| Author |
Message |
    
Gentleman_jon
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 03:42 pm: | 
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Hogs,
I couldn't possibly have put that better myself:-) |
Thepup
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 04:04 pm: |
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Raceghost,I am not going to go back and forth with you with insults.I have a XB and have had a lot of problems with it,but it's hard to believe you have had this many problems and haven't taken legal action.I can believe that you have had problems with yours,just not to the extent you claim. |
Rd3501
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 06:21 pm: |
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Everyone on the board is pretty good at helping each other out. So here I go....
I think your problems to the back wheel sounds like the bearings got fried and now we know what will happen if the bearings do not get changed.
So I was wondering what color are the bearings? Are they black or are they orange(seals on the outside)? If they are black and not orange then you have a real claim because they should have been replaced by the dealer before they gave you the bike. You can also call Buell and give them your Vin number to find out if any recalls or warranties have been worked on. If they are black and the Vin number says they are fixed call Buell and tell them what is going on with this dealer and takes some pictures for proof.
So far the only warranties/recalls on that bike are the bearings, and the side stand.
The other problem that will come up is the speedo sensor will fry sometime in the near future. It is around $50.00 and 10 minute job.
You are not the only one with problems with Buells. I had an 1998 S-1 and it was the biggest money pit that I have ever own. Here is a list of problems and the bike had only 3,800 miles on it when I traded it in. I tried to trade it in on a new Buell but the dealer would not do it. So I traded it in a Jap Bike.
It was in the shop more than I had it.
Stator blew up.
Motor rebuilt twice because of crappy BUELL Certified Tech. First time was warranty for the main seal between the cases was leaking. But the BUELL Certified Tech ran the oil lines wrong and motor blew up.
Second rebuild the BUELL Certified Tech. ran the wiring wrong and it crushed them and shorted out.
Drive seal walked off the main shaft.
Battery died (twice).
Broke three rear fenders from vibration before I cut it up.
Front motor mount broke.
Back isolator mounts broke.
Front rotor fell off because of the wrong clips on it from the factory. Replaced under warranty.
Belt broke for no reason.
Keys and ignition fell off bike while riding do to vibration, three times. Even after I red lock tite them back on.
Turn signal switch in handle died.
Rear shock recalled and replaced.
Dealer stripped rear spark plug whole.
Top end gaskets leaking because dealer installed them incorrectly.
Carb boot cracked because of vibration.
Shifter fell off while riding.
speedo cable broke.
List go on..... |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 06:37 pm: |
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Thanks RD, that is a helpful post. Everybody else, don't start slapping right after I ask raceghost to adjust the tone and tenor... If my 7 year old is in timeout, and my 5 year old starts teasing him about it, the 5 year old gets double the timeout.
Don't make me pull over! 
Seriously though, if the primary chain won't hold tension, I would suspect a broken tensioner. Especially if there was other evidence of ham handed mechanics. Pop off the primary and check it out. |
M1combat
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 06:45 pm: |
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14K miles on an XB12R.
It's been jumped at least 20 times (about 1' elevation, about 8' distance)
It has run through the southern deserts of CA and AZ at >110 MPH.
It has done >125MPH for 30 minutes at >6000' elevation.
It has done >125 MPH for ~15 minutes at >105F temperatures at 5000' elevation.
It's done an entire 900 mile weekend at a moving average JUST under 100MPH (and that was actually calculated on one of the bikes that wasn't in the "fast group" so to speak).
I dropped it at 2mph once.
I've bounced off the rev limiter in first and second at least two or three times.
I accidentally left it idling outside on a hot day for about 20 minutes (it got pretty warm...).
I swapped one belt.
I've swapped six/seven rear and three front tires.
I swapped the front brake pads once.
I swapped the rear rim (which required moving the rotor and pulley to the new rim).
I re-routed my breather tubes.
I've adjusted the primary chain 3-4 times or so.
Transmission output shaft failed at 8K miles.
