G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile


Buell Motorcycle Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through May 18, 2005 » Squirrelly feel of XB9S... « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Nevar
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 08:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

When I "jerk" the handlebars back and forth, the XB9S feels like it *could* go into a tank-slapping wobble. It hasn't yet but it definitely feels a little squirrelly when I do this. My other bikes don't react like this (CBR929RR, MG LeMans, Ducati ST4S).

Now let me say that the XB9S has NEVER done this on its own and feels quite solid up to 100 mph.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Tim
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pa_xb9sx
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 09:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yes I have had this experience on my XB9SX. Check out this post. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/111043.html?1114656645
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Joele
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 09:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yup, short wheel base and wind buffeting cause the same thing on my XB9SX - I added as much static sag in the back as possible in order to increase the rake angle but it still gets a little squirrelly at 90+.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Mrvvrroomm
Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 10:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Loosen your grip on the bars bro. And do NOT jerk the bars when it's moving. Why would one do this?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Nevar
Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 12:08 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Loosen your grip on the bars bro. And do NOT jerk the bars when it's moving. Why would one do this?

===============================================

I've owned 32 motorcycles and I've always used this method to *test* the bikes propensity to wobble. I don't do it hard (I'm not completely daft!) - very gently. There have only been a couple of these that felt like the XB9S and they were light dual-sports at highway speeds.

I just don't want it to happen while passing a semi on a windy day at 80 mph and hit a bump in the road at the same time I encounter the bow-wave of the truck.

This link (provided above) puts my mind at ease..

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/111043.html?1114656645

Tim

(Message edited by nevar on May 15, 2005)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Vonsliek
Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 01:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

from my empirical data - sounds smart, eh?! ;p - i can definitely say:

maybe too low front end .. maybe too much preload on rear?

wind buffetting is high on buells if sitting too upright ..

maybe front wheel unbalanced?

steep rake & short w/b & extreme buffetting - ie: while passing trucks - can make it a rough pass, but having ridden bmx bicycles for a few years, i can say its more the rake-w/b thing.

ducatis are more lay ON the bike .. maybe park yer further back on bike.

i am definitely thinking of adjustable rearsets for the buell xb.

i'd like lower slightly downward-angles clip-ons too.

while i'm at it, why not just get a ducati or jap??!! ; )
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dcmortalcoil
Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 02:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Short wheel base and steep head angle. It was purposely designed to have a quick interaction. That's the nature of the design of XB.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Reepicheep
Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 08:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I only notice it when my tire pressure is wrong...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ingemar
Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 09:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I you wanna be safe install a steering damper. I installed one after getting too close to a tank slapper and a high sider.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Nevar
Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2005 - 02:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Short wheel base and steep head angle. It was purposely designed to have a quick interaction. That's the nature of the design of XB.

==========================================

I really believe this is the reason. Just something to keep in mind while riding....

Tim
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Blake
Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 06:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

First time I rode an XB I gave it a quick waggle of the handle bars prior to entering a set of tight twisties. The thing reacted so much more quickly and precisely compared to my Cyclone that it flung my feet off the pegs. Scared the crap out of me for a split second. The XBs flat out handle and turn better than any other bike I've ever ridden before. Jerking on the handlebars on an XB is not a good idea. Suggest saving the jerking action for other less risky situations. : )

I doubt there's a sport bike made that at the right combination of speed, tire pressure, suspension settings, and rider input will not suffer the instigation of a front end instability/wobble.

It is a motorcycle not a minivan.
« Previous Next »

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and custodians may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Post as "Anonymous" (Valid reason required. Abusers will be exposed. If unsure, ask.)
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration