| Author | Message | ||
     Vintage |
I purchased my EBR RX 11/2014. #338. Greatly disappointed when the outfit folded but believed they would re-surface. Why the purchase? Simple--Made in USA, V-twin and not a Harley. Also an awesome road bike. 13,500 miles now. --- Gripes: Fuel light never goes off and have to rely on trip odometer. Tried to get it fixed before the shutdown but no one would address it. Now I hear they are not honoring EBR warranty issues as they are a new entity. I say Man Up and deal with the old issues--it is the same bike after all. Improvements needed with the console display. Hard to read the clock. Impossible to see the directional arrows-all in all too tight. The XB12 display had a much superior layout so going backwards in a sense. --- What I would like to see is a full on Sports Touring bike. Keep the weight down, the fairing bigger and the display more readable. I don't need a 180 mph bike so a re-gearing on the sprockets would help me. Also, Keep the gadgets to a minimum. No ABS, cruise control, radio etc. And last, I think the EBR site should have a blog and some interactive way to share info. Rubber side down to all from Vintage | ||
| Reepicheep |
Vintage, we can probably sort out your low fuel light pretty easily. I bet it uses the same (or substantially similar) fuel pump as the XB's. If so, its a $16 sensor. And since yours never worked, maybe a connector is just off. If you want to dig into it (which you shouldn't have too, but that is what it is) I'll help you (virtually, since you are pretty far from Cincy) to sort it out. Even if I have to fabricate a replacement sensor for you from scratch (which I don't think would be hard). You will also need a couple of o-rings. I have a cheap source for them for the XB's, not sure if the RX ones are the same. Froggy, have you been into the fuel pump on your EBR? Is it just the XB kit? | ||
| Rocket_scientist |
email tech@ebr.com The fuel pump is not the same as an XB, but the low fuel light issue can be repaired without any parts. There is a free upgrade to the dash that addressed the visibility of the turn signal indicators | ||
| Reepicheep |
Shows you what we know!  | ||
| Froggy |
I recommend getting it. I haven't done it on my bike yet but I've ridden another bike with it, the turn signal indicators are perfectly visible after that. I'll do mine come winter. | ||
| Zacks |
I have only an intermittent low fuel light when I know there's plenty in the tank. Ran into Dan at an EBR bike night at the Iron Horse and asked about it. Apparently some of the early pumps had the connectors crimped on the insulation from the supplier and not making full contact with the wire itself. It's a remove and re-crimp fix. | ||
| 1_mike |
Because of a broken dash (the four interior posts..!), and finally quitting all together, I finally had to buy a new one. The new - 1. The words "RPM x 1000" now appear to the right side of the tach bar. 2. The turn indicator arrows are nearer the center (height wise) of the screen. 3. When the indicator button is pushed, the mile-an-hour number gets smaller in size to make room for the indicator arrows. 4. I understand the "redline" light is larger...don't know, I haven't been there since the new dash... Not really a big deal to me, other than having a dash that actually works. Too bad, it should have been one of those warranty things..! Mike | ||
| Vintage |
Wow you guys are awesome. I think the crimping issue will be the answer as the fuel gauge did work for awhile. It has been out for 10,000 miles! BTW--I had Chris Rivas V-twin do my valves around 9000 and they sure needed it. All the shims were worn down and all had to be replaced. I added some raised bars so I would be a bit more comfy but that meant I had to hack into the fairing wings--I thought EB would approve. Also I am running Perelli Angel GT skins and they have performed really great. I now have almost 10,500 on them-- still a bit left. The factory tires lasted 3000. Thanks for the info on the new dash. I will certainly look into that. Interesting to ride a bike and no-one knows what it is. Vintage | ||
| Stevel |
John, Sorry, there is no way your valve shims wore out, not even in 100,000 miles. I know that I'm not there and you are, but IF they wore out, the conditions required to do that would cause a catastrophic engine failure long before the shims would wear out. I'm afraid you have been sold bullshit. It is however, very possible that the shims needed replacement for thinner ones to compensate for valve recession. | ||
| Reepicheep |
