IF you are speaking of the color the XR1200 in this video it is called mirage orange Pearl... There's only one place in the world you can buy it called Kustom Kolors I bought a few spray cans around $20 BUCKS apiece to paint an old school 1/4 cafe racing fairing I had found on eBay 2 years ago ,, it's a three-part painting process of special primer you have to find yourself I remember what it is I used but it worked and then a base coat of custom color base coat and then there's the actual Mirage orange Pearl ,,, and it would go on and looking glossy and then it would always dry when the mat finish I didn't realize you were supposed to put a clear over that I ended up buffing out to the matte finish and so it matched perfectly with the 13-year-old paint job on my 2009 XR minute I got to look like it came that way from the factory it's pretty good when this guy in the interview tells you it's basically the same as a Sportster XL motor and that blew his credibility.. It might look like a and XL to him but other looks it's the difference between night and day and when you get inside the motor ;;;; I learned something a long time ago never work on your Harley for the first time with an aftermarket manual they forget to tell you things like for the left hand threads of bolts ,,, the XR1200 engine has two oil circuits one for lubrication and one for cooling.. It has a mechanical thermostat for the oil that's in the bottom of the cases on the right hand side and can be removed and replaced without pulling the engine. When you take off the right hand side cover on a Sportster XL you'll see the camshaft and all the oil comes out and there's a whole bunch of stuff in there. When you take the same cover off an XR1200 it's only on there for decorations there's nothing behind me at all you're still going to see the engine cases that you would have to pull off before you get to the lifters in the camshaft and a lifters . Never had mine apart but I was reading that Harley-Davidson shop manual and shows pictures and everything cuz that was the first thing I bought was a Harley Davidson is about $180 and it's already saved me that much in repairs if I had looked at anything else. I had thought about it putting some higher lift more duration cams in it .. Looking at the specs the XR 1200 times equipped with580 lift camshaft that means it lifts the valves .580 inches stock much higher than I was wanting so the stock cams are more than wild enough if you're going to run cans like that and you're going to have to have beehive valve springs and a different set of lifters so it save me about a thousand bucks and then I wouldn't have used cams this kind of lift..... The Millennials made a great big mistake one thing b**** and complained about this motorcycle and all the comments and everywhere it was like a curse the entire millennial generation wouldn't answer this bike like it was the worst waste of money ever. Like an angry mob carrying pitchforks and shovels and rakes after a monster or something and sales dropped to zero in America and at that moment Harley Davidson pulled it off with showroom floor and that's why Harley only run sport models for a few years because then everybody catches on to them and instantly says they're no good without even writing one10 years after they stopped building them now and told him off the showroom floor look at all the Millennials now oh my what a new looking Harley that's so nice well too bad it was your generation's mouth running b******* and now you can't buy a new one but there is a replacement. Cost around 17,000 it makes121 horsepower and it's the new Sportster s 90 foot pounds of torque it's a rocket double overhead cam liquid tools automatic cam timing fuel injection it's got all the new tricks..xr1200 is around 80 horse at the rear tire 90 95 at the crank and around 79 foot pounds of torque a regular Sportster XL is about 50 horsepower... What I like to do is just twist up the wick and say bye-bye to all the XLs. And you never have to ask one to race they automatically volunteer do you want to tease him a little bit you can give him a head start and smoke them every time you can play hell with the owner600 CC for cylinder rice Rockets to about 130 that's where you run out of top end the track models would do about140 the XR 1200 was built for one purpose and that was the Vance and Hines series AMA racing between 2009 and 2015 ...SHAMFULLY I never made it to a race the series went from coast to coast every year racing at all the sports car tracks of America just like King of the Baggers today which is unbelievable totally would you believe they're racing 700 lb Indians and Road Kings at 185 miles per hour and the RULES ARE STOCK crate engine and projection stock FRAMES absolutely no mods allowed to the frames at all.... But for safety purposes aerodynamics of and the fairing saddlebag side covers where mounted in a wind tunnel for both Indian and Harley that's why when you go down to your Harley dealer you'll find that there's no longer a BAT WING LOOKING FAIRING BUT MORE LIKE THE NEW LOOK OF MOTO GP heehee....... If you're looking into buying one of thesE xr s. The price bottomed out about four years ago and now they're going back up as high as what they cost new which is ridiculous but that's it and that price is around 11,000 and up for a used almost 20 year old bike. Cycle Trader had one four years ago in Williamsport Honda on the east coast of Pennsylvania and I live70 Mi west of Indianapolis Indiana and including the detours on the interstate going there it was about a 800 Mi ride on my Honda Africa twin at which time I traded keys and no money even up Honda for one Harley with a bill of sale that red all zeros and I've never looked back since
The XR 750 was a bucket list bike for me. I got a great deal on an XR1200 a couple years ago. Even though I'm pushing 68, I love my XR. I've collected a number of bikes but if I could only keep one, it would probably be my XR
@@xpsgarage I am in the same group between the two...this video is insightful. Enough that I don't believe I want an XB anymore...But a tuber, is that going to have XB issues or will it be easier on the home mechanic, in your opinion...thanks
@@chazgee9112 I've never rode or wrenched on a tuber but just looking at them they seem like they would be easier to work on than an XB since everything is not stuffed up inside the frame. The problem I see with the tubers is that I just don't think they are as good of a bike as either the XB or XR.
Great movie. I had a Buell XB 12 SS from 2009. Now I'm going to be aiming for the HD XR1200. It will be a good target equipment for me. Thanks for giving your opinion. It may come in handy in the future. Regards from Poland.
