| Author | Message | ||
     Jhanz |
I picked up my 06' XB9SX 3 days ago and I'm very psyched! So far I'm loving it. I still have to get the suspension settings dialed in and get used to the bike, but it feels like it was made for me. I had a few very basic questions to ask of you more "Buell Savvy" riders. The clutch seems to grab pretty far out (like half way). Is this normal, or can this be adjusted? Also, there seems to be some play in the throttle - How much play is normal? Any good inside tips on break in, in addition to what the manual suggests? the bike has about 220 miles. Thanks! | ||
| Lovematt |
On my bike the last inch or so before letting out the clutch lever all the way is when my clutch really engages...totally normal. The real way to check is that it should feel like "butter" when letting it out and it should be relatively smooth in the engagement. There should be some play...mine has about 1/16" to 1/8"movement which I have been told is about right. You don't want it too tight for safety reasons. Finally for break in there are a number of opinions on this but I have always had good luck with doing the following: - DO NOT lug the motor or put too much of a load on this (i.e. 5th gear @ 35 MPH and roll the throttle on). - Do not rev the motor too high...I am pretty sure the recommended limit is about 3000 RPM for the first 500 miles which can be difficult since these bikes are so much fun. - It is good if the first few rides are relatively short (i.e. 30 minutes or less) with a cooldown period in between (1 hour or so). This gets the motor used to going through the heat cycles. - Try to vary the load (within the lugging/reving limits noted above) so that the motor is not running at the same speed/load for long periods of time (i.e. 60 MPH in same gear for 3 hours). Let off the throttle to vary the motor through load and unload cycles. - This one is up to opinion but I tend to increase the load on the bike from about 500 miles to 3000 miles. In other words I will acceleration/decelerate harder as the miles go on. I have always had a good motor that did not leak or burn oil in doing this for both motorcycles and cars. The exception might be a gasket or seal would leak but that is different than break-in...that has more to do with assembly and torqueing bolts down. | ||
| Dtx |
You want a little play in the throttle. When you are sitting on the bike, turn the handle bars all the way to the left. This is the farthest the throttle can be from the bike. You will see that the "play" will go away at full left turn. If you don't have enough "play" the bike "could" accelerate a little bit in full lock left turns (like doing a U-turn). As for the break in, just be patient until you get 500 miles on it. I basically just did "neighborhood" riding around town for the first 500 miles while I got used to the bike. Clutch grab about half way out sounds about right. Mine doesn't start grabbing until about 3/4's out. (Allows for 2 fingered shifts with bigger protective gloves on.) Drake | ||
| Terminator |
Jhanz, youve made the right choice in the City X, ive had mine a year now and it still makes me smile like a madman.I wish i could stop spending on it tho! Check my profile to see the mods so far. The best bit about ownership is that when you park up , the bike will get so much attention you will have trouble getting your helmet on for the ride home!!! One big tip i can give you is DO NOT spill petrol on the air box cover, its a real pain to get out.Also, i noticed that mine had a plastic washer missing from the fastener that holds the airbox in place, over time this has led to a slight crack on the edge of the plastic, im gonna try and get it done under warranty. Another tip i would give you is to fit some axle protectors, this will save on the heartbreak in the event of an "off". I speak from experience on this point!!! And my last bit of advice is..." RIDE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT". | ||
| Diablobrian |
congratulations on your new purchase! | ||
| Sakuc |
Do not splash fuel on the transparent airbox cover. It will etch and you will never ever get it look like new after that. Personal experience speaking here. | ||
| Wambo |
Ditto about the fuel on the airbox cover. Get the select seat! This bike is the most fun I own.  | ||
| Odinbueller |
Congrats on your new CityX! It will give you years of service and ear-to-ear grins as long as you: 1. Follow the factory break-in recommendations. 2. Invest in some Novus products to care for your translucent skins. The clutch should grab no closer than about half way out to 3/4 out. This shows that your plates are separating enough to get some lube in there between shifts and at idle (if you leave it in gear with the clutch in at stoplights). Your throttle should have some play, but not too much. You should also invest in a service & parts manual. If nothing else, it's great (if not dry) reading on the throne during a vigorous constitutional. Be safe! Chris | ||
| Teddagreek |
Don't dump the clutch....  | ||
| Dmextreme |
yeah to the spill gas on the transparent box. bah! etched all over.. stupid splashes. oh well. Welcome, and have fun! I love that bike. Next bike.. oh yeah firebolt for meh!!! | ||
| Jhanz |
Thanks to everyone for the insights, I really appreciate it! | ||
| Elff |
Welcome to the Club. | ||
| G4string |
I went to the Buell Demo day at my local HD dealer, aside from riding some new Buells, I learned something new there........First, wait until the engine light goes out on the dummy panel before you start the motor. Along with running some built in tests in the circuitry and sensors, it is analyzing the ambient air temp and a few other things to get the correct fuel/air mixture for the fuel injection sys. If you start the motor before the light goes out, the fuel injection system reverts back to the last ride's fuel air mixture. That mixture could be too lean or too rich for the current days tempuature. This could lead to fouled plugs or lean spots in the motor. Also, yes-the clutch takes some getting used to, along with the brakes. Spend some time away from traffic practicing both levers, especially the brakes. Aside from that, get a shop manual and parts catalog. I dont know how many times I go to the dealer for a simple gasket or something minor and spend a half an hour while some idiot tries to look it up in the Buell Book. Go to the dealer with the part number in hand - it saves time and frustration. The shop manual will help with routine owner maintenance - it helped me dial in my suspension. Have and stay upright!! | ||
| Jhanz |
I had another few questions regarding my new CityX. The stock seat is a little loose, meaning there is play (about a half inch) front to back. I have checked to make sure that the seat is totally flush with the frame, and it is. I am going to be putting on the Corbin seat this week and want to make sure the mounting hardware (latch, etc.) is working properly, plus I may want to put the stock seat on again for long trips from time to time. What might be causing this play and is it easily corrected? | ||
| Shortie |
Loosen the airbox cover and retighten whilst pressing down on it a little. Mine did that when I removed the cover the other day. No play before (infact it was a bit too snug) | ||
| Jhanz |
Damn! so many questions keep popping up after I post! With regards to lubricants; It seems pretty widely believed that Mobile 1 Synthetic is the way to go. When my first service is done, does anyone know if dealers will allow this oil to be used? | ||
| Reepicheep |
Are the dealers doing the service? If so, just spring for the screaming eagle full synthetic. It's good oil, and while a little pricey, no more of a gouge then the Mobil 1 V-Twin. If you are doing it yourself (I do), then any full synthetic oil of the proper weight should be acceptable. It's getting hard to find full synthetic 20w50 around me though. |
