I’m buying a Buell Lightning XB9S. I’m an automation engineer so I plan on modernizing the electronics like what’s on my 2022 Speed Triple 1200 RS. I’m going to install a FT600. Coil on plug, low impedance fuel injectors, ethanol content analyzer, wide band O2 per bank, measure cylinder head temperature per cylinder, cruise control, clutch less up and down shifts, wheel lift control, traction control with electronic throttle bodies that incorporates front and rear wheel speed sensors. Seeing videos like this really gets me pumped because the Buell is absolutely gorgeous. Can’t think of any other naked bike that is this striking.
That's some wild stuff you're planning. Wish i had a quarter of that ability. Im content just keeping it pretty and rolling. Appreciate the comment! Hope to see your build in some of the Buell groups once you start tinkering!
OK, 3 months has passed. Where are you in the build or has the simplicity of the XB9S seduced your engineering soul to do nothing to it but languish in the constantly evolving new impressions it brings to each ride as you improve? As an industrial designer, I bought mine new in 2003, track day it, ride it street, drag it and stuff it into the mountain turns of TN and NC. I had dreams of putting on an Aerocharger turbo (bought one new) but have found the little XB9S to be a 135 mph wonder all on its original own. Let us know please😱
Nice ride and video. I just purchased a Buell XB12SCG just this week. It's done 8454 miles (13607klm) so far and looking forward to adding new LED lights and indicators and a new paint job to my liking. I will have it next week as it will be transported by truck from Brisbane Qld to Darwin NT. So excited 😊
I would suggest not doing anything to the bike that can't be reverted back to original. Aesthetic preferences change with time, and with the rarity of these bikes people should attempt to preserve them, not customize them.
hey mate I'm in Australia as well and looking at buying a bike from inter state what transport company did you use and how much did it cost you in transportation?
I'm at approx. 60,000 Miles on my 2008 XB12Ss. Love it. bought it used with about 45,000 on it. If you have too much backfire it could be leaky intake seals or exhaust leaks. If your idle wanders up and down then likely it's your seals. If you have an aftermarket exhaust, it's good to send the ECM in to IDS Solutions and have them remap it. I love these bikes.
Thanks! I suspect intake seal leak, i have a noise at a very specific constant throttle. Almost sounds like a vibrating whistle noise. Mine is an 03 and i was looking to do the throttle body upgrade, and plan to do seals at that time as well.
@@kylehazelton Easy to test the seals while the engine is running, almost stupid easy (look it up online). Then check your exhaust for black soot possible by welds, that would indicate an exhaust leak, harder to check by the exhaust gaskets. Also, if you have access to your injectors, its a good move to take them someplace that can do an ultrasonic cleaning on them. As for the whistling sound, i would also scrutineer your helmet, unless its at the same RPM every gear. but start with the intake seals first. if you remove the throttle body boot, make sure it's seated when you re-install it, otherwise you'll get a violent cut in power at about 3500 to 4000rpm where the velocity stack gets sucked up against the airbox and cuts off flow.
Fun fact: The XB12Ss Long has a wider and longer frame, swingarm, shock, forks, and even the rear subframe and seat are longer and wider with more cushion. No other manufacturer changed all those things just for taller riders. So if you are like me and 6'1", there is still hope that you too can fit on your very own American paintshaker, that cuts corners like a hot knife through butter. But I will warn you, it may be an oddball but after almost 30 years on two wheels, this bike strangely got under my skin. Its just fun to ride.
My xb9sx's are right on the verge of being too small, but it's almost perfect for me. I think my body type would work really well on both (ive never been on a long) the short has a really good feel to me, it almost feels like it forms to my body, very ergonomic machines.
@@kylehazelton I think that was the idea. To this day I had not found a motorcycle that I can comfortably drop into a corner, and use my entire contact patch in street compound tires, quite like on my Buell. The handleing and firm planted feel is exceptional, except on the 03-04 models, that for some reason feel very jittery to me. But on the Long I dont get that jittery feel l, ever. I think the isolators that split the frame and forks from the swingarm and engine, that creates latteral or side to side give, is what makes this possible. Essentially while leaned over, that is the suspension, due to the road surface bumps not being able to be properly compensated for by a suspension that only moves vertically. Not on the Buell, that fork side to side give, creates the ability suck up bumps even leaned all the way over due to rubber compensators. It basically creates a softening suspension of sorts to suck up the roadways bumps that can't be sucked up by vertical suspension travel, at high lean angles. And although it may not feel as firm or rigid to inexperienced riders, it also prevents high speed wobbles from turning into full on tank slaps. Basically that slight wobble or shake you feel sometimes after a high speed flick for instance, is the potential tank slap energy being absorbed by the side to side cushion if the isolator mounted frame to engine, and prevents it from turning into a full on tank slap that a stiffer frame setups develop more easily. I recall having a nasty tank slapper speed wobble on my 03'GSXR 1000 that to this day I havent a clue how I survived. It broke the aluminum bump stop on the tripple to give you an idea how bad it got. Well with a bit of give that can be avoided with isolators placed preferably not on the swingarm like some baggers might, but instead create a swingarm and engine with frame and fork, more horizontal and spread out cushion. Its hard for me to explain in a comment section but I'm sure you get the idea enough to look into what Im talking about for yourself. Maybe even make a video about it since that is why we can ',own the corners " with a Buell. Most manufacturers do this with frames that are more rigid vertically, and less rigid laterally or horizontally. Its an interesting concept to say the least, that at first riders were doubtfull of. Look into it.
