| Author | Message | ||
     Buellistic |
As Berkshire says TORQUE SPEC's can be "WRONG" in FACTORY PUBLICATIONS ... IMHO always put something on the threads("i" prefere torqueing compoumd and safty wire),even the bolt/screw heads so you will get a proper torque ... EVEN WTITH A TORQUE WRENCH YOU CAN FEEL IF YOU ARE OVER TORQUEING BEFORE THE THREADS COME OUT ... A GOOD RULE OF THUMB WITH ALUMINIUM USE THE LOWER TORQUE SPEC's !!! In BLASTing LaFayette | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
"IMHO always put something on the threads("i" prefer torquing compound and safety wire),even the bolt/screw heads so you will get a proper torque ..." Thats misleading or just outright wrong. Once you start changing how the factory suggests the torquing of bolts (adding lubricants,deleting loctite,etc.) you wind up with something different than what the factory suggested. | ||
| Court |
Read and follow the factory manual. Doing anything differently places you squarely in the realm of a "test rider". If you suspect and error in the Buell factory service manual, you will find that technical publications has provided a handy-dandy sheet in there for you to document and submit the error. Manuals are updated annually (as Henrik and I learned whilst doing something REALLY neat with S-2's this weekend). In addition, since you'll need accurate data in real time, your Buell dealer has a hotline to Buell Tech Services. It is these people job to know. Ask you dealer to contact tech services and confirm anything that is in doubt. Buell has done a rather spectacular job of getting the customer and accurate information fairly close to each other. To simply start "guessing" is foolhearty and dangerous. By the way . . . if you REALLY want to have a blast, call a dealer for any other motorcycle and ask them to contact tech services. Buell has a way to go, having set their sights high, but I'm really proud of the job they've done. | ||
| Xgecko |
Court your back!!!! good to see you. I agree with following the manual it's way way safer. If you fear something coming loose safety wire it...it's easy and very good for the piece of mind | ||
| Buellistic |
Gearheaderiko: Do not dare to think out of the box !!! Do not worry, if something is wrong and you brake it, you can buy more parts !!! Court: "RIGHT ON !!!" | ||
| Berkshire |
Uh... I'm afraid that the info I was trying to pass along may have been misinterpreted - to clarify: 1. Do NOT use synthetic lube on bolt threads when putting things together. 2. Do not use ANY lube with loc-tite, or with OEM bolts that have the paste-type thread locker pre-applied, or with nylock nuts. 3. If a torque spec in the manual is higher than the SAE (or metric) value, it is almost certainly wrong - exceeding those values (plus some safety margin) can snap off the bolt. The torque spec CAN be lower (especially if screwing into aluminum or anything other than steel), but if it is WAY lower, then there's also a good chance it's wrong. The manufacturer is, of course, the ultimate authority, but the manual assumes that the reader has a fair amount of mechanical experience - for example, it doesn't say anything about cleaning parts. Maybe dealership mechanics DON'T clean parts, but when I'm working on something, I clean every piece before putting it back together. This is especially important with fastners. Bolts with damaged or "excessivly" rusted or corroded threads should be replaced. Dirty or lightly corroded threads should be cleaned to bare metal before reassembly. For female threads, a bolt with a slit cut lengthwise (dremel) makes a good cleanout tool. Then blow out all the crap with compressed air. For male threads, nothing works like a wire wheel on a bench grinder or a drill (wear safety glasses!!! they throw wires out like tiny little eye-guided spears!) I usually follow this up with WD-40, and blot dry - this leaves a light film of lubricant, which IMHO seems to be perfect for smooth assembly, without excessive greasyness. If loc-tite is to be used, then skip the WD-40. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Buellistic: Wow, Court said the same thing I did (perhaps more politely), but he gets a "right on" and I get told to 'think outside the box'! I guess buying and racing a Blast isnt 'thinking outside the box'. I guess I should just do what everybody else does and buy at least a twin, then start thinking outside the box. I really appreciate it when Blake or Court or Arron take the time to stop buy and post here, sharing what they know, without treating the Blast enthusiasts like a bunch of mental deficients. | ||
| Court |
>>>>without treating the Blast enthusiasts like a bunch of mental deficients. The BLAST® is a VERY significant motorcycle in the history of both Harley-Davidson and Buell. It's an inspired machine who's significance is not yet fully appreciated. | ||
| Buellistic |
Court: "O GREAT ONE", that is why we are on BWB to learn from you ... Bet your arse it is "MUCH MORE" than just VERY SIGNIFICANT !!! When "PRODUCE IMPROVED" in the field it will be more than FULLY APPRECIATED !!! DISCLAMER: IT IS NOT MY INTENT TO BE "OFFENSIVE" TO ANYONE !!! In BLASTing LaFayette (Message edited by buellistic on July 04, 2006) | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Buellistic: Your attitude is not appreciated here. I'm not sure how "DISCLAMER: IT IS NOT MY INTENT TO BE "OFFENSIVE" TO ANYONE !!!" should be taken. All caps constitutes yelling. Perhaps I dont get your sense of 'humor'. You're free to post here, share what you've learned or know, but your condescension wont be tolerated. I'm always excited to read about someones project, especially new or different ideas they've tried. I look forward to reading about your "PRODUCE IMPROVED" | ||
| Court |
