Buell XB12X review

[glen1n]

I wanna buy an XB, but I'm worried about getting parts for it in the future. What is the best option for getting parts down the track?

[dionbecks1]

Any buell xb owners, is it true that the clutch is quite stiff and if driving in traffic can give the forearm a big workout?

[DieselFirefighter72]

@dionbecks1 I've had my Uly for 5 years now and I've never really had any problems with the clutch. I think it shifts pretty smooth. They do have a hydraulic conversion but I haven't got it yet. The only problem I've had with the bike is the bolts that mount the kickstand to the frame. They have come loose and the bolt heads snapped off, but once replaced with a stronger grade steel this never happened again. I love my bike, it handles well has plenty of power. it's a great ride.

[xAA12x]

i got a few questions.. how much would a buell of this model generally cost? and since the company is closed does that make them much harder to find and their cost rise?

[dangerdavenz]

@xAA12x

Cost will depend on where you are - Harley slashed the prices to run them out - Aus and NZ they were close to half price at the end.

Harley guaranteed parts availability for a set period too. Personally haven't had to test the claim yet.

Not much help sorry.

DC

[Gloomshadow1]

@xAA12x I got my 10,00mi, almost pristine XB12R for $2,700..if you want one, get them now. There are a bunch of squid-kids dumping them for short money bc they can no longer get stupid ass aftermarket parts for them. The XB is an awsome street bike with alot of character, this is my 4th bike and hands down its the best one Ive ever owned, Ill never go back to CBRs and Ninjas again..youve gotta ride one and own one for a while to understand it. Almost maintenence free, too. Cant beat one!

[midatlanticcycle]

buell makes us americans proud....as opposed to H-D that shafted him. and this was a great video by an OZ man who knows what the hell he's talking about. thanks for posting it.

[blownhotrod22]

I'm going with the XB 12-R,look for a low km 08.Thaxs Wayne for the A.C.T

[blownhotrod22]

G'Day,looking to buy a Buell 05 to 08 XB 12-R Firebolt or XB 9-R,Which one do you think is the best? Wayne from the A.C.T

[dangerdavenz]

@blownhotrod22

I depends if you like revs or you're a short-shifter.

The 12 definitely has more 'bam' and bottom end - the 9 taps out longer and spools up nicely.

Can you test ride?

[gvsskier]

Does the 12X dive under braking?

[dangerdavenz]

@gvsskier

Some people on ADV rider thought it did. I don't.

[mcouperus]

Whats the song on the background?

[dangerdavenz]

@mcouperus

Apple 'garage band' software and my bass guitar.

This goes back to before google had audio swap :-)

[Jeepgoup]

Search this on youtube: Message from Erik Buell, watch it, terrible, terrible news. We must stop them from closing!

[Nomoredie]

Too bad , buel closed :S

[mbsnyderc]

Buell didn't Close and you misspelled Buell

[Nomoredie]

Yes it is . Buell closed , they're just selling the bikes in stock and that's it.

Read sometimes a magazine , or search on web before disagree with someone :P

[brotherrus]

really clever & fun,thanks man.

[wbedient]

A couple of comments on your review.

1) You're right. I have found my xb12x to be capable on ANY road. Gone through creek beds, over small downed trees etc.

2) Don't agree about the city. Its nice to have the low torque and high seat, but heat is a killer in town.

3) This bike has a killer engine... between 4,000 rpm and redline. It has power that will scoot you along from 2000 rpm up, but the real power starts at 4k.

4) your right, low maint. is the best!

[dangerdavenz]

I've never has any heat issues. Hot day in traffic and I Move my leg about an inch and it's all good.

cheers

DC

[dangerdavenz]

PS - I also always wear good gear. Also never had any heat issues at all wearing leather.

[Umaxen]

Have been waiting for the outcome of who won the Buell XB12X on the 17th of July, 2009. Does anyone know if a winner has been chosen? Not a word on their website. What's going on?

[kurtootys]

Thanks for the great review. In 2005 I bought a new KLR 650. Its a great bike but I thought I would be doing more off-road. As it turns out I have 51,000 miles with less than 200 being off road. I will be replacing my KLR with a XB12X. I test drove one last year and it was the most entertaining ride of my life. Thanks again for the great review.

