My new to me bike - Buell XB9R

Greg_E · October 3rd, 2009, 07:22 PM

OK, it's oafish-al I will not be joining the clan of the Ninjettes, my Almost Angelic white XB9R is here. I'll get a real picture when it is daylight but here is basically what it looks like:

komohana · October 3rd, 2009, 07:50 PM

sweet greg!
when i started hunting for a ride the xb's were my fantasy picks!
congrats and enjoy!

Grn99Kawi · October 4th, 2009, 07:06 AM

Wow! That is HOT!

Greg_E · October 4th, 2009, 08:24 AM

If you get up this way, let me know.

From what I've read and been told, it has one of the best handling chassis on the road, and that is without spending another $2000+ on new suspension parts. Just wish it was water cooled, but it is fuel injected. Wish I had got this last month, not sure I'm going to be able to wring it out a little until May. Need to pull the front wheel off and get a tire ASAP as the one on it is completely bald. I was going to wait to take it to a shop, but I think the wheel needs to go NOW!

sharky nrk · October 4th, 2009, 09:10 AM

^ congrats on your new ride

Greg_E · October 4th, 2009, 01:13 PM

Got a few pictures. Needs a bunch of parts for the exhaust because I don't have any of the correct mounts. Need to rip out some kind of after market fuel fooler thing that is all intertwined in with the wires

and need to run the front tire out for replacement. The battery needs to be replaced because it has the wrong terminals on it so it doesn't fit or work properly. It's pretty clear that at least one of the previous owners was a real DOLT.

Oh and since I've owned imports for basically forever, now I need to go out and buy a bunch of SAE tools.

AnarchoMoltov · October 4th, 2009, 04:28 PM

I like those xb9r when they are made into streetfighters..Chopped tail no wind screen fairing..

Greg_E · October 4th, 2009, 04:49 PM

That would be the stock XB9S which you can still buy, they dropped the 9R a couple years ago in favor of the 12R because the 9R was not selling well. People wanted the extra 20 horsepower of the stroked motor. You can make an XB12 out of an XB9 by changing the crank and con-rods, keeping the 9 pistons jumps the compression way up for more power.

Hope I can get the exhaust mounting parts soon so I can get this on the road before it snows!!!

edwinmcq · October 4th, 2009, 05:43 PM

I like...

capt_bugaloo · October 4th, 2009, 06:49 PM

Do Buells have a better reputation for reliability now? For a long time they tended to have a very poor rep...

Greg_E · October 4th, 2009, 07:21 PM

Many people ride theirs with almost no problems, some people seem to get lemons, but the lemons seem to mostly be from second hand machines. I have a strange feeling I'll be tearing mine down in the not too distant future. The pipes got really hot more than a couple of times, so did the heads. I have a feeling that the dolt that pulled the guts out of the exhaust didn't get the TFI device set right, and things have been getting way too hot for far too long.

There is an article where a guy grabbed a Ulysses in Alaska and rode the entire iron but down to the keys with nary a problem. So yes I think the reliability has been improved. I'm fairly certain that the 1125r and 1125CR is far more reliable than any other model, it has a Rotax water cooled engine and transmission. I also like the look of the 1125R but too much money for me right now.

divingtigger · October 5th, 2009, 12:17 PM

I had a Buel Blast for a weekend...absolutly hate it. The clutch was too finiky, could not find the sweet spot at all, unless I was hard on the gas it would stall out and I prefer doing a controlled pull out instead of a power pull out. Rumour has it that the clutch on the blasts are from the Harley Sportsters and that is why they aren't that good.

Love the other Buells though, might buy one next year...we'll see how the ninja treats me

Greg_E · October 5th, 2009, 06:21 PM

Almost $200 for a front tire installed, another $70 for brake pads. Waiting for $35 worth of used parts to pu the stock exhaust back on ($160 new price) and then I might actually take the time to get it insured and registered. Might be able to ride it on Saturday. Need to put the pads in and pull that fuel fooler thing out tomorrow.

Why not take a look at the 2010 Blast, they have fresh video of it on the Buell site, also in the Book of Buell. I think you'll like the video of the new version.

Greg_E · October 7th, 2009, 06:43 AM

If there is anyone in the north east I know where you can get a "Hero Blue" version of the above for $3200. It's in Vermont and may still be listed on Craig's List. Only issue is that you may need to buy a stock muffler to make it more quiet. If you are close enough I can help turn the computer back to stock too, or help you get set up to do the programming yourself.

