Buellshopper

Hello all. I know this is a fairly new section of the forum, but I'll give it a shot anyhow. I currently own an 84 Kawasaki Ninja. I was hangin' in a Harley shop, actually buying some boots, and I happened over to the Buells because I had heard so much about them. I got to talking to a salesman, and he invited me back for a test ride (it was rainy that day). I went back the next day actually as it cleared up and the weather was beautiful. At first I was like "No way" because of the engine and how much it vibrated at idle. But I rode it and enjoyed it a lot. The more and more I thought about it, the more and more I wanted it. So I'm looking to take the plunge into buying my first new bike.

What I'm basically looking for here is some input on the bike, and harley dealership service. My main worry is that any and all service is going to have to be done by the dealer or else my warranty is voided. And I know how that racket can go. Owning a japanese sportbike, I've heard so many stories about Honda, etc. dealerships charging like outrageous amounts of money for scheduled dealer services (like 600 mile, 2000 mile, etc.) I was just wondering what you Buell owners had experienced as far as dealership service, etc.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

PHAT-BOY

You thinking about the XB9R Firebolt or the XB9S Lightning? I don't personally own a Buell, but I have 4 friends that do, and they love them. They are a nice bike, and great for hitting the twisties. Not much for the long haul though, as I borrowed one once for an all day poker run. BAD IDEA for a fat guy!! They have put aftermarket pipes on them, done headwork, and many other modifications, and I don't know of one of them that has ever had a problem with his. It's a solid bike from what I know.

As far as the dealerships are concerned, I think it depends on your area. The dealerships around here are great, don't try to rob you, and know their stuff. But then again, I live in a smaller town (130,000) and they have to be more careful of their reputations. Besides the mileage services, I don't know that you'll have it in the shop too much.

Best of Luck!

Buellshopper

I'm guessing you're a harley owner yourself, so maybe you can answer a question that I probably already know the answer to. If I do the services myself, does it void my warranty? I would imagine so. Also, you say your friends have done headwork, I'm guessing that would void the warranty on the engine as well.

PHAT-BOY

Well, what the dealership doesn't know won't hurt them. My dealership has no problem with me changing my own fluids, they actually showed me how when I bought the bike. I don't know that fluid changes void any warranties, but you may want to check. It's nice to tool on your own scoot, and I enjoy that, as do most riders I know. Just ask around, and see if they'll give you a list of recent Buell purchasers to call and see how they like their bikes and the service.

And yes, I ride an 01 Fatboy.

Good luck!

Buellshopper

any more input? it looks like i might have to wait a couple of weeks or more now, but definitely before the end of march i'm hoping! going to do some more test riding soon though.

In The Wind

I once was sucked up in the japanese bike world. I said all the customary stuff: way to much money; way to noisey; who wants to ride a vibrator (every chick I know) ; they drop nuts and bolts like exhaust yattittyyattitttyyattitttyy. I got shopping a couple years ago. I went and looked at the Yams and the Ho's and the Kaw's and then I stopped at the Harley shop. I can only say that when the student is ready the teacher will come. I got on that big expensive vibrating breaking down bolt dropping set of two wheeled awesome asskicking power dispensing beast and I have looked only forward since. If the bottom fell out of my life tomorrow and I lost my Harley I would do what I had to in order to replace it. I would not ride a Japasneeze scooter again unless it was what I had to do to get on another Harley. Maintenance is not a factor, how nice the dealer is is not a factor, reliability is not a factor-the bike with it's awesome power and it's wring out the last drop reliability and the absolute pride of ownership makes it a whole different experience unlike no-other riding experience I have ever known before. I never had comeraderie with my Honda's and Yamaha's based simply on the fact that I was "part of the family". I have learned that is a Harley/Buell earmark and that trait in the biker world came from Harley/Buell riders.

Don't even give it a thought. You'll soon know what it means to say-If I Have to explain you couldn't understand-

PHAT-BOY

I read an article in either Hot Rod Bike or American Iron, and they loved the bike. Sounds like a great machine.

MBR2003

Well, I have about 800 miles on my XB9R. So far so good. I love the bike. The Harley Dealership where I am is great. Like PHAT-Boy said, the dealership showed me how to change my fluids when I bought the bike but there are certain things that will void the warrently like installing parts that are not factory. That means either going with mods like the buell race kit, or putting the original parts on when something breaks.

The maintence scedule is for about every 2500 miles (basic fluids)on the firebolt with a fairly major overhaul being every 10,000 miles (wheel bearings, belt, plugs). but other than that it is a pretty care free bike. My dealer recommended that I should bring it in for the very first post break in service, (1000 miles) and that after that if I was comfortable with tools (which I am) doing the basic services myself with the big services being handled by the dealer. He assured me doing so would keep my warrenty intact as long as I keep records.

Sorry for the long post, hope this helps. I love the bike though and have been very impressed with Buell/HD so far.

-Matt