| Author | Message | ||
     Ourdee |
I took off to HC. I almost got to the Buell factory when the bike started to feel weird. Rhythmic feeling through the foot pegs. I moved to the side of the highway at 65 mph. As I get to the stripe on the right the bike gives a little squirm like the rear tire was low. 4900 miles and I know what it is. I stop and look at it. A seal on the right rear bearing is out. The balls are still in there. I think it's only a couple miles to the factory and that is the best place I can think of going. I start the bike and move less than 100 feet when I hear the metal on metal screech. I shut it down. I had Steve Makay's #. So I give him a call to ask advice. His truck is down and he gives me Hal's number. WOW, Just a few phone calls and the "TEAM" is put in motion. I met the nicest most professional (did I say friendly) people. Sure I sat on the side of the highway in a lawn chair sippin' iced tea for a while. Hal's truck was on a run and I got put on the list, my number was next. I apologize for forgetting so many names (I am rotten at names) But everyone from the truck driver to Erik Buell was just great to me. I wound up with a rental xt same as mine but a much slower black. For the next 2 days I lost track of all the Bueller's that checked in on my bike and me, Thank you, everyone. I had a great time at homecoming and most likely had a better time as a result of the bearings bringing so many people into my path. Both rear bearings failed. The one on the right was so bad that the inner race came out without the outer and the outer had to be welded and pounded out. Hals' service department went the extra miles for me. Thank you Kevin for working past closing time. Erik snuck into the service area with me and signed my bike. First broken one he has signed in service. After he signed it he took the time ( I didn't ask ) to look at the failed bearing. He may not know, but that really meant a lot to me. Thank you Erik. There were so many kind acts from BadWebbers, Factory Personnel, and Hals' Staff That I was totally floored. From simple condolences to offer's of a place to stay. Thank you to everyone that said hi. I want to say thanks to Court but don't want to get him in trouble seeing as how he is retired and all. Thank you Gforce and crew for making me feel welcome in Buell-Land. I think I'm hooked on Buell, Thanks, R.D. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Great story! Thanks for posting it. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
So often we hear the bad about dealers and mfg's. Its realy nice to read about how good both are to customers. Congrats on a great HC RD, nice meeting you. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Gotta love the Buell and Buell FAMILY!! Thanks for posting! | ||
| Hughlysses |
Ourdee- Great story. BTW- Do you know if your original bearings had orange seals (old style) or black seals ("new improved")? | ||
| Ustorque |
awesome story!!!! sometimes the KOOL-AID is worth drinking! Go Buell! | ||
| Ourdee |
Hughlysses, They were orange. If you see the brown streaks, it's water has broke. This was picture prior to the trip, but I was told to go ahead and ride. I'm glad I did. Your results may vary.   | ||
| Hughlysses |
I remember your post from BB&D. Glad things worked out for you, but you should b*tch slap the mechanic at the dealer that told you "they'll be fine!". Also glad to see it wasn't a black seal bearing failure. Maybe these bearings are the final fix. | ||
| Americanmadexb |
wow, 4900 miles seems real low for the bearings to go out! | ||
| Bluzm2 |
It's interesting that something like this happens each year at homecoming. What's even better is the reaction of fellow Buellers. It's ALWAYS the same. Yup, I'll have some more KoolAid.. Remind me to tell you the one about the broken S3 motor mount... Brad | ||
| Doughnut |
Brad, which s2 did you bring? (Had a tear in my eye looking at your profile pic. Does he get to ride her often? Did I ever share with you the name I gave her?) | ||
| Pinkie_and_the_buell |
Ourdee, I felt SOOO bad not being able to pick you up personally. But, I was confident that calling Bud, and dropping my name would get things rolling fast. And staying after closing hours isn't a rare thing for the crew at Hals. And the offer stands, if you're ever up here, and need a place to stay, just gimme a call. That pretty much goes for any Bueller. | ||
| Mattwhite |
Mine went on the freeway last year. The only thing I noticed before the complete failure was that the back end felt loose, but I thought it was from the rain. It gave me a great big wobble going out at 70mph, but it stayed stable enough to cross three lanes and get up to a hotel right off the next exit. Gover HD in piqua,OH took good care of me the next morning. I was worried it damaged the wheel, but they managed to get the remains of the bearing out and get me back on the road around noon. My belt broke on that bike today. I'm thinking it might be a good idea to replace the belt if the bearing falls apart at speed. | ||
| Ourdee |
I want to get the new type belt and swap it so that this is my spare, but that has to wait for my uly grant to go through. Toni & Steve, I plan on taking you up on that some time. | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Jon, I didn't make it this year... So neither one made it! Carl will be home permanently ths July. He will be getting LOTS of seat time I'm sure... Brad |
