Should You Buy A Buell?

[@jerrywithaj6765]

Nice rev matching. Here in South Africa we have a strong Buell community. With all the advise, most parts available or alternative parts being available, im so glad i went with a Buell. Cost of running is also significantly less than a 4 banger.

[@steverollins4690]

Buell guy here, love my various Buells and have for a long time. They work for me!

[@kylehazelton]

My xb9s fits me like a glove, i love it! I also have a 99 x1 that i bought as a project. Im itching to get the x1 road worthy again

[@mattgwardesq]

Should you buy a Buell? Um... Yes.

[@steve-zg3xp]

Xb12 is up there in the best 5 bikes of all time category

[@MrTottanham]

I have one for sale if you wanna buy it 😂

[@lazyliko5641]

@@MrTottanham I’ll trade for a 1980 Yamaha XS1100

[@jamesm5192]

I don't really get why it got qualified as "difficult to own"... Or "a pain once you get into the city"

[@steve-zg3xp]

@@jamesm5192 me neither, look if you know nothing about the bike and phone Harley for a part without a part number you may battle. Regarding city..... Makes no sense it pulls in any gear at almost any speed. My only "complaint" as such is it could use 30 or 40 kmph more on top speed. Also it's a perfect first bike and forever bike...

[@garyteague9555]

I have the buell blast 500 p3 and it’s fun to ride

[@paullacey2999]

Worst thing H-D ever did offloading Buell...I still secretly love em because they were so different👍

[@craigpennington1251]

100% correct. H.D.'s thinking is on a different planet.

[@james_chatman]

I had to sell my Ulysses during the pandemic and it was one of the biggest regrets of my life. These bikes are easy to love.

[@ashtonmariefranklin1981]

I myself own an 03 XB9R Firebolt. It has ohlins rear shock, vortec valving in yhe front forks, The later designed ZTL2 front brake setup, EBR race kit muffler, and a modified rear swing arm with adjustable chain drive conversion setup. Engine was fully refreshed, the Heads Ports where cleaned up but not really ported. I got the factory buell accessorie airbox bag, beetle bags and thicker memory foam. I just love how the buell handles and the low RPM torque of the vtwin. Just a fun back road bike and a great city bike with its light feeling and quick handling.

[@elite7789]

I love my buells. I aim to collect them. My first bike was an 05 XB12R, I just picked up an 08 1125R, and Im hoping to add more before they all find their death.

[@jeffbaxter-je9qd]

I have 3 1125Rs I have 2 08s and a 09. I love these bikes and if you plan to own one then you need to know how to work on them, the parts are out there and they really aren't bad on price when it comes to bodywork learn how to do paint and buy used or spend the money on new in carbon or fiberglass. These engines ate awesome and last. Hell I have 30,000miles on my 2009 and all I've done is maintenance and a regulator on this bike and she as still an amazing bike

[@fvgc454ss]

09 xb12s, 2000 x1, 98 s1, 2015 1190sx. Love em. Xb12 lighting is the funnest bike ever. And I've had close to 15 different liter bikes

[@plap.]

awesome bikes, very reliable, my 03 XB9R has 80k miles on the OD. Also crap loads of parts cross reference to other stuff. They need basic maintenance and not much else

[@matthewstevenson1267]

Love my XB9R. Picked it up for 3k too. Has 8,800 miles. Spotless.

[@kylehazelton]

Thats an awesome deal!

[@moddude101]

I used to own a XB9 SX. I put about 17,000 mi on it and it had about 35,000 mi or more when I got rid of it. I do miss it dearly and I would Love to have another. They are getting older now. You're right about finding a competent mechanic. I had the Harley dealer work on mine, I also worked at a Harley dealer lol But they were saying at the time that they might stop working on buells and this was 5 years ago or so. But if I ever got another one I would definitely find a good mechanic even though I did some light stuff myself. My bike was butter smooth on the low end I was actually amazed how smooth the bike is compared to even new bikes at the time. There might be something up with your tuning or you may need a TPS reset. Also pretty much every time I rode my bike the fan would kick in as soon as It was shut off unless I was an extremely cold day. I noticed your bike didn't do that. They're great bikes to own though and ride. The bike was way ahead of its time and even new bikes are to compare.

