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Buellerx
Posted on Monday, September 05, 2005 - 11:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

OK this is the second time in the last 3 weeks my bike has stranded me with an electrical problem. This time I think it is the Regulator/Rectifier. I was cruising at about 75 and the check engine light came on. I looked and noticed that the speedo and tack went out also. Then the bike started to sputter and surge, then it died. Fortunately I was at an exit and was able to drift off the interstate. This is like deja vu all over again. Once again I gad to have someone pick me up, go get my trailer and go back to get my bike. Not only is this irritating it is very dangerous to stall on the interstate. I am loosing faith in my XB.

In the last 9 months I have had the bike at the shop 4 times (tomorrow will be the 5th) for problems.

To date:

>Headlight blowing fuses (at dealers twice)
>Oil lines leaking at swing arm (bike at shop for over a week)
>Relay went bad and bike wouldn’t start (had to leave it downtown overnight)
> Currently bike shut down on the interstate and wont start.

I have been riding Buells for years and had an S2 that I loved. I bought my XB in April or may of 04 and had been really happy with it. In fact I wanted to save some money to purchase a Ulysses to do some touring. But I am seriously reconsidering. I am afraid to take my 12R more than 20 miles because I am afraid it is going to leave me stranded again. I can't justify spending another $13k on a bike when the one I spent $11K on just 18 months ago doesn’t run half the time. It’s been in the shop more in the last few weeks than in my garage.

Believe me, I am not one of these Buell haters (just look at my previous post). In fact, I have defended them in the face of some very harsh criticisms. Now I may have to eat my words.

I love my XB but I don’t trust it anymore.
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Tunes
Posted on Monday, September 05, 2005 - 11:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Buellerx - I went thru similar "time away from my XB" this year. My bike was in the shop for 3+ weeks for blowing IGN fuses. I felt the same way after getting the bike back. I'm back to trusting the bike.... but I also ride a '67 Norton Atlas. If you've ever owned an older bike, you know they have a chance of stranding you. I live with that in the back of my head every time I ride it.... So, now I take my "kit" wherever I go; A cell phone and a credit/debit card.

I've been stranded on every brand bike out there... Honda's, Kawa's, Yam's, Suzuk's, HD's, Ducati's, Norton's, Triumph's, BMW's, Hodaka's, etc. I've owned and rode 'em them all. They're mechanial beasts made by man. I don't expect them to be perfect... and that make's it easier for me to deal with bike issues. I didn't say I liked my bikes breaking down, or the fact that it takes weeks to fix a problem, but I understand and deal with it better. Also, after the warranty is expired, I can fix it myself; with the help of my Buell mechanic (or vise-versa!). My '99 S3T, after initial issues, was finally sorted out and has been wonderful since. My XB and I are buidling the same relationship. I think it'll take another year of ownership before I get the bike exactly the way I want it, running wise. I still feel confident on my bikes and will continue to own Buells. Hang in there...

(Message edited by Tunes on September 05, 2005)
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Buellerx
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 12:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Tunes: I have ridden and repaired them all also (Yamahas. BMW's Kawi's, the list goes on)and this is not the first time a regulator/Rectifier has gone out on me. I can take one or two problems a year. I can't handle 1 or 2 a month. two electrical problems in three weeks is a bit much.
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Lonexb
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 06:08 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

just be glad you didn't have any transmission problems. i brought it to one dealer (had to wait 2 weeks for the appointment)that had it for two weeks. they said it was fixed. then 2 weeks later and only a thousand miles same thing happens again.the dealer has it for another week. they say it is fixed, get it home to have it happen again. bring it back to the dealer to have them say that there is nothing wrong with it. then they charged me $47 because they can not find any thing wrong with it.
funny because i bring it to a 2nd dealer and now they are fixing the same thing the first dealer supposedly(spelling?)fixed.(2 weeks)
i have logged more miles on my bike with it in the back of my truck than riding it! the first dealer is 180 miles away round trip.i had to make 3 trips to them and the bike still was not fixed. the second dealer is 240 miles one way!!hopefully i should have it next weekend.

//RANT OVER/:

lone xb
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Cataract2
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 06:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Man Lone, sorry to hear that. I would be PISSED at that first dealer.

Buellerx, has the dealership looked for a rubbed wire by chance? I ask this because when you said your headlight blew twice and then the relay. It's possible there's a rubbed wire somewhere that could be causing this. Least in my mind it seems to be going in line with one thing after another.
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Buellerx
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 11:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The initial headlight problem was diagnosed as a rubbed wire. They fixed it and it hasnt happened since. I have had other regulator/rectifier problems on other bikes. One of the things that can happen is the output actually goes Up when they start going bad, then will go down or just die all together. The relay may have fryed due to a spike in the voltage output. But that is just a guess on my part based off other experiences I have had with problems on other bikes.

