Trade FZ6 for a Buell?

[MisterX]

I was hopping around other forums recently spank looking for possible bike ideas for the wife, and I came across an '03 Buell Firebolt XB9R for sale. I've always been a big fan of the Buell's, the way they look, sound, etc., and wouldn't mind having one. However, for me to get the one that I saw, I'd have to outright sell my FZ6. So, what I want to know is, what does anyone here think about that option? The guy is wanting $4,500 for his bike, and it has only 6,200 miles on it. I'm in the process of getting more info from him, so that's all I can tell you at this time.

Thanks in advance.



X

 

[DefyInertia]

I'd check with Wavex in addition to the comments you get in this thread. He just bought one after having 3 FZ6s in a row.

 

[champion221elite]

That Buell Firebolt is a cool looking bike:thumbup:

 

[MisterX]

That Buell Firebolt is a cool looking bike:thumbup:

Yup... it was the first thing that got my attention. After looking into it a bit, it seems to be a rather fine bike. The only problem that I can initially see with it is, even though it's a 984cc bike, it's only a two stroke and is a bit lacking on the power. Then again, I'm not a fast and furious rider. I'm going to go to a Harley dealership in the next couple of days and see how one feels before I make a final decision.

X

 

[mstewar1]

Perhaps you should've done this one as a poll... If you had, I'd vote a definite no. Trading a finely-engineered Japanese bike like an FZ6 for an American-made paint shaker. Personally, I don't get it. But hey, I know that bikes are a very personal thing and you gotta do what suits you. Best of luck with your decision.

 

[champion221elite]

Unless the engine has been changed out, it should be a Harley Davidson sourced V-Twin 4 Stroke motor... not a 2 stroke as your post says.
According to Wikipedia, Erik Buell sources his engines from Harley and then modifies them with high performance parts.

See linky...

Buell® 2003 Firebolt® XB9R

 

[cv_rider]

There's tons of pretty cool looking bikes out there, BUT for us FZ6 lovers the question is... does it have a nice comfy upright riding position? I think most Buells have much more sport-oriented ergos than the FZ6. That is its defining feature, IMHO.

I've always been turned off by Buells' high prices. This one seems well priced, however.

 

[motodude]

Take the bike for a ride. Focus on the feel of the bike. Is it comfortable to you, is it smooth riding or harsh compared to what you are used to? Are the ergos something you can get used to or live with? Yes the bike looks cool, but you are going to have to get used to a different feel so keep that in mind.

I got a friend who likes the feel of both types of engines. His solution was to own them both. I can see how that can happen.

 

[Hellgate]

Yup... it was the first thing that got my attention. After looking into it a bit, it seems to be a rather fine bike. The only problem that I can initially see with it is, even though it's a 984cc bike, it's only a two stroke and is a bit lacking on the power. Then again, I'm not a fast and furious rider. I'm going to go to a Harley dealership in the next couple of days and see how one feels before I make a final decision.

X

Nice. Its funny you mention the displacement. I was going to say you can very easily put on the 1200cc jugs and pistons, probably do it yourself, it you want more power.

Now keep this in mind, and Wavex will be able to anser it for you, the gear box is way, mega klunky, and only a five speed. That said Buells are all about torque and the rider. They are very rewarding to ride.

One final point, the bike will be in the shop much more than the FZ and the bills will be large. That engine is not the bullet proof one that the FZ is.

If it was me and the bike was totally cherry, I'd probably go for it as I really like Buell and what the company is all about.

Not sure however what you mean by two stroke.

 

[Scab]

But you can't make a judgement based on what looks cool. For instance, my second wife looked cool. I rode that and it cost me a house and a couple cars.

 

[Oblisk]

But you can't make a judgement based on what looks cool. For instance, my second wife looked cool. I rode that and it cost me a house and a couple cars.

wow i was just laughing for about 2 min strait

 

[Hellgate]

But you can't make a judgement based on what looks cool. For instance, my second wife looked cool. I rode that and it cost me a house and a couple cars.

I'm with you brother! Only it took me 19 years to get rid of the first wife. Now I'm broke but sane and happy!

 

[motodude]

I'm with you brother! Only it took me 19 years to get rid of the first wife. Now I'm broke but sane and happy!

Ditto "brothers"
She looked good but ran like $&*} Had to get happy no matter the $

 

[MisterX]

Not sure however what you mean by two stroke.

The whole two-stroke thing was about me being misinformed.

As many of you have said, I cannot initially judge the bike by looks alone, and this is definitely something that I am aware of. This is why I am planning on going to the Harley dealership and checking one out. From what I understand, the folks there are pretty cool about letting people check a bike out. Truth be told, other than how the bike runs and handles, the only real thing that does concern me is the whole ergonomic issue. I guess I'll find out how that goes when I go and check one out at the dealership.

X

 

[Hellgate]

The whole two-stroke thing was about me being misinformed.