That was my thought. I didn't really wrap my head around it until I took apart a KLR-250 head with really worn valves. Basically, the valve itself gets shorter, because every time your engine rotates, you are pounding it with a cam to overcome the spring and any cylinder pressure. But when the cam releases that pressure, the valve slams back into the head as it closes, which thins its outer lips, and recesses the head. It's all very slight, fractions of a mm, but it's enough to matter for an engine. The shims are how you get everything perfect again, if the shrinkage of the valve from the cam pounding exceeds the effective lengthening of the valve because it now sits a little deeper in the head. The valve on my KLR-250 was razor sharp at the edges. I bet it lost a full 1mm of material, and the bike was still running fine. | ||
| Vintage |
Steve! and Reepi, Well out front I confess to being a dummy on these matters. One thing for sure Chris Rivas is a straight ahead guy. I do believe they changed the shims whether thicker or thinner I don't know. I think Reepi's scenario is the reality. Whatever, it took them 6 hours, They had it all apart, they stuck with their quote--and bike is running great. The $500 ( includes oil change) bill sort of hurt so I bought an '09 XB12X for a back up bike(simpler valve train as you all know) But ( ha ha) that is a story for another day. Vintage | ||
| Reepicheep |
Sounds like a normal horspower tax for a 1000cc motor making 185 horsepower... Like you say, it helps you appreciate a "just powerful enough" pushrod engine (which has self adjusting lifters as opposed to shimmed valves, but which is as a result limited to a much lower peak RPM). | ||
| Vintage |
Reepi, That is rich-- a "horsepower tax"--and so very apt. The chances of me doing track days or 150 on the Interstate are slim to none. I have gotten quite fond of the XB12, but then I take out the EBR and am blown away every time. I can't imagine having two wives but owning these two bikes sort of heads in that direction. Steady, reliable, dependable, patient vs high maintenance and flighty but oh so hot! Our eternal dilemma I guess. | ||
| Vintage |
Oh and back to gripes: The element that I dislike the very most about the EBR 1190 RX is the oil checking. It is really difficult to read that sight glass tucked in behind the fairing. If you have clean oil it is even more difficult. Everyone at EBR -- please make checking oil easier in future models. Good luck ahead, Vintage | ||
| Zac4mac |
First off, Chris Rivas is gold. Solid, smart guy. I've never met him but Dan talks very highly of him and that's good for me. The valve train wears to "tight" so when you re-shim, go to the loose side of spec and you're good for 20k miles. @Vintage - go to Harley and get a Buell 1125 dipstick. Ride the bike 10+ miles. Stop, holding the bike upright and idle for 3 minutes on a level spot. Shut the bike off and wait 3 minutes, keeping the bike upright and level then check the dipstick. THE most accurate oil check on the Rotax/EBR motor. Z | ||
| Vintage |
Z4M, Hey that is great news I will check that out. What about if I just wheel in off the Highway for a fuel stop? Just idle 3', then shut down 3' and follow your procedure? Sounds like a plan although a bit mysterious as to what is actually happening. Yes this helps but would still like to see a simple dipstick, check it in the morning sort of thing. The XB's are pretty simple that way. How do you guys know all this stuff? Amazing to me. Vintage | ||
| Vintage |
Oh and about Chris Rivas, for sure look at the Man's site www.chrisrivasvtwin.com. If you are in Fresno check out some of the rides in his shop. I purchased my bike in Seattle but go to Chris for service. Figure that out as I live near Seattle so Fresno is 1000 miles away! I tie it in with a family trip and fortunately own a pickup. And best of all, Chris could have any bike in the world but rides an EBR 1190RX just like mine -- that says a lot. It says tons that he went with EBR again 'cause when they went down he took several lumps. Vintage | ||
| Zac4mac |
Pretty sure the "10 miles" is a minimum. The engine needs time to get oil to all the right places and then enough time to drain into the reservoir with the dipstick. Just finished doing an oil change(3 qts + filter) on an 1125R(2009) and took a 25 mile ride and the oil was right at full after the 6 minutes. Z | ||
| Zac4mac |
The knowledge has come in fits and starts, sometimes expensive, sometimes vicariously. I have the first 1125 sold/on the street in Colorado, took delivery 18DEC07 and do all the work myself. At the shop(NRHS) Dan works on all the airheads, I do the wet-heads and port/polish all the heads. Keeps me off the streets.  This is me at HC 2008 with my signed copy of "25 Years of Buell" and Loretta's inner airbox that says "Happy Birthday, Zack - Erik Buell". I run a Kick-Ash outer cover. Z (Message edited by zac4mac on October 16, 2016) | ||
| Vintage |
