Buell XB12

I have always fancied a Buell, now I am thinking of outing my Z1000 ,
and looking for an XB12, but I have heard all sorts of bad things
about them, apart from them not being made any more, does any one have
any experience of them?

 

No, but it seems a bit bonkers to buy such an unreliable bike now that
spares supply is likely to be a tad patchy.

 

I looked long and hard at the Buell XB12 before I bought the Zed, even took
one for an afternoon. Great handling *far* better than the Zed, but too
small, too vibraty and too little tank range. They run out of puff sooner
than I exected and just as a "normal" bike is about to try ripping your arms
out from the acceleration, the Buell needs another cog.

I'd still like one for roads like the Snake Pass because of the way they go
around bends, but other than that, it's a non starter for me and there are
more "normal" roads than Snake Pass-a-likes.

 

petel had one IIRC. He used to tow a big magnet behind to catch the bolts
as they dropped out of the frame.

 

Village People bike. Is this a coming out post ?

 

I need something to keep my MX 5 company.

 

In communiqué

Heh. Buells do have a dubious reliability reputation. The early ones had
issues with engine mountings IIRC (doesn't one of them rely on what was
only meant as a head steady on the Harley motor?). Having said that,
those who I have spoken to that have ridden one say they are great fun.

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I had a ride on a White Lightning demonstrator: loved it (didn't test
the handling that far YBH but it seemed absolutely fine) but the
reliability issues put me off. Mostily I think it's nothing a bit of
loctite wouldn't solve, but I did read about one being used on track
and losing its gearbox.

 

Have you considered an Aprilia Tuono? Stick a 180/55 (you might get a
190/55 to fit but it would be snug) on the rear and enjoy.

The upright riding positon plus, I suspect, the small fairing, can
give severe neck ache at higher speeds though.

 

The one that petel had (has?) is the previous generation, the XB12 is
quite a big step forward.

I rode one and loved it, but didn't feel confident enough to buy one

 

..... seems to sum up the general trend.
I did look at one when I bought my Z1000, but discounted it on account
of it's size, but thought the longer ("s" is it?) version might suit,
and the reports of reliability issues, nothing I have has changed my
mind so I'll forget it. Thanks.

A Tuono ? Hmmm...

 

Sir needs a talking too. The bad stories seem to out number the good
stories by about 10 to 1. You really need to think about this, all the
usual stuff about bits falling off but also because what is a low tech
cruiser motor is put in a position where it can get ragged senseless.
Engine reliability then starts to be an issue, gearboxes are not
unknown to play up. I am not an expert on these but at too many
rallies I have heard the "brilliant when its running well but...... &
buy loctite..." stories.

Hey what do I know I like SOBMW boxers
<Lozzo to the diatribe phone>

Boxerboy

 

Confident enough in your sexuality? I can see that.