| Author | Message | ||
     Mjhzn6 |
Forgive me for even asking this. I am a long time Jap bike rider and have had my XB12s for about 3 weeks. Ive got about 2,400 miles on it. The engine makes all kinds ticking, rattling and knocking noises that if I heard on one of my Jap bikes I would get nervous. I am probably just being paranoid. I have not been too hard on the motor so I dont think I would have broken anything. I have done all the recommended maintenance up to this point. Just want some assurance that everything is fine and this is just the norm for these motors. Thanks | ||
| Elf |
I think someone once mentioned "coins in a blender", or something like that!  They're noisy buggers! No water jackets to dampen the mechanical sounds. General consensus around here is to not worry about it, or get a louder pipe. Personally, I'd only worry when it's NOT making those noises! | ||
| Jaimec |
Welcome to the world of air-cooled, push rod motors!  If it makes you feel better, I used to get the same kinds of questions with my airhead BMW R100RT. "Tappy valves are happy valves!" | ||
| Buellerandy |
I bought mine with with 6,000 miles on it, I'm now up to 22,000 and it still makes the same noises. So far, nothing bad  | ||
| Midknyte |
One noise to look for though - If it sounds like someone snuck a wooden marble into your transmission, that's your primary chain needing adjustment. Check your manual for the how to, so that you do not overtighten it... (Message edited by midknyte on September 12, 2007) | ||
| Slaughter |
Yep - aircooled pushrod motors are just going to have more rattling noises. Better ear plugs. Not saying that there CAN'T be something wrong but ALL aircooled 4-stroke motors are rattly-sounding | ||
| Mjhzn6 |
thats what I figured. Its just all new to me and totally different than what Im use to. i just remember the reliability concerns with earlier Buells but I think the Buell of today are leaps and bounds better. The bike is running great though so I wasnt too concerned. Speaking of primary chain adjustment, how do you guys accurately measure the free play? i adjusted my chain monday and had a difficult time getting a good reading with what I was working with. Also, the manual calls for 1/4 - 1/2 freeplay. i read in the KV that they should be 5/8 - 3/4. so i did my best to set it at 5/8. Which should I follow? Its an 07 XB12S. Thanks for the input guys. (Message edited by mjhzn6 on September 12, 2007) (Message edited by mjhzn6 on September 12, 2007) | ||
| Reepicheep |
Better loose then tight, I go for 5/8 to 3/4, just to play it safe. My valves are plenty happy, and get really happy when the bike gets *really* hot. Tapitty tapitty tapitty tapitty... And the 9sx seems a lot more tappy then my M2 ever was, but it has a more aggressive cam so maybe that makes sense. I even had a harley guy come over to me at a gas station and tell me I need to add oil. His heart was in the right place, but he was wrong. Stock exhaust with open intake *really* amplifies valve noise, and the harley guys are typically used to a louder exhaust, and their intakes are much more restricted then Buells. | ||
| Midknyte |
I love the honk back thru the airbox when you get on the throttle! | ||
| Thespive |
That isn't noise, it is character. Your bike is unique and will speak to you. Once you learn the language you'll never want to return to a souless scoot again. --Sean | ||
| Reepicheep |
Midknyte, I was thinking that same exact thing on the ride to work yesterday morning. I want my exhaust as quiet as possible, and my intake as loud as possible. | ||
| Buellinachinashop |
2400 in three weeks? Nice work man. First time I heard a Thunderstorm motor, I asked the guy why he didn't have that sick mule in the shop. | ||
| Mjhzn6 |
Thanks. The first weekend I got it I had to go to Arkansas so that helped a bit. And the fact my girlfriend live about 40 miles away adds them up quickly. But Im saving on fuel cost riding it instead of driving my fuel efficient Dodge Ram.  LOL. Thanks everyone for the input. Now I can ride with no worries. Is anyone going to be in Arkansas that first weekend of October, 5th and 6th? I believe there is that rally of some sort near Eureka. I think I am going to make the trip if anyone wants to meet or if I can meet with anyone. | ||
| Brumbear |
Fear not the fan will dampen those troublesome noises as one person said to me I think theres something broken on your bike sir | ||
| Luxor |
Sock full of quarters in a dryer. If it was quiet I'd worry. Buell Thunderstorm is more then just a name.LOLOL |