Its a fantastic engine for street riding. So much character to them. Great sound. these were destined to be masterpieces if harley davidson didnt throw this company away.
I'm surprised we haven't crossed paths since we're riding the same streets, though I'm more likely to be riding the country roads north of town. I'm still looking for a Buell-friendly mechanic to help me with some of the maintenance stuff that needs doing. In about three weeks I'll be loading the bike in my trailer for my usual winter in north Florida.
Ive only ran into a couple Buells, the 4 years ive been out here. Id like to find a real mechanic willing to work on them as well. I want to have this engine rebuilt completely one day.
@@kylehazelton I've been collecting the names of shops and mechanics in the area thought to be familiar with Buells and getting around to meet some of them. Some of the recommendations came from the Facebook Buell forum.
I have an 09' XB12SCG I think I'll keep forever. Just getting a new belt has been a nightmare. Summit racing has me waiting 11 months for one! Is that the stock exhaust on yours? Have you done any major mods? I'm at 25,000 miles and want her to be as beautiful as yours when she gets there!
This has the factory race exhaust, and was converted from an SL to an SX. Oem hero blue body work was sourced from St. Paul HD a few years ago by the previous owner.
I just picked up an '07 XB12r. Appears to be all stock with 10k on the clock. do you have stock exhaust on yours? sounds incredible! have you replaced the belt or belt tensioner? any other things to consider as they age? thanks!
It has the factory race exhaust on it. I just purchased this in April of this year, so far have done the fuel pump and spark plugs. Haven't changed belt or tensioner. Im unsure if the belt is original. I doubt it. Im in touch with the previous owner, and he never mentioned that being done, but the belt looks very healthy.
hi Kyle, i'm thinking about purchasing a xb9 and i thought.....where do i get spare parts in case something goes wrong? do u have an interesting answer? thanks
Parts are really only avaliable on ebay, or in the Buell facebook groups. Theres a couple online stores that stock the remainder of the buell parts in existence. St. Paul HD and Twin Motorcycles, are the 2 i know of off hand.
@Johntavis Mealing spark plugs are normal. Belts can be a pain and pricey depending on your year and model. Most parts are still obtainable with some due diligence.
I really dont have enough experience on small displacement machines to give you an honest answer. These arent very powerful bikes. The low end torque makes them very controllable. Its the rarity factor of these bikes that would concern me about damaging it, if i were to dump it or get hit. If you have your motorcycle license, i would advocate for you to check out local dealerships and get a feel for different style and size machines, to get a better sense of what suits you.
@@kylehazelton my 07 xb9 had crank issues that I found on all later buells. They sell a kit to fix it but if you don't do it soon enough it goes bad fast. Mine happened at 16 thousand and most issues happen around 20 thousand. Fun bike, ahead of its time. But I don't find them reliable. Now it's getting difficult to get parts
I’m buying a Buell Lightning XB9S. I’m an automation engineer so I plan on modernizing the electronics like what’s on my 2022 Speed Triple 1200 RS. I’m going to install a FT600. Coil on plug, low impedance fuel injectors, ethanol content analyzer, wide band O2 per bank, measure cylinder head temperature per cylinder, cruise control, clutch less up and down shifts, wheel lift control, traction control with electronic throttle bodies that incorporates front and rear wheel speed sensors. Seeing videos like this really gets me pumped because the Buell is absolutely gorgeous. Can’t think of any other naked bike that is this striking.
That's some wild stuff you're planning. Wish i had a quarter of that ability. Im content just keeping it pretty and rolling. Appreciate the comment! Hope to see your build in some of the Buell groups once you start tinkering!
If you can make usable power & put all that together as something like a programable ECU swap, everyone that builds a Buell would want one.
