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Buell Forum » Old School Buell » Archive through March 20, 2011 » Just bought a dead '99 x1 lightning, need to troubleshoot « Previous Next »

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Tattoomark
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 01:26 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Okey, so I got a great deal on this bike, even if I never get it running. Its a clean titled x1, never been down , with tons of add ons: Pm wheels, new tires, Renthal bars, Looks like a Carbon fiber slip on of some kind, Race ECM, Force winder intake, etc. It does not run, and here are the symptoms: The PO was at a stop light, at idle, and it just went dead on him...engine died, all lights went dead, and everything electrical went out simultaniously. The fuses are not blown. The key is on, the kill switch is on, but no juice. I figure its a loose ground or something stupid, and buy the bike for $450. I get it home and check the battery first to eliminate that. Its still good, showing a little low at 12.5v, so I put it on a tender. The ground is tight, and it shows 12.5 from positive to the frame, so it is indeed grounded. So I work the other way, and check voltage at the key switch. I unplug the connector, and it shows 12.5v on the fat red wire which I believe comes from the starter. The key feels nice and tight, so I don't think the key switch is bad. Tommorrow Im going to check the relays next to the fuse panel. It has no lights or anything, so I don't think its getting any juice at the fuse panel though. Its got to be somewhere before that, right? This is my second Buell, previously owning an 03 xb9, which never gave me a problem. I think if I can get this electrical thing sorted, I'll have a great bike on my hands. Any suggestions on what to check next as far as troubleshooting it?
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Natexlh1000
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 01:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My battery died on my X1 in a weird way.
Died on the highway as if I hit the key switch.
Nothing would light up.
A shop tried charging the battery but the charger said it was fully charged.

Turned out that it would put out exactly the right voltage but with to amps to back it up!

Wouldn't even light a single bulb.

yours, I would suggest after making sure the battery isn't being like that:
Unplug each fuse and diode and see if they are corroded.
Mine failed to start one morning due to that.
There are also two black relays under there worth looking at.

Finally, many here but not myself have had the ignition key switch fry itself.


You WILL win this : )
Keep us posted!
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Tattoomark
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 01:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Im gonna replace the battery probably tomorrow so I KNOW that's not the problem. There was another guy on here that had the same problem with his M2 and it ended up being a defective battery! The battery in the bike is a genuine HD battery, without the date scratched out of the label, so no telling how old it is
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Desertfox
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 02:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I had that happen to me once too. In my case, it was because I was an idiot and used a refillable battery and it simply dropped all of it's fluid out...

Oh, and even though the key feels good, the switch could still be bad. It's very easy to hotwire the X1 though. Just follow the key switch wires down to the connector, open the connector, and jump the pins. I forget which pins right now though. If you have a wiring diagram, you should be able to figure it out without much trouble.
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Tattoomark
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 03:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I tried to hotwire it already, and it shows voltage at the connector, but after trying to jump the connector....nothing. could still be a bad battery though.
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Bpt
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 07:44 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I would check the circuit breaker. All power goes through the breaker first.

The battery does have a date code. Look for two digits, e.g. L7. The letter is the month, the number is the year. 12.5v should be enough the give you lights.
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Ratbuell
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 11:08 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Keyswitches like to fail on tubers. If you have another tuber...swap keyswitches. Even if the key "feels" tight, it could have a bad contact inside.
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Tattoomark
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 11:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Im new to tubers guys, where is the circuit breaker located on this thing and how can I reset it? Im gonna get this bike running!
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Buelltours
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 11:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

you can unplug the black plug right behind the key switch, put 3 or 4 pennies in to bridge all three leads and it should work. Happened to me in Switzerland once.... 450? What a deal!!! Congrats.
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Tattoomark
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 01:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I unplugged the ignition switch and tried hotwiring it, to no avail. The power is definitely making it to the switch and beyond, but after that, I dont know where to check. Ill just have to start following wires and keep checking. BTW, how do you 'reset' the 30amp breaker? mine is loose in the mount, but all 3 wires going to it are tight. is that normal? it looks like its supposed to be isolated from the frame, but im not sure. thanks everyone for helping me get this thing going...hopefully won' t be long now!
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Tattoomark
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 01:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

OH man! I tried the 'penny' trick to see if it would change anything, and IT WORKED! turns out not only was the battery low, it just wasn't getting a good connection when i tried to hotwire it before! It's the ignition switch! WHOOHOOO! turned right over, and didn't hear anything that sounded catastrophic. Now to change the oil, add gas and really see what a deal I got!
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Rlgiv
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 06:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

That is awesome. 450 dollars with all those extras..........Your gonna love that bike. The tube frames are great bikes.
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Kyrocket
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 08:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My ignition switch went out also. You can wire in a rocker switch and hide it behind the flyscreen and not have to worry about it. Also, if that happens again and you're pulling your hair out, the speed sensor can go out without notice. It acts as a kill switch when it goes out. Just unplug the switch and go about your way.