That's it.
It has had the oil changed every 2000-2500 miles (by me).
I wash it regularly w/o using a pressure washer.
I routinely inspect for any changes to it's fit/finish (I need to replace the tape on all of the oil line fittings next oil change... One is seeping).
It really sounds to me like Buell reliability is HEAVILY dependent upon the quality of the servicing dealership/person. I think you'll find the same thing with any other bike. I think it really sucks that your dealer's service dept. doesn't seem to have a clue. That's not good for the Buell brand at all and it needs to stop. Please go to the storm fronts portion of this board, find out where you belong, and ask around to see where you SHOULD take your bike. |
Thepup
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 06:58 pm: |
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M1,I agree with the reliability and the service personnel.The tranny problems on mine started at 8k miles also,I think there may be a problem with some trannies that causes this.The problems now are due to dealer error.With that being said,when I contacted Buell customer service and told them of the dealer problems they didn't make me feel confident that there will be any repercussions for anything they do and will not stand behind warranty work that their dealers do.The dealer I was going just received a pegasus award for sales and service.The dealer I am at now is 1000 times more courteous.So who do you think I think should get the award.This dealer has me liking my bike again and believing that it will be reliable when they are done. |
M1combat
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 07:51 pm: |
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Lets hope that's the case Pup . |
Deerhunter17
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 08:18 pm: |
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M1 mentions something I believe is overlooked, but essential.
Washing the bike. I like to clean my bike weekly, and in doing so, it gives you a chance to look it over. Depending on the amount of riding I do, I like to remove the seat (s), hand wash, blow dry, and polish or wax it.
I think from your post there race, it seems you my not be visually, much less physically checking your bike over. Things dont just fall of, there will normally be a sign. By touching, rolling ( to clean wheels) and seeing thew bike up close on a regular basis, you may be lees inclined to failures on the road, jmho. |
Izzinya
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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Charlieboy6649
Have you tried (or have) another dealer?
Rantin and Ravin in Idaho...
Raceghost
bring it a FEW miles west to belleview wa
and ill hook you up !!!???
hate to say it BUT ..
most of the problems seem to be EARLY XB
and TECH issues
there were a few issues with the early XB's
that much is true
the H-D rep told me that
of all the H-D lines
Buell has the least # of issues per bike sold
and
H-D are among the best (as far as warranty concerns)
if you go to any bike page (jap bike or any other)
you will find as many if not more issues
with the bikes OR the dealers
just my oppinion and some more fact
Izzinya 
T9r
wrote
"Owning a Buell, can be more enjoyable, when you can diagnosis problems opposed to having to rely on a dealer mechanic. After the bike has been to the dealer... do it a once or twice over of all components that were worked on and parts that were taken off."
i said it before ill say it again
as a buell FACTORY trained ....MECHANIC
(NOT tech)
I LOVE EM ''
bring em on
i own one have owned 2
and have done a buell conversion to
my wifes sportster (motor)
i know it sounds like an ad
but
SHOW ME THE BUELLS !!!!!
Edied Cuz i didnt read all posts
lol
Izzinya
(Message edited by izzinya on June 02, 2005) |
Thepup
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 11:17 pm: |
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What are the problems with the early XB's? |
Raceghost
| | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 11:21 pm: |
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Ok, first, apologies all around, you dont want to fathem that this is possible, then fine.
This is the first street bike I have ever owned, so I did not know if this is usuall to the masses, and stuff like this happens alot? evidentally by the return replys, I have the demon bike from HELL. Yah, maybe one of you earlier was right, something else that looked like the axle could have fallen it was a tube, about an inch in diameter, and a little wider than the rim. and there was nothing but air between the rear pulley and the right side of the swing arm.
Too answer another, the bearings on the rim, before and during this incident were black.
Now, they are orange.
I appreciate those who have spoke up and listed problems with there bike, but just because others have not had issues, all of a sudden the world is perfect all the way around, and anyone who has issues is full of crap. Im so glad that everyones bike here is perfect, and that I got the only bike with issues. THumbs to you.
