| Author | Message | ||
     Workinman |
I just bought an 06 Yellorange (at least that's what I'm calling it!) Buell Ulysses. I really like the bike but I've noticed quite a bit of engine vibration between 1500 and 2000 RPM's. I know it vibrates at idle, which I like, but between 1500 and 2k it vibrates so hard you can hear the windscreen tapping its rubber mounts. It happens without the brakes applied and either rolling or standing still. Is this a problem or a characteristic? Thanks! | ||
| Mnrider |
Congrats on the new bike. The noise could be the horn hitting the flyscreen or the front engine mount worn out. | ||
| Bobbuell1961 |
not sure if your is abnormal, but the tapping is probably. lust the horn hitting the fairing, twek the bracket, quite common | ||
| Etennuly |
Yep the horn sounds like the noise maker on your bike. The vibrations are what big V twins do. In some instances the front engine isolator can be bad, but you will feel that in the bars, pegs, and seat. If that is the problem, the rattling horn would not even be noticed. | ||
| Etennuly |
Oh yeah.....welcome to the land of "why didn't I get one of these before?"  | ||
| Lastcyclone |
Check your engine mounts and rubber isolators in the steering stem for cracks. | ||
| Ourdee |
On the plus side, when you have trouble finding neutral, run the engine up to 1700 rpm and try it. The vibes help it into neutral. Careful, it comes alive between 3 and 4 grand. | ||
| Workinman |
Thanks for the help. Is this something I can see with a flashlight or will I need to move and/or remove anything? | ||
| Bobbuell1961 |
remove the 6 screws holding the flyscreen on, you will probably see a mark on the back side. how many miles? | ||
| Workinman |
6K and I picked it up for $5,000.00 | ||
| Workinman |
What is the mark indicative of? | ||
| 7873jake |
The mark on the back of the windscreen should correspond with a rub mark on the horn where the two were in contact, rubbin' and knockin'. | ||
| Workinman |
I was actually asking about the front isolator mount. There's quite a gap between the bolt and the mount. What's the best way to inspect the mount for cracks/damage? | ||
| Mnrider |
I bought my Uly before I knew about Badweb so it took me a while to figure out what that knocking noise was. I think my steering lock pin rattles a little too. | ||
| Xbimmer |
I was actually asking about the front isolator mount. There's quite a gap between the bolt and the mount. What's the best way to inspect the mount for cracks/damage? Thanks to BadWebber Longdog_cymru: Bad isolator:  Good/New isolator:  Like the others have said, these bikes shake and rattle as normal. If your isolator is bad it's harsher, especially on decel. Metallic-banging shocks as I recall. All kinds of stuff can rattle under the screen. | ||
| Workinman |
Thanks Xbimmer! In that case, it looks totally normal. Anyone live in Austin, Texas that can tell me if this vibration is normal? | ||
| Workinman |
Also, I just pulled the front fairing off of the bike and the horn's not the problem because it doesn't have one! What is the top side of the isolator mount supposed to look like? On the picture of the new isolator it looks like it has a rubber cover of some type - mine has nothing there. | ||
| 7873jake |
Now's a great time to install a Stebel Nautilus mini airhorn (about $35) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQqxhRQ1rPE Just google "stebel nautilus airhorn" for retailers or check the Badweb vendor listing to see if any sponsors might stock them. They're more fun than firecrackers...DAMHIKT | ||
| Portero72 |
There is a bunch of us who live in and around Austin. We are the Hill Country Hellbuellies. I wouldn't mind having a look-see. Just so you know, most would consider 1500-2000 rpms 'lugging it'. The party starts a bit after 3k, and it is a bit rumbly down in the low revs. 9 2 1 4 0 0 1 if you still need a hand. Mark | ||
| Ourdee |
Here is a horn thread. dual airhorn http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/444847.html | ||
| Xbimmer |
What is the top side of the isolator mount supposed to look like? On the picture of the new isolator it looks like it has a rubber cover of some type - mine has nothing there. I think what you're seeing is the frame where the isolator bolts to. Here is a pic of the top views of my old and new isolators:  | ||
| Workinman |
OK, the isolator looks good and it doesn't have a horn. The dealer I bought it from had it in a storage unit and I'm thinking it's been sitting a while. I'm thinking I'll run some injector cleaner through it and then change the plugs and filter to see if this helps out. It's definitely some sort of abnormal engine vibration so hopefully it's nothing major. | ||
| Chrisrogers3 |
Buy a service manual. You will have issues with the plugs if you are not familiar with the XB lineup. Also, be careful with the fuel injector cleaner. Personally I dont use it on any of my bikes and I wouldnt suggest you use it either. If you have "abnormal" engine vibration check the primary chain adjustment. These engines are for the most part bulletproof. Sight unseen I am really thinking you are making the engine work WAY too hard. If youre running it between 1500-2000rpm your bike hates you. Its not a Hardly Davidson, its a Buell and it needs to be ridden like one. As far as finding neutral- Tip the bike to the right just a little bit, this will move the oil in the primary over just enough to find neutral easily....If its hard to find neutral that means you likely have an improper amount of oil in your primary. | ||
| Workinman |
Yeah, it is a little difficult to find neutral. Thanks for the advice. | ||
| Florida_lime |
The (possibly) higher vibes and difficulty finding neutral may be related. I'd check the primary chain adjustment. Plus, as mentioned previously -- don't ride through that RPM range ! Get up to 3,000 RPM ASAP !  | ||
| Workinman |
I just read in the manual that the rear drive belt requires no adjustment, only inspection. I have an 06 Ulysses - is the manual correct? | ||
| Florida_lime |
Yes, no adjustment on any year. For me, if you can spin the idler pulley easily by hand, the belt is more likely to snap. That's when I changed mine to the latest updated version. | ||
| Workinman |
How do I access/adjust the primary chain? | ||
| Chrisrogers3 |
Its an easy process, but honestly you really should go and buy a service manual (not to be confused with the owners manual). They walk you step by step every process of the bike that you will ever need to know about. They are worth their weight in gold. | ||
| Jammin_joules |
Great diagnostic help here. One point worth noting, I would not ride a Uly below 3,000rpm except when accelerating up to 3-3,500 rpm. They are just not well behaved below 3,000 rpm, in any gear. | ||
| Ulyssesxb |
Hi from Australia Just discovered this site. Its fantastic. I have an 08 Uly xb12xt with about 11000 miles on it. Lately I've noticed a clicky sound that seems to be from the front forks at about half compression. Even when standing still. Most obvious with wheel straight ahead. Can feel it through handlebars. Any ideas? | ||
| Dio |
Check / adjust steering head bearings. Some here have reported similar noises. |
