| Author | Message | ||
     Turf_moor |
I've decided to start a thread re: above as I mentioned my plans on another thrad then felt like I'd highjacked it. I'm English but live in sw Portugal and own a 17600 mile 06 Buell XB12X. The bike is well sorted. several wires have been rerouted over the top of the subframe, the main wiring harness has a protective plastic sleeve over it. It's got a Free Spirits Tensioner and a grease nipple so I can lube the needle bearing next to the gearbox output shaft. The bike will be thoroughly prepared for the trip. New wheel, headrace and swingarm bearings, new belt (old as spare under the seat) and a new battery. Obviously I'm concerned about the electrics. Any suggestions on what I could replace or take with me. How will the bike cope with the 92 octane petrol that will only be for sale in some parts of Siberia? This is my biggest worry. | ||
| Paul56 |
My philosophy on parts replacement: it doesn't really matter what I've replaced or have on hand to replace- that's not what will fail. I would add to the list an ecm and means of troubleshooting codes and a preventative throttle shaft replacement. Maybe a front isolator. If it hasn't been done already, definitely pull the fuel pump and check/repair the wiring. It sounds like you have a pretty good understanding of the Uly's quirks, and if you are within range of online access you'll have this wonderful asset called Badweb to help sort out any problems. As far as gas quality, here in southern California 91 octane is the highest commonly available fuel. It is calculated as research method + motor method/2. I don't see 92 octane as being a problem. If you go, best of luck and post a report with pictures! | ||
| Paul56 |
Oh, yeah, forgot the 77 connector. Replace it with a hard-wired connection. | ||
| Desert_bird |
The Uly does fine on low octane fuel. I'm in Brazil and have been using high-alcohol (15%) and low-octane (around 85) fuels without problem. You may get pinging if its very hot and you really crank open the throttle. Who needs either when touring? Just back off the throttle a tad, enjoy the scenery and you're fine. Electrics have been a problem for me. I would preventativley put on a new stator and VR, and carry a spare VR for the trip. Get a voltmeter on your dash so you can keep an eye on your charging system while on the road. Loaded up touring with bad roads kills bearings, mounts and shocks. I needed a new front isolator, head bearings and set of fork seals. I also rebuilt my rear shock prior to leaving. I run 8-10K miles between oil changes using Amsoil 20W-50. One less headache to worry about changing the oil every 3K. .. and have fun! (Message edited by Desert_bird on March 05, 2012) | ||
| Trojan |
Should be no worse than taking any other well prepared bike on a long distance trip. I would take more than one spare belt though, as these may be hard to come by once you get out of range of H-D dealers in Asia and Eastern Europe. If you have a chain drive bike you can get a chain pretty much anywhere, a broken belt will leave you stranded for a long time if you can't find one, so take as many spares as you can fit in your luggage  The belt tensioner will help of course, but roads are pretty rough once you get out of Europe and belts will suffer because of this. I would also take some inner tubes and mousse to fix punctures. Easier to pack than tyres and will get you out of trouble. I run 8-10K miles between oil changes using Amsoil 20W-50. One less headache to worry about changing the oil every 3K. I would never ever ever recommend going over 5k without an oil change, regardless of the quality of oil you use. The Buell engine runs extremely hot and that gives the oil a very hard time, and coupled with a tiny oil tank capacity measn regular changes are important. I would change it a lot more often even when using good quality synthetic oil. More like every 2k than 8-10K. On a transcontinental trip You may be better off using a good 20/50 mineral oil and changing regularly throughout your trip with the best 20/50 you can get hold of locally rather than trying to do the whole trip on one oil change in my opinion. Clean oil is the most important thing. Electrics can almost always be bodged, fixed at the road side or at even basic service facilities, fixing a knackered engine is a bit more difficult  | ||
| Turf_moor |
Thanks to all 3 of you. I will take on board everything you say. The roads are not that bad so I'm told. Would my shock need rebuilding/replacing before I leave? The Buell will have around 25K on it by then. I was also surprised that anyone would leave oil in so long. I usually run on HD 20W-50 but am using Repsol 20W-50 at the moment but I always change it at 2500 miles. Even I can do it in 20 minutes. Gearbox oil I've been doing every 2500 as well but this time (at 17.5K) I didn't bother. Trojan, I bought the tensioner from you. Surely a new belt when I set off from Manchester (going there 1st) will suffice with a spare under the seat. Can you fit 2 spsres there? | ||
| Desert_bird |