FOr those of us who have had problems, it sucks, you know it, it pisses you off.
And for the one who asked me about the legal action, look at how everyone reacted to my initial description, yes how ever heated it may be, I tried to explain the best I could, and you see what happens. Thanx too all.
I have worked timeless hours on trying to get my bike to stay out of the shop, but I dont have the room, nor the time, nor the know how to do most of the issues that happened, and when •••• happens, im screwed, no way to hall it 180 miles to a different dealer. So I feel like Im stuck here with this dealer. I can change my oil, check the air pressure, and put gas in the thing, other than that, its greek to me.
I didnt realize this, but I have been riding around with a bent rear brake rotor, evedentally when they fixed the swing, and rear end 4 weeks ago, they never got the rotor, they called me today to tell me, hey, "bring your bike back in, we need to change that rear bent rotor", I said, I thought it was changed, there reply, "No, it wasn't bent that bad, so we let you take it, and now your new one is here..."
That is what I deal with.
Laugh it up, im not mad at anyone on here, I just dont like the fact that everyone here thinks everything I say is bull because its highly improbable that it could happen.
Raceghost |
Izzinya
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 12:25 am: |
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"Too answer another, the bearings on the rim, before and during this incident were black.
Now, they are orange."
1 wheel brngs
now he has updated ones
2 kick stand switch (neutral safety)
3 kickstand bolt (a recent one )
off the top of my head those are
what i remember
i can look them up tomorrow and post
izzinya |
Izzinya
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 12:48 am: |
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sorry was able to get it from home
i know it sounds like alot
(you should see the tube frame & harley lists)
but with the exception of the bearing recall its all minor stuff
(meaning you probabily wont get hurt bad)
Recall Code 0828 - Horn Wire Routing for 2004 XB9S, XB9SL and XB12S
IMPORTANT NOTE
In the interest of preserving customer safety and satisfaction, always check for outstanding recalls whenever any
motorcycle is brought into your dealership for either maintenance or service.
XB12 Driveability Diagnostics
(from the buell network)
Purpose
The XB12R/S Initial Care Program has identified some driveability
concerns on a small population of motorcycles during
the PDI. The symptom most often reported has been a stumble
off idle and/or poor idle characteristics. To properly
address these concerns and to ensure that our customers
are delivered the most satisfying product, we have developed
the following procedure to aid the technician in resolving
these complaints.
Motorcycles Affected
2004 XB12R/S motorcycles that exhibit driveability concerns
after the PDI test ride outlined in the PDI manual.
SAFETY RECALL CODE 0826 - SIDESTAND LEG FOR
2003 LIGHTNING XB9SL
This campaign involves all 2003 domestic Buell XB9SL
motorcycles manufactured between February 18th through
March 5th, 2003.
WHEEL BEARING UPGRADE FOR XB9R AND XB9S MODELS
(PRODUCT PROGRAM NO. BP9)
CRITICAL DRIVE BELT HANDLING PROCEDURES
Purpose
The purpose of this bulletin is to assist dealer technicians in
understanding how improper service procedures impact drive
belt durability on all Buell motorcycles.
Motorcycles Affected
Improper belt handling procedures affect all Buell motorcycles.
Detailed analysis of drive belts from 2003 XB models
returned under warranty has shown a trend in failures due to
improper belt handling during routine servicing.
Required Dealer Action
Follow complete procedures
for removing belt guards and
idler pulley on 2003 models XB9R and XB9S. These procedures
can be found in service manuals Part No. 99493-03Y
and Part No. 99490-03Y.
1CAUTION
Attempts to short cut these procedures
reduced drive belt durability and belt life.
1CAUTION
The drive belt can be damaged by improper
The guidelines outlined in Buell service manuals
all belt drive systems.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Do not leave the upper and lower belt guards
idler pulley attached to the vehicle during the
the rear wheel. Follow complete service manual procedures.