[@kylehazelton]

The fan does kick on, depends on the heat cycle its in, the fan needs to be replaced though, the bearings in it are shot. Ive been messing with the tps reset, but my idle adjustment doesn't feel healthy, trying to get it set where the butterfly is confidently closed is a pain because of whatever is going on with it. I think the tune is fine, but id like to go through it and replace the intake and exhaust seals, and take a peak at my oil pump drive gear, and test the charging system. Mine just rolled 40k miles yesterday.

[@Niagararider]

My xb9sx is the best bike I’ve owned out of many. So many things Buell got right. Only issue now is parts.

[@marl0nbrand01]

Great points for folks considering picking up an XB, especially agree to the point you made for considering the incalculably valuable benefit of living in an area with a friendly and experienced Buell mechanic nearby. I’ve been an 09XB9SX owner in L.A for a little over a year now and I’ve had the fortune of having found a really down to earth Buell enthusiast/mechanic out here locally. Granted, I have mostly self taught myself basic maintenance and intentionally keep my bike in tip top condition so I haven’t had any major problems I couldn’t take on myself but I’ve received suggestions, pointers, tips and tricks worth their weight in gold from my mechanic. It’s just comforting to know I already have someone I can trust if I ever need to bring my bike to them for something beyond my skills or time limits. As for parts, I personally haven’t encountered much difficulty with finding what I needed to replace but yes it’s true prices are starting to climb. Aftermarket support is also somewhat spotty but it’s there for body and mechanical components. Bottom line, these are incredibly fun machines with a very attractive and unique they-don’t-make-‘em-like-they-used-to appeal for a lot of people the world over so admiration and support for them on forums, Reddit, KZbin and such remains surprisingly vibrant. And that’s likely to remain that way for decades to come. I wouldn’t recommend an XB for the mechanically challenged or to have as a use and abuse machine - quickest way to spend lots of money. It’s best for the motorcycle hobbyist and enthusiast willing to impeccably maintain theirs and occasionally turn a wrench.

[@kylehazelton]

Very well said, thanks!

[@darryllspalding9680]

yeah fcuk HD

[@darryllspalding9680]

i owned an RSS for awhile , its still in town , doesnt look like it used too, i have an 08 XB short Lightning owes me $40,000, yeo

[@darryllspalding9680]

fcukn touch screens, yep that much, Al and Jo , American Sportbike , lots o money spent there. cheers

[@darryllspalding9680]

saint pauls HD can most probably cater for your Buell requirements

[@chrismelton6117]

That Hero Blue has always been an eye-catcher! AWESOME!

[@kylehazelton]

Hey man! I remember you from the Buell group on FB

[@dodgezilla1012]

I just bought a new to me 08 xb9sx with 32,000 miles. First ride, I made it 1/4 mile before it went into a speed wobble. It dropped me off in the ditch and flipped 3 times. Not sure what went wrong, but thankfully I just ended up with a bone bruise. It’s going to be ok though. I’m getting better everyday and I’ve already got all the parts to fix her back up good as new.

[@kylehazelton]

Speed wobbles are usually caused by improperly set, or worn out suspension. Tire pressures can play a small factor, in conjunction with suspension as well. Hopefully you get her back on the road, sorry to hear man.

[@dodgezilla1012]

@@kylehazelton the guy I bought it from said he just had the forks resealed, but I don’t know. I’m not laying the blame on him, hell, it may have been something I did wrong

[@norseman5041]

I have had Buell's since 2008, The bike I have had the least problem with is my XB12 Scg. It can be problematic to change the spark plugs but with a small rubber tube over the plug will ease the process getting a new one in place. I do ALL the maintenance myself on very bike I have.

[@frankcastle5294]

Simple answer: No. Buells are relatively easy to do basic oil and filter and primary lube servicing. But working on the rest of the bike is both tedious and one hell of a vertical learning curve.