ships in the night, Z4M--I passed by (within 1 1/2 miles) your shop a few weeks back--didn't know about you all then. Great ride through Rocky Mtn park though--Well catch you next time. Vintage | ||
| Mackja |
Buell 1125 models have a fill plug with dipstick, purchase one from Harley Davidson and use it on your 1190, easy fix! | ||
| Froggy |
I question if the Buell dipstick would even be accurate, as when the 1125R switched to the sight glass, it lost the dipstick. | ||
| Zac4mac |
It is, I have one in my RS from Buell. Oh yeah, I should credit Frank Skinner for the photo of me and my prizes... Thanks Frank! (Message edited by zac4mac on October 17, 2016) | ||
| Rocket_scientist |
If you like, email tech@ebr.com to confirm the dip stick will read accurately for an 1190 | ||
| Vintage |
Appreciate all the inputs but we are all getting off track somewhat. The topic was partially improvements, and that means at the factory level on new product as opposed to a fix for existing equipment(believe me, I will implement the suggested fixes) It is the "what I would like to see in a new edition EBR. 1. Full fairing Sports Touring bike 2. Keep it simple -- no ABS, radio, or reactive suspension (like the Aprilia)etc. 3. Stick with the V-twin 4. Easy to read dash( clock, Turn Signals) 5. Easy to service and check fluids -- simple dipstick for oil 6. comfortable riding position 7. keep the weights down but don't be fanatical about it 8. Usable luggage 9. Good for two up 10. Mirrors that see more than elbows 11. Geared for 140 mph not 180 12. 200 mile range/tank would be nice 13. I like the belt drive if possible for the bigger power. 14. Center stand 15. Easy to change major components( like a starter). 16. did I say easy to maintain enough times? (btw--I never get more than 41 mpg trip average on my 1190 and that is over 13,500 miles of medium aggressive driving). Sports-touring is my niche. Good high speed performance, decent weather/wind protection, simplified maintenance, excellent braking and cornering. Not finicky Not a cruiser --get a Harley I am sure the track guys, the enduro guys and the naked bike/café guys have different criteria. But I think simplicity and reliability would be common to all. A final thought; The Interstates here in the West have legal posted speeds of 80. All the cars are going 90. In Montana the secondary roads are at 70. Everyone is hauling butt big time and you have to more than keep up or you will get run down. I spend a LOT of time on the road. The biggest demographic are Harley types, but the next biggest are the Sport-Touring crowd. The S-T people generally have proper riding gear, are high milers and generally ride solo as opposed to in packs. Vintage | ||
| Vintage |
Best to all fellow Buellers/EBR folks, Most of us in the Northern tier have our bikes put away for a few months and planning our next adventures. I am quite disappointed that none of you picked up on my last post. Certainly I am not the only Sports Touring guy in this place? I routinely take off for 4-10 day jaunts 3 or 4 times in a season. Last one was on the EBR late in the season and up from the Coast into Idaho and just a week in front of the snow. 5 days/2000 miles/couple of hot springs and chicken fried steaks. So I say it again--decent fairing and windshield, easy to work on in the field, good power and great handling. Do not need or want complex/trick instrumentation/ suspension/ABS/gadgets/GPS ---Keep it simple and the price point low(er). Decent stock hardbags would be a plus Love the 1190 VTwin and gear box. Really enjoy my EBR and made a few mods to make it more comfy for sports touring. Still, though the whole package is a bit "tight" and track orientated. And please, check out the new model in a wind tunnel for us tinnitus sufferers. Smooth air flow and no buffeting areas And please again make the gauges/clock /directionals etc. easy to read -- Vintage | ||
| Froggy |
I do agree with many of your points, many of which are already addressed by EBR or are in the works. Take a look at the new Black Lightning, it has higher bars, lower pegs, shorter gearing (44 tooth rear), and easier to read dash. I also primarily ride sport touring / commuting. When I first got my SX I decided to keep it as a super street fighter as I got 6 other bikes to use for touring, but now that I've put some miles on it, I'd like to take it on longer trips without putting it in my truck, so I will be doing some small tweaks like adding a Ventura rack, and the heated grips when EBR comes out with them. Possibly the windshield too whenever that becomes available. The Corbin seat will be available for purchase soon too. | ||
| Crusty |
. (Message edited by Crusty on December 15, 2016) | ||
| Vintage |
