| Author | Message | ||
     Aussie_buell |
Ah yes, Its all making sense now. Thanks guys. | ||
| Dblhaulxb9s |
Anon, I understand about the twisting on these belts but it seems ridiculous to me to sell a bike with such a tempermental final drive belt. I am assuming that is why the 04's have a totally new final drive, including a belt that is worth a damn. I personally feel that Buell should recall the old one, or have Goodyear make a belt that would fit the 03's pulleys. The only reason to have something that damned fragile is so that no one can work on the bikes except the dealerships, and they are doing a BANG UP job on mine so far. Morgan | ||
| Bigsherm9r |
I broke two belts in 6000 miles on my '03 XB9R. I'm at 12k now and still using the third. | ||
| Court |
The 11mm belt is not "fragile". It is, however, quite unforgiving of mistreatment. Lesson learned: Follow instructions. | ||
| Dblhaulxb9s |
Court, I consider something that "unforgiving" to be fragile. I also have been following instructions, it is the dealerships that haven't been. The most recent belt was shipped in a tiny little box all wadded up, funny it only lasted 500 miles. It is bull s&%t that I can't put the new belt on myself and have it be under warranty. I know, I know go to another dealer, well I live 2 hours from the closest one and the next one is 4 hrs away. I love everything else about my bike, but I seriously believe that the final drive on the 03 XB's is junk. Obviously Buell does too or they wouldn't have changed it so much. Fix the problem for us too, I have invested a lot of money into the bike and I feel that is only fair. Morgan | ||
| Mikej |
With something so specifically critical, if simple twisting of it can lead to premature failure then the belts need to be shipped in a carrier of some sort to ensure that they are not twisted prior to installation. The belts are handled by the manufacturer, by their shipping department, possibly by an agent at the U.S.Customs department, possibly by any number of middlemen/warehousers, by central distribution at Franklin (or where ever), by the receiving department at the various dealerships, possibly by FedEx/UPS/USPS personnel for smaller shipments, by dealership stock room clerks, and by either the parts department or service department personnel. And at each step along the way the belts can possibly be wadded up or twisted as the person carrying it may also be juggling other items in their hands. It's very easy to imaging someone taking a belt from a dealer's stockroom, tucking it under their arm as they stop for a urinal break, hold it between their knees as they wash their hands, wrap it around their shoulder as they stop in the customer lounge for a coffee refill and a doughnut, and laying it on the service department counter to end up under a muffler box on the same counter destined for a customer's bike. Basically there is lots of potential for improper twisting and bending of the belts. If they are this "fragile" or this easily prone to mishandling failures then they absolutely need to be shipped in a proper carrier to ensure that the belts are not improperly twisted prior to final assembly on a customer's bike. That's my 14cents on the subject. If you can't fix the product then fix the system handling the product. Quality and improvement should lead the way. Multiple failures on a customer's bike due to improper handling or manipulation of the belts should not be occurring. oops, snuck another 3cents worth in there, bye. edited by mikej on October 07, 2003 | ||
| Court |
I'm not totally unsympathetic nor do I disagree. You've stated your case well, responsibly and factually. I'm going to go ask some questions. you may be upon an opportunity. Thank you, Court | ||
| Mikej |
... edited by mikej on October 07, 2003 | ||
| Glitch |
Are you sure you can afford those 17cents? I agree. When I broke my belt. I came here and found the service bulletin on how to handle the belt so I wouldn't do it again. Then I go pick up the belt, it wasn't wadded up, but, it was in a flimsy little box with no packing what so ever. I put on the belt as carefully as I could, but, for the first few miles I was paranoid about the belt, because of the way it was (or could have been) mishandled, before I even got it. I do plan on getting the new belts, pulleys and guard as soon as Ann says I can... | ||
| Dblhaulxb9s |
Court, If you can help me in any way, I would be incredibly greatful. I do too much "long" distance (500 to 600 mile days) riding to be so concerned about my belt, and how it was handled at the most recent tire change or scheduled maintenance. Thanks, Morgan PS, High Country Harley/Buell has my bike right now. They got Buell to warranty the pulleys (don't personally think that is the problem) but didn't order all of the parts they need to install them. This is the crap I am talking about, I think they are a great dealer and service center, but come on, you have to know what it will take to put a bike back together. | ||
| Boulderbiker |
Not to segway too much here, but in people's experience which is the best dealer in the Denver area if you're gonna get a warranty issue taken care of? I live in Boulder (in case you didn't guess by the username). I bought my bike from High Country, but haven't had to deal with service yet. I changed my own fluids since I did it multiple times during the break-in. Anyway I'd love your guys' input. | ||
| Leeaw |
As a new '03 XB owner, I also have it in the back of my head that something could go wrong with the belt. There is a reason why my daughter's crib states not to fold it up with the child inside, and that is to protect both the manufacturer and the consumer. There should not be any special attention needed when installing a new belt, and the remedy should be replacement with '04 parts. As these belts are avaialable to the consumer and not just dealers, it should be assumed that the least capable person could mess it up every time. Does it become a safety issue when dblhaul or someone else has an accident? | ||