[@kylehazelton]

The Buell community is unlike any other ive seen. If the individual looking at a Buell loves it enough, there's help in the community to get them going and keep the machine healthy. We also have a few very skilled individuals in the community that are seemingly endless books of knowledge. I hear what youre saying though. These are not bikes that should be purchased by someone who "just wants a motorcycle" theyre bikes for someone who loves them and the company.

[@Antonymous01]

Man! I miss my Buell! May not be the fastest bikes around, but I loved the sound (Jardine can) and the character! They handle well too.

[@frankiemac8891]

I had a couple 1996 Buells and to me that is the best year. I was the Buell specialist at the HD dealership I worked at. Was in the San Francisco Bay Area.

[@gvs5318]

Should you buy a Buell? By all means yes, I own a 1125, Ulyssess and an EBR 1190. They're cheap and if you need parts, just buy a parts bike

[@Gloomshadow100]

that motor is rock solid I got 2 of them... dont worry sounds fine

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

I know someone who’s got 75k on their 2008 xb12xt …0 issues…crossed the country several times on that bad boy…the later models had most of the kinks worked out of them especially with the oil pump drive gear …it’s like most bikes I guess…if you do the basic maintenance shit tends to last …I’ve got almost 80k on my Yamaha FZ09 the only issue I’ve had is the turn signal switch starting acting up about a month ago 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@kylehazelton]

I might be looking at doing the oil pump drive gear before i ride my again for the season. Last case oil change had a couple chunks in it. Mine is an 03 and im pretty sure they were the most problematic years.

[@kylehazelton]

Thats awesome to hear about the FZ-09. I bought mine new and only racked up about 5k on it so far. Its one of my absolute favorite machines!

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

@@kylehazelton yeah unfortunately the 03 still have the steel drive gear …just swap it with the bronze one ( still very available though Harley’s sportster performance market) …as for the FZ…the only thing i can suggest is do your valves at around 10-12 k …the exhaust side comes tight from the factory, after 80 k on mine I’ve never had to adjust the intake side just the exhaust 5 times … you’ll know they need to be done when the bike has a hard time starting when warm

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

@@kylehazelton also if you delete your cat and get the ECU flashed (bypassing the O2 sensor) you can run a small amount of lead additive (or 112 leaded race fuel), this greatly increases the longevity of the valve service intervals as the lead cushions the valve seats and keeps the valves from tightening up… I mix race fuel 3:1 every once in a while through my fuel system and it has kept the carbon build up down and I’ve gone 20k miles without having to adjust the valves (but I did check them to be sure)

[@kylehazelton]

@local enterprise broadcasting i appreciate the tip. It has a decat system and o2 delete currently

[@chaleowin7732]

I owned an 01 X1 and an 06 Firebolt. Fun! Lots of mods, lots of smiles.

[@tylerfabish5578]

I have a white xb12r on my channel. I miss the hell out of that bike. Super fun

[@joemannix7471]

I have a 05 that my friend built as a track bike. He decided that it would be easier to test drive if it were registered. The registration lists the make as assembled from parts. Asm-pts. The title lists it as home made. It's a really fun bike but I would be afraid to ride in in any other states. It seems to be immune from law enforcement in this state but it probably would be impounded in many others. It has no signal lights, no speedometer or instruments of any kind. It had no mirrors until i put on little bar end mirrors. I have had better motorcycles, faster motorcycles, more refined motorcycles, but it is in my top two for fun.

[@chrisdeeulio1204]

Had an 09 Buell XB12scg, and man I miss that bike, super fun to ride, tones of caracter with lots of torque......... but not a good bike for someone who wants simplicity and reliability with the ease of maintenance of a Japanese bike, you gotta be really into these bikes for them to be worth it.......... just sayin I now own a z1000

[@markhalse865]

Been riding Buells since 1998-cyclone then lightning12ss Most fun bikes to ride I have ever had-still have the XB Erik was ahead of his time

[@kylehazelton]

He absolutely was, i love my xb!

