| Author | Message | ||
     Toona |
There are 3 of us riding to Carlisle on Sat also (from Altoona, PA). Any suggested meeting time/location? Maybe the right side of the grandstand, looking at it, say 1:00? I don't know any local roads other than Rt 34 from Newport. I'll post on the Pennsy thread, maybe we can get a local to show us some roads. | ||
| Johnjacob |
we r coming from 15N....we could meet u all at grandstand, yes (Message edited by johnjacob on July 20, 2006) | ||
| Pellis |
Mio, Just curious, what problems you have had with Battley? I have used them in the past with no issues. (Battley Cycles need not apply!) | ||
| 1stbuell |
Where do I start! First, I'm not one to rant on and on about a dealer because of one good or bad experience. I have over the past 2 years had 4 different bikes (2 BMW's and 2 Buells)serviced there with poor results. Now, I must not be too bright since I kept going back and expecting different (read good) results. They are only 15 minutes from me and that makes them very tempting due to the convenience factor. THey are nice enough when you bring the bike in but hardly ever have the necessary parts in stock and it seemed it takes them 1-2 weeks to get anything (including tires one time). I have never had my bike returned when they said it would be done. The last straw came this past week when I needed a front muffler strap to replace my broken one for a track day. I called and of course they did not have one in stock but they had a used one that they were willing to part with for only $25! Now, I don't mind paying for stuff I need but I don't like someone trying to rape me with the price. A new one, by the way, happens to cost $25! I looked at them and asked if they were serious that they want me to pay the same for a used part as for a new one. I have vowed never to set foot in that store ever again. Once again, I'm not trying to be overly dramatic or rant, but they simply have never done right by me. | ||
| Blublak |
Mio.. I've had good luck with Frederick, although it's a pain to get in there sometimes (they are kinda getting stacked up between ongoing store improvements and customer load) They are Buell Friendly and I would suggest giving them a try.. You never know, the extra few miles could be worth the lower hassles. I've also heard good things about Ft. Washington, but Jose would know more about them. Don't know what Battlefield is like. Winchester has a racer writing service there and they are kind of Buell friendly (in a 'red headed step child' kind of way) but they or Whitts would be a bit of a haul for you. | ||
| 1stbuell |
Frederick seems to be the next logical choice for me. I will have to invest in a trailer though, since the bike is not street legal and for track days. It's just disappointing since Battley's is right under my nose. What I really need is for someone to show me a few things (yes I do have the workshop manual) and just do the work myself. | ||
| Rasmonis |
Hey everyone, it's been a while it seems... I haven't had work done in Frederick but the techs are good guys see Bill if he's there, he'll square you away. I won't be available yet again, being Mr. Bob Villa and working on a bathroom. There are a few folks heading out to the Carlisle bike show Sat/Sun which, if anything, will be fun to ride around the area. I should be back in business next week. I'm waiting to save some $$$ for new tires - the rear tread is all but gone. -Ras | ||
| Rasmonis |
Looks like I'll be out of commission for longer than expected... I hope to be back on the road for the August trip to VIR/Road Atlanta. Laid it down again today on my way home from the store (Ball road), busted my shift lever and linkage. Need new pucks, and both scoops, minor scratches to the swingarm, clutch cover plate and casing on the left. I think that's it. Saved my turn signals my shortening the stock stems on the front. As for me, I went down on a gravel driveway which scraped the hell out my left knee cap and my left shoulder is way sore but does not appear to be broken or dislocated. I have no faith in my ability to lean into a turn when I get into trouble. Same accident, same response on my part, different turn. I'm super pissed. Hope everyone else had fun today. -Ras | ||
| Toona |
Ras, Im going to PM you my addy. Send me the shift lever and I'll fix it for you. I have a little practice as I fixed mine and Mike's after our little escapade. Sorry to hear about the accident, glad you "walked away". Had a good time meeting up w/ JohnJacob @ Carlisle. Dan Dan | ||