Iv had my buell 07 xb9sx for 10k miles, had to do rocker cover gaskets right away at only 3500 miles and had to timesert the rear sparkplug hole because previous owner cross threaded it and was held in by only 3 threads, lost rear cylinder injector while riding due to wire harness grounding out and fried ecm. Then recently bank angle sensor wire got an open wire which caused me to loose spark on a ride. Luckily I fix all my own stuff and have to agree with you on most things you said. Btw you can remove fuel pump without taking swing arm all the way off but is still a good amount of work. I have the tallest skyline seat and not much else compares to the comfort but you need long legs
I like this video! I have an xb9s xb12r I was offered a 06 883 sportster I love the 2 buells enough I just couldn't pull the trigger on the sportster. Yours is a good looken bike looks comfortable to ride too!
I've really enjoyed your videos. I first found your videos while researching fan replacement on my Ulysses. Then again looking at how to rotate the engine. Lastly I too entertained the idea of "XR1200 as updated replacement for my Buell with better parts availability", and found this video! Being at the Lake of the Ozarks helps as well, as I recognize some of the places you're riding! I currently have several Ulysses as well as Lightning Long project bike and Firebolt parts bike. I love the look of the white-over-blue Firebolt, but as you mention the riding ergos just aren't for me. Maybe 20 years ago, but at this time the Uly riding position fits my needs! Heck, even my VFR is beginning to feel like a Supersport. One of my Ulys is currently sitting with the engine removed as I needed to fix a broken stud, boogered rear plug threads, and replacing the intake gaskets while I'm there. So your lamentations regarding Buell maintenance are fresh in my mind! I must concede, rotating the engine wasn't the huge ordeal I expected. And fully removing it was only slightly more work. While not something I'd want to do on a monthly basis I don't think the engine rotation is too bad. I mention that because parts and maintenance are my biggest Buell gripes. Used parts are still plentiful (though can be pricey) on eBay. I'm learning the maintenance isn't necessarily "worse" than my Japanese-Bikes background...it's just different. It seems once they're sorted out the maintenance isn't too bad. I come from about 20 years of mostly Japanese bikes background. The occasional Italian, German or Austrian bike thrown in for good measure, but mostly Japanese. Like you, I never learned to appreciate the I4 engine. I've always been partial to the V4 engines (I've owned a dozen or more VFRs), Vtwins and singles. I've never tried a triple but I hear the Triumph 1050 is an engine I should try (and I like the looks of the Tiger 1050!). I agree that something about the air-cooled Harley lump is enchanting. It's different and it requires a different riding style. I've had to learn to surf the wave of torque vs revving for the HP. But I like it. I feel it very much suits the smooth, flowing riding style I try to have. The engine of the Buell provides a very relaxing riding experience while the frame and suspension can support as much aggression as you wish. It's a very interesting combination that I enjoy. I've been in contact with several people who have owned both XRs and Buells (XBs in particular). They've generally stated the same thing; the XR is a great day-trip bike, and almost as good as the Buell performance / capability wise. The Buell makes more power, weighs less, has a better suspension and more comfortable seat. It's my understanding that the parts situation isn't much better than the Buell, as the XR is roughly the same age with even fewer examples in the wild. I've even had one owner state the late Tuber Buells and the XR are roughly equivalent. I may have witnessed the XR you described at the Osage Beach Harley dealer last week (I was getting studs and gaskets for the Ulysses). Silver XR, Ohlins shocks, and a bunch of goodies added to it. Not as attractive as the Orange / Black XR, but still a great looking bike! I've heard people talk about a weird "knock-kneed" riding position require by the XR...knees close together due to the narrow tank, but fee splayed apart due to the engine / peg location. I could understand that description once I was looking at the XR in person. All in all I think I've decided to keep my Buells. I think they're a better fit for my desires, and probably not that much difference in parts availability. I'm with you though, the XR remains "the Harley I would ride".
That's cool that you are at Lake of the Ozarks. Do you ever go down to the hot summer nights cruise in? Parts availability Is probably about the same between the XR and XB. I've ran into several parts that were no longer available. I've also found stuff on the XR that were left over Buell parts. The clutch basket being one of them. I would definitely ride a Buell again but I couldn't do the SCG anymore. I rode my daughters last week and wondered how I fit on one. I've gotten used to the roominess of the XR. Someone recently had a Uly for sale at LOZ that had a knocking noise. It was cheap and I really considered getting it.
@@xpsgarage I've not been to HSN, but I probably should. The father of one of my co-workers was responsible for getting HSN up and running. I thought parts availability might be similar given the lack of sales of the XR1200, it's uniqueness in the Harley product range, and it's sales timeframe. If that's all accurate, I think I'd prefer to keep my Ulys. I think the XR1200 is a good looking bike, but the Uly REALLY speaks to me. The red Uly you mentioned is one of my Ulys (I have an orange '06, the red '07, orange '09 (the one apart right now), and a red '09 XT). I've pulled it off the marketplace. Silly enough, I don't like the blackout treatment on the XT and I want to swap the silver wheels/pegs from the red '07 onto the XT. It's still for sale but I'm thinking of just swapping the motor with a low mileage 2006 unit from a theft-recovery Lightning Long I have, tossing a full set of luggage on it and listing it again for a more market-value price. I haven't really decided, and "sell now discounted or sell later at market price" is pretty balanced in my head. I should probably re-list it just in case.
I have to agree with all your points on liking the XR, I’ve had mine since they first came out in 2009, they are great fun to ride, easy to work on, and look great. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have enjoyed mine. Really like your videos, keep ‘em coming.