| Dblhaulxb9s |
First, boulderbiker. I think that High Country is going to be your best bet. They are the only shop on the Front Range that cares about Buells at all. So far they have been very professional and helpfull, unfortunately they made a mistake on ordering while I am having a really bad time with the bike. Leeaw, I agree totally fortunately I haven't had a wreck due to a belt failure, but The 3rd one went while I was accelerating out of a turn pretty hard and it did scare me. All of a sudden I was turning too hard and slapped down against the "tank." It wasn't reall a huge deal because it wasn't a super fast turn and I controlled it just fine but I would hate to know what would have happened if the belt had been caught up and locked the rear tire up. That is actually the least of my worries, I just don't want to end up hitch hiking in the middle of no where and leaving my baby on the side of the road. Morgan | ||
| Dblhaulxb9s |
Well, good news and bad. The good is that Court went to bat for me with Buell (Thanks so much). The bad is that I won't be getting an upgrade (not for free that is). They were very nice on the phone and understanding, they just have different ideas about how strong and tolerant a belt drive system should be. Oh well, I still love little maggie may. | ||
| Mikej |
Do I sense a chain drive in your future??? | ||
| Dblhaulxb9s |
You bet, I just have to work on how to tension the chain. I have some pretty good (at least i think so) ideas but I need to get together with a machine shop to get the parts built. If I get one running, I will let you all know. Morgan | ||
| Bud |
Am I the only here with still his first belt ?  There’s some little cracks appearing in the back off the belt ( smooth side and only in the rubber ) But I don’t worry to match about it 25.000 km and still counting Btw. Had the rear wheel off a few times, strictly following the manual gr,M | ||
| Shazam |
bud, in a word NO | ||
| Misato |
is the gearing different on the '04XB9? can't you just buy the front/rear pulley and belt? I was thinking of doing that. on belt #2 3500miles | ||
| Dblhaulxb9s |
Misato, I don't think the gearing is any different, but you have to buy the pulleys, new brake line, new rear master cylinder, tensioner, I think some longer bolts and maybe a few other small items, oh and the belt guards. The master cylinder and brake line are because the belt is another 3 mm wider. Also, I know that you have been running your bike with out guards. Get them back on, you will constantly break belts and they are not supposed to be covered under waranty. Just buy the new system. I have heard costs (estimates every time) from 500 to 1000. I don't know why they don't have a real number for me. Morgan | ||
| Dblhaulxb9s |
ps, yeah the belt too | ||
| Misato |
hmm. I forgot about the tensioner, wider?.. didn't think about the rear brake crap. I was quoted about 300 for the pulleys and belt. | ||
| Apex1 |
8100 miles, original belt. | ||
| Buckinfubba |
14k original belt. No guards from 6k on. Finally broke doing wheelies | ||
| Easyflier |
I'd say that's pretty good longevity, and damn close to the 15k service interval. After seeing you post the cost for the '04 setup I think I'll keep my eyes open for a salvage bike just for parts.  | ||
| Dblhaulxb9s |
14k is OK, but the 04's service interval is 25k. I would gladly pay for the 04 set up to get that kind of longevity. I will be doing that as soon as I break my next belt. I am picking up my bike from High Country on Saturday. That is 1 week and one day after the guaranteed latest possible ready date. Oh well, I am moving to Phoenix for a year for MMI and will get to ride a ton. Morgan I would love to hook up with some badwebbers while I am down there. | ||
| Court |
1. Front sprocket 40288-95 (27 tooth) $56.00 2. * Front Sprocket Cover G0555.1AA $37.95 * 3. Stone Deflector N/A Discard/Remove 4. * Upper Belt Guard M0570.1AA $33.25 * 5. * Lower Belt Guard M0560.1AA(DO NOT run without one) $46.60 * 6. Inner Belt guard Discard/Remove 7. Rear Sprocket G0400.1AA (65 tooth) $117.00 8. Rear Sprocket Bolts AA0609.11CXZB(six needed) $2.75 9. Belt G0500.1AAA $152.00 10. Idler Pulley Assembly (bracket and pulley) G0604.1AA (can’t buy bracket separately) $91.55 11. Rear Master Cylinder H0205.1AA (moves brake line out of way of belt) $57.80 12. Rear Brake Line H1522.1AA (w/banjo bolts and crush washers)2003 line will be short with 2004 MC $32.50 13. Swingarm Brace Bolt Short AA0507.2CZB (three required for job)need to buy one $1.70 14. Swingarm Brace Bolt Long AA0522.2CZB (one required)Delete/Discard Replace with short from above Total, plus TTL, $622.81 - less the BWB sponsors discount of 10%? $566.19 ? Notes: 1. Items with * before and after * available in Carbon Fiber from Buell for some $$.00 2. 65/27 = 2.407 drive ration same as 2003, no speedometer, or calibration change needed. | ||
| Dblhaulxb9s |
That actually seems like a deal to me. That is a lot of parts and some pretty important ones at that. Buell could have jacked that way up. Way to go Buell. How long would it take to get all of that? Does any one have it in stock? Court, could you tell some one who cares that they should make a "kit"/"package" deal out of that. Not necessarily (although it would be nice) cheaper but in one package so that some dealer doesn't leave out the bolts or brake line or something important like that. Thanks for the break down. Morgan PS, maybe I am stupid, but what is TTL? | ||
| Daves |
Jeez, Morgan just give me a call! I do not have the stuff in stock but can get it for you, no problem. Call today, I'm going deer hunting for the weekend! Ride to the edge! Dave Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center) 1-800-342-7539 ext 211 | ||
| Court |
TTL = Tax, Title and License |