Eaay there Erik ol' boy. . . with MOST people CAPS is yelling. . . with Lafayette it's just the way he's typed for years. I knew what he meant. Lafayette is the consumate tinkerer and has a blast doing it. I still maintain, and I think with sound reason, that a person follow the book. Court | ||
| Jmynes |
Can't we all just get along? | ||
| Buellistic |
Court: The MANUALS that "i" have read are on the WLR, KRTT, XLRTT, and XBRR Models ... The questions are, what bits and pieces of RACING TECHNOGLY can be used to improve the product, not hurting the dependability of said product ??? ie: using Primary Fluid Lubricant PN99851-05, Brake in Procedures, and some the old technology that has been tried and proven (and has to some extent been misplaced ???) ... In BLASTing LaFayette (Message edited by buellistic on July 04, 2006) | ||
| Court |
Cool . . you got your XBRR manuals. I am still waiting on mine. Break-in, ignore the old wive's tales, should be done "by the book". Trust me no one wants your bike to have problems less than Buell, who is on the line for it. All the WFO and put corn starch in the crankcase are hogwash. Those manuals are not marketing material, they are well thought out and Buell manuals are among the best in the industry. | ||
| Buellistic |
Court: When "i" get a 100K on my 97S3T(top end has never been off), will ask Erik if he wants it back to see where he went wrong ??? Think the inline oil filter is doing its job ... In Buelling LaFayette | ||
| Mabueller |
Hi Court, Can you expand on this statement? "The BLAST® is a VERY significant motorcycle in the history of both Harley-Davidson and Buell." Here in MA, the only dealer that even offers the Rider's Edge program not only didn't have a Blast on display this spring, they didn't even have a Buell hat or shirt available for sale. One local dealer won't even order Buell parts for you and another requires payment in full, and in person, prior to them placing any order for Buell parts through them. IF HD and Buell think this is a significant offering, why don't they find a way to support/promote the bike? If the HD dealer won't carry/support the bike why not put it out to independents who might? Would Buell be better off buying itself back and buying engines made to it's spec's from abroad? I like my Blast, I researched multiple bikes before buying one used, it meets most of my needs for local commuting. I just can't see myself moving into a more complicated Buell if there isn't any dealer support. And I doubt I'm a HD candidate since it isn't a sportbike or sport/tour style. So is there any plans you are aware of to increase support through the HD dealer network based on your statement or are the very few of us in New England most likely to continue as the Don Quixote's of motorcycle riders? Thanks for your consideration. <Jim | ||
| Buellistic |
As long as the Harley-Davidson Dealers are making the big "BUCKS" for the MOTOR COMPANY, they could care less about what "OR" how the treat BUELL CUSTOMERS !!! JUST LIKE CAR DEALERS !!! In BUELLing LaFayette | ||
| Xgecko |
And yet I have Bob's Motorcycles, a small independent shop in Westerly/Ashaway, down the road from me who will order parts for me no problem and let's me pay when they arrive. Of course they think my blast is ugly (it is) but they have no problem working on it for me and are interested in my engine thoughts come winter. It's all in your choice of shop | ||
| Ezblast |
Concur! | ||
| Jlnance |
"The BLAST® is a VERY significant motorcycle in the history of both Harley-Davidson and Buell." I'll try and answer this based on what I've seen Court and others discuss. I'm sure he will correct me if I get it wrong.  Prior to the Blast, all the Buells were the so called tube frame bikes. For reasons having nothing to do with their tube frames, these bikes all had reliability issues. The last tube frame Buell, the X1, was notoriously bad in this respect. Probably because of the issues with the X1, Buell decided to use the Blast to learn how to design a reliable bike and more importantly a reliable production system. They were successful in this endeavor. The Blast remains largely unchanged since it's introduction (sprocket recall in 2000, metal rocker box gasket in 2002.) The Blast just runs, and it's almost indestructable. The XBs are reliable bikes to. And it's the Blast that allowed them to be. | ||
| Mabueller |
Well, since I am unlikely to turn down a raise, even if for the same level of work output, I don't object to dealers making a profit and then being able to employ people. My actual question is if my experience is normal? And if it is, why doesn't E. Buell find a solution that sells/supports the bikes with his name on them? If it isn't, why is it like that around here? As I said, it would be hard for me to justify an upgrade to a Buell twin based on a lack of dealer support. What is the point of selling entry bikes if that buyer is upgrading to another brand? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Erik did find a solution, thats why we have the HD/Buell marriage today, not perfect, but its made the Buells more accessible to the general public. They've cut back the dealer network in part to get more dealers dedicated to the Buell, not just as a silly sideline. The real problem is Harley riders are not sportbike riders. The majority do not have a high opinion of sportbikes and if an HD rider really wanted to go fast/race, it was easier to buy a riceburner. Its also tough to sell a product you dont believe in and wont get you as much money. It was the same way with Sportsters. You only have to look at the price of a used Sportster compared to a used Buell. The higher tech Buell goes for less money (a lot less sometimes). Things have changed some and are still changing. | ||
| Buellboy492 |