Enjoyed your video, have checked 2 out so far. I have a 2010 XR1200 that I have put 134,000 on, stock except for upgrade to XR1200X suspension. Just picked up a 2008 XB12XT with 36,000 this week. The XR will stay in garage till the spring at least, to be sure this is a good switch for me. My observations so far, as follows. XR is a joy to look at, and for day trips but I do some long trips that are not so comfortable on the XR. Buell is kitted out with full hard luggage, Buell is noticeably lighter as I can back it up my lumpy asphalt driveway while sitting on it and XR I have to get off to push it back, XB is quieter in the saddle than XR, both have stock exhaust, XB feels like it pulls harder, XB has lower rpm at highway speed in 5th, XB feels much smoother on road. All that said, with the XB, I do have the slow thump on front brakes, and ordered the EBC rotor and pads before I found your videos. Hope you enjoy the XR as much as I have.
No f****** way do you have136,000 MI they leave 50 gallon of oil a day on the highway they use them to oil dirt roads to keep the dust down hehe I bet that's a new one you never heard haha actually I own one and would love to use your comment on the Harley hater haters cuz haters got to hate tell your funny story our the road captain sergeant of arms of our local motorcycle club was explaining to all his prospects outside the watering hole they go to while I was sitting inside drinking a suds and pointing at my bike is a road captain's going on on about it and when I stepped outside one of the prospects asked me is that your bike I said yeah that's mine and they start asking me questions about it and I happened to say that it's about 13 years old and they all stop talking at once and with her eyes about bugged out and one of them said we thought it was a brand new one that's what the road Captain had told them I'm still laughing and I can't stop
I now have a heritage but I did have a buell xb12r. it was a fun bike. would wheelie easier than any bike I ever had. I just didn't like how much pressure it put on your hands and shoulders. always loved the XRs but have been out of my price range. maybe one day I will pick one up or maybe find a lightning or uslissies
I presently own 3 assorted Buell XB's and 4 XR1200's. I've owned a total of approx 16 XB's and 6 XR's in the last 20 years. The inherent problem with the entire Buell XB line was lack of development and refinement. All the XB's except the long framed Ulysses-XT-Stt...are very small squatty uncomfortable bikes. The XR is much more refined, comfortable and pleasant to ride. What I'm now seeing with the Buell line is difficulty in finding NOS parts...wiring and electrical problems becoming commonplace....cosmetics wearing out. Love both model lines but the XR is vastly superior in most all regards.
That XR uses the heads Harley got from Buell. I do love my Firebolt but i also have a regular older Sporty, so I understand the comfort of the Sporty and the power of the Buell would make a good bike - like the XR.....
XRs are not for everybody. I have had mine for 8 years and I put 40,000 miles on it. I live in South Florida. I go through tires like crazy. I put expensive sport touring tires. Stock rear lasted 2000. I am lucky if I get 4000 out of a rear. No burnouts. It has no electronics or ABS for sportbike riders. It revs to high to ride with other Harleys for long rides. In my opinion. I cant do it. At 80-85 they are at 2500rpm...I am at 5000rpm in 5th gear. It wants to run. Low rpm is basically useless. In my 50 years of experience, it is a lousy streetbike. Most of them went to the track. I like it. All I did was change out the out the exhaust for a 2 into 1, a Thundermax to fix the heat issue and a K&N. It pushes 89.999HP at the rear on the Dyno and 78 torque. The tests say 76HP at the rear stock. It has 18HP more than a stock XL from the factory. More than Dyna. So when people see it they hate it. Hahahaha. Also the plastic gas tank sucks. I am on my third. Harley never did a recall like the "Italian bikes" and replaced them with metal tanks. Harley rather just give you a new one.
I almost bought an XR from Hellbender Harley-Davidson. I just didn’t feel that it had the power as most of my buells. But I think it’s a gorgeous beast. I literally have 20 motorcycles that are tagged and titled and registered and out of all of my buells, I still prefer riding the 97 S1 lightning. It’s very close to the xr. But it does have the thunderstorm heads, Mikuni HSR42 flatslide carburetor, screaming eagle ecm, and forcewinder pipe on it. I still would consider an xr. Shoulda bought that last one when I had the opportunity. But I was able to get 2 xb’s for that xr price. But absolutely, basically everything you stated about the xb’s, is true. Don’t know why I still love these machines though.
I have 4 Buells..an xr 1200...and two cx roadsters..all are part of 16 in my collection...as far as the xr , cx and Buells go...I must say I like the cx best...the Buells are definitely faster in the twisted roads...as well as the xr over the cx, but the roadster is definitely more fun for the day....ride!
@@xpsgarage yes...the riding position makes you "feel " like your going fast ...I liked it so much. I bought 2...and looks much nicer in person than on paper.
I've had/have em both. To me, the Buell XB was better in most aspects, brake, suspension and handling. The XR has a great engine. The XR was just to big for me. Yes the maintenence is a bear.
The XR is definitely a big pig but I've started to like that on really windy days. The XB suspension is better but after putting the X model parts on the XR they are much closer. To me brakes are kind of a toss-up. The ZTL brakes on the XB always seemed problematic and after putting the EBC rotors on the XR it stops fairly good. Changing to the 17" front wheel on the XR made the handling much sharper.
sweet bike, how is the transmission? I had 2003 buell XB9S, once hot, after afternoon ride, first to second shift would jam up. HD mechanic had same issue with his bike.