[@AndrewJaws]

Clicks video, pauses video before watching... the answer: YES. Don't think, just do.

[@craigpennington1251]

Man, you guys have No Traffic. Must be nice. Everybody's trying to run over each other down here all the time. Crazy. Always did like Buells. Was a Buell/Harley dealership 50 miles from my house. But when I inquired about the Buells, was immediately directed to the H.D. line up. After I further inquired about them, the sales guy just left. That's why they didn't do well. Why would dealerships have a product to sell if they feared it? Motorcycles are a different deal. Was getting lots better, then the bottom fell out again. Plus, now, all we got is gov. mandated BS & high pricing.

[@kylehazelton]

Everything today is for the benefits of the rich elites at the expense of the consumer. Harley has always been like that though. And the new company just seems to be some rich investment company that had no business taking the rights of Buell like they did, given the direction theyre taking things.

[@joh9836]

I still miss my XB9SX...Sold it for more than what I payed new, and body parts where rare....Thanks for the video

[@ohedd]

Your intuition is so wrong on the economics of Buell parts. The parts are expensive because supply is limited. And the bikes are also cheap _precisely_ because the supply of parts is limited. Consumers who may want a Buell know going in that parts are expensive, therefore in order to get consumers to buy Buells, sellers must offer them at a lower price point in order to attract buyers away from alternative bikes. So it all makes perfect sense.

[@JP-ec9rl]

I sort of miss my Ulysses. It was a great bike living in the mountains but damn, if you don't have at least a 34 inch inseam it was a reach to the ground. The torque and handling characteristics were great for a twisty road enthusiast though.

[@bobbarron6969]

You got me wondering which road you're mentioning. I ride my Cyclone between Oshkosh and Fond du Lac regularly and I agree that those frost heaves on hwy 45 will jar your fillings loose. I got my bike at a good price, but the maintenance was neglected, and bringing it up to date has required a lot of scrounging for parts and haunting eBay. The degree to which this is a PITA over time should not be overlooked if considering a tube framed bike. Still, it's a thrilling bike to ride and I've had to up my game to ride it properly.

[@kylehazelton]

Hwy 45 when nearing fondy, the road just becomes unbearable. Im glad the previous owner decked this xb out in style. I see the scarcity and risk of getting scammed on these parts is a nightmare. Some people advocate that its not an issue, but i agree its a PITA.

[@Michael-r4c9i]

My favorite thing to do after a long work week is hopping on th R1 and have conversations with myself 😂

[@mastergivenn]

Soon or later, Chinese will make a good copy of these bikes, you can already find an SWM which is a copy-paste of the Sportster 1200. Usually their engines run smoother. In the meantime…I need one (original)!

[@davew8841]

I wouldn't worry too much about owning an XB model Buell. Any experienced motorcycle mechanic will have no trouble working on one...they're not complicated by any means, and the service manuals are all online these days, anyway. As for consumables like oil filters...even if you can't find old stock...they're a generic size that multiple companies made. Buell's have become enough of a cult motorcycle that Twin Motorcycles in The Netherlands makes and sells improved versions of the bits that wear out.

[@kylehazelton]

The oil filter is a harley part. There are specific maintenance procedures for these machines, based on the chassis this engine is put into. Any ordinary mechanic will not work on these, unless theyre familiar with them. The service manual is one thing i did accidentally leave out, i think every owner shpuld possess one before digging into these. Thanks for the comment

[@davew8841]

The oil filter can be bought new from K&N or Hiflo, even now. My bike is a 2003 XB9S, with 105000kms, that I've had for 7 years now. I had the worn rockers replaced at 98000kms, and the fuel pump assembly rebuilt at 102000kms...though, it hadn't failed yet. They seem to be a very robust motor, if you look after them. I'm in Australia, btw.

[@kylehazelton]

@@davew8841 thats awesome, those are definitely up there in mi/km. Theres a lot of aftermarket companies for the oil filter, i run WIX personally. The fuel pump i believe is actually just a typical ford mustang fuel pump. But the service is particular. I did my fuel pump this past summer, it was not fun. Same can be said about a number of other simple things, due to having to swing the entire engine down from the frame.

