| Author | Message | ||
     Ben_k |
Everything has been going great for a while now and all of a sudden it starts making this whining noise in every gear but 5th. I called around and the masses predict that it is a spun out bearing in my transmission. I am thinking of getting a newer Buell. How would the XB9S compare to my 96 S1? Or an X1? | ||
| Hoser |
My guess ?? , the needle bearings inside mainshaft fifth gear have failed , others may jump in here that have experienced such failures complete with links to similar discussion. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Ben... Here is a picture of what Hoser is talking about.. add it to the list of "things you don't want to see on your motorcycle": http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=3842&post=181560#POST 181560 That is exactly what the inside of my 5th gear assembly looked like when I pulled the tranny. Note that I did not even realize it was toast until I got in there, I was fixing worn 2nd gear dogs. I think Hoser nailed it for you. He was a huge help to me when I fixed the same problem. It is a PITA, but doable. There are a couple scary steps though, but we can probably get you through it. How's your belt tension? Probably too late for the bearings, but that is probably what caused it on my Cyclone. The XB's appear to be pretty well sorted, if you want a painless Buell experience. S1's really are a legendary classic though. The tuber's are not painless, but are worth it (the S1's more then others). | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Is it too late to check primary chain tension, maybe your just not hearing 5th gear noise. I'd change the fluid, run it through a coffee filter and look for debris!!! If the bearings are gone like the linked picture then there sould be some. | ||
| Cu_chulann |
Reepicheep When you ask about belt tension do you mean not to run your belt too tight.I found my belt has two spots on a full rotation where the belt tightens considerably. I always run my belt a bit loose and have not had any slipping. | ||
| Ben_k |
Well, even at slow speeds like 35 or so I can shift through the gears and it makes noise in every gear but 5th. You could tell if it was making noise in 5th and it only does it when you accelerate. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Right Cu... I run my belt "scary loose". I can reach down, sitting on the bike, and lift the bottom up so it will touch the swingarm with just a little tension. Ben_k... do the chain tension by the book and see if the noise goes away, should only be a 15 minute job. If it does not go away... well... were with you  | ||
| Newfie_buell |
The only time I have heard my S1 whine is when I had the primary chain tensioner too tight. I'd try the simpliest thing first before tearing down the gearbox. |
