Hi, I am looking to buy an XB12R and could use some advice. Are there any important differences in model years or is it best to buy by condition/mileage? Aside from the usual things to look for on any bike, what should I give special attention to when viewing one? Are there common faults or weaknesses to look out for? I have been searching through this and other forums for info but it's not always clear whether problems are isolated or common to model/engine. Any help appreciated, thanks.

Only imported into the UK between 2004 and 2007. Build date will be on the headstock as well as model year, which is the 10th digit:
5 = 2005
8 = 2008
Not sure about 10 bikes, A?

Note that model year is often newer than build date as they start making bikes a few months before...

Colours
04 to 06
Racing Red with Translucent Amber wheels
Midnight Black with Translucent Amber wheels
Thrust Blue with Translucent Amber wheels

07
Sunfire Yellow with Black wheels
Midnight Black with Cherry Bomb wheels

08 to 09
Arctic White with Translucent Hero Blue wheels
Midnight Black with Translucent Red wheels

10
Sunfire Yellow with Black wheels
Villain Black with Translucent Red wheels

Other changes
06
Changes to the swinging arm (more rigid) and intake air routing which led to changes airbox lid and bottom, a hole was sealed up in the frame (a little more fuel capacity) and the airbox cover had a sexy mesh at the front of it.

08
New engine design with revised oil pump and big end. New ECM (Engine Control Module).

09
Came with the 8 piston caliper from the 1125R and black forks.

10
New indicators, right hand air scoop, revised rear wheel bearings and a Phantom Metallic frame (black to you and me) with black heel guards

Someone will be along in a minute to correct me...

You want to get one with as low a mileage as possible. Problems are the same as any other Buell XB, i.e. gearbox output shaft bearings tend to get a bit worn out due to ridiculous belt tension - you will need to fit a Free Spirits Modified Belt Tensioner, if there is not already one fitted.

If you want to check if there is play in the bearing, slacken the rear wheel off, remove the sprocket cover, and wiggle the sprocket up and down. These bearings are expensive to replace.

Juddering front discs can be rectified by a good clean and by fitting a good set of pads, like Braking.

Wheel bearings are easy (and cheap - if you know where to buy them and can fit them yourself) to change. Make sure they have not seized and spun in the wheel.

Head bearings will need changing at 10000 miles and make quite a difference to the feel of the bike.

Isolators can fail at about 15000 miles, check the top front engine mount for a gap between the mushroom headed bolt and the ally casting. If it is touching, you certainly need a new one. 5mm and it is on it's last legs.

I have an 05 model with 10000 miles on the clock, apart from paint peeling off the front isolator and fork bottoms and a weeping gearbox output shaft seal, it has served me well. I went to France to do a track day on it last year and Spain a year before last and it never missed a beat.

If I were to buy one again (I have too many bikes now), I would have a white 2010 model and import it from the states... Second choice would be a black 07 model...

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08 Specialized Langster

Good man.


All other Buells are shite.

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Partial to a bit of both

Thanks, superb info, exactly what I was after. Imagine if I had decided on an unfaired model now I've found out they're all shite, ha ha! Have to see what the hell colour cherry bomb is now.. Thought they were something fitted (badly) to exhausts on council estate hatchbacks?

Cherry bomb is a fantastic colour......

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Valencia Orange XB12Scg - serviced by Maz 2018
Black P3 Blast - serviced by Maz and fixed by Maz in 2019

Now everyones gonna say it's a girls colour!

Nope.... but you'll be the one with all the girls ogling your bike, cos it's such a fab colour...

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Valencia Orange XB12Scg - serviced by Maz 2018
Black P3 Blast - serviced by Maz and fixed by Maz in 2019

All other Buells are shite.



Ignore that statement, he's still a little bitter about falling off a Uly!

You forgot to say 'They are also the future'.

they are the best colour - a pic of mine is in the gallery with black wheels and a crap can on