Greg_E · October 8th, 2009, 06:10 PM

Getting closer to being able to run this down the road.

Nemesis · October 8th, 2009, 06:16 PM

Nice!! Congrats!

Are those the ones with the oil in the frame itself? If so, that's some crazy cool shiet!

Lew360 · October 8th, 2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemesis

Nice!! Congrats!

Are those the ones with the oil in the frame itself? If so, that's some crazy cool shiet!

Fuel is in the frame, Oil is in the swing arm.

Greg_E · October 9th, 2009, 06:55 AM

DMV

... grumble, grumble, grumble

Starting to think I won't get this thing on the road until spring. Maybe I should just get the title updated and not bother trying to register it this year

camaroz1985 · October 9th, 2009, 08:31 AM

What's the issue?

Greg_E · October 9th, 2009, 08:39 AM

Need the signatures on the title notarized, no mention of this on the DMV website it is would have been done. It's something that NY doesn't require, but apparently Ohio does. And of course they are closed on Monday because it's a holiday. I'm starting to think I should just get it running properly and then tear it down for paint/powdercoat and try to get it on the road in the spring.

I must say that the entire process seems to have been more difficult that it needed to be, buying new bikes is so much easier, wish I could have afforded to do that. The brand new 08 Buell 1125R sitting at the dealer for $8000 is really pretty and 120 horsepower at the rear wheel.

camaroz1985 · October 9th, 2009, 10:05 AM

Oh well that stinks. I just assumed it would be required to have the title notarized, but maybe thats just because I am used to that here in PA.

Good luck!!

Greg_E · October 9th, 2009, 10:22 AM

Some states do, some do not and the info is hard to find. Hopefully I can get this done this weekend as I do know someone that is a notary. The person at the DMV hinted that as long as the impression was there no one would really look very closely. If I have to I'll send the title back and have him get his signature notarized and I'll do the same. With the time it takes for that then I'll just title the thing and tear it down for the winter, maybe ship the frame out for powdercoat. No it isn't staying white for long.

camaroz1985 · October 9th, 2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg_E

No it isn't staying white for long.

That's too bad.

Greg_E · October 11th, 2009, 03:09 PM

Finished all the diagnostics after ripping that fuel fooler out and reset all the error codes that it had generated. Put everything back together and now just have to wait to send the title back and get it back to get this on the road.

camaroz1985 · October 12th, 2009, 06:26 AM

Good news. At first I thought you converted the gauges to an lcd screen, then realized it was your computer sitting on top

Greg_E · October 12th, 2009, 07:27 AM

Yup, just doing some diagnostics like checking the mechanical timing and making sure things like the fan worked.

There's a realy nice digital dash that works with the MicroSquirt/MegaSquirt EFI controllers, but it is a bit expensive:
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/l...irt-p-167.html

But it would be really COOL!

There is another smaller LCD type display that I'll probably put in the empty space on the dash when I get this thing converted to MicroSquirt. Gives readouts on pretty much any variable and you can make some small adjustments with it too.
http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/m...-kit-p-96.html

Greg_E · October 23rd, 2009, 06:50 AM

Still no stinking title back so I can register it

CZroe · October 23rd, 2009, 08:04 AM

NIIIIIIIICE. I want one in black, but I'd want the headers to be black too. Sorry to hear about the registration troubles. Hope you get it sorted soon.

Greg_E · October 23rd, 2009, 08:22 AM

Just a note... The color in the plastic is molded in and goes all the way through. I'm thinking that all I need to make it matte black is to buy some used black plastic, sand it with 220 to 320 grit paper and run it. I just finished sanding some scuffs out of the rear seat cover with 320 grit and I was going to polish it with Novus #3 and then #2 to get the shine back, but now I'm thinking of sanding all the rest of the plastic to make the whole thing matte white. I'm still torn between keeping it all stock and painting it the way I wanted when I bought it. If Harley hadn't killed the line it would have definitely been matte black on everything.

I did get an email back from the guy that promised he would take care of the title on Saturday, if not I may need to ask a few guys on one of the Buell forums to push him a little. The guy I bought it from really needed cash and I was the only person to step up and help him, now I'm feeling a little put out about this title snafu and I want to ride what I spent the money on!

Greg_E · October 29th, 2009, 10:26 AM

Finally got the title and now have the plate in my hand! If the weather improves I may leave work early (or at least on time for a change) and go fill up the tank since it is just about empty now.