And congrats on the smokin' deal!
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Leftcoastal
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 09:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Dude - I'm joining all above in congratulating you on such a "smokin' deal". I'm feeling a bit green from envy here. Get 'er running and post some pics!
Al
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Psyclown
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 10:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Awesome. Pics?
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Desertfox
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 10:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Damn! Amazing deal. I don't think anyone has ever gotten a tuber for cheaper. A new record : p

Definitely post some pics.
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Tattoomark
Posted on Sunday, March 06, 2011 - 10:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'll get pics up by tuesday for sure... The bike runs great, has good clutch feel and great brakes too! I just bought an $8.00 ignition switch at autozone and wired it right in. It works exactly like the stock one, except the parking lights are a turn in the other direction. Fits and works great though. The bike is clean and mechanically solid, but the P/O spray painted the forks, tail section, and tank cover flat black, and removed the flyscreen and mounted a bulb from some other bike. Other than those small cosmetic issues, the motor is clean as a whistle and the wiring is now solid! I think Im just gonna carbon fiber the tank and front fender, and get a carbon fiber flyscreen for it. The tail section is no big deal, because Im planning on doing a little sanding and painting to freshen it up.
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Tattoomark
Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 02:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

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Tattoomark
Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 02:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Man Im trying to post a pic...cant get it to work... we'll see if THIS works!
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Tattoomark
Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 02:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

success! Here's some more pics of my $450 find (now up to a whopping $463 with 1 ft of fuel line, hose clamps, and a new starter switch).


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Tattoomark
Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 02:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

And here's a pic of my ignition switch fix... $8 at autozone, works great.
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Tattoomark
Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 02:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

So there it is... Basically need to get the seat redone and polish up the dirty parts, replace the flyscreen and front fender, replace the blinkers, and probably get a nicer tank cover, or bodywork and paint this one.
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Hootowl
Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 02:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Looks like the prep work for the paint job on the forks was blessedly inadequate. Should be able to peel the rest of it right off.
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Tattoomark
Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 03:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

yes, all the flaked off stuff you see there is from 'wiping' it with a shop rag. should come right off with steel wool, or emery cloth. i hate when people rattle can a whole bike and call it custom. But I can't complain to much on this one.
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Desertfox
Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 06:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Get yourself some Mothers Mag polish and start workin' on those wheels. If you like polishing, you'll love those wheels.

(I have the same wheels and enjoy sitting outside in the sun to polish them up now and then)

The seat is surprisingly easy to re-cover. I did mine in an evening with no previous experience. Just get some good, stretchy vinyl, a staple gun, and a good spray on adhesive. I ended up with just one wrinkle on the left side of the seat.

I should post a picture sometime...
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Natexlh1000
Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 07:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Smokin' deal, man!

Why do you suppose the electrical tape on the head light?

After a few thousand miles, my X1 has consumed a few "off-brand" parts too.
Mostly from various hardware stores and Jap dealerships.

If it fits, it must be the right part!
: )
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Bluzm2
Posted on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 09:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

No need to get another tank cover, just fill, sand and paint that one, then pick up some of the CF or glass bottom inserts from American Sport Bike, paint the buggers to match and you're set to go!
Killer deal...

Brad
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Desertfox
Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2011 - 02:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hah! My switch just died today. I rigged up a little toggle that I hid under the dash and all is well again. In fact, it looks pretty good too. You can barely see any difference at all.

Total cost of repairs: Free!
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Kalali
Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2011 - 01:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Check the belt too to make sure, 1)no missing teeth, cracked, and 2) not too tight. It looks like the original Sportster belt.
It's great that it did not fall in someone's hand who would chop it up...
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Tattoomark
Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2011 - 01:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

There's a switch with key on ebay right now for $20 if anyone needs a cheap replacement. Im sticking with my $8 autozone key, but it would be nice to have the factory Buell key switch
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Kalali
Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2011 - 01:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You can get a new one (with two keys) from Al (@ American Sport Bike) for under $25. Money better spent.
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