| Author | Message | ||
     Notmyrealnamedot_com |
Hey everyone, I ride an 05 XB9R and I have a few questions on what to do... First off, the motor/transmission: I have this funny sound coming from under me when I ride, I cant tell if it is the motor of the tranni. I hear two sounds simultaneously, the first is the tick/knock sound that is rather constant. the second is a sound that sounds like it is lightly rubbing sheet metal together. I have changed the oil, checked the levels, I am not sure what else it could be. The bike has 1400 approximate miles on it, so its relatively new. The Second question is about everyones adventures with HID's. I have talked to a couple of people and they have told me to stay away from HID's in the buell for it can melt the housing for the lights. Has anyone had this problem? Also on a headlight question, I have read others posts about there is some sort of plate in the low beam? Is this why it shines at a weird position? And can you take it out? Thanks yall! Alex} | ||
| Nillaice |
the tink/knock noise is your push-rods. it should be loudest when cold or upon start-up, before the oil starts to circulate to the pushrods, and not be as noticeable in higher RPMs. i had the same question when i first got mine. but the sheet metal noise is a mystery to me. i know dry clutches are noisy when dis-engaged....but xb's are wet.  try some ear plugs, and see if that doesn't help  I'M NOT SERIOUS. KIDDING, JUST KIDDING | ||
| Americanmadexb |
sounds like a normal Buell to me!!  Is this the first bike you have owned? These bike make alot of noise, if it doesn't, THEN I WOULD BE WORRIED! | ||
| Ratbuell |
Check your primary chain tension. If you're unsure....buy the shop manual, it is your bible. | ||
| Notmyrealnamedot_com |
No this isn't the only bike I have owned, I have another Suzuki and it has "normal" sounds. Maybe I am just used to the jap sound. Although You've GOT TO LOVE THE RIDE OF THE BUELL! The Throaty sound is wonderful, I just wish that it would not make "weird" sounds. Anyone have comments on the HID issue? Thanks | ||
| Midknyte |
If it sounds like someone snuck a wooden marble into your transmission, check your primary chain. | ||
| Carbide |
+1 for primary chain. Mine was the same, and was out by about 3/8"! | ||
| Samiam |
On the HID issue, it shouldn't be an issue. Think about it this way, a halogen bulb puts out 55W of power, HID bulbs 35W. So any question of a melting issue would be null. Extra light doesn't mean more heat. If I put my hand in front of my lights I can barely feel any heat. Hope this helps. -Sam | ||
| Cereal |
I would also suggest checking the primary chain tension. The scraping noise (if excessive) could happen if it is too tight. It's not good to have it too loose either, so make sure to keep it in specs. As for HID, they burn cooler than the halogens. People have reported many problems with the Firebolt headlight buckets degrading, melting, and even catching fire on rare occasions. All of those problems have occurred with the stock bulb, not HIDs. This all has been reported to Buell and discussed thoroughly on this board in about 4 dozen threads, so there is quite a bit of info available. Here is one of the best: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/17/ 258671.html?1205465217 As for the low beam, yes there is a plate in there. It is what keeps if from becoming a high beam. Depending on the year, there are a few other differences in the lens or bucket between the high and low, but the plate is what keeps it aimed low. | ||
| Pwnzor |
I start to worry when my bike doesn't sound like a blender full of nickels. That being said, the rubbing sheet metal sound might be from either the lack of or too much tension on the primary chain... Try adjusting that. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Think about it this way, a halogen bulb puts out 55W of power, HID bulbs 35W. +1! HID should run significatnly cooler than the standard bulb. | ||
| Brumbear |
+++ on the primary tensioner | ||
| Notmyrealnamedot_com |
Thanks yall, anyone know what tools and gasket sets it will take for me to check out the primary chain? | ||
| Luxor |
You'll need an inspection cover gasket a t-25 torx, a 1/4" allen, and a 7/8" box wrench. Takes about 10 minutes. | ||
| Midknyte |
Note - The amount of slack/tension correct for the primary chain is different when engine is cold and when at operating temperature. When warmed up, the correct slack is equal to about the thickness of the chain itself. |