OK, 3 months has passed. Where are you in the build or has the simplicity of the XB9S seduced your engineering soul to do nothing to it but languish in the constantly evolving new impressions it brings to each ride as you improve? As an industrial designer, I bought mine new in 2003, track day it, ride it street, drag it and stuff it into the mountain turns of TN and NC. I had dreams of putting on an Aerocharger turbo (bought one new) but have found the little XB9S to be a 135 mph wonder all on its original own. Let us know please😱
@@mogmogman5476 I’ve got the fuel tech. Im working on wiring right now.
Buell's and Speed Triples , nice! Good taste in bikes!
Nice ride and video. I just purchased a Buell XB12SCG just this week. It's done 8454 miles (13607klm) so far and looking forward to adding new LED lights and indicators and a new paint job to my liking. I will have it next week as it will be transported by truck from Brisbane Qld to Darwin NT.
So excited 😊
I would suggest not doing anything to the bike that can't be reverted back to original. Aesthetic preferences change with time, and with the rarity of these bikes people should attempt to preserve them, not customize them.
hey mate I'm in Australia as well and looking at buying a bike from inter state what transport company did you use and how much did it cost you in transportation?
38K on my 2008 1125r. Slouched off the last 5+ years due to kids and work. No issues and lots of smiles.
I'm at approx. 60,000 Miles on my 2008 XB12Ss. Love it. bought it used with about 45,000 on it.
If you have too much backfire it could be leaky intake seals or exhaust leaks. If your idle wanders up and down then likely it's your seals.
If you have an aftermarket exhaust, it's good to send the ECM in to IDS Solutions and have them remap it. I love these bikes.
Thanks! I suspect intake seal leak, i have a noise at a very specific constant throttle. Almost sounds like a vibrating whistle noise. Mine is an 03 and i was looking to do the throttle body upgrade, and plan to do seals at that time as well.
@@kylehazelton Easy to test the seals while the engine is running, almost stupid easy (look it up online). Then check your exhaust for black soot possible by welds, that would indicate an exhaust leak, harder to check by the exhaust gaskets. Also, if you have access to your injectors, its a good move to take them someplace that can do an ultrasonic cleaning on them.
As for the whistling sound, i would also scrutineer your helmet, unless its at the same RPM every gear. but start with the intake seals first.
if you remove the throttle body boot, make sure it's seated when you re-install it, otherwise you'll get a violent cut in power at about 3500 to 4000rpm where the velocity stack gets sucked up against the airbox and cuts off flow.
Fun fact: The XB12Ss Long has a wider and longer frame, swingarm, shock, forks, and even the rear subframe and seat are longer and wider with more cushion. No other manufacturer changed all those things just for taller riders. So if you are like me and 6'1", there is still hope that you too can fit on your very own American paintshaker, that cuts corners like a hot knife through butter. But I will warn you, it may be an oddball but after almost 30 years on two wheels, this bike strangely got under my skin. Its just fun to ride.
My xb9sx's are right on the verge of being too small, but it's almost perfect for me. I think my body type would work really well on both (ive never been on a long) the short has a really good feel to me, it almost feels like it forms to my body, very ergonomic machines.
@@kylehazelton I think that was the idea. To this day I had not found a motorcycle that I can comfortably drop into a corner, and use my entire contact patch in street compound tires, quite like on my Buell. The handleing and firm planted feel is exceptional, except on the 03-04 models, that for some reason feel very jittery to me. But on the Long I dont get that jittery feel l, ever.
I think the isolators that split the frame and forks from the swingarm and engine, that creates latteral or side to side give, is what makes this possible. Essentially while leaned over, that is the suspension, due to the road surface bumps not being able to be properly compensated for by a suspension that only moves vertically. Not on the Buell, that fork side to side give, creates the ability suck up bumps even leaned all the way over due to rubber compensators. It basically creates a softening suspension of sorts to suck up the roadways bumps that can't be sucked up by vertical suspension travel, at high lean angles.
And although it may not feel as firm or rigid to inexperienced riders, it also prevents high speed wobbles from turning into full on tank slaps. Basically that slight wobble or shake you feel sometimes after a high speed flick for instance, is the potential tank slap energy being absorbed by the side to side cushion if the isolator mounted frame to engine, and prevents it from turning into a full on tank slap that a stiffer frame setups develop more easily. I recall having a nasty tank slapper speed wobble on my 03'GSXR 1000 that to this day I havent a clue how I survived. It broke the aluminum bump stop on the tripple to give you an idea how bad it got. Well with a bit of give that can be avoided with isolators placed preferably not on the swingarm like some baggers might, but instead create a swingarm and engine with frame and fork, more horizontal and spread out cushion.
