| Author | Message | ||
     Fst_tyms |
So how do you handle it? Do you take it in, do you do it yourself? It is 50/50 for me. If I have time and the energy, I'll tackle it myself. The big services, I usually take it in. In the "official factory manual" it says you have to change the belt and idler pulley every 15,000 miles. Every mechanic, including several @ Buell dealers, question this practice. Is it really necessary? | ||
| Docrecon |
I do most of my work, but it depends on how comfortable you are doing mechanical stuff; however, if you're willing to learn, remember that you can f*ck it up cheaper than anyone else; just REALLY pay attention and if it's a procedure/part that could result in a catastrophic failure and you're not comfortable with doing it, it might be best to take it to the shop. (Of course on a bike that covers a lot of ground...) You'll of course want the factory manual, but be prepared to look and analyze things yourself, often there's a lot left unsaid. Re: the idler pulley - my advice is to check it each time you've got the belt off, spin it over and make sure it's not rough; the bearing on mine was gone at around 4,500 miles, wasn't too rough but I definitely would not have put it back together. BTW, in spite of what the dealer will tell you, you CAN change the bearing and I would recommend doing so - the one that came on my bike (an early '03 XB9R) was a cheap-a$$ Chinese-made POS. If you don't have an arbor press (or a 500-ton mechanical like I used) or use your noggin you might have to have a machine shop do this for you; for a shop, the toughest part would be the type of spring retainer Buell uses for the bearing, that can be a real bear to remove. I don't have the bearing number at hand but it's a common double-row bearing, costs about $35, if you manage to get it out any bearing house can match you up with a good-quality replacement. | ||
| Kaese |
Didn't even know the idler pulley had a bearing that was replaceable. Had mine off a few times, but never thought of checking it. Only found out this evening that the Idler Pulley was a recommended replacement at 15K. Thanks for the heads up. 11.5K miles and still going strong! | ||
| Docrecon |
According to the dealer, it is NOT replaceable... Didn't even know the idler pulley had a bearing that was replaceable. | ||
| Lothodon |
ironmachine sells a higher quality bearing for the idler pulley, so i'm quite sure it IS replaceable, but a press is needed. | ||
| Fst_tyms |
I'm fine with the stock one. I am not trying to mess anything up. It has done me right so far. I am putting a new stock one on. Actually getting one from a friend with 1000 miles on it. He sold his motor and kept parts for me!  |