[dangerdavenz]

I have a klr and the Uly in my shed at the moment. I really am enjoying the KLR too. In some ways it's like the XB with a cylinder cut off.

[skeeterbuggy]

hey dave love ur vids!

your TT and this vid helped convince me to get a buell xb9s.

if u ever make it to the denver colorado usa area...steak and beer on me :)

take easy--have fun !

scott

[dangerdavenz]

I take a big steak too. Cheers!

[REDO5R1]

Are you russell crowes brother?

[dangerdavenz]

Could be - Any idea what it pays?

[REDO5R1]

lol. It would pay good id imagine.

[MTGunNut]

Where's tugger at?

[aw3212]

I've been looking at this bike - thanks for the great review - looks like fun!

[Petrosdimit]

Hello from Athens,Greece.

Please i would like to know from an owner of the xb12x if it's worth to buy now this bike or the xb12s or should i have to wait till they launch the new models with the rotax engines??

Thank you

[streetgangtm]

Sportster engine all the way man. Great quality, low maintenance, and very good torque. Also there are tons and tons of aftermarket parts for them.

[dennisp66]

Hello

....:consider me as an experienced biker with a lot of bikes and 36 falls on theground of any kind you can immagine!This is not a typical H.D.or any other bike you may know.I had to spend myshelf 4-5 months of riding on her back to become familiar ,getting the confidence so I can do almost everything ..That Rotax engine is something else maybe more friendly even with the 146 bhp on and a heavy name of reliability.You definettly should have a test ride first .

Dennis

[Acibeb]

shame they are so expensive in the uk. so i stick with my bandit which is also very torquey. servicing is frequent and expensive but it did 20000miles/over 30000km problem free. if it wasn't for the price, i'd by xb12s and make it look like lazareth's version

[RZUNIGAV]

Great video, thanx.

I joust bought my Uly yesterday. After a 650 V-Strom, I could say that it is not that smooth and the ride position not that confortable, but the power of the engine is amazing. It´s like riding a wild horse!. I ´ll buy the tall windshield ´cause the original its too short.

[filtonkingswood]

Welcome to the club! Hope that XB12X is working out for you. Sure its got its faults but they can be forgiven, I would never sell mine.... Id sell the Mrs first!

[RZUNIGAV]

jaja!...ok...let´s see what does she thinks about this.

I bought the tall shield and the low seat and the bike changes a lot!...for good. Will see what happen with the new Jardine exhaust. Cheers!!!

[21stOPFOR]

Picked up my Uly a few weeks ago. I didn't realize how uncomfortable I was on my sportbike. Not a replacement for the ZX-10, but a great everyday bike. I love it!

[twistedwizurd]

They are great bikes, I have an X1 lightning Mill edition #256 out of the 800 made. I have no complaints what so ever. The ride is indescribable, it is something you would just have to experience to even begin to understand. Great video, great commentary, 10/10

[acidjzaz]

nice review..thanks for doing this..thinking about getting an xb12r

[dangerdavenz]

I had a nice little 300 word essay about the versatility of the bike to go with the clipped comments above, but it dissipated into the youtube ether.

come over to advrider and tell us about it.

[jaybz75]

The heat from the frame was a big issue, bike pants or just jeans, for the first 3 weeks of our ride until i got a lambswool seatcover made that not only covered the hard as seat but extended down the frame enough to protect my leg from 3rd deg burn.The heat was welcome when it got under 20 tho.

Everyone that rode the 12X for the day loved second gear wheelies off throttle but whinged about a sore arse when they got off. The lamb cured that and the heat issue and good times forever ensued.

[dangerdavenz]

I've noticed the heat 3 times - when riding in kevlar lined jeans - all you have to do is hang a leg out an inch.

In leather (95% of the time) I haven't noticed it at all.

[dangerdavenz]

Oh and I also didn't find the seat 07 'that' bad.

On my channel there is a Buells to FNQ vid.

3 days through Tropical North Queensland and the Daintree rain forest.

No butt or heat issues either.

Everyone's different hey.

dc

[dangerdavenz]

Have you published any reports of your ride?

