| Author | Message | ||
     Whodom |
I finally got to test-ride an XB12X Saturday (see thread in the "Big, Bad, & Dirty" forum) and I was really impressed that it seemed to transmit a lot less engine vibration to the handlebars than my 2000 S3. To those of you that have ridden or own both XB's and tubers, is this normal? I wouldn't say the bars on my S3 vibrate a lot, but there is a small amount of "buzz", even at 3,000 RPM and up. It's just that the bars on the XB12X were completely vibration-free at these speeds. I've read the threads about a bad front isolator causing increased vibration in the handlebars on tubers. I inspected my front isolator and can't see any signs of damage. Is it possible the damage is hidden? Is it worth replacing the front isolator anyway on a bike with ~12,000 miles on it? I replaced the rear isolators this summer. Thanks in advance for any opinions or tips. | ||
| Bomber |
who -- the damage on a front ISO CAN be tought to see0feel -- given the age of the rubber, and the ease of the job (hour end to end), I'd go ahead on and replace the front one -- get the properly size crowfoot socket to torque the fasterners (coupla bux at sears), and have at it -- | ||
| Whodom |
Bomber, Thanks for the advice. I went out again tonight and checked it really thoroughly- no signs of tears, but it does seem to be "sagging" toward the front a little, and there is some surface cracking which would seem to indicate the rubber is starting to deteriorate. I just sent DaveS a PM to see about getting a replacement. | ||
| Jlnance |
The XB12X vibrates a lot less than my M2 did. I testrode an XB12S about 6 months ago, and it vibrated a lot less as well. I've always assumed thats just the way things are, and nothing was wrong with the M2. | ||
| Whodom |
This may turn out to be my last ditch effort to stave off selling off my first-born so I can buy a Uly....  | ||
| Dragon_slayer |
Go for it Whodom! You can always keep the second-born. | ||
| Spiderman |
Whodom. My front iso didn't look damaged, But when I removed it there was a small tear that was hiddin under the D washer. If you got more than 50k on the Odo I would recomend replacin it, specially if she is vibin a little too much... | ||
| Bomber |
the problem is that the vibes increase slowly over time, so it's tough to know if you're getting to be a wuss in your old age or not ;-} I'd suggest that surface cracks are a sign that it's time to R&R the lil rubber bisquit, er, doughnut -- miles or exposure to the cruddy atmosphere, either one will toaast the rubber, I'm thinkin the great news is that it's a standard HD part, so it's easily available (PS, the parts guy will think it's a dyna part -- you and I know it's a Buell part used on the dyan line [grin]) | ||
| Bob_thompson |
I know this isn't the case here, but a while back I fabricated an upper front tie bar, for my M2, adjustable, to augment the lower as some of the older Buell's had as I understand it from the KV. I thought a little additional strengthening couldn't hurt. Well, after riding a short while I noticed quite a bit more vibration in the bars so I removed it figuring Buell really knows something I don't with their upgrading of tubers over the years. I think these engines have to move a small amount for the bike to live happily. Thus, the rubber isolaters. Way smoother though than the old solid mounted engine bikes. Bob | ||
| Smadd |
"the problem is that the vibes increase slowly over time, so it's tough to know if you're getting to be a wuss in your old age or not" Exactly. I remember test riding the 1998 S3 when new and distinctly remember that I could detect *no* vibration! I was amazed at the time. With time and mileage (now over 53,000), I suppose the manufactured tolerances changed, along with things I played with, and now the vibration is there, but hardly noticeable. It's definitely not a bother. Not saying the new bikes aren't smoother. Maybe they are... I haven't ridden any. Although I doubt the feeling of "no vibration" on my then new '98 could be improved on much. Steve |