Never seen nor heard of anybody having brake problems. Never cheap out on brakes, buy new stuff, don't buy old used brake discs just to save a buck... Also the Wheels are made in Italy, NOT China. Please don't misinform people.
Wasn't trying to misinform anybody. If you Google "Buell brake shake" you will see I'm not the only one that's had issues. All of the Buell XB wheels I have seen had "Made In China" embossed right in the metal. I did do a little more research and apparently Enkei did have a hand in the manufacture of the Buell wheels. Since Enkei also made the Harley XR wheels then maybe they were also made in China. Bottom line Buell XB wheels read "Made In China" and Harley XR read "Enkei".
What do you mean by "Big ol' antique air cooled engine"? That dar' sir is over a century of ree-finement and high torque traction excellence. And if you don' t understand why, then you probably have not been sideways on two wheels. The ONLY benefit to water cooling is emmissions on cold startup, after which a thermostat can keep the engine as close to metal fatigue as possible, cause a hot engine burns clean. Porsche would agree.
Thanks for another great video! Of course having a 2009 XR myself I have a lot of interest in your modification videos and wanted to ask if you will be doing a belt to chain conversion? Thanks again and happy riding.
No, I've never planned on going chain with either the Buells or the XR. I like the belts because they are clean, reliable and low maintenance. Are you breaking belts or just like the look of the chain?
@@xpsgarage No Sir, Just trying to drop the weight of the bike and I hear that going with a chain puts more power to the rear wheel. Any thoughts on this?
@@tonymc66 Belts are lighter than chains. I don't see how a chain would put down more power because it is heavier and requires more power just to move it. Belts and chains are better than shafts though because you lose power every time you do a direction change in the driveline.
The XR weights WAY too much IMO. 580 lbs wet... FFS... IDK why it weighs so much, there's nothing there. How do you feel about the lightning long vs the low? I want a long for the longer wheelbase but I want the low seat lol...
The XR is definitely heavy when pushing it around the garage. When riding the XR I don't really notice it. The stock gearing is good for acceleration and it handles nice. I was riding in high winds several weeks ago and the added weight of the XR made it feel more stable. There have been several times I've taken parts off the XR and thought why the hell isn't this made out of aluminum lol. I bought the low several years after I had the long but in memory they seemed very much alike. The long was just roomier.
@@xpsgarage The long has a little more rake. Just a few degrees but it apparently make a big enough difference on the highway with the longer swingarm. Maybe I need to nab a Ulysses and mod it back into a xb low lol...
@@maguslascivious4980 Riding them back to back would be a great idea. I'm trying to remember if the low responded quicker but it's been so long I couldn't tell you. The low and the firebolt felt very similar as far as handling even with the very different seating and bar positions.
What the major problem is here that nobody I mean like nobody ever has understood that motorcycles are purpose built machine. Like what you wouldn't take a38 revolver on an African safari to kill a trophy elephant would you know? Guns are purpose built for one target so our motorcycles built for one target. A Buell motorcycle Target is Moto GP the XR Target is dirt track originally for a while there is a Vance & Hines series AMA racing on sports car tracks of America but the buell it's still a MotoGP with lights the XR 1200 is a true Factory made Street Tracker that comes street legal for about a minute if you're an owner like me I will claim it street legal kind of sort of not really as I spent more on mods than the bike cost... It is not anything at all internally like a Sportster motor as this man says it is he just blew all his credibility as I was claim that he don't know a f****** thing about a motorcycle or a Sportster as the XR 1200 is not at all internally the same that's why they make 30 more horsepower than a Sportster at the back wheel 95 all together at the crank if you want to compare these motors to another Harley-Davidson motor they're almost identical to an xr750 dirt track racer for the mile that run about 140 mph into the first turn what Harley down here was to tame an XR 750 racer to burn pump gas and then add some extra cubic inches to compensate for detuning a 750 so the XR1200 will have the same performance as the racer does now and believe it or not if you dare take it on a dirt road you can pitch it sideways just like Brad the bullet Baker team Harley Rider does
Enjoyed hearing your experiences. I've always liked the Buells but never owned one. I love my XR and will never sell it.
I still enjoy my XR. I thought I was starting to miss a Buell until my daughter brought hers over to work on. Not missing them anymore. Lol.