Greg_E · October 29th, 2009, 05:58 PM

Well, it has lots of power. Won't pull the front wheel up, but will break the rear free if I'm clumsy with the clutch between first and second. It is certainly the best handling machine I've ever ridden, not that there are lots of choices thrown in there. It's extremely fast if you want to slalom back and forth, way faster than I ever was able to make my Kat go, and it is effortless to do this. The front break will never need more than 1 finger, seems stupidly strong.

Only had it up to about 70 tonight in third or fourth or fifth.

Going to take a lot of getting used to since it only revs to around 7000rpm, gains speed way faster than what I'm used to for the rpms you hear.

The mirrors are certainly completely useless, not nearly wide enough to do any good at all.

Need to work on the suspension, it is a little stiff, never fixed the damping from the last owner who weighed a lot more than me. Springs might be a little stiff too which may be a problem since the rear is on the lightest setting. The back brake needs some attention too, couldn't get it to really do anything.

CZroe · October 29th, 2009, 11:58 PM

Sounds great. Now that it's together, MOAR PICS!

If I got a second bike I'd want an XB9R (painted black), black XB12R, or black '09+ Ninja 650R.

Greg_E · October 30th, 2009, 06:29 AM

Now if that GoPro HD would arrive!

Greg_E · November 8th, 2009, 01:52 PM

Finally had the time and weather to go for a decent ride, put about 60 miles on it and found that it is far more capable than I am. Any corner marked as suggested slower speeds I was able to go at twice the suggested rate, and that was without stressing about going to fast.

Also rode some really harsh roads, need to work on the suspension damping a lot.

Found out that it will do 70mph in second gear and is perfectly happy to do that for a long time. No idea what top speed is on this thing, much faster than I was wiling to go.

This machine is certainly more satisfying to push fast through corners than I ever remember with my Katana, the loads of torque make it simple to go through slowly and push back up to speed (if I slowed down at all).

Had to stop when the sun started getting lower and the pavement cooled down, didn't trust my old skills to come back enough to keep me from ditching. Need more riding time and maybe a race school.

andrewexd · November 8th, 2009, 02:12 PM

If I had money I would buy a new 1125r they're selling them for like 6K OTD right now.

Greg_E · November 8th, 2009, 02:21 PM

I think the 1125R would be nice. They did a lot with the hammerhead shaped upper fairing that I noticed would be nice on my XB. Reports are that the 1125R fairing gives you way more protection from the wind. Even tucked down the wind is tugging on my shoulders with the XB*R. That said it would be hard for my to say I would like an 1125R better. The XB12R or also going out the door pretty cheap if you can still find them.

Greg_E · March 27th, 2010, 03:42 PM

About two weeks ago I took some time off of work, had great weather and got a lot done. Changed the motor and transmission oil over to Mobile 1 V-Twin 20w50, transmission is a lot better. Adjusted the clutch (and made a video of the process). Replaced the brake fluid and bled the brakes. Replaced the rear brake pads. Put the newer wider mirrors on it so I can actually see. Did a little riding but not too much because I was lazy. Also thought a lot about painting the mirrors white to match the body. Prepped the old mirrors and painted them with Fusion paint for plastic and installed them today to take a look. Going to let it sit for a while before I decide white or black mirrors. Internatrix TW-1000 alarm will be going in sometime next week after I find the connectors I need to do it right.

Grn99Kawi · March 27th, 2010, 05:03 PM

The white looks hot, but Im wondering how Fusion will hold up to road debris and bugs... I would probably leave the black.. and the newer mirrors are much nicer IMO..

Snake · March 27th, 2010, 05:06 PM

Nice bike. I have always liked the Buell bikes. It's a shame Harley gave up on the Buell line.

Banzai · March 27th, 2010, 05:46 PM

Nice! I like the white mirrors.

