| Author | Message | ||
     F22raptor |
This really doesn't fit in the tech section so I thought I would post it here.Love my Buell so much it kills me that I road Ducatis for the last 14yrs,not knowing what I was missing and built right in my own home-town With that said I still have never liked cable actuated clutches.Has anybody owned or ridden a Buell with the American sportbike hydraulic kit.How is the installation,the operating "feel" the long term durability or any other issues? I have seen 3 or 4 sold in the classified That where not installed and thats why I had some doubts.They are a bit pricey,but if they work it would be worth it to me.The bike is a 2007 XB9R,thanks,Brian. | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
I think the reason you do not see many people with this mod is because most of us do not see it as a need. You can work out your hands and make them stronger for free. | ||
| Froggy |
I have been thinking of doing the conversion, as my XB is the only piece of crap in my garage without a hydraulic clutch. Once I get it back up and running I probably will do it. | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Never liked hydraulic clutches- never will. Don't see the need for the extra complexity- just more things to go wrong. A hand-operated clutch is a very basic device- and should stay that way. I get way more feedback from cable clutches- the hydraulics seem "numb" to me. It's telling to see the number of race bikes that utilize a cable clutch- it seems to work for them. My Buell and both Triumphs have cables, and that's how I like it. | ||
| Teeps |
Never felt the need for one, 'specially since it does not address the inherent weakness in the clutch cover... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/434501.html http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/3842/282980.html The Magura Hydraulic clutch is nothing more than a cable replacement, as it still uses the standard throwout mechanism. (Message edited by teeps on February 15, 2010) | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
The Buell clutch cable was upgraded somewhere along the line, and recent ones are Teflon lined. With a properly fitted and lubricated clutch cable, (make sure the top end is clean and well lubed too), it is hard for me to understand the need for hydraulics. This was not always true with the original version. | ||
| F22raptor |
Reason #1;no change in free play with steering inputs.#2 Smoother engagement window that is always self-adjusting.#3 some additional mechanical advantage other than just the levers ability to provide it.#4 hopefully a larger engagement window that the current "Toggle-switch" feel.I was unaware of the cover throw-out mechanism being a weak link,if this is the case there is not much that can be done,and yes it has the latest teflon cable lubed and properly adjusted,but it regards to the clutch feel compared to Asian or Italian bikes.Like they say "you can't polish a turd" Love the bike though 2007 XB9R Brian  | ||
| Oddball |
But the mythbusters did polish them. | ||
| Snakedriver |
To answer you question, I did the conversion to my 04 XB12. I love it so much that when I got my 08 I kept it and put it on. Youll thank yourself for it. Leo | ||
| Buewulf |
Hydraulic clutches are as unnecessary as rubber engine mounts, hydraulic brakes, water-cooling, electric starters and rear shocks. Who would want such a silly farkle? I say go for it and report back telling us how happy you are. The Buell is the first cable actuated bike I've owned in a long time. Not that the clutch action is horrible, but it just doesn't compare to a hydraulic unit. As for the "added complexity", the clutch cable, well maintained or not, is much more likely to fail than the added complexity. Just my 2 cents. | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Funny, out of 27 bikes the only one I have ever had a clutch issue with was hydraulic (master cylinder leak). Also, I have known several other people who have experienced hydraulic clutch related failures. The only cable clutch failures I have heard about are all attributable to lack of basic maintenance. I also find it interesting that the Yamaha R1, Honda CBR1000R, Kawasaki ZX10R, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Triumph Daytona 675, KTM RC8, BMW S1000RR, and Aprilia RSV-4 all have cable-actuated clutches. Hmm... seems like Buell, and all the above-mentioned manufactures are behind the curve on this one. It's nice to see Buell keeping such good company. As I said earlier, I don't care for hydraulic clutches- that's why none of the three bikes in my garage have one. What is odd to me is the theory that somehow cables are inferior to hydraulics- especially when the above list seems to argue the opposite. To each their own. | ||
| Ronin1 |
Cables are inferior to hydraulics. I've had cables go, but NEVER had a hydraulic clutch fail me in forty years. Most of those bikes do not have one for either weight or simplicity issues, but simple is not always better. Those guys with the leaks should probably maintain their hydraulic systems better!  Jim | ||
| Aschem |
nevermind (Message edited by aschem on February 18, 2010) | ||
| F22raptor |
I started this thread not to argue the merits or reliability of cables or hydraulic systems,hell a foot clutch might be the simplest and most reliable,but would not suit MY riding style! The thread was started to see if anybody had any real-world experience with THIS Particular kit.Hydraulic actuation is better in every way compared to cables due to the mechanical leverage provided that is essentially friction free,remember early cars had cable actuated service(not parking)brakes.Thanks to the input of those who installed them on their XB's I am now going to order my kit tomorrow.Case closed,thread is done,Thanks Brian.  |