Best looking Harley
Ever
Good color too
Money well spent
IF you are speaking of the color the XR1200 in this video it is called mirage orange Pearl... There's only one place in the world you can buy it called Kustom Kolors I bought a few spray cans around $20 BUCKS apiece to paint an old school 1/4 cafe racing fairing I had found on eBay 2 years ago ,, it's a three-part painting process of special primer you have to find yourself I remember what it is I used but it worked and then a base coat of custom color base coat and then there's the actual Mirage orange Pearl ,,, and it would go on and looking glossy and then it would always dry when the mat finish I didn't realize you were supposed to put a clear over that I ended up buffing out to the matte finish and so it matched perfectly with the 13-year-old paint job on my 2009 XR minute I got to look like it came that way from the factory it's pretty good when this guy in the interview tells you it's basically the same as a Sportster XL motor and that blew his credibility.. It might look like a and XL to him but other looks it's the difference between night and day and when you get inside the motor ;;;; I learned something a long time ago never work on your Harley for the first time with an aftermarket manual they forget to tell you things like for the left hand threads of bolts ,,, the XR1200 engine has two oil circuits one for lubrication and one for cooling.. It has a mechanical thermostat for the oil that's in the bottom of the cases on the right hand side and can be removed and replaced without pulling the engine. When you take off the right hand side cover on a Sportster XL you'll see the camshaft and all the oil comes out and there's a whole bunch of stuff in there. When you take the same cover off an XR1200 it's only on there for decorations there's nothing behind me at all you're still going to see the engine cases that you would have to pull off before you get to the lifters in the camshaft and a lifters . Never had mine apart but I was reading that Harley-Davidson shop manual and shows pictures and everything cuz that was the first thing I bought was a Harley Davidson is about $180 and it's already saved me that much in repairs if I had looked at anything else. I had thought about it putting some higher lift more duration cams in it .. Looking at the specs the XR 1200 times equipped with580 lift camshaft that means it lifts the valves .580 inches stock much higher than I was wanting so the stock cams are more than wild enough if you're going to run cans like that and you're going to have to have beehive valve springs and a different set of lifters so it save me about a thousand bucks and then I wouldn't have used cams this kind of lift..... The Millennials made a great big mistake one thing b**** and complained about this motorcycle and all the comments and everywhere it was like a curse the entire millennial generation wouldn't answer this bike like it was the worst waste of money ever. Like an angry mob carrying pitchforks and shovels and rakes after a monster or something and sales dropped to zero in America and at that moment Harley Davidson pulled it off with showroom floor and that's why Harley only run sport models for a few years because then everybody catches on to them and instantly says they're no good without even writing one10 years after they stopped building them now and told him off the showroom floor look at all the Millennials now oh my what a new looking Harley that's so nice well too bad it was your generation's mouth running b******* and now you can't buy a new one but there is a replacement. Cost around 17,000 it makes121 horsepower and it's the new Sportster s 90 foot pounds of torque it's a rocket double overhead cam liquid tools automatic cam timing fuel injection it's got all the new tricks..xr1200 is around 80 horse at the rear tire 90 95 at the crank and around 79 foot pounds of torque a regular Sportster XL is about 50 horsepower... What I like to do is just twist up the wick and say bye-bye to all the XLs. And you never have to ask one to race they automatically volunteer do you want to tease him a little bit you can give him a head start and smoke them every time you can play hell with the owner600 CC for cylinder rice Rockets to about 130 that's where you run out of top end the track models would do about140 the XR 1200 was built for one purpose and that was the Vance and Hines series AMA racing between 2009 and 2015 ...SHAMFULLY I never made it to a race the series went from coast to coast every year racing at all the sports car tracks of America just like King of the Baggers today which is unbelievable totally would you believe they're racing 700 lb Indians and Road Kings at 185 miles per hour and the RULES ARE STOCK crate engine and projection stock FRAMES absolutely no mods allowed to the frames at all.... But for safety purposes aerodynamics of and the fairing saddlebag side covers where mounted in a wind tunnel for both Indian and Harley that's why when you go down to your Harley dealer you'll find that there's no longer a BAT WING LOOKING FAIRING BUT MORE LIKE THE NEW LOOK OF MOTO GP heehee....... If you're looking into buying one of thesE xr s. The price bottomed out about four years ago and now they're going back up as high as what they cost new which is ridiculous but that's it and that price is around 11,000 and up for a used almost 20 year old bike. Cycle Trader had one four years ago in Williamsport Honda on the east coast of Pennsylvania and I live70 Mi west of Indianapolis Indiana and including the detours on the interstate going there it was about a 800 Mi ride on my Honda Africa twin at which time I traded keys and no money even up Honda for one Harley with a bill of sale that red all zeros and I've never looked back since
The XR 750 was a bucket list bike for me. I got a great deal on an XR1200 a couple years ago. Even though I'm pushing 68, I love my XR. I've collected a number of bikes but if I could only keep one, it would probably be my XR
I understand. The XR just has a feeling that other bikes don't.
Enjoying your new ride as much as I'm enjoying it now.
This is crazy, I just happened to stumble across you video and these are the exact two bikes I have been debating on getting. Thank you!!
You're welcome! I'm still really enjoying the XR but wouldn't turn down a nice Buell either.
@@xpsgarage I am in the same group between the two...this video is insightful. Enough that I don't believe I want an XB anymore...But a tuber, is that going to have XB issues or will it be easier on the home mechanic, in your opinion...thanks
@@chazgee9112 I've never rode or wrenched on a tuber but just looking at them they seem like they would be easier to work on than an XB since everything is not stuffed up inside the frame. The problem I see with the tubers is that I just don't think they are as good of a bike as either the XB or XR.
Great movie. I had a Buell XB 12 SS from 2009. Now I'm going to be aiming for the HD XR1200. It will be a good target equipment for me. Thanks for giving your opinion. It may come in handy in the future. Regards from Poland.
Iv had my buell 07 xb9sx for 10k miles, had to do rocker cover gaskets right away at only 3500 miles and had to timesert the rear sparkplug hole because previous owner cross threaded it and was held in by only 3 threads, lost rear cylinder injector while riding due to wire harness grounding out and fried ecm. Then recently bank angle sensor wire got an open wire which caused me to loose spark on a ride. Luckily I fix all my own stuff and have to agree with you on most things you said. Btw you can remove fuel pump without taking swing arm all the way off but is still a good amount of work. I have the tallest skyline seat and not much else compares to the comfort but you need long legs
Thank You Brother I am thinking of buying a XR1200 really enjoyed your content Many thanks
Most of the XRs went straight to the track. Make sure you don't get a track bike that is street legal again with stock parts.
I have an ‘09 1200 Ulysses and love it
I bet you do, they look like a lot of fun. If I didn't have the KLR to go along with the XR I would probably have a Uly.