October 3rd, 2009, 07:22 PM	#1
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	My new to me bike - Buell XB9R OK, it's oafish-al I will not be joining the clan of the Ninjettes, my Almost Angelic white XB9R is here. I'll get a real picture when it is daylight but here is basically what it looks like:

October 4th, 2009, 05:43 PM	#9
edwinmcq ninjette.org member Name: Ed Location: Washington DC Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 157	I like... __________________________________________________ www.edmcqueen.com

October 4th, 2009, 06:49 PM	#10
capt_bugaloo motorcycle rider Name: Bruce Location: Victoria, BC Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver) Posts: A lot.	Do Buells have a better reputation for reliability now? For a long time they tended to have a very poor rep... __________________________________________________ '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver)

October 5th, 2009, 12:17 PM	#12
divingtigger Pedal Power Name: Rob Location: Winterpeg (Winnipeg) Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja EX250R Posts: 401	I had a Buel Blast for a weekend...absolutly hate it. The clutch was too finiky, could not find the sweet spot at all, unless I was hard on the gas it would stall out and I prefer doing a controlled pull out instead of a power pull out. Rumour has it that the clutch on the blasts are from the Harley Sportsters and that is why they aren't that good. Love the other Buells though, might buy one next year...we'll see how the ninja treats me __________________________________________________ Using Pedal Power

October 9th, 2009, 06:55 AM	#18
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	DMV... grumble, grumble, grumble Starting to think I won't get this thing on the road until spring. Maybe I should just get the title updated and not bother trying to register it this year

October 3rd, 2009, 07:50 PM	#2
komohana ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Steve Location: Kekaha, Kauai HI Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 GSX-R 600 2003 EX250: Woodcraft Bars, Levers, Mirrors, Shim'd Mixture, Synthetic, '08 Rear Shock Posts: A lot.	sweet greg! when i started hunting for a ride the xb's were my fantasy picks! congrats and enjoy! __________________________________________________ Remember when sex was safe and motorcycles were dangerous?

October 4th, 2009, 07:06 AM	#3
Grn99Kawi ninjette.org sage Name: A Location: Long Island, NY Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Honda CBR600F4 (sold) 1999 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 586	Wow! That is HOT! __________________________________________________ 2000 Honda CBR600F4 Silver and Red 1999 Kawi Racing Green Ninja 250 sold

October 4th, 2009, 08:24 AM	#4
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	If you get up this way, let me know. From what I've read and been told, it has one of the best handling chassis on the road, and that is without spending another $2000+ on new suspension parts. Just wish it was water cooled, but it is fuel injected. Wish I had got this last month, not sure I'm going to be able to wring it out a little until May. Need to pull the front wheel off and get a tire ASAP as the one on it is completely bald. I was going to wait to take it to a shop, but I think the wheel needs to go NOW!

October 4th, 2009, 09:10 AM	#5
sharky nrk Fighting Texas Aggie '05 Name: Neil Location: Hutto, TX Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.	^ congrats on your new ride

October 4th, 2009, 04:28 PM	#7
AnarchoMoltov ninjette.org guru Name: Dan Location: Chicago, il.... Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Suzuki GSX-R750 Posts: 378	I like those xb9r when they are made into streetfighters..Chopped tail no wind screen fairing..

October 4th, 2009, 04:49 PM	#8
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	That would be the stock XB9S which you can still buy, they dropped the 9R a couple years ago in favor of the 12R because the 9R was not selling well. People wanted the extra 20 horsepower of the stroked motor. You can make an XB12 out of an XB9 by changing the crank and con-rods, keeping the 9 pistons jumps the compression way up for more power. Hope I can get the exhaust mounting parts soon so I can get this on the road before it snows!!!

October 4th, 2009, 07:21 PM	#11
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Many people ride theirs with almost no problems, some people seem to get lemons, but the lemons seem to mostly be from second hand machines. I have a strange feeling I'll be tearing mine down in the not too distant future. The pipes got really hot more than a couple of times, so did the heads. I have a feeling that the dolt that pulled the guts out of the exhaust didn't get the TFI device set right, and things have been getting way too hot for far too long. There is an article where a guy grabbed a Ulysses in Alaska and rode the entire iron but down to the keys with nary a problem. So yes I think the reliability has been improved. I'm fairly certain that the 1125r and 1125CR is far more reliable than any other model, it has a Rotax water cooled engine and transmission. I also like the look of the 1125R but too much money for me right now.

October 5th, 2009, 06:21 PM	#13
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Almost $200 for a front tire installed, another $70 for brake pads. Waiting for $35 worth of used parts to pu the stock exhaust back on ($160 new price) and then I might actually take the time to get it insured and registered. Might be able to ride it on Saturday. Need to put the pads in and pull that fuel fooler thing out tomorrow. Why not take a look at the 2010 Blast, they have fresh video of it on the Buell site, also in the Book of Buell. I think you'll like the video of the new version.

