| Author | Message | ||
     Jphish |
A crisis of confidence has arisen. 6000 mi on my 08 Uly, To Date: failed shock in Yukon, VR in Hells Canyon and now the first 4 gears decided to go on "vacation" on the way to Death valley. Stopped for lunch in Eugene Or and couldn't get it into neutral. Removed inspection and primary adjustment covers for a look. Shaft moves when actuating shifter, but no resulting gear change. Stopped at Eugene HD shop to see if there was a simple fix for the malady. Got zero help from "the boys in black" except to suggest I ride it to a Buell dealer closer to the Wa border. Once I got it started using judicious application of the clutch / throttle... I just rode it home to Oly Wa. Only had to stop 2x - fortunatly on a down hill, as starting off in 5th gear is a challenge, but can be done. (didn't smell any offensive odors eminating from the clutch but, but did shake and complain a bit at slower speeds) I was getting some puzzled looks from folks in traffic - "That guy needs to take the MSF course and learn how to shift". Anyway - havent heard of Uly transmissions being a problem - am I just 'lucky'? Trailering up to Puyallup Buell next week - curious if there was a simple roadside fix I could have performed to get me on the road ? Had a 500 mi adventure with no forward progress. Had to take my wife's ST-1300 to finish the trip...as I've had to do this 3 times now, she refers to it as my "spare" Bike. I still love the Uly, even with it's known belt, bearing, etc. flaws and I have done all the PM on those items identified as potential problems - But my riding partners with their so far reliable 07' 1200GS's are politly wondering about my 'choice' and suggesting perhaps give it one more try before looking at other more reliable options. I told 'em "Hell, if I can get a new engine after the transmission, under warranty...I'll have a free brand new bike again". It is embarrasing since I have been the cause of 3 trips delayed, aborted or early turn around due to failures on a 7 month old Motorcycle. Bolster my confidence fellow Ulygans - any thoughts ?? | ||
| Ratbuell |
Probably not helpful, but first one I've heard of, either here or in our service bays...maybe you are just "special"  Please keep us posted! | ||
| Jphish |
Hey Ratbuell - Thanks for the words of encouragement. My riding partner did his own search on advrider & BWB and came to the same conclusion. No reported failures on Uly trans - "you must just be lucky, hopefully ya didn't just end up with a lemon". Got 18 mos left on the warranty to find out. I picked the Uly over the GS after test riding and research. Hes got 25K miles on his '07 GS and only had it in once for brake pulsing warranty work. Still prefer the Uly but...gotta somehow ride past the breakdowns & on to the adventure trips I've waited 60 years to start. Not ready to give up yet - let you know what the folks @ Puyallup Buell have to say. They've been great to work with... Just wish I didn't have to see them as often. j | ||
| Court |
>>>Got 18 mos left on the warranty to find out. Given Buells exceptional history for standing behind their products I'd put that worry out of my mind. Have you spoken to Buell Customer Service? | ||
| Debueller |
Hey Jphish, I kinda heard through some friends of your problem........ It is quite uncommon to hear of such serious problems with XB gearboxes. I have put quite a few miles on my two XB's with some problems, but none as serious as what you describe. I know it is a bit of a distance for you to take it to Tukwilla for warranty work, but Kevin, the Buell tech at Downtown H-D/Buell has done exceptional warranty work on both of my XB's and my girlfriend's Blast. He is skilled and experenced working on Buells and has earned my trust. If you need more info, PM me and we can talk..... PS: Both of my Buells have been quite reliable considering what I have asked of them. I would not hesitate to run with ANY particular brand of bike. Hopefully yours can regain your trust. (Message edited by debueller on October 04, 2008) (Message edited by debueller on October 04, 2008) | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Next time you are in oregon and that close to the border, stop in at Latus. They are a board sponsor, avid Buell riders and they got me out of a jam with my bearings when they locked up on me. Though I abuse the bike probably more than I should have, all of the problems I have had can be traced, right back to how I ride the bike. Currently down for the whole @$$ end of the bike. New belt, rotor, brake pads, rear wheel pulley, wheel bearings, idler pulley, drive gear, and a new set of tires. 26k and damnit , its getting to be MUD season. | ||
| Jphish |
Thanks all ! - Appreciate the helpful responses. Will let you know outcome of the diagnosis. I'm pleased to hear that transmission failure is indeed an anomaly, and not a frequent occurance. There isn't another motorcycle out there (and I've owned/ridden everything from Vstroms to Harleys) that I'd rather ride. For all it's flaws the Uly is still the most fun, comfortable, capable bike I've ever owned - just fits my riding style / interests like none other. Will keep you posted. j | ||
| Zuhl |
Are you sure that the shifter pawls were engaging the tranny? The shaft can still rotate but it will only shift in one direction if the upper or lower pawl gets out of wack. Mine got stuck in first after a lowside. Downshifted fine, but then got stuck there. Here is a link with pics. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/390284.html?1222179104 | ||
| Jphish |
Zuhl - Mines stuck in 5th, not result of accident or other catastrophy. However, symptoms sound similar - it may well be a pawl not engaging - cheep fix for the Buell dealer. It's still under warranty so I still let them take care of any serious maladies - after that...I got the manual for home repairs. Thanks for the feedback though - I hope it is a simple fix. If not, they gotta do a major engine 'out of frame' ordeal to crack the case and check the tranny. Inevitably they never seem to run the same after that and other problems seem to crop up. (leaks, misalignment of parts, rattles etc) Uly is going for a ride on the trailer tomorrow - will let you know the prognosis when they give me the news. Appreciate your chiming in with your experience. 'chow' j | ||
| Zuhl |
Good luck. Hopefully it will be an easy fix like you say. I got lucky on mine. All it cost me was a quart of tranny fluid. |
