| Author |
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Steve_mackay
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 01:25 am: | 
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4 Buells in the past 4 years....
2000 Blast 3000 Miles
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Only problem was associated with bad gas
1998 S3T approximate 20K miles
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5th gear bearing. Caused by previous owner running the belt WAY too tight
crank seal. May have had something to do with dropping the clutch at 5K RPM on a dyno drag 
2006 Buell CityX approximately 7K miles
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tranny output shaft seal. Fixed same day under warranty.
pulsating brake lever. Caused by getting grit under the belview washers. Pulled the rotor bolts one by one and cleaned 'em all up. Good as new.
2007 STT approximately 2500 miles
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high beam/low beam switch failed. Fixed same day under warranty.
crappy sounding muffler. Fixed under warranty.
None of my bikes have been down for more than a day.
The problem with the off idle cough/stumble and "surging" is often mis adjusted TPS, too low of idle setting, and lack of proper rider education IMHO.
This was told to me, by probably the best Buell mechanic there is.
1.) Set the idle high. At *LEAST* 1100 RPM. The XB heads are the best flowing heads HD/Buell has ever created. But they are the worst for idling.
2.) Make sure the bike warms up properly.
3.) after idling for warm up. 'giver 'er a bit for the 1st two gears. This helps clean up the combustion chambers of unburnt fuel and carbon deposits. |
Mikemax
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 02:18 am: |
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I commute about 70 miles each way on my 2006 XB12Ss whenever it isn't raining. In just a year I have over 17000 miles (I also have been to SoCal a few times) with no major problems. The low beam went out in just under a year and I think the front rotor has a slight warp.
The commuting caveat is that there is normal maintenance that can put a damper on up time, especially if you don't do the work yourself. I hit the first service in about two weeks and was told by dealers to make an appointment one to two weeks out to have it done around here. Tire replacement is not like with a car where you go down and wait a couple of hours on a Saturday, and you need them more often.
As posted above, you can't beat torque for commuting. Never need to wind it up and slip the clutch so I don't stall at a stoplight... I still think I got the right bike to commute on and have fun. |
Disturbed
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 05:39 am: |
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Keep in mind, rarely do people come to internet forums because they are NOT having a problem. Rarely in ANY aspect of life do you hear how GOOD or problem free anything is.
I have never had any surging issues in 7K miles. All I have done is the scheduled maintenance and ride the thing without worry. Love my XB9SX. The clutch pull has alot to do with you. I have no issues with it but I am very mechanical and work with my hands and tools everyday. Others don't like it, to each his own. Overall, I can't imagine a better bike for everyday, practical use.
Cord |
Jhanz
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 09:00 am: |
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Hey Nickcaro and anyone else interested, I live in North Jersey and ride an 06' XB9SX and would love to get some people together to do some NYC night rides this summer. Let me know if you and any other Buellers in the area are interested. I do Bear Mountain/Harriman also, but I work weekends so I do it during the week and unfortunately never meet up with other Buellers for this reason. Any Takers?
-Joe |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 09:30 am: |
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Mikemax: I'll betcha your rotor isn't warped. I thought mine was till I read the messages here. The stock brake pads leave a deposit on the rotor that eventually causes a bad pulsing in the brake, especially on light to moderate application.
Problem is solved by switching to Lyndall Gold brake pads. Look in the Knowledge Vault for more info. |
Teeps
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 10:39 am: |
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IMO, the Buell's only Achilles' Heel (in town driving, heavy traffic) is slow speed driveability. It does not like to run below 40 mph. It will but engine HAS to be in the 3000 to 4000 rpm range for smooth running.
Maybe consider one of these: http://world.honda.com/news/2003/printerfriendly/2 030324.html for commuting and a Buell SS for fun. |
Cityxslicker
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 01:28 pm: |
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10000 miles in eight months, ridden daily, rain, hail, snow and MUD. Only down for tires, oil change, belt (9250) and a cracked ECM which I probably earned from the way I ride this bike off road. It is MY commuter choice every time. |
Destroy
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 01:57 pm: |
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Well it sounds like a Buell is not for me.
City lights with stop and go <35mph is 50% of my commute. Having a bike with slow speed drivability issues is not acceptable IMO and could get annoying quickly.
I expect a $10k bike to work well at all rpms and speeds.
Shame cause the bike itself is nice and a hoot to ride. |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 02:14 pm: |
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>>>Shame cause the bike itself is nice and a hoot to ride.
Call me nuts, but I'd suggest you ride one before summarily dismissing the Buell.