B-048 October 11, 2002
Purpose
As recently advised in BML-023, Buell Distribution Company,
LLC has decided that there is a safety defect with the sidestand
legs on certain 2003 XB9R motorcycles which causes
them to have the potential to bend or break without notice,
thereby allowing the motorcycle to fall and potentially cause
an injury.
Motorcycles Affected
This campaign involves all 2003 domestic and international
Buell XB9R motorcycles manufactured from August 6th
through September 4th and any XB9R serviced under the
BP8 Sidestand Replacement Program. A ßow chart is provided
on page 4 of this bulletin to help clarify affected vehicles.
Sidestand legs which have been shipped for use in Buell
Product Program No. 8 (BP8) also may have the potential to
bend or break. The part number for the affected sidestand is
L0167.02A8.
Replacement Sidestand Legs
See Figure 1. The correct replacement sidestand, for the purpose
of this bulletin, is: Part No. 94129Y. It can be identiÞed
by the Letter “R” stamped on either the sidestand footpad or
on the sidestand leg pin.
not much more than that
not like the shock &exhaust stuff
of the tube frame buells
(4or5 shock /swingarm recalls)
Izzinya |
Raceghost
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 02:25 pm: |
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I want to sell it, and get something new or similiar buell, or an RC51, but, The bike on its best day is worth 5000, and I owe 8,000, and it coollects interest everyday. Im just screwed...Maybe i'll give it back to harley and let the bank figure it out, and give em the dirty bird!!! Not the smartest choice I know... |
Ponytail
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 03:09 pm: |
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Why not try a different dealer? That suggestion has been made repeatedly and makes the most sense to me. So it's 180 miles away. If it were a child that we were talking about, and driving 180 miles to a better hospital, you'd do it. I dunno about you, but my toys are my kids, and I take the best possible care of them as possible. I don't keep patronizing a dealership that proves to be incompetent. i didn't do it when I fought Dodge, and I certainly wouldn't be putting up with on a 2 wheel vehicle. It's dangerous, and stupid. We are forced to do things all the time that we don't want to do, even though it is for the best. Drive the 3 hours if it will give you a chance at more enjoyment out of your motorcycle.
I drove 3 hours to pick mine up, and I plane on driving 3 hours to pick up the replacement airbox cover (original has a color flaw) and I'll do it again for the 1000 mile service.
You are NOT in a good position ever to owe more than a vehicle is worth. Letting the banks straighten it out with the dealer will only hurt you. One way or another, each will get his money and you will lose with a huge ding on your credit report. Don't do it.
Pick up the brake rotor from the dealer, and take it some where else. Sit down with the service manage at that dealership and CALMLY tell them all of the problems that you have been having and ASK them what they suggest. A competent dealer will go over and above to obtain and keep you as a loyal customer. A happy customer will keep coming back, and recommend them to others.
Your dealer is obviously not interested in doing that.
The other option that made sense was calling BUELL.
You have not done either of these but are still stuck on being mad at the world because the bike and the other folks on here have let you down. If you won't take the advice that is given to you when you ask for it, what else are we to do?
(Message edited by ponytail on June 03, 2005) |
Raceghost
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 03:19 pm: |
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woa, I took your advice, I have called buell, working 16 hour days here, you assume that I dont listen, and im still upset which is not true, I was replying to another comment made by smoke daddy, and mearly agreeing with him that yah, I need to get rid of it. Again, if you missed the part aobut when talking to buell and ohters about it, you saw the reaction to the p original post I made, so please dont get upset and think Im not listening. Im still working on figuring out what to do and what option is best. And good point on the other dealer by the way, that does make sence. |
Charlieboy6649
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 03:59 pm: |
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You're all poopeyheads! 