Thanks for that Froggy. I have not found a picture of the Black Lightning dash but will keep looking. The rest of it looks pretty interesting. When I figure out how to post pics I will submit some of the luggage racks and other mods to my RX. All works pretty well actually--although I can't figure how to get some more leg room(less crouch. Actually my most comfortable bike that I can put the highest daily mileage on is my '09 Ulysses --500 mile days, easy peasey. my knees really love it. Sounds like you are on the inside track, at least a little. What else can you leak out on the Sport Touring model? Trying to track down info on the BL I read some stuff from an Indian (country) site. They sure slagged on EBR and blamed the whole HERO fiasco on EBR. My story was that it was the other way around and HERO was the REASON for EBR's bankruptcy. Crusty--That Red Lightning reference is too subtle for me to catch --perhaps you can expand on that | ||
| Crusty |
go here: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/406 2/798803.html?1481553499 Scroll down to my post on Monday, Dec 12 | ||
| Froggy |
Vintage, the dash is still physically the same as the one on your RX, it just has the updated programming which does make it easier to see, especially the turn signal indicators. Now that winter is here, I'm bringing my bike to the dealer to get the program updated, along with some other changes like the 44 tooth sprocket. I had the pleasure of riding a SX with the 44 tooth sprocket and updated dash (amongst other things), and it was a night and day difference. Some details on it here, it is a lowered blacked out SX with some tweaks - http://www.erikbuellracing.com/1190blacklightning I don't have any inside information, but I do keep a close eye on here and other EBR forums, so I tend to be on top of the latest news and other tidbits. You are right on the Hero vs EBR thing though, but regardless who was at fault, both companies were set back. | ||
| 46champ |
I am another one of those guys that is interested in a sport touring bike. i missed your entry in Oct so I couldn't comment. I am getting close to pulling the trigger on a new bike the M2 has a 100k miles on it now and an addition would be nice. You bought your bike in Wash but go to Fresno to get it serviced. How long did they take to do it? I hope it was not a leave it and come back next week. This lack of a dealership a reasonable distance away is why I am still running the M2. | ||
| Cmmagnussen |
I would kill for Givi outback cases on a Black Lightning..... | ||
| Froggy |
 | ||
| Vintage |
Crusty, As mentioned I live in WA and get my bike serviced in Fresno at Chris Rivas. I had them do my 1000 mile service and the 6000mile ( at 9,000 ). I have family in the Bay Area and visit occasionally. I was on a bike trip for the 1000 and simply made an appointment with Chris R, dropped the bike off, had lunch, talked to his guys, checked out all the cool rides and drove away. The 9000 service was tied in with a family trip last year. Wife, Pickup, bike in the back--easy-- involved Valve shims and took 6 hours. I dropped the bike off in the morning and toured the area in my Pickup. Done early afternoon and I took off. On budget and on-time. Awesome shop, great guys and if you are in range go for it. I feel confident with these guys and that is worth tons. My dealer in WA--not so much. The key here is Chris is really into V-twins, stuck it out with EBR and is a cool guy. Froggy, that SX looks good. I don't think HERO was set back very much but EBR and all the bike owners and dealers sure took a hit. Merry Christmas to all -- hope to cross paths with some of you in the Spring. Vintage | ||
| Hughlysses |
I don't think HERO was set back very much Ha! Hero had planned to have the EBR-designed HX250R on the market in India and other locations well over a year ago. Immediately following EBR's receivership, Hero announced this was only a minor setback and their engineers would have the bikes ready for production in another few months. Hero recently announced they have given up on bringing any of the EBR-designed bikes to market any time soon. The HX250R would have been a direct competitor to the Honda CB250, the Ninja 300, and several other small-displacement street bikes from the major manufacturers. On paper, it looked like it would have been the class leader. EBR developed something like 7 designs for Hero, and I'm not sure Hero was able to put any of them into production (maybe one scooter?). Hero continues to build what are basically copies of ~1960's Honda designs. I'm not sure how much longer they can keep that up since they "divorced" Honda prior to joining with EBR, which means their licensing agreement for Honda designs ends in the near future. I'm pretty sure EBR's receivership was a huge blow to Hero. | ||
