| Author | Message | ||
     Electraglider_1997 |
I just thought of something and will try out at soon as possible. Since 1st gear is way too damn high (got that Eric!), and the idle is at about 1000 to 1100 (on my bike at least), I think that is what makes it so difficult a very low speeds. I'm thinking that if I idle it down to about 800 rpms that it won't be trying to drive me forward so fast when I'm doing very low speed maneuvers. I know that the idle has to be fast enough to provide 13.2 volts to the battery but a low idle has never seemed to bother my 42000 mile Electraglide electronics. I just think the surging is caused because 1000 rpms translates into a certain speed in 1st gear and the ULY starts to jam itself (or surge if you prefer) to maintain that speed. Lowering the idle might not cure this but it should help. I'll try it and let you'all know. | ||
| Whodom |
Electraglider: I don't believe the XB engine will tolerate the low idle very well. This engine has fairly hot cams and needs more idle speed than a typical HD v-twin to run reliably. Over the past couple of years, several XB riders have reported problems which were cured by raising their idle speed from an HD-typical ~800 RPM to the Buell factory recommended ~1100 RPM. I've seen a lot of new Buell riders post about the "surging" of the Uly off-idle. I think this is just characteristic of an engine that has so much torque down low- when you open the throttle, it GOES. The best way I know to rider smoothly at low speed is to get used to using the clutch more than you may have had to with other bikes, and learn to work the throttle VERY gently at low speed. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I've found just the opposite to be true. The Uly has such a huge flywheel effect, that ever revolution of the crank lurches you forward in slow going. Instead, I whip the RPMs up to about 2500 or so in first gear and slip the clutch when I'm stuck in slow traffic. Makes it smooth as a baby's bottom. First gear is a bit tall, but I can't imagine lowering it any further. It would basically be useless then. You'd either wheelie over backward, or you have to shift before you got your feet on the pegs. It's important to remember, the Uly is an "Adventure SPORTbike" and the dirt worthyness is mostly marketing hype. Yeah, I know, some people take them off road, but I saw a report of a guy who rode an R1 around the world. Riding offroad does not a dirt bike make.   | ||
| Lowflyer |
Elec, The surging went away on mine after the 1000-mile service. Also, I've gotten used to feathering the clutch for low-speed maneuvering. It's pretty much second-nature now. Mine idles between 1000 and 1100 rpm. I am interested to see how this works out for you.  | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Last week I idled the bike down about 200 rpms so that when it is warmed up it idles at 950-1000 rpms according to the tach reading. I might try a hair lower. Anyways, it rides better in my estimation. No problems with starting or idling at this lower rpm. Easier on the take off in 1st gear. |
