| Author | Message | ||
     Johnnylunchbox |
As with any motorcycle I realize that there are many differences in the care and feeding of different makes of motorcycles, as well as differences in temperament. So since I'll be bringing my new baby home in two days what are some things I should know that I won't learn from a factory manual? For instance, are there normal oil consumption issues, or a specific motor mount that likes to work its way loose. I'd appreciate any bit of knowledge gained by experience. Thanks. | ||
| Wyckedflesh  |
They have a tendancy to drink a bit of oil during break in. If you want to change to synthetic oil at the first change, go right ahead. Mobil 1 synth 75-90 gear lube in the trans smooths out the shifts and gets rid of the false nuetral between 3rd and 4th. Makes the trans quieter also. Buy the Buell Frame pucks if you don't get them with the bike. They will save your frame from getting scratched up in a light tip over or even a decent lowside. Have the dealer set your suspension up to for your weight there when you pick the bike up. Buy a service manual. Buy a parts book for the exploded views. Start a tire fund that you feed into each paycheck. Pirelli Diablos, Metzeller Sporttecs, and Michilin Pilots seem to be the favorites with a few people that have had good luck with the stock Dunlops. Most of us find them sloppy. Don't fret if you hit the revelimiter abit for a while. You will get to where you shift before the limiter without thinking about it. Keep an eye on air pressure in the tires, the bike is sensative to it. If you start to get a clunking in the front end when you put on the brake, retighten the steering stem bearings but becareful to not overtighten the pinch bolt for it as it can snap easy. Specs in the service manual. Can't think of anything else off hand. | ||
| M1combat  |
Be sure to set the suspension for your weight. Replace the tires with one of Wycked's suggestions ASAP. | ||
| M1combat |
Be SURE to tell anyone that works on your tires to wrap some duct tape around the edge of the rim when putting on a tire... | ||
| Gearhead |
I'm going to echo Wyckedflesh's ideas... First, throw the stock grips away and install a pair of Buell Traction Grips. Second, buy the Buell Frame pucks, cheap insurance and they look great on the 12 frame. Third, YOU MUST have the dealer set your suspension up to for your weight and the type of riding you think you'll be doing. Fourth, start saving up for a Buell race ecm and K&N filter upgrade and the muffler of your choice. I run a DRUMMER and I'm very happy with this choice. I changed to HD Syn3 at the 500 mile service, any synthetic is a good move. I used the HD brand thinking it's easier if there are warranty issues and for ease of trade in time ( I running their product). HD's oil is a little more expensive but I figure it's worth it for the above reasons. Buy a service manual, kind of pricey but extemely helpful. Tires - I've worn out two rears and got 4500 and 4300 miles out of them. I just replaced both with a new pair of replacement Dunlops. I've done track days and several BattleTrax on them and have had no problems. Having said that I do also have a new set of Michelin Pilot Power's waiting for warm weather and upcoming track days. Air pressure in the tires is CRITICAL!! I haven't had any problems with the steering stem bearings after 9600 miles. Get on it and RIDE, you'll love it!!!!! | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Cool, thanks. I'm gonna print this out and put this info in a binder like I do for my other bikes. I am buying this one used with 1400 miles on it from a private party, so I have zero experience with the local HD dealer, other than getting parts for my wife's Blast. I sense that suspension setup is extremely critical since just about everyone mentioned it. It'll be a fun learning experience I'm sure. I'm sure I'll hit the rev-limiter since I'm used to my Concours that'll rev to 10 grand. I'm also very conscious of stem bearings since the concours is also very sensitive to that adjustment. Have I mentioned how excited I am!!! | ||
| BadS1  |
One last thing....The stock Dunlops I feel its safe to say that they suck bad.You will love when you change them out after you wear the out.A set of Metzelers M1's or Pirelli Diablo's.Most of us have went to one of these two brands with awesome results.Make the bike handle much nicer. | ||
| Cataract2 |
Just curious, how come this person is selling theirs with only 1400 miles on it? I was able to put on that many miles in 2 weeks. Also, on the tire side, has anyone on here tried using the Bridgestone BT-14 on the Buell? | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Apparently this guy is renovating his house, needs the extra cash, and is in the process of selling most of his toys. I don't think low mileage bikes are cause for alarm since my wife's first bike that we bought about 5 years ago was a '81 KZ440 with only 4000 miles on it. I guess some people sometimes just don't ride as much as they think they would be able to. | ||
| Cataract2 |
I don't worry much about high millage bikes. I was just curious why he would want to sell it while only owning it for a short time. | ||
| Black9 |
Just put a set of BTO14's on my "R" after catching a nail in the rear tire..WOW these tires stick and the handling is waaay better, lighter, turn in is great, very confidence inspiring. The Dunlops seemed very greasy and took some effort to lay over (they sucked!)BTW got a f/r for 195.00 delivered online. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Thanks for the input. Next time I'm here I'll have the XB in my garage, unless of course there has been some gross misrepresentation on the part of the seller. (had to throw that in) | ||
| Opto |
Cat, I've been running the Bridgestone 012's and now the new replacement 014's, they're fine, bike's very stable. Might try the Pirelli Scorpions next for a comparison. | ||
| Cataract2 |
Thanks on the tire answer. Helps when the time comes. |