I did check the voltage output while the bike was running and it is less than 12VDC so I am 95% it is the R/R. Or it could be the stator or a bad connection somewhere.

Lonexb: I would be really P*ssed if I were you. I think that BMC would have gotten a call from me
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Cataract2
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 12:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Buellerx, another thing. That rubber wire could have cause excessive load on the reg. and relay causing them to go one after the other.
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Lonexb
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 02:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

now don't get me wrong i like my buell, but with dealer service like this i am probably going to sell it, and get something with better dealer support and is bullet proof.

lone xb
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Oneway
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 06:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

my bike started acting as the battery was going bad, eng light came on had to push at last stop to start again like battery prob, started next day fuse for the fan was blown checked voltage 14 dcv eng light off now is this the start of something bad or ?? any insight?
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Lonexb
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 07:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Oneway
i would look for a frayed wire going to the fan.


lonexb
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Paint_shaker
Posted on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 - 09:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Buellerx, Lonexb.... Look up Court on this website. He can be very helpful in getting some, if not all of your problems solved.
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Buellerx
Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 05:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Just heard frm my shop. It is the rectifier (which I knew) and they said it will be a week to 10 days to get the part. I have been planning a trip to The Blue Ridge Mountains for 2 months. I want to go ride the BRPW and do the Dragon. If I have to cancel my trip, I am going to get very upset. Why would it take up to 10 days to get that part?
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Spatten1
Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 05:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'll bet Daves either has one in stock or can get one faster than that.
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Buellerx
Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 06:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Good Idea! I just sent DAVES a message
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Reepicheep
Posted on Thursday, September 08, 2005 - 09:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

When they say rectifier, I hope to God they mean voltage regulator (which is a rectifier bridge with an SCR shunt). Still no excuse for 10 days though. Offer to pay the $16 for fed ex and have them call around.

If they really meant rectifier, which is another word for a diode, and it is just one of those diodes in the fuse box... then *somebody* needs their kicked.
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Buellerx
Posted on Friday, September 09, 2005 - 03:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

No, they mean the voltage regulator. I have always called it a regulator/rectifier.
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Lonexb
Posted on Friday, September 09, 2005 - 04:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

just got word from the 2nd dealer. looks like another week with out the bike.

i give up.
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Buellerx
Posted on Saturday, September 10, 2005 - 03:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sorry lonexb. I know it is a pain in the a@@. It looks like I'll get mine back late next week. Prob Thursday. I hope that is the last trip to the shop for a while.
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Xb12_ohio
Posted on Sunday, September 11, 2005 - 09:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Lonexb atleast you wer'nt in another state on a 3k mile ride like I was when the stator went out you can imagen how pissed I was when they said Get a hotel for a week and we will call you!!!!! P.S. I have learned that sitting in there showroom loking sad does'nt help!!! A week later 2k miles away the regulator went. Talk about pissed. I was ready to trailer the 12R to Wisconsin and dump it on Erik's front door!!! But after the regulater was repaired, I have been 10k without a problem and am very glad to be over the electrical issues!! I seem to be hearing alot about regulators and stators lately !!! HHMMMMM I wonder if it could be a issue !
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Lonexb
Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 09:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

just got word today from the dealer. the replacement shift drum they need to fix my bike is back ordered unit the 23rd of this month.

i am so pissed off! i have not had use of my bike since june. it has been to two different dealers for the same problem 4 times now.

now i have to wait another 2 weeks to maybe get my bike now.

i hate this bike. i could not be more pissed off.

//RANT OVER/:

lone xb
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Buellerx
Posted on Friday, September 16, 2005 - 01:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I finally have my back and it is working great (fingers crossed) I must say that my dealer has been very good at trying to get me back on the road. I know that I am one of the few that can say that. They dont stock many Buell parts but they are knowledgeable about Buells and dont make me a low priority because I ride a Buell instead of a HD. It is Low Country HD/BUELL in N. Charleston, SC for anyone in the Southeast looking for a dealer. I also understand that Tilleys in NC is very good but I have never been there.
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Charlieboy6649
Posted on Friday, September 16, 2005 - 01:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

You know, I too was pissed when I waited 10 weeks to get my bike up and running (backorder), but I've got 11,000 grinning miles now because of my bike. If it broke tomorrow, I'd try to remember that...

Lone, I'm sorry this is happening to you, but there is no bulletproof bike. Just ask Carey in AZ. He bought a ricer that is leaking fuel and the tank is on backorder. It's brand new! It happens to all makes/models at times... I hope you get it sorted out and enjoy your motorcyle.

