| Author | Message | ||
     Rays |
Well after lurking around here for the last couple of months I am now able to come out of hiding - I picked up my new Uly last Monday (Black of course). VERY daunting heading straight into city traffic on this elevated machine (I hadn't been able to get a test ride on a Uly - a 2004 Thunderbolt was all I get to try locally), but a week later I am fairly comfortable with the 'slip the right cheek off' method. In that time I have ridden through peak-hour 4 out of 5 days to and from work (yes, that fan can really roar can't it?), taken the long way home most days and covered a couple of hundred miles through the back-blocks with my wife on the back. I haven't had such fun on a bike for years - this thing is a complete hoot to ride both on tar and off. I had never ridden any distance at all two-up on gravel roads and we have just had a great time doing that over the last couple of days. I have a lot of questions for the forum but the one thing that I'd appreciate some feedback on is what level of noise is 'normal' from the engine? When I ride home through traffic and the engine is well and truly 'warm' it has a 'knock' that seems to come from the pushrod side of the engine at idle (louder than the standard exhaust) and a 'clank' that appears to come from the primary drive area when the engine isn't loaded while running in most gears above 2000rpm (currently 450 miles on the clock). I've been used to liquid-cooled I-4's for many years so apart from the terrible clutch noise of Kawas (I have a ZX12 sharing the shed with the UlY) I have probably had a sheltered life in terms of engine noises but I'd hate to think I'm overlooking something potentially bad. Let me take the opportunity to thank each and every person who has contributed to the 'Big, Bad & Dirty' section as it has helped me a lot (both with the decision to purchase and how to fix the bloody horn beating on the front fairing). }}} | ||
| Brotherbuell |
Rays, Congrats on the new Uly. I have to agree that this bike is "a hoot" to ride. Yes..my fan roars as well at the end of a ride but none of the noises that you describe are evident. I'm sure there will be a lot of good suggestions from Bad Web members but my advice is to take it to the dealer. It sounds like the ride back to the dealer will take you through the same driving conditions that will allow you to demonstrate the noise to the service tech. I think it is important to get your concerns on record. I'm really impressed by Buell's commitment to stand behind there product they can't address problems that they don't hear about. Good luck. | ||
| Thunderbox |
The Uly is my second Buell and I have always noticed a slight knock at just off idle under medium load. I think it is a little piston knock but it has never gotten worse than it was at 100 miles so I just learned to live with it. I think it depends on how well your helmet fits. LOL | ||
| Lovehamr |
Remember that things quieten down in general as the bike breaks in as well. I switched to synthetic at the 1k maintenance and that seems to have made a big difference in how often the fan comes on. Hope you continue to enjoy your Uly. Steve | ||
| Speedstar |
I had the same issue and I brought it up to my service technician and he said it was normal. Everything was checked out at the 1000 mile service and it does run much better after it is broken-in. Just get used to the noises and ride. It should be okay. If you want to fix the noises, just get a Drummer muffler for it from Kevin at KDfab.com. It will cover up the knocks and noises and it sounds badass! Congrats on the new Uly. | ||
| Brat |
Howdy Rays, I'm in Brisbane at the moment but the Muell is in Melbourne, I'm back there this week, mine's black, with race kit and 4 lights (and panniers very soon I hope), hope to see you on the road! Chris | ||
| Bindy |
Hiya Rays, congrats on your new Uly. We just heard that someone had bought the second one up here in Brissie so word must be getting out!! Went dirt tracking on the weekend for my birthday, what a hoot! Was laughing in my lid especially going through the creeks. Cannot get over how smooth Uly is, and for me such a comfy ride. Got caught in rain and hail, (three seasons in one day sound familiar?) Uly did not budge just sailed on through. Know what you mean about the noises, my first time on Uly I could hear a noise at the rider's left front, but was nowhere to be heard on the weekend. Anyway congrats again, I am missing riding my Bindy Buell so will hit the road on her this weekend. Opto took off the SS drummer and put on the fatlet drummer, so she should be back to normal?!?! Take Care, Be Safe and Stay Upright, Bindy | ||
| Opto |
but the one thing that I'd appreciate some feedback on is what level of noise is 'normal' from the engine? Umm, a fair bit, and it can get more noticeable or less noticeable depending on what time it is or what season, haven't worked it out yet, never will. Can't hear much at highway speed for example. |