| Vintage |
Thanks for the insights(as usual) Hughlysses, I think I meant short term $ damage. The concept of Karma originated in India so I am told  Vintage | ||
| Vintage |
This is for Crusty I stuck a loobman oiler on my RX when the bike was new. They cost around $30 and come from England. OK they are a touch messy ( I tend to over oil). I put them on all my chain drive bikes. It operates manually, simple simple, unlike the Scott oiler which cost $200 and you have to tap into your vacuum system. If you like I will give you my special oil mixture formula, as well as how to mount the delivery hose on the C section rear swing arm. I never have to adjust the chain and get 25,000 or so out of a chain, sprocket set. Next best thing to a drive belt. | ||
| Hughlysses |
Related to future offerings from EBR, here's an article on the outlook for ADV bikes: http://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/what-is-the-f uture-of-adventure-motorcycles | ||
| Noone1569 |
Vintage: You have 25,000 miles on the OEM 1190RX chain? | ||
| Crusty |
I'm going to have to get one of those Loobman oilers. | ||
| Vintage |
Noone 1569, I don't have 25K on the RX yet but am half way there at 13,500. Chain is in great shape. Sprockets not hooked, even the front one. Tiny adjustment when I changed tires at 4000. I have put the 25K on other bikes with the loobman though. Vintage | ||
| Zacks |
Gone a bit off topic... I got a little over 800 miles out of my RX chain. My stupidity. See, they brine the roads here in WI. But it hadn't snowed yet, it's warm enough to ride (above 33 in my book) AND you have a brand new RX waiting for break-in miles... then one goes riding. Basking in the last ride of the year and forgot that high school science thing about condensation. Combine a cold bike, a warm garage and 3 months of moto-hibernation and you get a pretty red-ish/orange thing that looks similar to a functional chain. | ||
| Ebrfan |
Zack's, wash that machine! That salt brine is surely corroding parts in the hidden nooks and crannys; it is just showing up on that steel first. | ||
| Zacks |
That was last year. Trust me, it was gone over in detail in the spring. me forehead got sore from all the smacking it whenever I'd find another piece that needed to be pulled and polished up. This year they were all put up before the highway department and city decided to season the roads for us. | ||
| Vintage |
Zacks, Remind me to never buy a used bike or truck from salty road states. That sounds terrible about your chain--you must have been hypothermic after your ride! Worst so far for me was when the bike was new-- everytime I went out it was raining. First time I put it away in the barn(wet)--next day I went to move the bike and all the calipers were stuck to the rotors and the bike wouldn't budge. Finally rocked it back and forth and they popped loose. no harm done (apparently) The rotors were sort of rusty. Now that they have seen considerable use they don't do that anymore. Vintage | ||
| Zacks |
Fieldsheer insulated one piece, electric vest, heated grips and TPG gloves, it's fun in a twisted, sick, demented, masochistic kind of way. I stopped after about 50 miles for coffee and there was ice on the back of my knuckles and the front of the bike was all furry and white from the frost. Laughed like hell. Only my chin was cold. Of course, eyes and nose running too... Just got to keep reminding yourself that there is no heat in the tires or road and take it easy. Warm state riders never have to deal with the sweating roads in early spring and late fall like we do. Vintage, I had the rotors on one of my Suzuki's do that. Had put EBC rotors on it and we were riding in a drizzle and stopped for lunch. Came out an hour later and the rotors were rusted orange. This was in July too. I guess those cast iron rotors don't like the h2o. | ||
| Vintage |
Zacks, Yes I have been caught out a few times. Most recently was on I-70 in Utah. It was in May and I got caught in a Blizzard! (7000ft) The longest stretch of interstate in the country and nowhere to go -- just push on. Finally just drove on the shoulder as it was white out conditions and I didn't want to get run down. I looked like a snowman on wheels. Finally crested San Rafael summit and dropped down into rain and Mom's restaurant in Salinas, UT. Man what a relief to get warmed up. Vintage | ||
| Zacks |
Long story that I'll skip for now, but the day I picked up my Firebolt in late November 05, we went to get some pictures with Mt St. Helens in the background. Coldest I've ever been. Sun going down, still 40 miles from a town. Could feel the temps rising coming down into town and as we passed the local bank, it was flashing 32... Got the pictures tho. |
