Buell reliability

kkhalil76 · Nova Slayer Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Karma :

Currently have a Honda XR125L on a CBT, and wondering what bike to get after I get my direct access (probably sometime early next year). Always thought I'd go for a Buell CityX (mainly commute to and from work in central London), although lately been starting to think KTM or a Honda FMX650 (probably the XR's influence). Can anyone tell me if the Buell CityX is a good/reliable commuter? Thanks.

BFG · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Karma :

I had a Buell XB9R and I loved it. It was bloody brilliant.

When I got it there was a 10mm hole in the drive belt, where a stone had got caught in the pulley. I thought I'd leave it till it went and just do local trips - because it was expensive (£160) and cos I wanted to see what it felt like when it popped.

600 miles later I was wheelieing it to try and make it snap. One day it went on the way into town. It felt just like I'd gone into neutral by mistake. Changing the belt looks complicated, but once you get into it, it's easier than doing a chain IMHO.

The bike always started first time every time, even with stage 1 tune. I was the second owner but the service update notices found me and were excellent. Had one minor recall notice which was done free of charge.

All in all a great bike. The city X is basically the same I think. Smile

kkhalil76 · Nova Slayer Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Karma :

Thanks BFG

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

From what I've read if your journeys anything over 10 miles a day and you don't have any form of transport then don't get a Buell.

Did a fair bit of research and they arent the most reliable things in the world. When they do go wrong they tend to do alot of damage to the engine internals as well. Confused

Having said that I've read the 2005 onwards bikes are more reliable due to slightly different internals and/or top end. Can't remember which and this may all be rubbish.

kkhalil76 · Nova Slayer Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Karma :

It's a 6 mile commute one way. I did some reading as well as seems to be mixed feedback. Each time I tell myself to go for a sensible choice like a hornet, I see or hear the buell and then there's no more doubt in my mind...

SVhovis650s · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 18 Nov 2006 Karma :

how about a SV650
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Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

6 mile commute isnt really a problem. If it does break down then you can just use public transport/jump on a pushbike if needbe. having a back up bike would be a good idea though if you could afford it.

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

I've had expensive problems on two XB9R's that I used to service back in 04 but i recently had a chat with a chap with an 06 model and he reckoned they had got a lot better since then.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Well I have an '03 XB12R. I've owned it for almost a year and I've only had one problem with it (which wasn't self inflicted).

That was after I had gotten my steering head bearings tightened by the dealer I bought it from because they got a bit *ahem* loose (Self inflicted... well possibly G inflicted! Smile

).

When I got the bike back the sidestand was a bit loose, and I made the mistake of riding it like that. The sidestand fell off.

The sidestand was fine when I left it at the dealer but they say it wasn't their fault. I don't know what happened but this is the only unexplainable thing that has ever happened to the bike.

Other than that the bike has been day to day reliable come rain or shine. The only other issue I've had is an occasional flat battery when I haven't used it for some time. I've got an optimate now and all is dandy.

I've just lowered the gearing and put a Muller power clutch in there. Its now a lot easier to ride at low speed. I've not tried to give it a handful since then as it has been raining constantly every time I wanted to take it out since last week!

I'm really looking forward to giving it some gas to see how the wheelies are now the gearing has been lowered!!

Other than that I've found the engine to be full of grunt, Ideal for the road. The handling is top notch and it sounds beautiful. The brakes are excellent but are supposed to fade on track, but I've never taken it on track so can't say through personal experience.

To those people (such as Reuben) who have little experience of Buells but claim they are unreliable:

Try one out yourself! Many (nearly all) of the Buell issues that are bandied about on the net relate to the Buell Blast! that wasn't exactly a success! Yeah so Buell aren't exactly Honda, but I know people with Hondas who've had more issues with their bikes than I have with the Buell, and I know people with Ducatis who seem to rarely have them running.

I also know people with reliable Hondas and reliable Ducatis... go figure!! Smile

{edit} But I don't know anyone with a Reliable RGV250 VJ22...! {edit}
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

In Reubens defence I believe he went to Warrs in Mottingham for a test ride and they recommend you don't use them for commuting, in the rain or in the cold.

They (Warrs) also won't warrant corrosion problems if its been used in the rain, over winter or stored outside. Didn't amuse the copper on the royal protection team who owned the bike.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

I've ridden mine in the wet and cold a number of times, and it has no worse corrosion than any other bike I've owned.

In fact, the SV I owned was much much worse...
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

kkhalil76 · Nova Slayer Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Karma :

Hmm, looks like I'm back where I started. Oh well, I'll probably end up buying one anyway

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

I've done a fair bit of research into Buell's and would love to own one. However from what I've read, researched and who I've spoken to riding a Buell everyday all year round and having no back up vehicle wouldnt be a good idea. I also decided not to bother spending a fair amount of money on the bike where the fuel is in the frame, especially with my tendencies of not staying upright. Was unable to get a ride due to my restriction, and Wave was too young at the time so no Buell test ride. Sad

Alot of Buell's (I beleive the XB's) came with the wrong torque setting on the cranks, or something along those lines, leading to obvious problems. Recently read about how letting the oil get too low leads to instant engine implosion, granted not a good idea on any bike, however I've done it on my GPZ and it still runs fine.

Actually Sickpup the guy who run's the place uses he's Buell for commuting, everytime I've gone past it's been there, however I often pass him and he takes it very gently on his commute, whereas I thrash my GPZ from cold, and it still works.

Having asked on UKBEG there was unanimous advice to stick with a Jap bike if it's the only form of transport so...

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

ZRX61 · Victor Meldrew Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Karma :

The only manufacturer to recall EVERY bike they ever made.. most more than once... They make '60's Jawa's look reliable...
& if the shop says not to ride in the wet or cold WTF is the point importing them into the UK in the first fucking place??

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

You seemed to have missed the point Marjay.

As a commuting tool a Jap bike is going to be alot better. It can take that sort of abuse to a small degree, a Buell will not tolerate it in the slightest, and is likely to break down even when treated very well if the people I have spoken to, dealers and owners (in person and via the internet) are anything to go by.

For a 6 mile commute in London I'd be tempted to get the Buell, but accept that it is most likely to break down at some point and to be prepared to jump on the train/bus.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

No I haven't missed the point Reuben!

I have an XB12R. An '03 model.

I've owned it for a year, commuted to my office in Reading for most of that, and also commuted from Reading to Chiswick for a period of two months.

It has never missed a beat, bar the sidestand bolt falling out when the dealer had it.

When I got my car back in September I started to use the bike a bit less, but there has been plenty of times when I haven't been able to use the car for one reason or another. The customer in Chiswick that I sometimes visit has no parking spaces available, only motorcycle spaces. I've been there in the wet and the cold and the sunniest hottest days (iirc I was there on the hottest day of the year).

And it never missed a beat.

I have had a slight problem with the battery since then, but thats because I've been mainly using my car and not the bike.

You say "The Buell won't take that kind of abuse" as if you know what you are talking about.

You don't.
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

BFG · Brolly Dolly Joined: 14 Feb 2005 Karma :

Gradog · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Karma :

A guy with a similar situation was asking the same question, please see here, https://www.bike-pix.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16771
All i can say is I have an x1 and use it for commuting. It is sometims the only reason i want to go to work just, so i can ride back.
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