Amsoil is good for 25K on most applications. They did a 1 million mile test in a big rig. It's good stuff. Some feel they need to change oil more frequently, and others border on the compulsive side. Fact is modern oils have come a long way and have a much longer life than most people realize. Doubly so for synthetics. People still use the color and finger test as a way to determine oil durability. Just ain't so. But many a word has been spent debating oils so eventually comes down to a personal preference thing. I change more frequently when at home but don't' see a reason to be compulsive about it when touring, where most the miles are on the open road and not commuting. Got better things to do. The gas on my rear shock's preload circuit was getting low so it took more turns to crank up the preload. I had it filled, and did a compete rebuild of seals while I was in there. It was preventative and probably not necessary. The shock tube was buffed to prevent small burs from damaging the seals. Perhaps a bit compulsive But having full preload back was nice. | ||
| Uly_man |
Just me, on a trip like this, but at 25k I would change front, rear, head bearings and check the swing arm ones as well. And of course a full service, new rubber and belt. Learn how to do a road side belt change. What Trojan said about oil but its your choice. I would though. Spares I would take. Front, rear and head race bearings. At least two new belts. A bottle of Slime (works great) and a mini air compressor. Do not bother with all that plug and C02 rubbish. A set of fork seals and a rear shock if you want. The thing you MUST HAVE is a recovery service. I love these bikes more than any I have had but there is a good chance it will let you down on a trip. It did me. | ||
| Kevinaye |
Recovery service???? Well good luck with that in Mongolia Just based on my last 2 weeks, I would bring a fuel filter and the spare 0rings for the body. Mine seemed stretched and were difficult to get back in. I ended up breaking one of them the first time. It did hold with one o ring intact. My spare belt under he seat for a while and didnt like the kinks in it when I pulled it out. I don't know if this is an issue or not but I have ordered another belt anyway. Spare fork seals for sure. I also have an extra VR and my stator was changed just before I left. I packed as many oil filters as I thought I would use and brakes pads. Hwy pegs make a big difference for me on the big days of riding | ||
| Uly_man |
"Recovery service???? Well good luck with that in Mongolia" Of course not but I only got as far as the Channel Tunnel and in some parts of the World a recover service is still of some use. This "I ended up breaking one of them the first time." and this "My spare belt under he seat for a while and didnt like the kinks in it when I pulled it." is something to avoid. | ||
| Uly_man |
Did you fix your bike ok Kevinaye. | ||
| Kevinaye |
Still waiting for the parts, they should be here this week. You can actually get a good recovery service for Europe. After that....I would imagine you'd be on your own. I shipped my Uly 1000km from a nasty town north of here, I had no interest in staying to wait for parts in. It cost me around $75 which was cheaper than the gas would have cost to ride it to Lima. And i didn't really see another option anyway. Even without a recovery service there will be somebody willing to make some cash to transport your bike. | ||
| Pontlee77 |
In Mongolia there are opening some airports, or lets call then stop points in the middle of no where, it would be an interesting idea to see if you can locate them in case they come in handy. Watching The long way Round, it may give you some ideas, i know it's profesionaly done but it may come in handy in some way. | ||
| Uly_man |
"Even without a recovery service there will be somebody willing to make some cash to transport your bike." Cool. I had not thought of that one. Thank you for the info. | ||
| Uly_man |
"The long way Round". Those Guys can not get out of the car park without a support team. That Guy who went around the World on his own on a Honda C90 is a hero. Ewen and Charlie. Bless them thar Luvies of Brit actor BS. | ||
| Pnw_uly |
Good recommendations so far. Would also consider a spare clutch and throttle cable (or better yet replace and carry OEM as spares), and perhaps a spare front muffler strap (or long enough hose clamp). Another recommendation is at least one set of spark plugs - - take up hardly any room. I've not done a trip like this, but I would carry at least two spare belts . . . Best of luck. | ||
| Uly_man |
Pistons, crank shaft, dog bowl, kitchen sink and a Partridge in a Peeeeeear TREEEE? For the love of Mike its a bike. If your going to take the World with you just use a 16 wheeler or a good helicopter and do it "Long Way Round" style. Ah bless E. He thinks (in that warped space of today) he is the 21st Cent version of Steve Mc Queen. Charlie is just a nobody. | ||
| Blake |
Less so than you. Don't be a critic. Check your oil pump drive gear! Can't believe no one's mentioned that yet! ECM connector protected from seat? Rear drive side wheel bearings for sure replace. Swingarm bearings? Not. | ||
| Etennuly |
Carry a small can of lube oil. For things like the clutch cable at the lever end, and the engine mounts, and anything else that moves. | ||
| Turf_moor |