I like this video! I have an xb9s xb12r I was offered a 06 883 sportster I love the 2 buells enough I just couldn't pull the trigger on the sportster. Yours is a good looken bike looks comfortable to ride too!
I've really enjoyed your videos. I first found your videos while researching fan replacement on my Ulysses. Then again looking at how to rotate the engine. Lastly I too entertained the idea of "XR1200 as updated replacement for my Buell with better parts availability", and found this video! Being at the Lake of the Ozarks helps as well, as I recognize some of the places you're riding!
I currently have several Ulysses as well as Lightning Long project bike and Firebolt parts bike. I love the look of the white-over-blue Firebolt, but as you mention the riding ergos just aren't for me. Maybe 20 years ago, but at this time the Uly riding position fits my needs! Heck, even my VFR is beginning to feel like a Supersport.
One of my Ulys is currently sitting with the engine removed as I needed to fix a broken stud, boogered rear plug threads, and replacing the intake gaskets while I'm there. So your lamentations regarding Buell maintenance are fresh in my mind! I must concede, rotating the engine wasn't the huge ordeal I expected. And fully removing it was only slightly more work. While not something I'd want to do on a monthly basis I don't think the engine rotation is too bad. I mention that because parts and maintenance are my biggest Buell gripes. Used parts are still plentiful (though can be pricey) on eBay. I'm learning the maintenance isn't necessarily "worse" than my Japanese-Bikes background...it's just different. It seems once they're sorted out the maintenance isn't too bad.
I come from about 20 years of mostly Japanese bikes background. The occasional Italian, German or Austrian bike thrown in for good measure, but mostly Japanese. Like you, I never learned to appreciate the I4 engine. I've always been partial to the V4 engines (I've owned a dozen or more VFRs), Vtwins and singles. I've never tried a triple but I hear the Triumph 1050 is an engine I should try (and I like the looks of the Tiger 1050!). I agree that something about the air-cooled Harley lump is enchanting. It's different and it requires a different riding style. I've had to learn to surf the wave of torque vs revving for the HP. But I like it. I feel it very much suits the smooth, flowing riding style I try to have. The engine of the Buell provides a very relaxing riding experience while the frame and suspension can support as much aggression as you wish. It's a very interesting combination that I enjoy.
I've been in contact with several people who have owned both XRs and Buells (XBs in particular). They've generally stated the same thing; the XR is a great day-trip bike, and almost as good as the Buell performance / capability wise. The Buell makes more power, weighs less, has a better suspension and more comfortable seat. It's my understanding that the parts situation isn't much better than the Buell, as the XR is roughly the same age with even fewer examples in the wild. I've even had one owner state the late Tuber Buells and the XR are roughly equivalent.
I may have witnessed the XR you described at the Osage Beach Harley dealer last week (I was getting studs and gaskets for the Ulysses). Silver XR, Ohlins shocks, and a bunch of goodies added to it. Not as attractive as the Orange / Black XR, but still a great looking bike! I've heard people talk about a weird "knock-kneed" riding position require by the XR...knees close together due to the narrow tank, but fee splayed apart due to the engine / peg location. I could understand that description once I was looking at the XR in person.
All in all I think I've decided to keep my Buells. I think they're a better fit for my desires, and probably not that much difference in parts availability.
I'm with you though, the XR remains "the Harley I would ride".
That's cool that you are at Lake of the Ozarks. Do you ever go down to the hot summer nights cruise in? Parts availability Is probably about the same between the XR and XB. I've ran into several parts that were no longer available. I've also found stuff on the XR that were left over Buell parts. The clutch basket being one of them. I would definitely ride a Buell again but I couldn't do the SCG anymore. I rode my daughters last week and wondered how I fit on one. I've gotten used to the roominess of the XR. Someone recently had a Uly for sale at LOZ that had a knocking noise. It was cheap and I really considered getting it.
@@xpsgarage I've not been to HSN, but I probably should. The father of one of my co-workers was responsible for getting HSN up and running. I thought parts availability might be similar given the lack of sales of the XR1200, it's uniqueness in the Harley product range, and it's sales timeframe. If that's all accurate, I think I'd prefer to keep my Ulys. I think the XR1200 is a good looking bike, but the Uly REALLY speaks to me. The red Uly you mentioned is one of my Ulys (I have an orange '06, the red '07, orange '09 (the one apart right now), and a red '09 XT). I've pulled it off the marketplace. Silly enough, I don't like the blackout treatment on the XT and I want to swap the silver wheels/pegs from the red '07 onto the XT. It's still for sale but I'm thinking of just swapping the motor with a low mileage 2006 unit from a theft-recovery Lightning Long I have, tossing a full set of luggage on it and listing it again for a more market-value price. I haven't really decided, and "sell now discounted or sell later at market price" is pretty balanced in my head. I should probably re-list it just in case.
@@motoguy1I wondered if that was your Uly on marketplace. I was just looking at the pics again.
That bike looks beautiful - Keep it simple - Many thanks
Glad you like it!
I have to agree with all your points on liking the XR, I’ve had mine since they first came out in 2009, they are great fun to ride, easy to work on, and look great. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have enjoyed mine. Really like your videos, keep ‘em coming.
