G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile

Buell Forum » Knowledge Vault (tech, parts, apparel, & accessories topics) » Troubleshooting (Poor Starting/Running/Handling/Ride Issues) » Archive through July 22, 2008 » Low Top Speed « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rnique01
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 10:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have recently purchased my first bike ever. A 2003 Buell Lightning XB9S. It was apparent that modifications were made but the dealership didn't know exactly what. I know that the race ecm and jardine exhaust were put in. The problem I am having is that I am at nearly 5000 rpm at 75 miles per hour in 5th gear, with almost nothing left. I almost got it to 80 but was afraid it would blowup. I want to do some driving on the highway but am afraid of damaging the bike. Does anyone know what could have been done to the bike to give it power in the low end and take away from top end. I will be putting up pictures as soon as I fix my camera.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Reepicheep
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 12:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Does it have a chain conversion? Or is it still running a belt at the rear end?

It does still have 5 forward gears, right?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rnique01
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 12:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It still has the belt at the rear end and still just 5 forward gears.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Reepicheep
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 02:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Could the clutch be slipping? If the cable is not regularly lubed, it can hang up.

I don't recall my default RPM at 75MPH, but 5k RPM does sound high. And I know mine pulls hard well through 100MPH (back straight, Mid Ohio Inside Pass Track Day).
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jlnance
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 02:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

75 mph with 9 gearing should be just under 4k rpm.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rnique01
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 08:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

What is "9 gearing"?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Reepicheep
Posted on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 08:12 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The XB9 and the XB12 bikes have different gearing (in the primary behind the primary cover inside your motor). "9 gearing" just means you have the parts from an XB9.

You can swap the clutch assembly, stator bell, and primary chain between the two. The net effect is that an XB12 can be geared lower (so it turns more RPMs at a given speed) by using the XB9 parts.

Some 12 owners do that, it'll wheelie better, and probably handle better on gravel / fire roads.

You have the 9 gearing stock, which is already low, so if somebody had swapped the parts on your bike you would be the opposite of what you have, you would have low RPM's at 70 MPH, not high.

I rode in this morning and thought of your question, I am turning 3500 RPM at 65MPH, just like Jlance indicated.

So clutch slipping, or really significant change in tire size, or tach or speedo error are about the only possibilities for your problem.

If somebody did manage to figure out how to gear down a 9 and keep the belt drive, we are all ears... I'd love to know how they pulled it off.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rnique01
Posted on Monday, June 30, 2008 - 09:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Looks like the bike will be going in for service. I will probably just stay off the highway till the short riding season is over. I just hate going to the Harley dealers since they don't give a crap about us Buell riders. I have gone to a few "Buell" dealers and they don't even want to deal with 'em. Thanks.
« Previous Next »

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and custodians may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Post as "Anonymous" (Valid reason required. Abusers will be exposed. If unsure, ask.)
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration