Buell XB12S Lightning - parts and support
Discussion
Have always liked the look of these and one is available locally at an attractive price and it might be an itch I have to scratch.
But what are these bikes like to live with? With all there quirky bits, are parts available to get hold of? Are they reliable? Or am I just opening myself up to a world of pain?
But what are these bikes like to live with? With all there quirky bits, are parts available to get hold of? Are they reliable? Or am I just opening myself up to a world of pain?
No experience myself but a close friend is a real fan.
Looking in from the outside there seems to be a level of constant low level tinkering, lots of support from a small community. Loads of parts and upgrades around and a few UK specialists.
They seem to be a bike that if it gets under your skin you'll deal with its oddities
Lots of owners also seem to have a KTM or Ducati
Here's a link to a list of parts/specialists
https://ukbuellgroup.co.uk/438398201
Looking in from the outside there seems to be a level of constant low level tinkering, lots of support from a small community. Loads of parts and upgrades around and a few UK specialists.
They seem to be a bike that if it gets under your skin you'll deal with its oddities
Lots of owners also seem to have a KTM or Ducati
Here's a link to a list of parts/specialists
https://ukbuellgroup.co.uk/438398201
I had one some years ago.
Really fun to ride, great handling and barrels off torque although really vibey BUT, appalling build quality and reliability.
Bearings in the motor and chassis are the cheapest shyte available, even the Chinese would blush at how bad they are. So a motor rebuild isn't unusual from 20k onwards. However, there is a good community and decent support with a very well known mechanic in the Manchester region.
Mine however was such a lemon that Buell/HD had to buy it back when after lots of issues, the swingarm seam welds started to fail and the engine oil was coming out (swingarm is the oil tank) onto the rear tyre.
Fun but awful quality.
Really fun to ride, great handling and barrels off torque although really vibey BUT, appalling build quality and reliability.
Bearings in the motor and chassis are the cheapest shyte available, even the Chinese would blush at how bad they are. So a motor rebuild isn't unusual from 20k onwards. However, there is a good community and decent support with a very well known mechanic in the Manchester region.
Mine however was such a lemon that Buell/HD had to buy it back when after lots of issues, the swingarm seam welds started to fail and the engine oil was coming out (swingarm is the oil tank) onto the rear tyre.
Fun but awful quality.
I have two Buells although they are the earlier tube framed ones. I nearly purchased an XB a few years ago but decided against it when I did some research. I think the concept of putting an air cooled V twin inside a petrol tank is quite flawed and from what I see these bikes have numerous issues.
I would recommend one of the tube framed X1 lightnings if you really want a Buell
I would recommend one of the tube framed X1 lightnings if you really want a Buell
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