Not really on subject here. Motor mounts? But I would love to comment! When I first bought my Blast, the SALES department was all "Go Buell" They rode Buells, had them parked out front. A week after I bought mine, they moved into a huge new boutique that looks like the Hard Rock Cafe. No Buells, and the sales person sold hers... I asked for an oil filter and oil at the service counter and the biker Billy mechanic sez: "Can't help ya. I don't know nuthin' 'bout them Buells." There was a Buell Blast manual in the three ring binder along with all the Harley Manuals right in front of him. Wouldn't help me. Things have improved slightly of late, I can order parts now, if I know the part number! I still pay in advance, but that's no biggie. I think they make all the cutomers do that. | ||
| Naustin |
I agree with MABuller. The number 1 reason I would not buy a Uly is the dealer support and future service. For the record, I have had excellent service at my local dealer. I have never needed to order parts (other than tires) and they have always taken good care of me (except for re-using the sprocket bolts maybe). They are very friendly to me out there and I appreciate it a lot! The only grip I have is that they are primarily a Harley shop. There are only 2 buells in their whole giant showroom, a blast and a uly in the corner by the service desk. That's it. No buell Gear, no Buell sales people, no buell nothing. The bikes look like - and might as well be trade-in's. And the reason for this isn't that anybody at the shop doesn't like buells, or that they are a bad bike or whatever. Its exactly what erik said. Harley guys aren't sportbike riders. So, 99% of the people that walk into that dealership are not looking for a buell. It doesn't make sense to offer a product that your customers are not going to buy. People that would buy a buell, are over at the Yamaha or Kawi shop, and they aren't comfortable going into a Harley store to pick their way over to a corner where there "might" be one buell and nobody to help them with it... Until HOG riders start to appreciate the Buells and BUY them and ask for them, the attitudes at the dealers will not change. I personally think the ULY is a big step in the right direction and is attracting a different crowd. Things don't happen over night. 30 years from now, buell might have 3 or 4 hot selling models based on today's XB, Uly and something new we haven't seen yet, and Harley dealers might be fighting over inventory and selling them above msrp and devoting half their floor space to them. But that won't be until all the baby-boomers are dead and my generation has taken over. nick | ||
| Jlnance |
I can order parts now, if I know the part number! I still pay in advance, but that's no biggie. Buellboy - If you find this isn't working as well as you would like, buy your parts from Dave S. You don't even have to know the part number. It is considerably easier and more enjoyable than going to the dealership to order them. | ||
| Cobalt60 |
Getting parts for the Blast was my first experience in a Harley dealer. Very different from what I'm used to at a motorcycle shop. After searching around I found the parts counter back behind the racks of clothes, hats, jackets and belt buckles. The Harley culture is a two edged sword. Lots of "believers" sells motorcycles, but hurts opportunity for anything different. | ||
| Swampy |
And.......... What about dem motor mounts? Take yer griping someplace else...... We need to seriously talk about dem motor mounts! | ||
| Berkshire |
I took a look at my upper link (only on '00 models) today. It keeps the top end of the motor from moving from side to side, so the rubber donut mount only has to deal with up/down vibration, and probably a bit of fore/aft motion if the backbone flexes. The extra link might help the rubber mount last longer than on newer models, but maybe not. Which forum is the one for griping about our bikes "stepparents"? All Buells should come from the factory with the cylinder heads powder-coated red. Has anybody polished that big motor mount bracket on the front of the head? I bet that would look pretty sharp - let's see some pics! | ||
| Light_keeper |
Nope havent polished it. It is hard enough to keep it clean as a painted surface with all the road grime that gets tossed up never mind keeping it polished. I find (maybe this is just me)that I have no problems with any of the Harley/Buell dealers in Maine. I find that if I have read the manual, researched what I am doing, and seem to know at least a little of what I am doing. It has not as of yet been a problem. When I replaced the rockerbox gaskets (I have a 2001) I asked for a kit for the Buell. when I started to get a look, I quickly responded with the kit for the sporty will work and it will give me an extra set. Bingo there was one in stock no wait no problem. Now when I go in there they remember and take more time. I spend time talking about my bike and other Buells and yes Harleys as well. I don't act like a knowitall just like I know something about what I am asking for. I have seen Harley guy's come in and start demanding things and all of a sudden the counter guy hasent a clue as to what the guy is asking for. When I was at the dealership in Portland I happened to talk to the person responcible for ordering clothing. I mentioned that it would be nice if they had some Buell stuff. She asked me like what kind of stuff. We had a conversation about Buells and Buell owners and pride in their ride. Low and behold there were hats and T-shirts hanging up when I went back a month or so later. Yes I bought a hat to show I was serious.(I needed one anyway.) We need to take a line from the mother ship history lesson. Why Buell? If you have to ask you wouldn't understand.  | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
"All Buells should come from the factory with the cylinder heads powder-coated red." Would that be the motorcycling equivalent of a 'scarlet letter'? |