Its hard for me to explain in a comment section but I'm sure you get the idea enough to look into what Im talking about for yourself. Maybe even make a video about it since that is why we can ',own the corners " with a Buell. Most manufacturers do this with frames that are more rigid vertically, and less rigid laterally or horizontally. Its an interesting concept to say the least, that at first riders were doubtfull of. Look into it.
Whoa! 😆 I had to get used to the instant torque too 😆👍
Hero Blue. Absolutely the best color and hardest to find for sale. 😁
The red was really nice as well!
You have a beautiful bike!
Thanks man, i try to take care of her.
There's something about poodling along with that type of engine knowing that there's more power at hand whenever you need it.
Its a fantastic engine for street riding. So much character to them. Great sound. these were destined to be masterpieces if harley davidson didnt throw this company away.
I'm surprised we haven't crossed paths since we're riding the same streets, though I'm more likely to be riding the country roads north of town. I'm still looking for a Buell-friendly mechanic to help me with some of the maintenance stuff that needs doing. In about three weeks I'll be loading the bike in my trailer for my usual winter in north Florida.
Ive only ran into a couple Buells, the 4 years ive been out here. Id like to find a real mechanic willing to work on them as well. I want to have this engine rebuilt completely one day.
@@kylehazelton I've been collecting the names of shops and mechanics in the area thought to be familiar with Buells and getting around to meet some of them. Some of the recommendations came from the Facebook Buell forum.
I have an 09' XB12SCG I think I'll keep forever. Just getting a new belt has been a nightmare. Summit racing has me waiting 11 months for one!
Is that the stock exhaust on yours? Have you done any major mods? I'm at 25,000 miles and want her to be as beautiful as yours when she gets there!
This has the factory race exhaust, and was converted from an SL to an SX. Oem hero blue body work was sourced from St. Paul HD a few years ago by the previous owner.
What do you guys recommend for riding on countryside roads. XB9 or XB12? Also in terms of reliability?
Most parts are still available from a dealer for either. The 900 is a little lighter, the 1200 is a little punchier, both are proper fun.
I just picked up an '07 XB12r. Appears to be all stock with 10k on the clock. do you have stock exhaust on yours? sounds incredible! have you replaced the belt or belt tensioner? any other things to consider as they age? thanks!
It has the factory race exhaust on it. I just purchased this in April of this year, so far have done the fuel pump and spark plugs. Haven't changed belt or tensioner. Im unsure if the belt is original. I doubt it. Im in touch with the previous owner, and he never mentioned that being done, but the belt looks very healthy.
@@kylehazelton thans for the info! is the fuel pump a known issue or did yours fail or was it just because of the mileage. thanks for sharing1
@@Moto_on_the_Marble it seems pretty common for the fuel pumps to get noisy, and eventually fail.
hi Kyle, i'm thinking about purchasing a xb9 and i thought.....where do i get spare parts in case something goes wrong?
do u have an interesting answer?
thanks
Parts are really only avaliable on ebay, or in the Buell facebook groups. Theres a couple online stores that stock the remainder of the buell parts in existence. St. Paul HD and Twin Motorcycles, are the 2 i know of off hand.
@@kylehazelton thanks mate
Everyday wear parts are readily avaliable right? Belts plugs blah blah blah?
@Johntavis Mealing spark plugs are normal. Belts can be a pain and pricey depending on your year and model. Most parts are still obtainable with some due diligence.
Would you recommend this bike to a person who wants to step up from a 125cc?
I really dont have enough experience on small displacement machines to give you an honest answer. These arent very powerful bikes. The low end torque makes them very controllable. Its the rarity factor of these bikes that would concern me about damaging it, if i were to dump it or get hit. If you have your motorcycle license, i would advocate for you to check out local dealerships and get a feel for different style and size machines, to get a better sense of what suits you.
How many times did you completely rebuild?
Everything on this for the internals are original, as far as im aware. I just picked this up last year.
@@kylehazelton my 07 xb9 had crank issues that I found on all later buells.
They sell a kit to fix it but if you don't do it soon enough it goes bad fast.
Mine happened at 16 thousand and most issues happen around 20 thousand.
Fun bike, ahead of its time. But I don't find them reliable. Now it's getting difficult to get parts
@Michael Hyatt mine is an 03, so i dont believe i have that issue. I do have the oil drive gear issue though.
@@kylehazelton brass or bronze.
People have said chips from that gear creates bearing issues with Crank.
@Michael Hyatt i had some chunks in my oil, just hope nothing was compromised