool set and you Don't mind turning the odd wrench every now and then. Thing is tho they are so accessible you don't have to be a motogp technician to work on them if you know your way around a tool box you can work on a BUELL they are great almost agricultural. FCUKIN GREAT BIT OF KIT AN IT GETS TWO THUMBS UP FROM ME!!! Superb motorcycle! Is rite kenny👍 👊✊💨💨💨

[@Ed-ty1kr]

Although I can fit an XB9R and XB12R comfortably being 6'1", I will still recomment the XB12Ss Long. The frame is wider and longer, the swingarm is longer, rear shock forks and suspension that can be adjusted to support passangers better, even the rear subframe and seat are longer and wider. No other manufacturer made the same basic model that looks similar, with that many changes to accomodate a perfect rider fit.

[@daffyduck9901]

Absolutely love your input on all your motorcycles. It's from the heart you can tell.🇺🇲

[@roynelson7613]

I never had the chance to ride one of those I tell you what man that is a shiny Dime Piece you won't see one that old looking that damn good very often whoever ends up with that will be super happy that's for damn sure keep rockin you guys🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽😎👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾💯💪🏾💪🏾✊🏾✊🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🇺🇸

[@pondafarr]

I have this exact model (in the middle of rebuilding it)...LOVE Buells!

[@atlanta2076]

WOW! Thanks for this review. It says something that this bike 21 years ago was way ahead of its time, and today, still comes across kinda like futuristic. Absolute beauty!

[@jordanmatte1144]

I own an 03 XB9R white and orange 🍊 been a great bike since new. Zero issues and fun bike!

[@frankcastle5294]

I'm on my 12th Buell XB model and still own 3 of them. If you ride them sensibly, keep the motors cool and out of 100 degree stop and go traffic nonsense, and service them regularly...they are extremely reliable. Parts however are getting challenging to track down.

[@aegisreflector1239]

Can you elaborate on 100 degree stop and go nonsense?

[@frankcastle5294]

@@aegisreflector1239 It's not nonsense. the hottest part of any engine is the heads and the exhaust port areas. The heads and ports on all XB's are buried up between the frame spars and under airbox assembly. The entire top end of these motors get brutally hot when not given sufficient airflow as in stop and go. It tempers the rings...embeds hot spots into the cylinder bores....and tears up the rocker box gaskets. Keep the engine as cool as you can and keep moving at all times. Parade mode crap will destroy and XB engine.

[@aegisreflector1239]

@@frankcastle5294 oh ok. N I wasn't saying it was nonsense, I was just quoting you

[@Niagararider]

I am so happy someone has the knowledge and passion to remember Buell. I love my xb9sx so much and nobody knows what it is. But that I mind. But I just love this bike.

[@dougmaleski5581]

Had the same bike I bought new, absolute animal! Not the fastest, but the front wheel only stays on the road when you want it to!

[@rexstewart6111]

I love the sound and looks of this bike.

[@koeksch6926]

Thought it was a Bombardier engine. Now I know. Thanks for the lesson Ken...

[@jonnymac8925]

The 1125 and 1190 Buells had Bombardier engines, the XB models ran the HD Sportster based motors.

[@chrisdigital]

I had a yellow one of these in 2003. Amazing bike. Highly regret getting rid of it.

[@jesseg8920]

What’s up with Harley introducing the Pan-America but cancelling the Bareknuckle? Again like they are scared people won’t buy these bikes, at least that’s my guess. It could get people into the brand.

[@evan1kx125]

Agreed Ken! Love my 07 xb9sx, there were some updates a year later with a wider rear belt and pulleys, in 06 they changed the swingarm"less weight- stronger and slightly longer" and then in 08+ updated oil pump,crankshaft to bigger dia connecting rod and a less tuneable ecm, steering stops updated to give a tighter slow speed turning radius, the xb12's are know for crankshaft failure due to a longer stroke.

[@fvgc454ss]

I haven't had a single issue with any xb12 I've had n I've had 4

[@evan1kx125]

@@fvgc454ss not saying all xb12s fail, just way more common on the 12s vs 9s

[@buellboy3061]

Aren’t the 05/06 the same as far as updates?

[@nicobas773]

Nice bike.. Remember trying one back in 2003- I found it very cool for short rides....

[@joelyjowell3]

I really hope that these blow up in price . People are sleeping on these

[@robertraft]

my buddy had a grey cyclone with chrome wheels, it was really cool and too ahead of its time. the harley guys despised it lol. now its cool. sweet ride!

[@slabs6661]

@kaplanamerica I went out and bought a Buell XB9SX because of this review. Thank you for this!!

[@josephfriedrich9792]

Just picked up my 7th buell! 09 xb12r with 4k on the clock

[@rockroll9513]

I had an 00' Buell M2 and a 03' XB9S. Awesome rides.

[@kennethhacker3014]

Great presentation sr...my brother had this bike.hw bought it super cheap i think 900 dollars ..the original owner tried to put aftermarket pipes on it and destroyed the studs.we had to pull the head and drill ,tap..super powerful buke

[@thefunkstone5153]

Owned a number of buells. Loved every one! I miss my 1125r the most. That thing was an absolute rocket! Had the jardine exhaust and always turned heads. Also the ulysses was a blast for those longer rides.