As many of you have said, I cannot initially judge the bike by looks alone, and this is definitely something that I am aware of. This is why I am planning on going to the Harley dealership and checking one out. From what I understand, the folks there are pretty cool about letting people check a bike out. Truth be told, other than how the bike runs and handles, the only real thing that does concern me is the whole ergonomic issue. I guess I'll find out how that goes when I go and check one out at the dealership.

X

Try to find a good Buell dealership, NOT a Harley dealership, there is a mega, huge, big difference. All Harley shops have a Buell sign because they have to, but if a shop truly gets the Buell thing they will have lots of bikes, gear and smart people to answer your questions. You'll see what I mean.

If you are not sure, post up on Bad Weather Bikers and ask what shop in your area is Buell friendly. Buell Motorcycle Forums, Information, Tech Support, Photos, Performance Parts, & Advice - BadWeB

 

[FZTofer]

Dual Headlights on it and it is one mean bike... :rockon:

 

[billm]

I don't know much about Buells, but I think that the one you're looking at is considered a "Sport Rider" (XB9R) & the more comfortable one is a "Street Fighter" (XB9S).
The latter is more upright like WaveX's ride, and to me would be the one I'd look for!
Better PM him to make sure - or go to a dealer.
Just FYI for you.

 

[Wavex]

I was hopping around other forums recently spank looking for possible bike ideas for the wife, and I came across an '03 Buell Firebolt XB9R for sale. I've always been a big fan of the Buell's, the way they look, sound, etc., and wouldn't mind having one. However, for me to get the one that I saw, I'd have to outright sell my FZ6. So, what I want to know is, what does anyone here think about that option? The guy is wanting $4,500 for his bike, and it has only 6,200 miles on it. I'm in the process of getting more info from him, so that's all I can tell you at this time.

Thanks in advance.



X

I think the price is good, but you need to see it in person and ride it first if you can. The ergos are indeed different on the R model... if you want a more upright riding position, you may want to look into the XB bikes (which FZTofer posted above), even though both the R and 1125 models are pretty comfy for having more aggressive ergos.

After looking into it a bit, it seems to be a rather fine bike. The only problem that I can initially see with it is, even though it's a 984cc bike, it's only a two stroke and is a bit lacking on the power. Then again, I'm not a fast and furious rider. I'm going to go to a Harley dealership in the next couple of days and see how one feels before I make a final decision.

It's a 4 stroke V-Twin, and it will spank the FZ for anything under 100mph, so I am not sure why you think it lacks power
My XB is a 1200cc, and I can tell you it`ll eat up the FZ in a straight line for anything below 100mph, or in a tight canyon road (that's also thanks to the superior suspension, brakes, and lower center of gravity).

Perhaps you should've done this one as a poll... If you had, I'd vote a definite no. Trading a finely-engineered Japanese bike like an FZ6 for an American-made paint shaker. Personally, I don't get it. But hey, I know that bikes are a very personal thing and you gotta do what suits you. Best of luck with your decision.

I am sorry, but having riding both bikes I can tell you the FZ has much more vibs in the bars than the Buells, especially between 6k & 9k rpms. The Buell will shake at idle, but that's about it. As soon as you take off and through 130mph top speed, the bars are smooth as silk.

Now keep this in mind, and Wavex will be able to anser it for you, the gear box is way, mega klunky, and only a five speed. That said Buells are all about torque and the rider. They are very rewarding to ride.

One final point, the bike will be in the shop much more than the FZ and the bills will be large. That engine is not the bullet proof one that the FZ is.

The geabox on my XB is indeed a little clunky when cold, but nothing worse than the gearbox on the FZ.

"In the shop much more than the FZ"? I beg to differ sir Buell's reliability is much better now compared to a decade ago... yes there are always issues here and there, but the FZ is not immune either. Plus you don`t have to lub a chain every weekend and no expensive valve adjustment EVER on the Buells!

 

[4drfocus]

I don't want to thead jack, but if Wavex could offer his o2.I found an 08' xb12r 1200cc for 8.5k, 9.1k OTD it has 1784 miles,comfort seat & tank bag from buell,the bikes in mint condition and just serviced,the owner was a 62 year old collector, is it a good deal or should I keep looking ? thanks

 

[MisterX]

Thanks Wavex for a input. I really appreciate it. :thumbup:

Anyway, I went to the Harley dealer today (don't have a pure Buell dealer anywhere close) and checked out what they had in stock. The new ones were priced higher than I was willing to pay. However, they did have an '06 XB9SX with only 7,500 miles on it. For the most part, it looks like the XB12. That is, there's more of an upright position than on the Firebolt. Plus, it has the street fighter look to it, which on this bike, I actually like. I sat on it to see how it felt, and I have to say, it felt good. Being that it was raining here today, I didn't get to test it out, but I should be able to tomorrow. That will determine if I will sell my FZ6 and then eventually get one.

Thanks everyone for your input and suggestions. Understand that I am in no way unhappy with my FZ6. On the contrary, I love my bike. However, I've always liked the Buell's as well. Worse case scenario is that I get a Buell, hate it, sell it, get another FZ6.

X