| Author | Message | ||
     Desertfox |
I just put a deposit on a used 1999 X1 with 12,300 or so miles. I should have it in about a week (when my small loan comes in). This is my very first motorcycle, and should end up being my only motorcycle! The bike looks super clean. Like it was never dropped or miss-handled. Anyway, I was wondering what sort of maintenance I should be thinking about doing on it. Any common problems I should look out for. Thanks all! -Billy | ||
| Blackm2 |
Congratulations. Doubt it will be your last though. Buells are like an addictive drug, once you have one, you want more. I would change oil, primary too, as well as plugs. That way you know they were done and what was put into it. If they aren't leaking yet, you eventually will be changing rocker gaskets. Other than that, ride and have fun, just be careful since it's your first. You're gonna have a right fist full of torque. | ||
| Desertfox |
Oh yeah, I definitely plan to be VERY careful. I'll be getting some riding tips and advice from a friend of mine with a honda CB### whatever number. Also has loads of power. I was expecting to have to prepare to do more than just basic maintenance, awesome! I guess I'm just used to 40+ year old VW engines. Check valves, timing, change oil, change plugs, check belt... so on...  | ||
| 5liter |
Enjoy the Buell experience! | ||
| Fahren |
update the primary tensioner. for this and a good overview of updates/issues, see: http://www.saintjohn.nbcc.nb.ca/Marriott/x1/index. htm# | ||
| Hughlysses |
Desertfox- Congratulations on your purchase. Since it's your first bike, take the time to sign up for an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) beginning rider course. Many states offer the courses through local tech schools. It'll make sure you learn good riding habits and will help you avoid all the morons on the road who are out to run you over. In many states, passing the course will get you the motorcycle endorsement for your driver's license and earn you a discount on your motorcycle insurance. | ||
| Fahren |
Absolutely, truly +1,000,000 agree with that. MSF course is really important, both to have better riding skills but also to have better riding smarts, when it comes to protecting yourself from everyone else out there on the roads. | ||
| Nevrenuf |
congrats on a nice ride. tubers really rock. besides the msf, the best peace of advice i can give you is to always remember that you are invisible on that bike and no one can see you so don't ever assume that someone does. and everytime you come across someone wanting to pull out from a side street, don't try and look them in the eyes, keep an eye on the wheels. also when pulling up to a stop(light or stop sign) stay on one side or the other and keep an eye in the rearview. refer back to the first peace of advice as to why i say this. good luck. | ||
| Kalali |
In addition to what everybody said, always remember that you are a "beginner" so don't get tempted to follow the pace of other riders or try to do imitate their tricks...Specially with a bike as potent as an X1. | ||
| Desertfox |
I will be taking an MSF course as soon as practical. I definitely want to learn all of the emergency maneuvers. I used to ride a bicycle everywhere and you're even more invisible on that. Once, I was hit going through a green light because someone in opposite traffic decided it was a good time to make a left turn. (hit my rear tire. I was fine and the driver left the scene...) Ever since then I've been hyper-vigilant. As far as other riders, it'll just be my brother, myself, and my dad. More often than that it'll be me, alone, going to work at a max speed of 55. | ||
| Babired |
Billy get the book Proficient Motorcycling while you are waiting to take te class that way you will be way ahead of everyone else in class when you take it. It's good you have lots of Bicycle experience. and yeah ride your own ride, the CBR guy is riding a totally different bike than the X1 if he has never rode one before be selective on what advice he is giving you http://www.amazon.com/Proficient-Motorcycling-Ulti mate-Guide-Riding/dp/1933958359/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_ a (Message edited by babired on August 13, 2010) | ||
| Fast1075 |
Good find...I lust for an X-1...a guy that rides with us has a beautiful one. Welcome to the madness.... | ||
| Shinobi13 |
Billy, I was the other X1 rider talking to you at PJ's... You'll really have some fun on the X1, but please take it easy on the throttle until you are VERY familiar with the bike. Since I'm local, if you ever need anything, just holler... Lee | ||
| Mad_carol |
Main thing to remember is that everyone in a car on the road is a numpty So just grow some eyes in the back of your head and up your bum!! | ||
| Doug_s |
also, be careful after you have logged 3-5k miles. this is when you start getting comfortable, and are most likely to let your guard down. doug s. | ||
| Desertfox |
In reply to Lee, Good to know there are other folks around who know a bit about the mechanics of these bikes. I've heard alot of bad stories about the reliability of Buells. I tend to assume the people who say they are not reliable are also the people who don't know how to do their own oil changes. Related Story: I was explaining to a friend that his spark plugs may need to be replaced in his newer model car. His reply: "There's more than one?" |