[@davew8841]

Yeah...I agree! The compactness makes anything to do with the motor a chore. For it's age...my Buell has been surprisingly low maintenance. I put that down to it being a relatively low-stressed motor....compared to my more modern, liquid cooled, 4 cylinder bikes. It's part of the charm of Buell.

[@aaronfarnsworth7653]

@@kylehazelton I never got around to getting a manual for mine. Probably weren't many or any labeled 2010 shop and electric manuals. I've got some sort of leak at the fuel pump. It sat too long and needs some care to get her back roadworthy. Looks like your signals are still good condition mine all broke. The rubber gave way and one by one, I'd find them dangling on the wires after a ride or even just sitting in the garage. I've seen some stock signals off other brands that would hopefully work or there's the very nice and expensive aftermarket signals from Revzilla. I wonder if the sportster S headlight can be adapted to the SX? Give it a bit of an updated look as if it was still being produced. Plus much better visibility than the little twin headlights.

[@NinjaZXRR]

When these bikes were still in production I found Buell was a good brand if you were lucky enough to own it as a second or third bike. But it was lacking in performance as a main bike. I always liked the way the XB9 / XB12S lightning looked.

[@kylehazelton]

Yea, they didn't become power houses until the 1125 and 1190s, but the earlier models just have a particular charm to them.

[@bjrnarjacobsen5726]

Love from Norway, i own a 03 XB9s and a 09 XB9SX had an 04 XB12S erlier and i find that these bikes don't like city riding. enjoy your bikes and have fun, ride it like you stole it...

[@kylehazelton]

09 xb9sx is on my motorcycle bucket list! My 03' feels great, id love to ride a healthy 09'

[@clockworkbike]

OMG, I have the same issue with my front brake. I'll have to check that contact point. Great video!

[@kylehazelton]

Hopefully thats your issue too, thanks for watching!

[@stwings98]

I’ve got an 05 XB9SX. It’s been a great bike!

[@Pauly365]

Almost got one back when they were new. Janesville dealership has a nice black one with red trim.

[@garyteague9555]

That things sounds so good

[@tylerfabish5578]

Engine isn't gonna blow up. They are Harley 45 degree twins. They make valvetrain noise. I've had 2 Harleys and a Buell. They all made that clicking and rattling. 30k miles total between them and never opened the motor cases. That sounds like a healthy motor. Ride safe

[@arunmasand]

Wow what is that paint job or paint? On your bike I love it! Could you please share much gratitude!

[@kylehazelton]

It is a translucent polycarbonate. They offered multiple colors with the translucent plastics

[@swiitchaaa3870]

Ever go through the Appleton Area?? I swear I’ve seen you before lol sweet bike! I’m going from a street glide to a buell next season I’m 20 years old still like to go fast the cruiser route ain’t for me😂

[@timdurpos3298]

That's just like mine a 09 buell 1203 3000 miles I love it

[@spencerjteal]

Curious about where you’d find information on how to do your own repairs on Buell bikes. I’m fairly mechanically inclined, but I’ve noticed it’s harder to find “how to” videos featuring this bike. Any help?

[@kylehazelton]

The first thing everyone will tell you is to source the service manual for your model and year. Theres several reputable guys in the facebook groups that can give advice. Aagaard Moto Foundry is one of those guys, and he has a KZbin channel as well

[@llano19fly]

IF you buy a BUELL , you will get no support from H-D. Back in early 2000's I went to look at a BUELL ADV. at my local dealer. I liked the bike. However, I was told they had no parts for the bike & would not service it. I left. Back in 2014 I went back to same dealer to see a V-rod that was used, but on their floor. I was ignored by sales staff until I went to find the manager. Maybe they did not like the fact that I rode my V-Max to the dealer & didn't drive their in a Cadillac. I have not been back, nor will I. Harley has lost their way in last 30 yrs. but so has much of USA.

