| Author | Message | ||
     Panshovevo |
So I got the '08 R model to the point where I can test ride it a bit, to check it out further. I haven't licensed it, and can't take it out on public roads, but can do a fair amount of riding within the community. I can't sustain any real speed, but can accelerate for short bursts. The bike shows approximately 18,500 miles. I removed the CRC fairings and installed the original front fairing and radiator pod covers. The left side fan is locked up (got one on the way) so I disconnected it. The previous owner warned me he had heard a screeching noise that stopped when he pulled in the clutch, but I never got sufficient detail to identify the problem. I rode it for 10 minutes or so Sunday evening without hearing the noise. The Check Engine Light is coming on because of the left fan being disconnected. Rode it yesterday for 5 minutes, and while decelerating for a stop, heard a horrific grinding/growling noise that seemed to come from the left forward side that lasted only a second or less, then stopped on it's own. I rode it another mile or so back to the shop with no further problems. The front brake is dragging, but it isn't making any noticeable noise when applied. I'm going to drain the oil and check the sump screen and filter today. I'm wondering about the sprag clutch, even though it's started fine every time I've tried it. The fact that it only lasted a second makes me think that it stopping when pulling the hand clutch was coincidental for the previous owner. Has anyone had a sprag failure that started this way? Any other thoughts? | ||
| Nuts4mc |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290 431/693543.html?1353426484 | ||
| Panshovevo |
Found a disintegrating rear wheel bearing... Haven't checked the filter or screen yet. (Message edited by Panshovevo on September 27, 2015) | ||
| Nuts4mc |
...the magnet on the drain plug will be the first clue if something's wrong inside...once you drop the exhaust, the screen will give you better "clues" as to what extent the size of the problem. here's link to bearing discussions: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290431/651540.html?1382144373 (Message edited by nuts4mc on September 28, 2015) | ||
| Panshovevo |
Thanks for the link to the bearing discussions. Having the bearing manufacturer's numbers simplifies ordering considerably, and I can get quality bearings locally. I'm going to wait until I get the wheel off regardless, to check the integrity of the hub first. Just have to make some room in the shop to set up the engine hoist behind the bike, as the overhead hoist is tied up with another bike waiting on parts. | ||
| Panshovevo |
So I changed the rear wheel bearings, and have put another 25-30 miles on the bike riding around the community over the last week or so. No more noise yet. Only things I've noticed are the speedo quits working occasionally, then starts again after a while, and the engine dies now and then with the bars at the left stop. Oh yeah, found an empty bolt hole on one of the subframe attach points too. I warmed it up good and drained the oil, pulled the filter and screen this afternoon. Nothing scary visible yet. I haven't cut the filter apart yet, but no chunks visible anywhere. It would be helpful to know if the drain plug magnet was cleaned at the last oil change, as there is a fair amount of very fine particulate on it. From what I've seen of the work done by the guy who was working on it last, I have my doubts. I may pull the left side cover and check things in there just to be on the safe side. As I posted in another thread, boosting the air pressure in the tires made a dramatic difference in the handling. Edited to add that I would have sworn the noise I heard that time came from the forward section of the bike, but it must have been reflected by the fairing. The condition of the left side rear wheel bearing was definitely bad enough to have made what I heard. (Message edited by Panshovevo on October 24, 2015) | ||
| Shawns |
Check the wiring for your ignition switch. These are known to break. I had a cam chain guide go and cause all sorts of problems. It would be worth the time to pull the stator side cover off. |