Buell was the company that brought the DEMO RIDE to motorcycling and it's still an awesome way to try different models and see which fits your needs.
Don't ya wish you could try out different gals before committing . . . The Buell folks may be on to something.
Court |
Aldaytona
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 03:26 pm: |
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S1, S1W, M2, XB9R, and XB12R. Lusting for a new TT.
Reliable you ask?
Only one real issue between all those bikes, POS headlights on the XBRs, but even they are reliable during the daytime. |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 03:29 pm: |
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"Buell was the company that brought the DEMO RIDE to motorcycling and it's still an awesome way to try different models and see which fits your needs."
Ummmm... I can remember demo riding Harleys and BMWs before the first BattleTwin made an appearance at the Javits Show...? |
Gowindward
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 03:35 pm: |
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"It does not like to run below 40 mph. It will but engine HAS to be in the 3000 to 4000 rpm range for smooth running. "
That's just not true at all. You can lumber along all day long in RPM ranges from low 2K's to 3K. The bike is pure joy to ride at 2500 -3000rpm in any gear.
'04 12R and it's my daily driver w/ 31K on it.
(Message edited by gowindward on June 07, 2007)
(Message edited by gowindward on June 07, 2007) |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 03:40 pm: |
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Jamie:
Coulda happened. . . I recall BMW scrambling, after Buell did their first demos in Deland to scare something together. I "demo" rode a CL77 years ago too but I think Buell led the industry with the organized program.
I could well be wrong and it may be that Buell was just the first ones to take it mainstream. |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 05:00 pm: |
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Court, when BMW first introduced the "K" series as a 1985 model in the States in late 84, the dealers were told to send to BMWNA a list of customers they felt would most likely buy the bikes if they got a chance to test ride them. My dealer sent my name and I was able to bring a friend along. We spent the day in Lime Rock, CT. In the morning we were fed breakfast and sat through propaganda films regarding BMW's history, company philosophy, etc.
After lunch (again on BMWNA's dime) we were taken to the track and introduced to the new K100, K100RS and K100RT models, along with the full line of R80 air-cooled boxers. We were taught basic track etiquette, a couple of professional racers led us around the track a few laps, and then for the rest of the afternoon we got to ride whatever bike we wanted.
I was hooked and ended up ordering a basic K100 model. Had that bike for ten years. When it was stolen from me ten years later, it had almost 160,000 miles on the odometer. Although my friend didn't buy a BMW right away, his last three motorcycles have all been BMWs (though he's simultaneously owned a Buell, a Ducati, an MV Agusta and a Yamaha as well).
In 1992 Yamaha hired me to lead the Demo Riders at Americade. I was assigned a Venture Royale to lead the group. Next winter, I added that bike to my stable alongside the K100. And in 1999, when my dealer let me take a K1200LT on a three-day "Demo" it sealed the deal for me with that bike.
Sometimes, demo rides work. |
Disturbed
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 09:11 pm: |
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There are no low speed issues with the bike, I regularly cruise traffic in 2nd or 3rd gear idling to just off idle. Just don't jerk the throttle, be smooth. If you are off idle and whack the throttle, guess what all the torque does......
The bike does not NEED to be ridden above 3000 RPM, it is smoother up there, but really, is 3000 RPM HIGH?
The bike great on the street, in traffic, etc.
Ride one in your commute before you dismiss it. I'm sure it can be arranged.
Cord |
Froggy
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 09:23 pm: |
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I've had no issues with my Uly in traffic. It blows going only 3mph, but that is mainly because of heat comming off the headers. |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 09:56 pm: |
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By the way, regarding the clutch pull... the '06 and later models have significantly easier clutches to use in bumper-to-bumper traffic than previous years. I know... I had a 2000 M2 Cyclone and I would look forward to downhills where I could leave the bike in neutral just to give my left hand a break. I don't have that problem at all with my XB12Ss. |
Disturbed
| | Posted on Thursday, June 07, 2007 - 11:07 pm: |
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Bottom line is I hope you have as much fun on whatever you buy as I do on my 9SX. I didn't spend 10K, I spent less than $6K for my bike as is with 4K miles on it and it came with aftermarket goodies. Zero regrets.
Sure the bikes have their quirks, name one manufacturer of anything that produces a perfect product everytime.
Good luck in your decision.
