| Author | Message | ||
     Johnnyquest |
Hello all, I tried using the search feature here at BWB but couldn't find the results I was looking for....I hope this isn't an often asked question but here goes.... I would like to know what the maintenance schedule is for an xb9sx, as my wife of all people was curious as to how it compares to the ducati monster. If maintenance is considerably less frequent and less expensive than the duc, than maybe it will offset the increased insurance costs. Any help, input, or links to information would be appreciated. Thanks. Oh, BTW....I started my MSF BRC, had class Thursday night and ride tomorrow and sunday. I asked the instructor to put me on a Blast since I'm considering one for my first motorcycle....I figure after a couple of days on one I'll know whether or not I'll want to buy one..... JQ | ||
| M1combat |
The maintenance required for a Buell should be considerably less than a Ducati. I'm pretty sure the Monster uses Ducati's "trick" valve train system (Desmo-Quatro... Desmo-sedicci...)The system uses a fairly complex rocker system that both opens AND closes the valve. There is still a spring as I recall, but the rocker pushes and pulls. I am pretty sure you can get pics at Ducati's website. This system needs to be adjusted fairly regularly (on the Duck 749 it's 6K miles as I recall). If you are pretty well mechanically inclined you can do it yourself. There is a good deal of information floating around the net on the procedure. The Buell system adjusts itself but will not allow RPM's as high as the Ducati. The Buell valve train is pretty much the same that is used in a "classic" American push rod engine. The thing to remember is that the system used in the Buell head is capable of more than needed in our application. The limiting factor of RPM's on a Buell engine is the stroke length (read piston speed). This is the price of all that torque  . I'm happy to pay it myself. I only have the maintenance schedule for an XB12 and I'm not sure if it's the same as on a 9. I'll let someone with a 9 take it from here. So far with my bike I had the dealer do the 1K service. After that it's been nothing but oil changes and primary chain adjustment (two times, but it was within spec the second time I checked it), Clutch adjustment and I think I adjusted the throttle cables once. The primary chain is very easy to adjust, the clutch is easy to adjust as well, both at the lever and the clutch itself. I would imagine that the adjustment of the clutch and primary chain on a duck would be about as easy. | ||
| M1combat |
Oh, one thing I should mention in a thread about working on a Buell XB... If you need to lift the bike you need to be a little creative. The exhaust has two jacking points so it's certainly safe to lift it that way, but the bottom of the exhaust is curved... You need to secure the bike from falling side to side when you lift it. There are stands that you can get that fit the Buell just fine, so a few bucks solves the problem. (Message edited by M1Combat on September 18, 2004) | ||
| Julesx |
M1 What is the recommended oil change period ( miles and time ). I assume the gearbox oil has longer intervals.....what are they? Unless I am missing something there cannot be much else to do at service time as there are no chain and sprockets or coolant to worry about ? Jules | ||
| Daves |
The new 04 or 05 Buells,9s and 12s have the first service at 1000 miles, then again at 5000,10,000,15,000 and so on. You should change both the engine oil and trans/primary oil at these intervals(and the oil filter) I myself will still be changing the oil every 2500 miles but that's just me. I don't have the schedule here in front of me but there are other items you should check/lube at the same time as you do your fluid changes. Lube cables, check neck bearings tightness,adjust primary chain and other stuff. The belt and idler pulley at 25,000 miles. Wheel bearings at 10,000 miles(I think) The Buells are a very easy bike to maintain and almost all of it can be done by the rider at home if you choose to do your own work. Get a service manual! Feel free to contact me if you need more info/specifics. Dave | ||
| Fran_dog |
Correction: The belt and idler pulley should be replaced every 15k not 25k. At the first service, the 1000 mile, the only thing that you will not be able to do yourself is to zero the throttle position sensor. I'm sure someone will figure a way for us do it your-selfers to accomplish this, but for now you'll need the deal's techs to do that piece of maintenance. | ||
| Daves |
Correction: The belt and idler pulley should be replaced every 15k not 25k Not true, at work now, looking at an 04 owners manual maint schedule, Belt/Idler replacement @ 25,000 miles Inspect at 5000 mile intervals. It was 15,000 on the 2003 bikes. Dave | ||
| Chainsaw |
Ditto what Dave said, 15k on 03's, 25K on 04's (upgraded belt drive system on the 04's) FYI: Idler pulley is $90, belt is $160+. If you get creative, I've read that you can replace the bearings in the pulley, but a press is required. | ||
| M1combat |
The belt is less than that if you get one from Dave. I just got mine for I think it was $136 plus shipping. MSRP is $152. | ||
| Unibear12r |
This board rocks in many ways.  | ||
| Fran_dog |
Yes, I'm a '03 owner. Thanks for the correction to my correction. This is a good thing. I'll be glad to get the extra miles out of the next one. | ||
| Julesx |
Dave Thanks for the words of wisdom. I will rememeber you offer of help when I've got my bike ! Jules | ||
| Wyckedflesh |
Fran_dog you will need to do the upgrade kit to the '04 spec pulleys and belts. They are not interchangeable at just the belt level. The pulleys are different as are the belt gaurds. | ||
| Johnnyquest |
well, thanks again for all the great info. I think I'll ask my local dealer what kind of maintenance costs I can expect if I get a big buell.....I'm not much of a "work on my own car" kind of guy, but I'm sure I could do my own oil and filter changes. I just finished day two of my MSF BRC, the first day of riding. Man, was it fun! The Blast I rode was really fun, but the clutch was pretty stiff and the friction zone was right next to the grip....I only let it out the smallest bit and the clutch was starting to grab. I'll have to ask the folks in the Thumper forum if the clutch can be adjusted, I have a feeling the one I trained on today hasn't had much TLC during it's 900 miles of training duty. That little bike is fun though, and I think I will buy one.....I was really diggin it in the corner (only dragged my left footpeg once hehe). JQ | ||
| Daves |
Welcome to the world of riders! Dave | ||
| Fran_dog |
Wyckedflesh - Thanks for the info... | ||
| Gearhead |
Dave or anyone, If the 25,000 mile pulley and belt replacement comes up withing the 2 years warranty is there any out of pocket expense? I'm getting close to 10,000 miles in just over one year and I know there are many of you that put on way more miles than that! | ||
| Ravensmith22 |
Johnny, reminds me of my Rider's Edge class. I'd already had my Blast for a while, so I dragged pegs a lot. Was voted "most likely to meet a police officer".  |