[jaybz75]

Not really. I just stumbled upon your review here and thought i'd add my 2 cents worth.

Its a good informed video though which is rare on youtube.

[jaybz75]

I rode across the US recently on a 07 XB12X and really enjoyed it.Great motor and handling.I didnt like the frame burning my knees to a crisp the whole way(exhaust heats it right up), the rock hard seat and the dirt handling when loaded leaves a lot to be desired (on 616's).I had fact gps(very poor),high screen and fact panniers. I'd get a 1200GS for the next trip(not exactly original i know).Great review anyway mate. You should write m/c reviews for a living!

[dangerdavenz]

If you wear proper motorcycle protective clothing there are nil heat issues. None at all.

GPS is for girls.

The '06 seat is one of the best ever fitted to a motorcycle. Later models are not as good because they lowered it.

The 616 tyres were replaced after the first model year. It's the under-performing bit I mentioned. Numerous better options including the std syncs.

I'll get a GS1200 when I turn 70.

cheers

DC

[dangerdavenz]

Thanks very much. Appreciate the encouragement.

[jcdenton7]

Excellent review! Very well stated and told me just what I wanted to know. I ride a Sportster 1200R, and I know exactly what you mean about being maintenance free with the auto-adjusting valves and whatnot. I'm considering a Buell for my next bike because I want something a little more "athletic," as you put it. I love the v-twin on my 1200, and I'm guessing the one on the Buell can only be better! Thanks again for the nice video review!

[sayonaratoyou]

Really a good video. My friend, who is thinking about buying this bike was very interested in the posted info. Thanks!

[ds65x]

I purchased a 2008 ulysses last month and I say it is the most funnest bike I have ever owned, the uly has a lot of character more than the imports.

[josh955iracer]

an amazing review....... i hated buells but u got me slightly hooked

[TheTripleX]

Very good review.

[bulldawgjb]

good vid and editing! dont really like buell or harley myself. japs build way better bikes (just my opinion)but the buells are different and you definatley dont see them a whole lot,even in the states.you should get a job reveiwing all bikes,but then you would just be another reviewer from the magazines! and we here plenty of that shite.

[dangerdavenz]

Thanks very much - I do actually work for Kiwi Rider Magazine as well though.

[ddcullen]

I'm watching the rumors that 2009 Ulysses may be mounted with 1125R Helicon V-Twin. It will certainly be faster, smoother and keep your balls from buzzing. It should be fantastic engine for this bike... but it may not have the low-end fun and soul of current.

Q: should I wait to purchase Helicon, or grab current model now before they are off the shelf??

Thanks...

David (RI)

[dangerdavenz]

Sorry - missed this one - I've got a ride on the 1125r in a fortnight at the Aus launch - I'll be able to answer better after that.

[ddcullen]

Thanks.... looking forward to hearing what you think about 1125r engine. I heard from one Buell fan concerning the new engine who said "I'd rather ride a paint shaker than a sewing machine".

Also, I am very interested to know about Buell's dubious reputation on reliability. How is yours holding up?? I want one, but allergic to complications.... thanks Dave

[guyleder]

Thanks for the review Dave! How's the long term reliability been holding up? Can't help but want one...

[dangerdavenz]

Broke the belt last week - 32,000km.

Broke the throttle body - butterfly - 28,000km Warranty.

Wheel bearings replaced under warranty.

Couple of manufacturers recalls.

Still very happy with the bike.

[semperfi1000]

Great Review!

Enjoyed it, thanks

[ekolasin]

So how long have you been employed by Buell for?

[dangerdavenz]

I got word that the factory liked the vid - no offers forthcoming yet ;-(

[granta572]

nice review on the bike but wot about off rd use dont they have belts and stones getting between the belt and the sprockets. i dont like riding my bike of rd because of this reson thinking it mite tear or break.

[dangerdavenz]

I've done quite a lot of gravel roads so far - no problems.

Few guys over at ADVrider dot com have had them break.

[nanduchitnis]

great review...what does the bike cost now? I wish we could buy this bike here in India...of all the street bikes, I hv come to admire buell the most.

Rgds

Nandu

[dangerdavenz]

Sorrry for taking so long to answer - I thought someone might know - I $NZ18,000.