| Johnjacob |
yeah, I hit the rain on the way back...in my area, Gettysburg, then Taneytown...thanks to Toona 4 meetin up with me | ||
| Rasmonis |
Toona, Bike's @ the dealership, I need to stop by to see all that was damaged. The lever broke @ the peg (which I have but the rubber knob is torn at the tip), the threaded shaft is bent and broken near the bottom thread. The worst of it is going to be fixing the scrapes on the swingarm and the gouges on the clutch cover. | ||
| 1stbuell |
Hey Ras, Sorry to hear about your mishap. Glad you're ok and the bike will survive. Look on the bright side though, you can take it to the track now and not worry about about it! | ||
| Rasmonis |
The amazing thing to me is what little damage it's sustained. Built like a tank. I still want an XBR for the track. -Ras | ||
| Blublak |
I have an 'R' that I take to the track.. Of course, it's also my street XB.. Hmmm.. If I could find the money, I think I might like to get an 'S' for the street and turn my 'R' into a full time track bike. Kind of like Mio did.. Ramon, I'll be out of town this weekend, but sometime next week(end) we still need to get together and chat a little.. Plot a little.. and maybe come up with something for a little bit down the road? Ok, I'm going to get back to work.. for a little while.. then once I'm home tonight, I'll start working on the website.. Hope to have the first update (from last sunday) online sometime tonight. | ||
| Blublak |
Speaking Of Track Days My next track date was canceled by Team Pro-Motion. It was for the small VIR Patriot course. According to them, they only had 14 people sign up for it and that wasn't enough to pay for the days there. So with that credit I signed up for two more days on the Buell. For those of you that do the track, or are interested in trying it.. well.. We can pit together and hang out and basically help each other.. turn it into a 'mini' Buell track day(s).. Day One - - Monday October 2nd - Track - - Summit Point Main - Day Two - - Monday November 13th - Track - - VIR North - For those that don't know these tracks. Both are pretty good. VIR is the AMA track and it's got to be ridden at least once in your life (otherwise, you're just missing out) I think ART (Advanced Rider Training) Basic (required if you've never done track riding before) is available both dates. Ok, sooooo.. Who's with me? Am I going to be the sole Buell again? Will there be a small 'team' of growling, spitting, trembling monsters in attendance? With their Buells? Let's hear it.. the season is going to be winding down soon.. and one or both of these days will be a great way to keep that 'jones' alive through the winter.. OK.. Your turn.. what do you say? | ||
| 1stbuell |
What happened to August and September? I can't wait that long Pete, I'am starting to have withdrawal! I will be at Summit August 6 or 7 and the 20th. Mio | ||
| Blublak |
Well.. let's see.. First off, I wanted to give folks enough time to plan for one of those days.. Then, there's the other things that were already planned.. I'm at VIR for the AMA August 18 - 20th. September I'll be back at VIR and in that area from Sept. 17th - 24th . The 18th/19th I'll be attending CLASS. Then a couple of days for the wife and I to goof around and have fun.. then I'll be shooting the CCS races at VIR. Unlike 'Some People' I can't take a lot of weekdays off at the drop of a hat to go ride on the track. (don't worry, the jealousy passes after a short time...sort of) So there you have it.. | ||
| Rasmonis |
Hey Mio, How's your new bike? I finally got my leathers, just need boots and new tires. Does anyone have a spare shift lever and shift assembly rod I can borrow to get my bike home from the dealership? I'm waiting on delivery for my replacement parts, DaveS didn't have everything I needed. I may only need the shift rod assembly come next weekend. Something about leaving my bike at the dealership makes me nervous. -Ras | ||
| 1stbuell |
Hey Ras, The bike feels pretty good. I am finally going to get the exhaust, airbox and ECM put on next week, so we'll see if it make a difference. I've enjoyed running it stock actually. What size boots do you wear? I have a new (worn once) set in 46 (11.5). For you shifter, check this post out http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=32777&post=707237#POS T707237 | ||
| Midi9 |