We can get very irate when not riding...
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Buellerx
Posted on Friday, September 16, 2005 - 02:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

OK I was stranded yey again today. This makes the 3rd time in 4 weeks. Same issue as the last time (See my first post) I was out running some errands and the check engine light came on. Then the bike started to sputter and surge, then it died. I got it restarted but couldnt keep it running for long and it died again. Tried to get someone to give me a jump but the bike wouldnt run more that a minute. Going to pick it up now and try to start it to see if the charging circuit is working. I dont think my XB is ever going to run.
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Charlieboy6649
Posted on Saturday, September 17, 2005 - 04:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Mine was doing that when the temp sensor went. Have them check into that. Worth a try...
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Buellerx
Posted on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 06:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Update on my 12R-
After I was stuck again on Friday I brought the bike back and charges the battery enough to start it. once it was running I put the meter on it and it was only putting out about 11.5 volts. So I took it back to the dealer and told them what happened. well they didn't even look at it for two or three days. So I called them today to check the status and I was told that it was the Voltage regulator. I said you just replaced that last week. He explained that they must have gotten a bad one from Buell. I told him I think the Stator is bad and once it gets warm, one of the windings will open and this is shorting out the regulator. The service guy says no that the stator is good. So now I am waiting again for parts to come in so they can replace the regulator. I hope I am wrong about the stator because if it only runs for a day and leaves me stranded again, I am going to be REALLY P!ssed off.

Also I have written and called Buell customer service about the electrical issues I have been having. The only reply I have received to date is a post card saying they got my letter and would look into it.

I think what ticks me off the most is not that I am having problems, it is more the lack of urgency in trying to get my problems resolved. In the last 45 days I have only had my bike maybe 8 days(not all in a row)and I have been stranded on the side of the road 3 times. Nobody really seems to care. Their attitude is "well we will get to it. Call back next week."
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Cataract2
Posted on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 - 11:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Did you put the meter on the stator or on the battery? If you put the meter on the battery I would say that your battery may be bad. I know on my FZR when my voltage regulator went it took my battery (brand new) with it. Replace the VR and battery and all was well.
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Court
Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 04:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

>>>I think what ticks me off the most is not that I am having problems, it is more the lack of urgency in trying to get my problems resolved.

Solvable.

Drop me a note at Buellquestions@gmail.com and be sure to include FACTS, a brief history of what the problem is and what has transpired to date, along with you contact info, VIN and the dealer contact info and I'm betting you can get fixed up pronto.
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Jackbequick
Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 09:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Finding 11.4V on the battery on a recently charged, just started, and still running bike does not necessarily point to a bad battery.

If it stays at 11.4 at 2,000 RPM it points to not having any charging voltage (should be up around 14V engine running).

The suspect parts at this point are still the stator, VR, and the charging circuit wiring to the battery.

Once you get the 14V at the battery, you can do further tests to see if the battery is being drained by something or not holding a charge.

Jack
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Buellerx
Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 12:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Court:

I sent you an email


Blake:

I had also replied to the email you sent me. Did you get my reply?
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Reepicheep
Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 01:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)


quote:

Finding 11.4V on the battery on a recently charged, just started, and still running bike does not necessarily point to a bad battery.




I have not tested it first hand, but I can't say absolutely, but I disagree. Unless some other part of the bike is on fire and smoking when you perform the test. : )

I don't know what kind of current draw it would take to drop the output voltage from a good and fully charged battery down to 11.4, but I would bet it is a boatload, enough to turn whatever happens to be carrying it into a space heater. Especially if the bike is running (and generating yet more current trying to keep the voltage up).
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Daves
Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 04:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I need you to call me BuellerX
1-866-757-1651
ask for Dave in the sales dept
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Rhun
Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 05:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Long time ago when I had a sprint and latter when I had another vehicle, and quite a few times when I worked on boats that when batteries go bad they can fake out charging systems, which can cause havoc with other electrical equipment. Regulator puts out 16 volts because it 'thinks' battery is dead. Battery doesn't take load so other parts get to enjoy it. Two year old bike, try replacing the battery, sounds like you have replaced everything else
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Daves
Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 06:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm thinking everything will be alright now.
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Jackbequick
Posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 - 09:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Reep - I guess I can't agree with your disagreeing. He did not say it was a good and fully charged battery, he said he charged it "enough to start it" then found running at 11.5. Then the next poster said replace the battery.

I was thinking that the numbers were vague, it was still not known for sure if the battery would or would not take full charge, and the 11.5 was pointing to a VR, wiring, or stator problem.

Jack
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Buellerx
Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2005 - 01:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I did not fully charge the battery. It was just enough to start it. With the bike running I measured 11.5VDC. It should have been around 14 so I knew it wasnt charging. I didn't do any more trouble shooting than that because the bike is under warranty and I didnt want to start pulling it apart. Sorry if I was vague before.
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Buellerx
Posted on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 12:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Update Sept 30, 2005:

Well I got my bike back again after 2 weeks in the shop. They replaced the entire charging system. I took it out last night and so far everything seems to be going well. I had forgotten how much I love that bike when it is running well. Its the most fun I can have with my clothes on. I hope this is its last trip to the dealer for awhile. Thanks to Court and Daves for the help.

(Message edited by buellerx on September 30, 2005)
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