[1200v]

Well done, hitting the Buell on the head !!! Nice Job

[Tarjuton]

Thanks for the review.... Well done.

[adoniscomplex]

Buell's have an odd look to em. Ur review makes me think it is a "Jack of all trades, master of none" type of bike.

What about the front brake rotor being pushed out toward the tire ... is this better than having it closer to the hub? Isnt it easier to damage being that far out, closer to the ground & curbs?

[dangerdavenz]

YT Not really the place for the discussion.

Ask over at

advrider(dot)com

or badwetherbikers(dot)com

and plenty of folks will answer

[dangerdavenz]

No - the brake just works fabulously well.

Jack of all trades is a very accurate description. Very versatile bike.

[Davolous6]

Thank you, for putting this video out there. A bought my XB12X about a month ago and I love it.

Before I bought the bike I had a lot of trouble finding first person reviews, until I stumbled across yours. I found it as helpful or more helpful then the videos Buell provided.

[dbauernf]

Great review, well done!

[speedrazor3]

Nice review. Better if real user make a review, instead of magazine;s

[curbowman]

Excellent review! One question I have is how do the Ulysses perform against touring bikes such as the BMW R1200R? I mean, the XB12X windscreen looks very small, but its riding posture seems very relaxed. Is really comfortable for a 300km ride?

[evolution678]

that was great, you did such an awesome job! very informative and entertaining as well...keep it up!

[thoughtwords]

Outstanding review with great narration and catchy video. Of course, I'm a bit biased as an XB12X owner topping 15,000 miles on mine. Keep the shiny side up Dave.

[LeMa1923]

You should turn that to a dealer ship. Thats an awesome reveiw

[johns1200low]

GREAT REVIEW!!!!

You said everything that was iportant and it was entertaining!

They need to put that 1203 C.C., 100 H.P. Engine in the Sportster...NOW THAT WOULD BE ENTERTAINING!!!!!!!!

Thanks!!!!!

[derschneller]

Great review! I love the sound of these and the look, but it's great to hear from someone who has ridden it as long as you have. And a good job of it, too. Thanks!

[buelligan123]

Dangerdavenz your review really says it all, this is a bike you truly do feel part of.  Some great shots too!!! I'm onto my second Buell, and have had no mechanical issues at all, other than wearing out my tires!!! I was a little nervous before my first purchase because of all the negative things I'd heard in regards to mechanical problems with the Buells, but they all seem to be sorted now. It is really the sweetest bike on the road.

[lolzwtfbbq85]

great review. in 2005 i was in the market for an enduro but went with the xr650L(18,000kms so far and all is great) but i took the xb12x for a test drive and wow, it has such a great feel. buell will be my next buy!

[shudnobeta]

Nice 'real' review. I have a '97 S1 and love it - best bike I've owned - a real bag of laughs. Needs bits welding and repairing but a price I'm glad to pay for the bikes great character. Type S1 Buell Dorset top see vid -

[fingerfood77]

more reviews!! u rock!!

[dangerdavenz]

Update:

25,000km Worn front wheel bearing - replaced under warranty.

You're kidding? You know what I do to it don't you - I was honor bound to admit. Nope. Warranty. No questions.

After sales service too.

[onemanc1an]

Buell Uly = Unique, awesome, BADASS!  I love mine...

[puggy444]

are they reliable I was always told they were not, well thats what the bike mags said

[dangerdavenz]

25,000km - a few minor bugs, a pinched wire and the number plate light broke.

2 recalls for minor fixes. had the TPS reset 3 times when it's started running rough.

Standard front tyre was unsatisfactory.

No other probs at all.

[NoiseMostBeautiful]

Very informative review. All the details while being entertaining too. Please post more bike reviews.

[yeuop]

well done!

[buell2001b]

great review but is the truth. I own a Buell Firebolt, but the maintenace is amazing campared to any other bike out there. its so reliable, i dont mind taking long trips, happy trailing man

[Bygsach]

Awesome review, I get what you're feeling. Considering a Ulysses myself or a Super Duke soon enough.  Thanks.

[haasjohn]

nice review! Would have love to hear the bike too.