| Author | Message | ||
     Rhinowerx |
I'd never taken a rear wheel off a Buell before today. Not sure if the Uly is any different from other Buell models, but it was a tad more work than other bikes I'd worked on. Nonetheless, I took my time, read the manual, had all the right tools, and everything went well.  The Coates 220 really makes light work of changing tyres, and with 3 bikes in the stable, it didn't take long for this thing to pay for itself  It's all about the lube...  Couple more pictures here Anyway, I'm starting to get excited about our trip to Death Valley next week - feeling good knowing the bike is ready. Only 3.5 work days to go  I'll be sure to post pictures when I get back | ||
| Stevenknapp |
Not to be a smartass, but what's more difficult? I thought it was supposed to be easier? No tension to adjust or anything. | ||
| Pbransonii |
What jack is that. Craftsman? | ||
| Cygnus_x1 |
Yep! Same one I have, about $150. | ||
| Rhinowerx |
Steve, Didn't say it was difficult, just a bit more work = more steps involved removing the wheel e.g. (as per the manual) remove the front pully cover, remove (disconnect) the right passenger footpeg frame piece, remove the tensioner wheel, remove the rear brake caliper, take care removing the belt (and keeping out of the way) ... most can be seen from the first picture On UJM's, I just loosen off the chain tensioner nuts, and pull the axle - caliper stays in place, and no need to be particularly careful with the chain. From memory, I think the Beemer was pretty simple also Maybe there are some shortcuts to removing the Uly rear wheel, that I have yet to learn, otherwise, it was far from difficult, and I'm sure I'll become more efficient as time goes by. Yep - Craftsman aluminum MC/ATV jack - nice piece of kit Cheers -Jack | ||
| Stevenknapp |
OK. From reading this site, it appears the service manual is worth the price? Would you agree? The one for the 12GS was horrible. Useless at best. | ||
| Rhinowerx |
The service manual is one of the best I've seen; nicely laid out, good, clear instructions, and nice images. It is kind thick, and it sux a bit having to clean up to go back and reference something else (I hate getting greasey fingerprints in the manual). My only wish is that it be available in CD format - I'd like to be able to print off only the pages I need, when I need them Cheers -Jack | ||
| Brat |
Could you list the tools you needed please, don't worry about the tire lever etc? I've had a screw in my tyre for weeks and am 2000 miles from home with limited tools but want to get it off and on myself. Thanks Ditto with the manual, I'd like it on CD so I can carry it with me touring rather than the HUGE book! PS, just went to your site for the other pics, like the ones of OZ!  What software is your on-line album, looks great! (Message edited by brat on January 22, 2006) | ||
| Cataract2 |
Brat, here's a site for a complete run down on how to DIY your own tire changes. http://www.clarity.net/~adam/tire-changing.html | ||
| Brat |
Thanks Cataract2, but I'm interested in what specific tools you need for the Uly to get the wheel off, ie 5/16" ring spanner or whatever, I don't want to get the wheel half off to discover I need something not at hand! Cheers | ||
| Chadhargis |
The service manual is VERY good. Probably the best I've seen. Maybe because it didn't have to be translated from another language. | ||
| Opto |
Rear axle pinch bolt - 3/8" allen key. Rear axle - 7/8" socket (or big shifter) on adaptor in Buell tool kit. Idler pulley cover - Torx #27 bit. Idler pulley - 9/16" ring spanner, prefer socket. Um, that's a start...never had to remove anything else on an XB12S but haven't worked on the Uly yet. So how's the trip to Asia going, does 2000 miles still leave you on Ozzy soil, or are you nearly there? Hope it's all going well. PM me if you need any info at any time. Most of my advice is bad but I'll try to make an exception for you Edit: Brat, how about a plug kit for your tyre, you're gonna need one for your adventure anyway, so might as well get some practice in with this screw you've picked up. (Message edited by opto on January 24, 2006) | ||
| Brat |
Thanks Opto, I'm in Melbourne, still in Oz, the opposite direction from home I should be, but it's all good! Thanks to business commitments it's getting too late (weatherwise) to head into Malaysia so we may have to leave it till September! Still trying but it's a bit out of my control at the moment! EDIT PS yep, the plug kit, thought about it but I'm still in civilisation so I thought I'd do a longer term repair, leave the plugs etc until I really was stuck! (Message edited by brat on January 24, 2006) | ||
| Stevenknapp |
Got the service manual today. It is a nice piece of work, what I've seen so far. Thanks! | ||
| Brat |
Good news, I didn't have to take the idler pulley off, the axle is tapered, as you unwind it the tension comes off the belt! Bad news, the tire is out of shape from being ridden at low pressure, not bad but should be replaced except there's no stock (@ $270 ea) and the tyres are on back order! Great news, patched and back on the road in 40 minutes, wwoohhhoooo! PPS, even better news, the tyres fine, it was out of shape as it was under-inflated, all systems go, wwwwoooohhhhoooo! (Message edited by brat on January 27, 2006) | ||
| Murraebueller |
Dude- Since you've changed a rear tire, how many miles did you get? We have two Ulys and we're headed to Mexico on March 1st. We will do about 2800 round trip and both bikes are due for the 1k service. We've heard some stories about only going 3000 miles which seems very short for the intention of the bike, but I wonder if short mileage isn't due to riders not paying attention to the pressure. Inquiring minds are very curious. Murrae | ||
| Jim_sb |
Murrae, I've been riding Buells for many years. On my S2 I never got more than 3500 miles out of a rear tire. 3000 miles was typical. I've used the M-1 Sportec, BT-010, BT-020, Dunlop D204/205, D220 and was just getting ready to try the Pirelli Diablo when I sold the bike. I rode 2 of those tires until there were large quantities of steel belts showing. I've always been able to get at least 5k out of a front tire. This is NOT an issue of improper tire pressure - the modern tires leak very little air and I check the pressures. The guys around hear are saying 2500 - 3000 miles for a rear tire and that sounds right to me. Perhaps if you're cruising or freeway riding they hold up longer, I wouldn't know about that. I can tell you that if you get up in the twisty mountain roads and twist the torque handle you're going to eat up some rubber. If somebody comes up with a better tire choice for the Uly do let us know - until then I'm sticking with the Dunlops. Regards, Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Biker_bob |
I've been tracking the wear on my rear tire on my Uly. A new tire has just under 8/32 of tread in the center. My measurement at 1400 was down 2/32's to just under 6/32's. Combination of asphalt gravel and a little dirt. So if 2/32's is change time mine should last 4200 miles. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I'm not a wheelie or burnout sort of rider, but I do ride aggressively and fairly fast. At 1500 miles, my rear tire is very close to being cooked. I might get another 500 or so miles on it before I have to start thinking about a replacement. Front tire still looks new. I'm no fan of Dunlops, and I can wait till I cook these things off and can replace them with a good road only tire. I'm most likely going with a Pirelli Diablo Strada. Had good luck with them on my FJR. I may just buy a new front and rear when the rear dies and keep the front around in the event I get a flat or something. Or I may set it on fire and dance around it while laughing. LOL! | ||
| Al_lighton |
Murrae, I just changed the Uly rear tire, mileage is 4725. That is about 700 miles than I usually get from a Buell rear (typically a Bridgestone BT-020). That included several days/400 miles or so on a dyno. The front was in pretty good shape, but the rear was kaput. Al | ||
| Speedstar |
I've got 2750 on mine and after blasting Palomar Mtn this last weekend it is almost cooked. I think I lost a few mm of tread in less than an hour, but it was fun. I am going to Pirelli Scorpion Sync front and rear now. |