October 7th, 2009, 06:43 AM	#14
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	If there is anyone in the north east I know where you can get a "Hero Blue" version of the above for $3200. It's in Vermont and may still be listed on Craig's List. Only issue is that you may need to buy a stock muffler to make it more quiet. If you are close enough I can help turn the computer back to stock too, or help you get set up to do the programming yourself.

October 8th, 2009, 06:10 PM	#15
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Getting closer to being able to run this down the road.

October 8th, 2009, 06:16 PM	#16
Nemesis CVMA #74 WSMC #750 Name: Nemesis Location: On the track Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): All of them Posts: A lot.	Nice!! Congrats! Are those the ones with the oil in the frame itself? If so, that's some crazy cool shiet!

October 9th, 2009, 08:31 AM	#19
camaroz1985 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ryan Location: Carlisle, PA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 WR250R, 2006 Ural Raven (Sold), 2009 Versys Green (Sold), 2008 Ninja 250R Green (Sold) Posts: A lot.	What's the issue?

October 9th, 2009, 08:39 AM	#20
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Need the signatures on the title notarized, no mention of this on the DMV website it is would have been done. It's something that NY doesn't require, but apparently Ohio does. And of course they are closed on Monday because it's a holiday. I'm starting to think I should just get it running properly and then tear it down for paint/powdercoat and try to get it on the road in the spring. I must say that the entire process seems to have been more difficult that it needed to be, buying new bikes is so much easier, wish I could have afforded to do that. The brand new 08 Buell 1125R sitting at the dealer for $8000 is really pretty and 120 horsepower at the rear wheel.

October 9th, 2009, 10:05 AM	#21
camaroz1985 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ryan Location: Carlisle, PA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 WR250R, 2006 Ural Raven (Sold), 2009 Versys Green (Sold), 2008 Ninja 250R Green (Sold) Posts: A lot.	Oh well that stinks. I just assumed it would be required to have the title notarized, but maybe thats just because I am used to that here in PA. Good luck!!

October 9th, 2009, 10:22 AM	#22
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Some states do, some do not and the info is hard to find. Hopefully I can get this done this weekend as I do know someone that is a notary. The person at the DMV hinted that as long as the impression was there no one would really look very closely. If I have to I'll send the title back and have him get his signature notarized and I'll do the same. With the time it takes for that then I'll just title the thing and tear it down for the winter, maybe ship the frame out for powdercoat. No it isn't staying white for long.

October 12th, 2009, 06:26 AM	#25
camaroz1985 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ryan Location: Carlisle, PA Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 WR250R, 2006 Ural Raven (Sold), 2009 Versys Green (Sold), 2008 Ninja 250R Green (Sold) Posts: A lot.	Good news. At first I thought you converted the gauges to an lcd screen, then realized it was your computer sitting on top

October 12th, 2009, 07:27 AM	#26
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Yup, just doing some diagnostics like checking the mechanical timing and making sure things like the fan worked. There's a realy nice digital dash that works with the MicroSquirt/MegaSquirt EFI controllers, but it is a bit expensive: http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/l...irt-p-167.html But it would be really COOL! There is another smaller LCD type display that I'll probably put in the empty space on the dash when I get this thing converted to MicroSquirt. Gives readouts on pretty much any variable and you can make some small adjustments with it too. http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/m...-kit-p-96.html

October 23rd, 2009, 06:50 AM	#27
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Still no stinking title back so I can register it

October 23rd, 2009, 08:04 AM	#28
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	NIIIIIIIICE. I want one in black, but I'd want the headers to be black too. Sorry to hear about the registration troubles. Hope you get it sorted soon.

October 23rd, 2009, 08:22 AM	#29
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Just a note... The color in the plastic is molded in and goes all the way through. I'm thinking that all I need to make it matte black is to buy some used black plastic, sand it with 220 to 320 grit paper and run it. I just finished sanding some scuffs out of the rear seat cover with 320 grit and I was going to polish it with Novus #3 and then #2 to get the shine back, but now I'm thinking of sanding all the rest of the plastic to make the whole thing matte white. I'm still torn between keeping it all stock and painting it the way I wanted when I bought it. If Harley hadn't killed the line it would have definitely been matte black on everything. I did get an email back from the guy that promised he would take care of the title on Saturday, if not I may need to ask a few guys on one of the Buell forums to push him a little. The guy I bought it from really needed cash and I was the only person to step up and help him, now I'm feeling a little put out about this title snafu and I want to ride what I spent the money on!