Enjoyed your video, have checked 2 out so far. I have a 2010 XR1200 that I have put 134,000 on, stock except for upgrade to XR1200X suspension. Just picked up a 2008 XB12XT with 36,000 this week. The XR will stay in garage till the spring at least, to be sure this is a good switch for me. My observations so far, as follows. XR is a joy to look at, and for day trips but I do some long trips that are not so comfortable on the XR. Buell is kitted out with full hard luggage, Buell is noticeably lighter as I can back it up my lumpy asphalt driveway while sitting on it and XR I have to get off to push it back, XB is quieter in the saddle than XR, both have stock exhaust, XB feels like it pulls harder, XB has lower rpm at highway speed in 5th, XB feels much smoother on road. All that said, with the XB, I do have the slow thump on front brakes, and ordered the EBC rotor and pads before I found your videos. Hope you enjoy the XR as much as I have.
No f****** way do you have136,000 MI they leave 50 gallon of oil a day on the highway they use them to oil dirt roads to keep the dust down hehe I bet that's a new one you never heard haha actually I own one and would love to use your comment on the Harley hater haters cuz haters got to hate tell your funny story our the road captain sergeant of arms of our local motorcycle club was explaining to all his prospects outside the watering hole they go to while I was sitting inside drinking a suds and pointing at my bike is a road captain's going on on about it and when I stepped outside one of the prospects asked me is that your bike I said yeah that's mine and they start asking me questions about it and I happened to say that it's about 13 years old and they all stop talking at once and with her eyes about bugged out and one of them said we thought it was a brand new one that's what the road Captain had told them I'm still laughing and I can't stop
@@donniebaker5984 cool story bro.
I now have a heritage but I did have a buell xb12r. it was a fun bike. would wheelie easier than any bike I ever had. I just didn't like how much pressure it put on your hands and shoulders. always loved the XRs but have been out of my price range. maybe one day I will pick one up or maybe find a lightning or uslissies
I agree there's something about the Evo motors, even loved the 883 once you've staged it a bit, that and 250cc 2T's.
I still feel the same way.
I presently own 3 assorted Buell XB's and 4 XR1200's. I've owned a total of approx 16 XB's and 6 XR's in the last 20 years. The inherent problem with the entire Buell XB line was lack of development and refinement. All the XB's except the long framed Ulysses-XT-Stt...are very small squatty uncomfortable bikes. The XR is much more refined, comfortable and pleasant to ride. What I'm now seeing with the Buell line is difficulty in finding NOS parts...wiring and electrical problems becoming commonplace....cosmetics wearing out. Love both model lines but the XR is vastly superior in most all regards.
H-D gave Buell no real support. Even bought/failed/sold back MV Augusta while holding controlling interest. Erik said Rotax. H-D said no.
Cooling fan? Drop the motor. WTF? Crazy.
Oil cooler is more efficient on the xr. The cooling fan on the Buell doesn't pick up the slack left by the xb oil cooler
@@Ari-pw6nu Not true. I've replaced dozens of XB fans. Motor stays in place. WTF is right.
@@Ari-pw6nu Cylinder heads being buried within the frame rails and under the huge airbox is the problem. Not the cooling fan or oil cooler.
That XR uses the heads Harley got from Buell. I do love my Firebolt but i also have a regular older Sporty, so I understand the comfort of the Sporty and the power of the Buell would make a good bike - like the XR.....
Yes same heads except for the extra oil cooling around the exhaust ports that Harley added.
XRs are not for everybody. I have had mine for 8 years and I put 40,000 miles on it. I live in South Florida. I go through tires like crazy. I put expensive sport touring tires. Stock rear lasted 2000. I am lucky if I get 4000 out of a rear. No burnouts. It has no electronics or ABS for sportbike riders. It revs to high to ride with other Harleys for long rides. In my opinion. I cant do it. At 80-85 they are at 2500rpm...I am at 5000rpm in 5th gear. It wants to run. Low rpm is basically useless. In my 50 years of experience, it is a lousy streetbike. Most of them went to the track. I like it. All I did was change out the out the exhaust for a 2 into 1, a Thundermax to fix the heat issue and a K&N. It pushes 89.999HP at the rear on the Dyno and 78 torque. The tests say 76HP at the rear stock. It has 18HP more than a stock XL from the factory. More than Dyna. So when people see it they hate it. Hahahaha. Also the plastic gas tank sucks. I am on my third. Harley never did a recall like the "Italian bikes" and replaced them with metal tanks. Harley rather just give you a new one.
You are right, they are not for everybody. I am still enjoying mine.
I almost bought an XR from Hellbender Harley-Davidson. I just didn’t feel that it had the power as most of my buells. But I think it’s a gorgeous beast. I literally have 20 motorcycles that are tagged and titled and registered and out of all of my buells, I still prefer riding the 97 S1 lightning. It’s very close to the xr. But it does have the thunderstorm heads, Mikuni HSR42 flatslide carburetor, screaming eagle ecm, and forcewinder pipe on it. I still would consider an xr. Shoulda bought that last one when I had the opportunity. But I was able to get 2 xb’s for that xr price. But absolutely, basically everything you stated about the xb’s, is true. Don’t know why I still love these machines though.
I have 4 Buells..an xr 1200...and two cx roadsters..all are part of 16 in my collection...as far as the xr , cx and Buells go...I must say I like the cx best...the Buells are definitely faster in the twisted roads...as well as the xr over the cx, but the roadster is definitely more fun for the day....ride!
That sounds like a serious bike collection! I need to ride a CX since the Roadsters were the bikes that got me wanting a Harley.
@@xpsgarage yes...the riding position makes you "feel " like your going fast ...I liked it so much. I bought 2...and looks much nicer in person than on paper.
I've had/have em both. To me, the Buell XB was better in most aspects, brake, suspension and handling. The XR has a great engine.