Cord |
Xbswede
| | Posted on Friday, June 08, 2007 - 09:06 am: |
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I Commute 60 miles every day on a 12Ss. No issues. The only thing I have run across is that after I went to an open airbox I need to make sure the bike is warmed up before taking off. |
Mikemax
| | Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 06:48 am: |
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Jaimec, Thanks for the advice on pads s I am just about due.
With a stock pipe I have no problem with slow speed driveability in traffic. First gear is a bit tall if you can't split lanes in stop and go, but that is rare. The Buell is still OK but your clutch hand can get tired. Still, you just clutch or not, no slipping it all the time like with a small 4 banger. |
Nickcaro
| | Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 08:38 am: |
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you can't get a Drummer for the Honda..... |
Court
| | Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 09:30 am: |
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>>>XB a reliable commuter compared to a Honda?
Yes |
Panhead_dan
| | Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 10:28 am: |
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I have always commuted by motorcycle. I bought an '03 Lightning and while it was an absolute blast to ride, I had to struggle to carry my lunch, tools etc. That's why I traded up for a Uly. The best commuter bike I've ever had and it is the 58th. |
Destroy
| | Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 11:00 am: |
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http://www.motorbyte.com/mmm/pages/2006/81/review8 1.htm
"As for commuting, the Ulysses was a great bike. It was comfortable, quick and nimble. In fact, I really wanted to call this bike the first big bore motorcycle that I have ridden in the past 3 years an acceptable commuter,but I was having trouble with its low speed throttle control. The Ulysses is an acceleration beast. It is quick, agile and fun, but when you are behind that minivan at a red light, take off was frustrating. The bike wants to go. Period. It doesn’t want to slowly reach cruising speed. Once you are on the gas you need to stay on the gas up to 3rd gear. With the fuel injection, once you roll off the throttle you are off the gas. This leads to a jerky, rookie rider feeling that I blame on fuel injection. Too bad, I like fuel injection better than carbs, but this is a downside to technology."
(Message edited by destroy on June 09, 2007)
(Message edited by destroy on June 09, 2007) |
Jwhite601
| | Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 11:36 am: |
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Get a 9 and leave the stock pipe on it, and you'll be fine. The clutch pull is a little stiff, but you can purchase a muller or something similar, (from one of the board sponsors of course) and cure that. |
Panhead_dan
| | Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 12:39 pm: |
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Mine doesn't do that. Neither does many others that ride a Uly. When I find myself at the next rally that has a "slow race", I intend to win it.
Tune it up. |
07xb12scg
| | Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 02:08 pm: |
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That description of the Uly FI problems is exactly how my Lightning handles. This makes you ride the crap out of the clutch or wait and let the vehicle in front of you get a good distance away before pulling out. |
Ironhead1977
| | Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 02:29 pm: |
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You riders that have the low speed surging problem need to get the TPS software from American Sport Bike and reset it yourself and you will find out just how smooth a Buell really is.In fact anyone that is in the Vero Beach , Florida area and would like it done,let me know. |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 02:51 pm: |
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That description sounds exactly how my 9sx handles as well... when my throttle cables are misadjusted.
Adjust your throttle cables as per the manual about every 8k miles. |
Glitch
| | Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 09:30 pm: |
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Over 52,thousand miles.
It's my daily commuter.
My mountain ripper.
My all round transportation.
Issues none really.
I have the 03 drive belt, and it took Buell a year to get that figured out, I have well over 25,thousand miles on the present belt.
The later bikes have a much better drive belt.
I've burnt 2 stators using Mobil1 gear oil, so I would suggest using Formula+ like the book says. I am of course using that now, if only I had known then what I know now.
Keep up with oil changes, and wearable items, and I see no reason to think Buell isn't any less reliable than any other bike. |
Teeps
| | Posted on Sunday, June 10, 2007 - 10:51 am: |
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Ironhead1977 Posted on Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 02:29 pm:
You riders that have the low speed surging problem need to get the TPS software from American Sport Bike and reset it yourself and you will find out just how smooth a Buell really is.
Been there, done that, several times.
While I am sure it worked for Ironhead1977.
IMO the TPS reset is not the almighty panacea some would like to think that it is. |
Dapope
| | Posted on Monday, June 11, 2007 - 02:19 am: |
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Side note: My friends dad's, old 1970 something single cylinder Honda trials bike has been sitting for a few years in his garage. We went over to get it running to take it to Elkhart Lake a few weekends ago, it has like 3000 original miles on it. All we did was put air in the tires and change the gas and we bet on how many kicks it would take to fire up. His son said 6. I said 4. His dad held up one finger and kicked once. Purred like a kitten.  . Honda's are sweet machines. |
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