[@stevefisher2553]

Funnest bike I ever owned!

[@fvgc454ss]

Buells are just fun bikes to ride. Handling, awesome sound and torque.

[@mtricks001]

I still have mine. Bought new December 2002 and it looks just as good as this one!!!!!:)

[@fjon589]

I have a 09 xb12r and really enjoy it.

[@alfaubrom]

I believe a. Chap working at epiphani restorations in emeryville California did the early Buell alloy bodywork, one of the best coachbuilders out there! The same guys roadcar special was a triumph tr6 engine an chassis with one off alloy body the front replicated a type 159 Alfa Romeo an the back a cooper bristol, it had alloy seats that where untrimmed cool guy. My only other buell knowledge or experience was a came off the motorway running down to a blind junction windows down could hear this constant bellow of a fast vtwin then this blue buell appears the rider. Cranked over sliding his knee , I pulled out behind him I only had to go round to the third exit an he was already on my tail just doing circuits knee down too funny! Got to be a fun bike, cheers to all.

[@robs9324]

I still have my 2002 Buell Cyclone. Still runs great

[@twist-moto9075]

ive always wanted one.... beautiful bike

[@trey1531]

I love quirky features like the fuel tank, oil in the frame, and the wide brake disk.

[@davemonday5381]

I watched this because I wondered how you would describe it I’ve less 4 the geometry was based off a Honda NS 500 GP bike. I love them and think your description is great all mine where xb lightning ⚡️s Fantastic Ken. Nailed it again.

[@ponti1000]

I have followed Buell for longer than I can recall. I have a 2008 1125R (#425) that I ordered the moment I could after staying up all night to see the announcement video. To this day, I wish I had a XB. I'd trade mine for a comparable XB12 R or S. Such great bikes, and I just don't need to cross 100mph in 2nd gear like the current bike.

[@kelliestratton6991]

Have sn 291 same year.flawless no drips.

[@buellboy3061]

I’m glad I got mine! 2005 XB9SX 🥰

[@lrj7203]

Hi there Mr Kaplan nice bike. Not into 4 strokes but it's Ok i guess. M the bike I want right now is either a Husqvarna wr 250 I think that's the right words. Or a road bike 250 or little bigger has to be a 2 stroke though early 90th or older. Love your channel

[@timtripp4222]

Front brake calipers are 6 piston design, NOT 3! I just picked up my 6th Buell. I set a goal to own 1 of every model Mr. Eric & elf's built..... 4 more to go. Soooooo underrated bikes!

[@KaplanCycles]

Thats what I meant but was looking at 3 pistons on one side. Raw no script mistakes and misquote happen.

[@timtripp4222]

@@KaplanCycles No biggie! Did that xb sell? I looked on your website for it! Nice bike!

[@KaplanCycles]

Its being listed on eBay today

[@mrd4335]

Hi Ken, Hope your well. Your doing a great job and bringing fun, Knowledge and entertainment to the motorcycle community at a these difficult covid times and good people recognise that?? Never let sad n lost people bring you down! Thanks from Bikers in the UK we love the channel. Paul, Bournemouth (:

[@hectorrivera7722]

Great bike kap God bless America 🇺🇸

[@aircooled2068]

Your killing me man! I sold my 02 thunderbolt 3 weeks ago and bought a Yamaha 600! Big mistake!! The Yamaha feels like I'm riding a freekin sewing machine,the buell was the most fun bike ive ever had, period!!!

[@mariorossi8929]

What'd you do ??

[@adventureswithtbird8087]

I think the fire bolts and the xb's were built in East Troy Wisconsin. You might be right about the chassis being built in Italy. I have an Xb 12, but I'm trying to get some Hammer Dan cylinders and pistons for.

[@Eduardo_Chaves]

We are bold. We are Buell!

[@wickedbeardz]

Harley was so dumb to do what they did to Eric and the buell. Best motorcycle ive ever owned.

[@jonnymac8925]

I am looking for a mint XB12SCG and when I find one that catches my eye you best believe I am snatching it up! The price down there is insane tho, 12k USD for an XB9? Come up here to Canada and buy all the XB9's and XB12's for sale between $6000-8000 Canadian (like $5000-6000 USD), that being said they have went up in price the last two years and they will continue to!

[@keystonerider1308]

$12 grand?? Get on Facebook. Under 5k all day long no matter year model miles.

[@jonnymac8925]

@@keystonerider1308 tell that to the dummies that are paying that, I never once said I would😂

[@jarihyytiainen5366]

Buell for life 🔊 I ha have xb9s 2003 for 11 years and dont wanna sell it..

[@clintloren1392]

great looking bike Ken .I love mine and the ride is the best that H-D EVER PUT OUT .Have you got piston rings for a 1975 ss250 .I just had to have another one . say hello to the family for me .

[@rattyratstuff7125]

how much? no joke if its a reasonable price ill be out there next weekend. my first bike had 3200 when i bought it. sold it 2 years later with close to 30.