[@kylehazelton]

Harley Davidson meticulously burned the original Buell Motorcycles to the ground. I will not give Harley a dollar of my business in my lifetime. The company is kept afloat by the US government and should have died long ago.

[@llano19fly]

@@kylehazelton I was living in Wisconsin when AMF bought & bailed out H-D. I used to know many old H-D riders & dealers who walked away from them.

[@nenadmomcilovic9133]

Was your bike fan not working ?

[@donaldtrumpenstein9722]

Buell’s are addicting

[@nicholaspetre5452]

Okay. Here’s my question do I offload my DRZ400SM for a buell??? I really want a buell. But I’m curious if I should get rid of my DRZ for it.

[@kylehazelton]

It depends what you're expecting out of the buell and the riding you intend to do. Id much prefer the buell. Im in the process of selling my 2 stroke supermoto right now to invest into my X1

[@jamespolucha8790]

Harley did buell wrong ,I wish someone like Polaris would have backed him up

[@I-IEX4]

Yes definitely

[@robfiumara7935]

You prob just need to do a TPS reset for the in town driveability issue

[@kylehazelton]

Ive done the tps reset. But theres something up with my idle adjuster. It binds and sticks really bad. Makes it nearly impossible to get it to the correct values.

[@mikec7661]

short answer, yes.

[@ApexMotow]

Once a bike is shut off it is impossible for it to get any hotter.

[@CommentingTheTruth]

Looking at a 2009 xb9xb with 16k miles. Is that too many?

[@kylehazelton]

This bike has over 40,000 miles now and is still running great. You can get just about everything for them, if you know where to look. The parts aren't readily available from online distributors like other manufacturers, though. It takes some digging for certain stuff.

[@ciggityliggity7039]

I own that same bike in that same color

[@nathansherrard92]

What backpack is that?

[@kylehazelton]

Vanguard VEO 46 Discover.

[@commenttuff8891]

I found an 04 for $700. Should I get it

[@kylehazelton]

You'd make your money back in the wheels and brakes alone, if theyre in good shape

[@tompava3923]

If you're not floggin it, 100K miles. Easy.

[@Zach2Wheels]

I can save you 15 mins. YES!

[@zero_gear]

theres a bigger support for parts then most realize. all maintenance are available to get, so theres no worry there. theres some body parts and odd parts that may be hard to find if you dont know where to look. working on them is a different story. id say best to learn how to fix it on your own plus its satisfying. the new buells will be sick. i seen the new styles in person and all the pieces are carbon fiber with just the lettering different color options. plus there will be a dirt bike/supermoto type too. also a new ulysses like bike. theres no need for the fan lol. if its hot the fan will kick on until its cooled down.

[@wiphi007]

Bonjour Toi et ta Buell vous n'avez pas de chance, il faut réclamer des routes avec des virages au gouvernement ! Ou venir en Normandie, ici il peut y avoir des routes avec plusieurs virages😁

[@kaipietila]

Love My xb12ss -07, one Guy offered 8500€ , told him that , Mine love IS not going anywhere😁

[@kylehazelton]

Im anticipating for them to be very valuable in the future

[@s.a.i.v]

Nice

[@JessicaSimonson1976]

It is hwy 45

[@JessicaSimonson1976]

Wisconsin resident born raised spent many years running that towards McNaughton, WI to go bow hunting. Buell was bought back by Eric Buell....trying to relaunch the brand. He will still make parts for older Buells if you contact him. He is still making race components, geared to the track.

[@theduderides9532]

2:07 Where the concrete meets the what???

[@kylehazelton]

🤣 hard to talk when the suspension isnt set for me. The seam*** lol

[@mojomania101]

None the wiser from the incoherent 'content'.

[@kylehazelton]

Thanks for the kind words! Im striving to have as good of content as you have, oh wait...

[@pierluigicassano6253]

ABSOLUTELY YESSSSSS....... CAUSE WITH HARLEYS ARE THE BEST 😉💪👍

[@networkbits8958]

junkeroo