| Author | Message | ||
     Xbullet |
Wellllll.... Went for a spirited ride yesterday and from the onset something didn’t feel right. Rode about 6 miles and stopped at a local bike shop. Visited with the guys, checked my tire pressure, visual inspection, told them somethin was funky in the rear wheel but we found nothing. Soldiered on. After about 50 miles of spirited riding over the mountain, I heard a sound that sounded like a bolt rattling around in the engine and a clunk that made me wonder what had let go inside. It also felt like the clutch was grabbing and letting go... so I immediately shut it down and continued to roll down the mountain. The herky jerky did not stop... and even with the engine off it felt like one of the pistons had given up. If you haven’t guessed yet.... The rear wheel bearing decided to 86 itself. This is a common problem on Uly’s... but I haven’t seen it as much on a ‘Bolt or Lightning. Maybe it’s a faulty bearing? Maybe it’s the lack of axle adjustment on the XB? Maybe they reused bearings when they put new tires on? Who knows. Still shaking this bike out. I’ve put 300 miles on it since on i bought it with 8k on it. So fellas... before you’re riding along and suddenly it sounds like your engine is a 100hp Tim Taylor style baby rattle and it feels like your clutch has been possessed... check your wheel bearings. | ||
| Skipbarberman |
Knew what it was before I finished reading your post, cringing through the remainder of it. Glad you're OK, and it didn't decide to 'wedge' mid-corner. A reminder to all to annually check your wheels bearings. There is a LOT of load on them with the belt tension. As an extra measure, you should post pics of the 'remains' as a reminder. (Message edited by skipbarberman on January 27, 2021) | ||
| Xbullet |
Thanks, man. I was thinkin the same thing about a mid corner bind. I’ll get some pictures. I’ve prepped a bunch of parts for paint, so that’s happening over the weekend. Then all new bearings everywhere I disassembled on the rebuild. Wheels, steering head bearings, the works. When it’s only got 8k, but it’s 15 years old.... As soon as I remember how to post pics I will do a strip down/paint/rebuild thread with the damaged bearings pic as the star of the show. | ||
| Shoggin |
I used to have Buell wheel bearing problems. So now, when I have the wheels off for new tires, I change the bearings. Never had an issue or ruined a ride since  FYI. If you are having pre-mature bearing failure, don't assume its the bearing brand. One vital component to look for is the BEARING SPACER in the wheel. If it is even a little out of spec (squished by being overtorqued even ONCE) it will side load the roller bearings and kill any brand of bearing in short notice. |