[@duuhwinning6589]

Love my buells.... super trippy bikes.... almost too super handling!!

[@Aciecarter238]

Just got my 1st buell today. It's yhe cyclone with big tank an wide Seat.

[@StingrayOfficial]

I got to test ride one of these exact bikes new back in 2003. I decided that I couldn't afford it at the time. Is it time for me to buy one?

[@conantdog]

Beautiful machine 👀👀

[@crunchytheclown9694]

only bike i would consider with harley parts, very nice

[@chrisdigital]

I currently own a 2017 triumph street cup. While it may not look like the buell, it's the closest thing in my opinion made to date as far as feel and fun factor.

[@indy500tabasco8]

still got my xb12x Ulysses. Love it.

[@richardmorris7063]

Ken,in your adopt a bike program I'd like to adopt this puppy!I'm not much into sport bikes but I'd make an exception for this masterpiece.

[@timlavance867]

1996 S1 lighting..love it!!!

[@team2sick850]

Kaplans, lets get a video of sr. an jr. top 5 bikes at the musem of your choice and top 5 best performance bikes for everyone to try and get a ride on in their life time. God Bless East Coast Champs

[@KaplanCycles]

Easy peasy. They are the bikes we ride!

[@bobrowley4346]

Thanks for the vid! I love Buells, never owned one, never ridden one but I want to so badly. V-twin superbikes are the only ones that really interest me, and I've owned or ridden a plethora of I-4 bikes... meh. For now, I'll keep settling for my lowly '05 SV650.

[@Popsaircraftdetail]

That is a beautiful bike

[@user-ys9to2ie7k]

I went to one just like that except white and orange from a Lightning XB9S and the difference was night and day with the performance of the XB9S. Why does the XB9R engine not perform as well as the XB9S? ¿`_

[@xXCWALDROUPXx]

One of these for sale local to me for $2700 but its bedlinered (doesn't look bad tbh) and belt was replaced with chain and sprocket... do I do it

[@brianjacobsen5762]

The Baby Buell.

[@mikenator55]

I'm buying one. Mad at myself for not doing it sooner.

[@bluedogreddog7623]

Badass!

[@KowboyUSA]

Sounds like it's got some power.

[@ronjeremy525]

Those scoops aren't for the intake they are there to help cool the rear cylinder.

[@mattbatt8757]

The one on clutch cable side goes into the air box the one on break cools the motor. It has a reverse fan behind the motor to help pull the air across the motor to cool it. If you don't have one you've never taken it apart so you don't know! Please only add info that is actually true

[@ronjeremy525]

@@mattbatt8757 guess my 08' xb12r is a little different then. They both duct air to the rear cylinder.

[@sonnyseabury4051]

I always wanted to ride one of those. I heard they were pretty quick!

[@rattyratstuff7125]

theres a mod called a hypercharger {according to the harley dealer and custom shop down the street} they told me it creaates about 2-3psi if tuned right.

[@andybowyer3602]

Kenny just to let you know as others may of had same happen to their accounts! You had been wiped off of my notifications!. I only found out because I watch all your videos and I though it strange that you Hadn't uploaded in a while! But you had uploaded i just Hadn't been notified!!! Naughty lubetube!. Anyways business is now resumed and I'm back to annoy you down here in comments 👊✊💨💨💨

[@KaplanCycles]

#censorship

[@ianmangham4570]

Beautiful

[@Craig-t1d]

Still have my 03 XB9r, love it!!

[@davet3947]

Fond memories

[@Bi-PolarBurnout]

My name is Harley and I'm not too Keen on Choppers or Sportsters. Which doesn't leave me a lot of options and nobody wants to see me riding around on a Honda CRF250L but I've always loved the Buells. You are right senior Harley-Davidson needs to again Target the younger demographic I would sell my soul for a Harley Enduro.

[@justingonzalez9854]

What is that little wheel thats down by the exhaust tip???

[@db3170]

6 pot front caliper...tasty

[@edwincasillas3938]

I came straight to the comments section just to see if someone corrected him on that ;)

[@stussels]

im into these 900's

[@LouieYouTube]

Bad ass bike

[@akasuperfan]

Did you put a new drive belt on it?

[@jamesdavis7881]

Had an s1 white lightning 20 plus yrs ago.... man.... I had an absolute blast on that beast..... my now ex wife was adamant that I get rid of it because she was terrified of me riding it.... I still kick myself for selling it.... ugh.... but I also got rid of the wife.... best decision I ever made!!!! Hmmmm.... I think it's time for a Buell to return!!!! That one is a total dime piece!!!!!

[@evanellis418]

Can I ask you How Much Did $ that particular XB9R sell for???

[@tokyosmash]

The mic toss at 2:06 😂

[@demetriadi3849]

Sounds good.

[@gearheadindustriesmedia6890]

How tall are you mate? I’m 6”3

[@chrisdigital]

It's actually a six piston caliper.

[@joegilly1523]

That’s a nice bike

[@robbocinski3682]

Dumbest thing Harley Davidson ever did was cut that buell line those bikes rock,my friend had a new xb11 yellow