October 29th, 2009, 10:26 AM	#30
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Finally got the title and now have the plate in my hand! If the weather improves I may leave work early (or at least on time for a change) and go fill up the tank since it is just about empty now.

October 29th, 2009, 05:58 PM	#31
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Well, it has lots of power. Won't pull the front wheel up, but will break the rear free if I'm clumsy with the clutch between first and second. It is certainly the best handling machine I've ever ridden, not that there are lots of choices thrown in there. It's extremely fast if you want to slalom back and forth, way faster than I ever was able to make my Kat go, and it is effortless to do this. The front break will never need more than 1 finger, seems stupidly strong. Only had it up to about 70 tonight in third or fourth or fifth. Going to take a lot of getting used to since it only revs to around 7000rpm, gains speed way faster than what I'm used to for the rpms you hear. The mirrors are certainly completely useless, not nearly wide enough to do any good at all. Need to work on the suspension, it is a little stiff, never fixed the damping from the last owner who weighed a lot more than me. Springs might be a little stiff too which may be a problem since the rear is on the lightest setting. The back brake needs some attention too, couldn't get it to really do anything. Last futzed with by Greg_E; October 30th, 2009 at 06:29 AM.

October 29th, 2009, 11:58 PM	#32
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	Sounds great. Now that it's together, MOAR PICS! If I got a second bike I'd want an XB9R (painted black), black XB12R, or black '09+ Ninja 650R.

October 30th, 2009, 06:29 AM	#33
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Now if that GoPro HD would arrive!

November 8th, 2009, 01:52 PM	#34
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Finally had the time and weather to go for a decent ride, put about 60 miles on it and found that it is far more capable than I am. Any corner marked as suggested slower speeds I was able to go at twice the suggested rate, and that was without stressing about going to fast. Also rode some really harsh roads, need to work on the suspension damping a lot. Found out that it will do 70mph in second gear and is perfectly happy to do that for a long time. No idea what top speed is on this thing, much faster than I was wiling to go. This machine is certainly more satisfying to push fast through corners than I ever remember with my Katana, the loads of torque make it simple to go through slowly and push back up to speed (if I slowed down at all). Had to stop when the sun started getting lower and the pavement cooled down, didn't trust my old skills to come back enough to keep me from ditching. Need more riding time and maybe a race school.

November 8th, 2009, 02:12 PM	#35
andrewexd ninjette.org guru Name: Andrew Location: LA Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 07 GSXR600 (N250 sold :( ) Posts: 415	If I had money I would buy a new 1125r they're selling them for like 6K OTD right now.

November 8th, 2009, 02:21 PM	#36
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	I think the 1125R would be nice. They did a lot with the hammerhead shaped upper fairing that I noticed would be nice on my XB. Reports are that the 1125R fairing gives you way more protection from the wind. Even tucked down the wind is tugging on my shoulders with the XB*R. That said it would be hard for my to say I would like an 1125R better. The XB12R or also going out the door pretty cheap if you can still find them.

March 27th, 2010, 03:42 PM	#37
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	About two weeks ago I took some time off of work, had great weather and got a lot done. Changed the motor and transmission oil over to Mobile 1 V-Twin 20w50, transmission is a lot better. Adjusted the clutch (and made a video of the process). Replaced the brake fluid and bled the brakes. Replaced the rear brake pads. Put the newer wider mirrors on it so I can actually see. Did a little riding but not too much because I was lazy. Also thought a lot about painting the mirrors white to match the body. Prepped the old mirrors and painted them with Fusion paint for plastic and installed them today to take a look. Going to let it sit for a while before I decide white or black mirrors. Internatrix TW-1000 alarm will be going in sometime next week after I find the connectors I need to do it right.

March 27th, 2010, 05:03 PM	#38
Grn99Kawi ninjette.org sage Name: A Location: Long Island, NY Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2000 Honda CBR600F4 (sold) 1999 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 586	The white looks hot, but Im wondering how Fusion will hold up to road debris and bugs... I would probably leave the black.. and the newer mirrors are much nicer IMO.. __________________________________________________ 2000 Honda CBR600F4 Silver and Red 1999 Kawi Racing Green Ninja 250 sold

March 27th, 2010, 05:06 PM	#39
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Nice bike. I have always liked the Buell bikes. It's a shame Harley gave up on the Buell line.