The XR was just to big for me. Yes the maintenence is a bear.
The XR is definitely a big pig but I've started to like that on really windy days. The XB suspension is better but after putting the X model parts on the XR they are much closer. To me brakes are kind of a toss-up. The ZTL brakes on the XB always seemed problematic and after putting the EBC rotors on the XR it stops fairly good. Changing to the 17" front wheel on the XR made the handling much sharper.
@@xpsgarage I wish my xr was orange !
@@tedcity5861 Orange is cool and I've heard it's the fastest. LOL
sweet bike, how is the transmission? I had 2003 buell XB9S, once hot, after afternoon ride, first to second shift would jam up. HD mechanic had same issue with his bike.
The trans is really good. They made some serious transmission upgrades to the Buells in 2006 and the XR has the same setup.
Never seen nor heard of anybody having brake problems. Never cheap out on brakes, buy new stuff, don't buy old used brake discs just to save a buck... Also the Wheels are made in Italy, NOT China. Please don't misinform people.
Wasn't trying to misinform anybody. If you Google "Buell brake shake" you will see I'm not the only one that's had issues.
All of the Buell XB wheels I have seen had "Made In China" embossed right in the metal. I did do a little more research and apparently Enkei did have a hand in the manufacture of the Buell wheels. Since Enkei also made the Harley XR wheels then maybe they were also made in China. Bottom line Buell XB wheels read "Made In China" and Harley XR read "Enkei".
What do you mean by "Big ol' antique air cooled engine"? That dar' sir is over a century of ree-finement and high torque traction excellence. And if you don' t understand why, then you probably have not been sideways on two wheels. The ONLY benefit to water cooling is emmissions on cold startup, after which a thermostat can keep the engine as close to metal fatigue as possible, cause a hot engine burns clean. Porsche would agree.
Easy now, I didn't mean it as a bad thing. LOL. I love it!
@@xpsgarage 😆👍
Thanks for another great video! Of course having a 2009 XR myself I have a lot of interest in your modification videos and wanted to ask if you will be doing a belt to chain conversion? Thanks again and happy riding.
No, I've never planned on going chain with either the Buells or the XR. I like the belts because they are clean, reliable and low maintenance. Are you breaking belts or just like the look of the chain?
@@xpsgarage No Sir, Just trying to drop the weight of the bike and I hear that going with a chain puts more power to the rear wheel. Any thoughts on this?
@@tonymc66 Belts are lighter than chains. I don't see how a chain would put down more power because it is heavier and requires more power just to move it. Belts and chains are better than shafts though because you lose power every time you do a direction change in the driveline.
The XR weights WAY too much IMO. 580 lbs wet... FFS... IDK why it weighs so much, there's nothing there.
How do you feel about the lightning long vs the low?
I want a long for the longer wheelbase but I want the low seat lol...
The XR is definitely heavy when pushing it around the garage. When riding the XR I don't really notice it. The stock gearing is good for acceleration and it handles nice. I was riding in high winds several weeks ago and the added weight of the XR made it feel more stable. There have been several times I've taken parts off the XR and thought why the hell isn't this made out of aluminum lol. I bought the low several years after I had the long but in memory they seemed very much alike. The long was just roomier.
@@xpsgarage The long has a little more rake. Just a few degrees but it apparently make a big enough difference on the highway with the longer swingarm. Maybe I need to nab a Ulysses and mod it back into a xb low lol...
@@maguslascivious4980 Riding them back to back would be a great idea. I'm trying to remember if the low responded quicker but it's been so long I couldn't tell you. The low and the firebolt felt very similar as far as handling even with the very different seating and bar positions.
Dumping the stock exhaust saves a ton of weight. I have a 2 into 1 on my XR. That probably dropped it 35lbs if not more.
Could've stood to lose 50-60 pounds. That would have made it a superior twin rather than ":a good bike for a Harley".
It definitely is a bit heavy. I'm always looking for ways to lighten her up.
The XR1200 looks almost like a Buell S3 to me in position. Dont look at gen2 buells the XR is a 1st gen Buell tuber
Yes they are similar. The XR has the looks of a tuber with the improved engine of the Buell XB.
What the major problem is here that nobody I mean like nobody ever has understood that motorcycles are purpose built machine. Like what you wouldn't take a38 revolver on an African safari to kill a trophy elephant would you know? Guns are purpose built for one target so our motorcycles built for one target. A Buell motorcycle Target is Moto GP the XR Target is dirt track originally for a while there is a Vance & Hines series AMA racing on sports car tracks of America but the buell it's still a MotoGP with lights the XR 1200 is a true Factory made Street Tracker that comes street legal for about a minute if you're an owner like me I will claim it street legal kind of sort of not really as I spent more on mods than the bike cost... It is not anything at all internally like a Sportster motor as this man says it is he just blew all his credibility as I was claim that he don't know a f****** thing about a motorcycle or a Sportster as the XR 1200 is not at all internally the same that's why they make 30 more horsepower than a Sportster at the back wheel 95 all together at the crank if you want to compare these motors to another Harley-Davidson motor they're almost identical to an xr750 dirt track racer for the mile that run about 140 mph into the first turn what Harley down here was to tame an XR 750 racer to burn pump gas and then add some extra cubic inches to compensate for detuning a 750 so the XR1200 will have the same performance as the racer does now and believe it or not if you dare take it on a dirt road you can pitch it sideways just like Brad the bullet Baker team Harley Rider does
Oh I know they are purpose built. That's why I have several!