Author |
Message |
Buellblastrider
| Posted on Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 01:04 pm: |
|
i posted once in the knowledge vault and no response and had no luck with a search. i have a 04 XB12S. it has 16,000 miles (without trouble) well my clutch cable is starting to fray. while i was in that area i was curious to know what they changed in 06 to reduce effort? and can anyone tell my how much of difference it made? is it worth the time and money? |
Panhead_dan
| Posted on Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 01:41 pm: |
|
The change made to reduce effort was in the ball ramp, I believe. Personally, I don't think it would be worth the update because the '04 clutch isn't that tough to operate. The clutch cable you describe has had it and will break very soon. They are easy to replace and not too expensive. This failure can be eliminated or at least postponed a long time by lubricating the cable end at the clutch lever. I don't mean the end of the cable where the fray is, I mean the cylindrical ball at the very end of the cable. The part that hooks into the lever. It needs to rotate freely or it will break the cable. |
Buellblastrider
| Posted on Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 01:53 pm: |
|
thanks for the reply. i work at a HD dealer so changing its no big deal. i always lubed my cable but i am glad it is going cause i was going to put another on this winter. anyone know off the top of thier head how much the ball ramp cost? |
Starter
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 08:54 pm: |
|
Go look on the parts computer presumed to be at your workplace. |
99buellx1
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 09:32 pm: |
|
I do believe there is also a new clutch spring. (Message edited by 99buellx1 on December 04, 2006) |
Buellblastrider
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 09:49 pm: |
|
yeah 99buellx1 thats what i thought too. at work thefischefinder doesn't show in difference in appearence in parts. so i don't have to start a new thread can anyone tell me if the xb9's cam and primary cover are the same thing color as harleys "texture black"? |
Jon_s
| Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 10:44 pm: |
|
I'm pretty sure the ball and ramp is identical to previous years. The clutch spring itself is different and has a different part number from earlier bikes. The way to go on this upgrade (as everyone who has done so will confirm) is with a Muller Power Clutch. The reduction in lever effort is considerable and you won't be replacing clutch cables regularly. Check them out on Al's site. |
Rogue_biker
| Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 12:31 am: |
|
The change to the updated '06 tranny is inside the tranny itself. From my limited understanding, the new tranny now uses dogrings that allow the tranny to switch gears using only the ring for each gear. This as opposed to the old tranny in which the whole gearset needed to move. This significantly reduced the lever effort AND the need for a heavy clutch return spring because parts that are moving during the shifting process are smaller and lighter. The lighter clutch spring results in a much lighter clutch pull. Thus, it's not a matter of just replacing the clutch spring. Plus, you cannot use a lighter clutch spring on a pre-'06 XB tranny. The solution to the heavy clutch pull on pre'06 bikes is to convert to a hydraulic clutch. American Sportbike sells a kit that converts the cable clutch with a hydraulic kit that significantly lightens clutch pull. One of the members here whom I have ridden with put one on his '05 Firebolt and he swears by it. The kit isn't cheap though: $250 I think. But that includes everything. |
99buellx1
| Posted on Tuesday, December 05, 2006 - 10:56 am: |
|
quote:Plus, you cannot use a lighter clutch spring on a pre-'06 XB tranny
False. It retro fits to all XB models. |
Vaneo1
| Posted on Wednesday, December 06, 2006 - 09:38 pm: |
|
hear(read) that BLAKE??????????? ..."posted once in the knowledge vault and no response" The KV IMO is tough to ciippher through for what actually may be useful info. I have nothing more to say. Just thought I would say this |
Buellblastrider
| Posted on Thursday, December 07, 2006 - 12:33 am: |
|
while i agree vaneo, it wasn't a complaint just a comment so the admins wouldn't get mad. usually i found that i get a better response on XB questions in the XBoard. the search option usually brings up plenty of answers just never the one i need, but i contribute that to my illiterate use of search and the results found. now if i could only get a answer to my question about the 984 primary? "so i don't have to start a new thread can anyone tell me if the xb9's cam and primary cover are the same thing color as harleys "texture black"?" and thanks again to everyone for their input |
Pete_denzer
| Posted on Thursday, December 07, 2006 - 08:34 am: |
|
I found the clutch pull effort on my '06 Lightning to be painful on my arthritic medium-sized hands. The solution that worked best for me was installing the Muller Power Clutch (you can order it from almost any dealership, it's in the Drag Specialties catalog), and CRG adjustable levers with the clutch lever moved inboard about an inch. Clutch effort is reduced, and the distance needed to disengage the clutch is also reduced, making backroads much more enjoyable. Also, bar-end weights cut down on the vibes, which keeps your hands from going numb during a day-long ride. At 60 years old, comfort is paramount for me, and it's cool that this tiny streetfighter can be so painless. |
Jon_s
| Posted on Thursday, December 07, 2006 - 10:29 am: |
|
Peter I couldn't agree more. I have rheumatoid arthritis and on some days, riding can be difficult to say the least. The Muller unit with CRG levers transformed the motorcycle making for a much more pleasant experience. Having a Firebolt, I also replaced the top clamp with the Heli unit and installed a Zero Gravity Sport Touring screen. We've done some 600 mile rides and I actually find that I get off the bike feeling pretty good. Why the factory doesn't adopt Muller's ball and ramp dimensions, I'll never understand.... |