Author |
Message |
Bobr
| Posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - 04:34 pm: |
|
Coming home from a ride a couple of days ago I was coming to a stop and was not able to downshift from 4th. The shift lever just depressed and nothing happened. I was able to upshift to 5th, but got the same result when I tried to downshift again. I nursed it home (a few blocks away). I was able to get it to shift by rocking it and took it for a test spin. It did shift but does not feel right. Specifically: the shift lever can now be depressed when in first gear like my old sportster transmissions; something it never did before. The bike is now sitting in my garage in neutral (neutral indicator light is on when ignition is on).I read over posts about tranny problems and primary/clutch/lever adjustments. I also checked the fluid level which seemed ok. The adjustment at the lever does seem too tight, with only about 1/32" or less space between the ferule and handle bar housing. I have another problem (see my post on rough running in wet weather) which may or may not be related. I'm taking it to my dealer because I just had a 25k service 2k ago and if the problem(s) are related to things being adjusted too tightly I want them to see it. If there is damage which could be due to misadjustment I'll ask them to step up to the plate on the repair. I trust my dealer and have had good service from them for years on a variety of bikes, so I think they'll play fair. |
Bobr
| Posted on Thursday, March 27, 2008 - 02:46 pm: |
|
The news is not good. Kevin at GHD told me today that the main transmission bearing is caput. Apparently the bearing is housed in a plastic cage, which has broken on my bike. Kevin is going to call HD to see if they will do anything to help out. I have to say that to house the main transmission bearing in plastic,seal it inside cases which must be split in order to get to the tranny, which in turn requires a complete tear-down of the engine seems, well, odd. Why HD went to this design for Sportser engines when they had an accessible tranny previously is beyond me. |
Bad_karma
| Posted on Friday, March 28, 2008 - 01:44 am: |
|
Bob I would guess to increase case rigidity, but it would be nice to hear the companies reasons. One of just a few reasons I haven't bought a XB. Joe |
Bobr
| Posted on Friday, March 28, 2008 - 08:38 am: |
|
Hi Joe, Sounds like a good theory. I can understand it keeping you from getting an xb. On the other hand I really love mine and overall it's been a great bike. I also have an '01 HD T-Sport, one of those models that's not attractive to the average HD buyer but is one of the most roadworthy with excellent suspension, decent ground clearance, nice luggage, and a small fairing. Nonetheless it's the xb that I am most likely to ride. Now I'll have to decide whether or not to repair it or cut my losses and get something like the new 1250 bandit. My wife and I have 3 Buells between us. It would feel really weird not to be riding a Buell. |
Bad_karma
| Posted on Saturday, March 29, 2008 - 12:14 am: |
|
I understand how you feel. Your decision, but I can't live with out my soul on wheels. Maybe a nice 98 S1. Good luck. Joe |
Bobr
| Posted on Monday, March 31, 2008 - 12:30 pm: |
|
Hey Joe, Got a new bike. HD helped out with the tranny parts. See my post in the xb section. |
Bad_karma
| Posted on Tuesday, April 01, 2008 - 03:03 am: |
|
Good job Bob the worst thing that you can do is not make a decision even a bad one. Joe |
|