Ras, Sorry to hear about the spill, and I hope it all works out. I'd say check ebay for parts, but it looks like you want things sooner (Looks to me like someone wrecked their Firebolt, and stripped it and is selling it piece by piece). Speaking of parts, should I be wary of some of the custom things they sell on ebay, specifically, integrated taillights? Any other inexpensive customizations I might be able to do for my 9R without hurting its integrity? As for meeting for rides, I'm booked up through Labor day weekend. after that I'm up for some rides. I'd consider going to VIR, but that is one of the weekends in the fall I don't have free right now. | ||
| Johnjacob |
anybody want to go to AMA race in Hagerstown speedway sat night, let me know, got a few tickets......gates open at 4...I'll have ticket, pits, and Hosp, got thru Ford.... | ||
| Rasmonis |
Thank 'yall for the good ideas, I'll check out that linkage @ Lowes tomorrow and keep it handy just in case. 1stBuell: My foot size ranges from 10.5-11. I'll have to get with you and try them out. I've spent so much $$$ on our bikes this year I may not see a track day until next spring. Isn't there a free introductory track class? Midi9: I'm a die-hard stock kind of guy and tend to stay away from aftermarket parts. I haven't heard anything negative so far on integrated tail lights. You may want to check the Knowledge Vault and see if anyone has had experience with these. -Ras | ||
| 1stbuell |
Ras, August 7 and 20th TPM have a "Try the track" offer. You have to sign up thru their web page: http://www.teampromotion.com/tpm.php?page_id=track_trythetrack | ||
| Rasmonis |
I don't think me or my bike will be ready for either date. I do plan on making one of those training classes before year's end. Thanks for the info Mio, -Ras | ||
| Midi9 |
Ras, I did put on a fender eliminator and I'm glad I did. When I took my tail end apart, I found that all my wires going to my turn signal and brake lights had been stripped either from improper placement, or just melted from the heat. On top of that, my sidestand switch is acting up, so I am having difficulty starting the bike. So now I'm trying to decide whether to fix it or bypass it. Any thoughts on the benefits of either option? Chris | ||
| Rasmonis |
Chris, Check those wires carefully and repair them if possible or replace them. While you're at it check all of your wires for fraying elsewhere. I had to extend the turn signal and brake wires on K's bike. I used this black rubber tape that doesn't stick to anything except itself (if anyone out there can help me with the name of this stuff). You don't need much, a little piece goes a long way... It is more durable that the regular electrician's tape with adhesive. I want to say I recently saw it in the plumbing section @ Home Depot. Once you've made your repairs to the wires and checked that your lights/signals work, make sure you secure them with zip ties to the sub-frame and tuck them to prevent damage in the future. My thought is to always have your bike running as it should. Bypassing anything IMO could lead to further problems later on. If it's broken, fix it/replace it. -Ras | ||
| Midi9 |
I'm already ahead of you Ras. I taped up the wires, and I found some guy in Georgia who is selling lots of parts, so I'm getting a full set of signals for 25. I already gave the wiring a full once over (at least all the ones I could access). While the guy at the dealership said that everyone goes with the bypass, I'm thinking I'll just get the sidestand switch repaired. I'll drop it off on Thursday before I go out of town, and pick it up on Saturday when I return. | ||
| Xb12xscpa |
Anybody have any recommendations for dealerships in Frederick or Orwigsburg, that can take care of the recall notice I received today? I've given up on Battlefield and need to find another dealer to work with. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. | ||
| José_quiñones |
In my opinion, either one is good, Frederick has some good mechanics. Go with the one that's closest to you. However, you might get different responses from people that have not had good experiences with one or both of them. For example, my past experiences with Battlefield have been good, but I have not been there lately (2 years) so I don't know who's in the Service Department any more. | ||
| Blublak |
I use Frederick.. They're not a bad bunch and have had some pretty good service from them. They have a couple of good guys over there (they do sponsor Bemisderfer and supply man power to the effort as well).. Give 'em a call, just be aware, this is the 'high season' and they will (like most H-D shops) take the gravy chrome hanging jobs before they even want to think about "W" jobs. |