That said, for you doubters, I've seen on this board more than one broken axle (During removal). Is it not believable that given a bearing failure, through the grinding, and heat, that an axle could snap? I don't think it's so much that it unscrewed counterclockwise in a clockwise motion, duh, but that it just snapped inside the swingarm area between the threads and pinch bolts. Is that so hard to believe? Not for me.
I feel for race. He came here for advice, albeit venting some, wouldn't you? And we lit him up. I gloated a bit how I've been problem free and was unhelpful. Race, sorry for that.
I hope you keep your bike, get it fixed by a reputable dealer, and enjoy it for the positive attributes you've listed... |
Thepup
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 04:51 pm: |
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Raceghost,what did Buell tell you?When I have talked to them about a bad dealer they do not seem to concerned.When i told them I would not return to that dealer and would tell ppl not to go to that dealer I got the"We really wish you wouldn't do that"maybe not the exact words but pretty close.Once the bike is sold I don't believe they really care.Just my opinion,but to me and the ppl I tell,thats all that matters. |
Rd3501
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 07:28 pm: |
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Ok lets get something straight. You asked for help from us. You need to take the time and explain the whole story......
You were driving down the road that the axle worked its way out and fell out. ok.
When was the last time the dealer worked on the bike? Did they work on it and 100 miles later the axle fell out? Or did they work on the bike and 1,000 miles later the axle fell out.
Now you are saying that the rear disk is bent. How did that happen? I can only think of two ideas. One, the bike was wrecked. Two?????? |
Bbstacker
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 08:59 pm: |
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Like Charlie said, I feel for you.
Also like Charlie I have been blessed to have gotten a second-hand, but trouble free bike.
The bureau of public opinion seems to say either off-load the bike or find a new dealer. May I make another suggestion? Pick up the service manual, a good set of tools and learn how to do the maint. and svc. yourself. Please understand I'm not trying to talk down to you. It's just that I'm the only one I trust to work on my vehicles.
Damn shame you seem to have gotten a P.O.S. That's the trouble with demos and rentals. People pay that extra $10 or $15 for the insurance and then proceed to beat the dog$h!t out of it. But I think your best bet is get to know your bike inside and out and then become your own mechanic. Whatever you decide, best of luck to you, Bro.
Thepup: seen some of your earlier posts. Sounds like you are getting some of your issues resolved. Glad to hear it, Dude.
Forgot to mention the wealth of info in this forum. ie Pages like Knowledge Vault. Or just ask a question. These guys are very savvy and helpful.
(Message edited by Bbstacker on June 03, 2005) |
Izzinya
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 11:02 pm: |
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Now you are saying that the rear disk is bent. How did that happen? I can only think of two ideas. One, the bike was wrecked. Two??????......
just mabey when ....
You were driving down the road that the axle worked its way out and fell out
just my idea ????
Damn shame you seem to have gotten a P.O.S. That's the trouble with demos and rentals. People pay that extra $10 or $15 for the insurance and then proceed to beat the dog$h!t out of it. But I think your best bet is get to know your bike inside and out and then become your own mechanic. Whatever you decide, best of luck to you, Bro.
thats exactily how i became a tech
first sportster fender was cracked by a
local dealership
they LIED to me .
i picked up a BROOM and started sweeping floors at an after market shop.
than i was changeing oil and tires
did that for 5 years
went to a dealership (owners of aftermarket shop moved )
put in an app.
7 years later here i am
izzinya
izzinya |
Dbird29
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 11:10 pm: |
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Raceghost,
Life is too short too worry about a motorcycle. Do what you must to be happy. Next bike don't project too great of expectations and you should be satisfied.
DBird |
Jon
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 11:19 pm: |
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RaceGhost,
I think you're finally getting somewhere. Maybe you do have the bike from hell, but this group can help you. Forget the banter with the naysayers and just listen to the folks who are actually speaking with you now.
IMO, Don't sell that bike. It will be cheaper to wrestle through this and in the end have a good bike than to bail now and pay more later. You're going to know this bike when you are done.
Hang in there. |
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