| Author | Message | ||
     2wheels |
I've got a new-to-me, fuel-efficient, 2000 Buell Blast. Normally I just use if for commuting, but the other day I rode it hard and too fast for about an hour.  The next day I started getting a belt scrapping noise from the wheel end.  It happens some in tight, low speed turns, but mainly (every time) I apply the rear brakes. It appears that the belt is rubbing the rear sprocket cover. The bike only has 8k. And I weigh only 175. I really don't think I stretched the belt out. Although I do like to accelerate....  In another post I noticed that someone else said there should be 2" of play in the belt. I've got that - possibly less. The week before, I had removed the front engine support bolts from the tie rod yoke thingy so I could drop the motor enough to remove the rocker box and replace the gaskets. Did I unhinge something? I can't find any tension adjustment for the secondary drive belt and there also seems to be no adjustment for rear wheel alignment. Can somebody please tell me what I've done? The weather right now is awesome and I'm stuck in a cage! I got desperate and drove to work yesterday without using the rear brakes. Help!  | ||
| 2wheels |
Well, I found the problem. I can hardly believe I missed it before.  I've been having some trouble with my rear tire leaking off, but expected to replace it soon, so I'd just top it off and go on. And I credited an occasional "squirreliness" to that. That wasn't the problem. My left rear wheel bearing is shot! I couldn't tell it because between the caliper, drive belt and one (barely) good bearing, everything stayed in place and tight. No noise, no problems rolling the bike in the garage. Just noise from the belt when braking. Scary!  | ||
| Bomber |
Wheels -- glad you found the problem -- preflights on any bike are important (thnks for reminding me!) -- sounds like an easy fix (phew) | ||
| 2wheels |
Yeah. I can have that back together in no time once the parts show up on Monday. I'll be done long before I get the new tires mounted and on.  | ||
| 2wheels |
 On the road again! My bearings and tires came is on Monday - as expected. Thanks Dave S. @ Appleton HD! The 10% discount Dave gives to BadWeb members exceeded the shipping cost! I slapped the bearings in and took my wheels to a friend of a friend who has all the tire mounting and balancing gear. It turns out that we know a lot of the same people besides the folk through whom we made the bike tire connection. Small world. 6 degrees of separation and all that. Got the wheels back the next night (Tuesday) and put on the front wheel and brake. Then after work last night I put on the rear and buttoned all that back up. I finished cleaning it and decided to wax the bike. After that I cruised down the street for a test run and found a guy four houses down trying to rebuild a carb on an '87 Sportster. I stopped in and we talked. I ended up helping him for 1/2 hour. Then I took that bike for a spin - it's for sale. But anyhow, I got my own bike running and I brought it to work today. It handles GREAT with new tires on. However, a little game I play at stop signs and traffic lights is to not touch the ground with my feet unless I'm absolutely ready to fall over. The new tires aren't as easy to balance on - no flat spots.  Thanks to all those who responded!  | ||
| Blake |
Thank you for the excellent follow-up!  |