New wheel, headstock and swingarm bearings before setting off (at Maz's for the Brits on here)new battery, belt, clutch cable and prob all the dodgy elecy biots mentioned above. Things need putting in perpective. This is no Long Way Round, and I'm not talking about a lack of support crew. I am not going via Mongolia or remote bits of Siberia, which would require a more off road bike (and if I was doing that it wouldn't be a bloody GS.)I am simply riding along The Trans-Siberian Highway (tarmac all the way) then crossing on a ferry from Vanino to Sakahlin. A quick 120km later and it's the ferry to Hokkaido. Clockwise round there and then the final ferry to Honshu. Anti-clockwise round there and up the east side to Tokyo. I've always wanted to ride there, ever since leaving there in 1992. I lived in that great city for over three years. But this isn't going to happen until next year. | ||
| Eulysses |
Hmmmm...something for your butt. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
There's really no way to know what (if anything) is going to fail. Beyond tools and tire repair stuff, I'd just bring along any vulnerable part that could not be bodged or sourced. Pretty much, that would be the drive belt. | ||
| Turf_moor |
Not at all. The Ulysses 06 seat is the most comfortable seat I've ever sat on. And I did a 5K plus miles tour on it in 08. Kevineye, what was the problem with your Uly? | ||
| Turf_moor |
Hi, Mark. Missed your post. Yeah, I think the temptation is to take too much. Better replace a few bits before setting off. It isn't that much of a big deal. 12000 miles from England to The Russian Far East. It hasn't failed yet, other than one broken belt. | ||
| Britchri10 |
Take a spare belt, a credit card, a mobile 'phone & all the #'s you can think of to source whatever you might need if/when you need it if you can't fix/find it locally. Chris C | ||
| Kevinaye |
Hey Turfmoor, my parts are in, but have not cleared customs.I wont know exactly what the problem is until I start putting the parts in. the first thing I will do is install the fuel pump assembly and go from there. I would definately take at least some of the smaller spares. Fork seals, Fuel filter/screen, intake seals, plugs etc brake pads, oil filters. I have added an O2 sensor and head temp sensor to my list. Check your toolkit! I thought I had all i needed and was missing a 1/2 in socket to drain the fuel tank. It is really •••••• being stuck because of a cheap part that weights next to nothing. I also have spare bolts for the gear shift and brake pedal which also fit the sidestand. I had the gear shift bolt rattle loose after being worked on at a Harley dealer in Vancouver. I am sure you can get bolts enroute but you'll spend all day finding them in a country where you don't speak the language. Do you have barkbusters or similar? Are you using the OEM bags? Gotta spare latch? Duct tape!!!!!! I have only had to have one plug on my tire so far. I picked up a nail but still held pressure. Just got it fixed for $8 at a garage. I carry a plug kit which takes up very little room. Slime as far as I know is supposed to be a temporary repair. I do have some with me though. whichever way you go you still need the pump, which takes up the most space. I use the Alaska butt pad. Makes a differnce on long days. You can't a carry everything but I'd definately pack lighter/smaller spares. | ||
| Turf_moor |
Barkbusters: getting them. OE bags: no. Vile looking things. I've got mw old KTM Gobi bags. Slime: yes. Really the solution is to get all the suspect parts fitted and take the old ones as spares. Ditto belt, cables. New bearings all round to start with. It's a much easier venture than your undertaking. I sincerely hope you get on the road soon. No interesting local women on hand to take your mind off things? | ||
| Uly_man |
Turf_moor. The main problem with the bike is its electrical system. You will be able to fix most mechanical problems but trying to fix a electrical problem with the FI/ECM system will be a nightmare. I am very good with modern FI/ECM bike electrics and I struggle with this bike. And forget any type of dealer back up as most do not have a clue whats going on. I would contact Trojan (Matt) and Black Bear Uk and tell them what you are doing. They are both serious Buell Guys and really do know what they are talking about. I am sure they will help you out if you get into any problems. Of course you do not want to go with a trailer load of parts or want to worry if it going to break down. You should, however, remember that its not the Worlds most common bike. I hope you enjoy the trip and wish I could do the same myself. Oh and just a thought. Security? Chain it to something solid at all times. I have done a lot of touring and its a must for me. | ||
| Turf_moor |
Absolutely agree on all points, adding that Maz in Manchester really knows his stuff. It's the electrics that may put me off the Buell. Chain/lock courtesy of Almax. If you owned a Suzi B-King, Uly man, would you take that instead? | ||
| Uly_man |
"Chain/lock courtesy of Almax." A great bit of kit. I own one myself. "If you owned a Suzi B-King, Uly man, would you take that instead?" I know the Uly very well now as I have had two. I do not know the B-King. Even for all that I have said of the Uly its still the one I would use. Two reasons for me. One it tours well. Two it will handle like the best sports bike on those very nice bendy roads if I am in the mood. The Uly is a very "special" bike and close to best "all round" bike ever made. Its not, however, perfect. But what is? |
