G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile

Buell Forum » Big, Bad & Dirty (Buell XB12X Ulysses Adventure Board) » BB&D Archives » Archive through August 10, 2009 » Another 2010 Uly Change » Archive through August 03, 2009 « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Arcticktm
Posted on Thursday, July 30, 2009 - 12:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If my Uly cost the same as a Ferrari, then I might expect freebies like that.
How many of you clamoring for "at cost" parts have petitioned your car manufacturer for the same? Would you expect them to install new style airbags, or add ABS, or upgrade your motor for better MPG?
Continuous Improvement. You can't have it if you are always looking back in the past.

The mentality that "they changed it, so they must be admitting the old one sucked and now I deserve a new one free/cheap" is what keeps many OEM's (BMW?) from ever admitting they made something less than perfect. The harder and more expensive a change is perceived to be, the fewer changes will make it through to production.

A 2010 Uly had damn well BETTER be better than my 2006, or why would anyone want one?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rwven
Posted on Thursday, July 30, 2009 - 02:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The old ones sucked, period. Mine failed in 11K miles and just over a year on a gently used street bike that never saw mud, a watercrossing, and was garaged other than about 3 weeks total if you added all the ungaraged days up. It speaks volumes that the new wheel bearings have been upgraded to match the way they were on Buell tubers a decade ago?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Joesbuell
Posted on Thursday, July 30, 2009 - 06:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Don't get me wrong I love both of my Buell's! But a design fault which has the potential for an accident should be a recall! Look at my old tubers recalls for example! side stand switch..potential for a crash! fuell tank mount hardware...tank potentially coming off! rear shock failures..potential to crash etc etc.

I use to sell New Yamaha's and Yamaha recalled the 99 R1's for the rear cush drive and the 2 retaining srcews on the side stand with 2 new screws with some lock tight on them, I know it's a different situation but they all add up to a potential crash!


I'm not after an argument just a little concerned : (
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ulynut
Posted on Thursday, July 30, 2009 - 07:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm no engineer, but, with that muffler hanging down low and exposed to all those rocks and curbs and stuff, wouldn't nice, bendable mild steel be better than brittle stainless? I'd rather buy a $7.00 can of spray paint and spray it than have to weld all those cracks that I would no doubt create with one good run up the old quarry roads, or a good whack on a curb.

Whats the big deal about painting the muffler every couple of years anyway? H.T.F.U.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Paul56
Posted on Thursday, July 30, 2009 - 07:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Kudos to BMC for updating/improving the product according to issues raised in real-world use by real-world customers! The exact opposite thinking is what killed the U.S. light aircraft industry: well founded fear of litigation from "improvements" being used as evidence of "faults" prevented any progress in product leading to extreme stagnation. Powerplants are 1930's technology with fixed-timing magnetos and dirt simple but inefficient carburetion or mindless mechanical fuel injection. They use fuel for cooling for crying out loud. Any attempt at improving the product has the legal leeches crawling out of their dark places to sue manufacturers for all past accidents- this was only partially remedied by the 18 year statute of limitations for product liability lawsuits enacted a few years ago.

Go Buell! Keep up the good work, and when I wear this one out I'll buy another "improved" one.

Rant off.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ratbuell
Posted on Thursday, July 30, 2009 - 11:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The thing with the wheelbearing "issue" versus the tuber stuff....

Wheelbearings give you a WARNING. They fail over time, not all at once. You just have to pay attention.

Rear shock failure on a tuber? Instant pole vault, no warning...unless you routinely magnaflux your shock bodies after a ride.

I have absolutely NO doubt that Buell, if the situation merits it (i.e. people's lives are at risk) will take appropriate steps. As it is, though...all I see is the "potential" failure - over time, with warning signs - of an item that could be considered, depending on which side of the fence you sit on, a "wear item".

I bought new bearings as PM on my bike, because I know I beat the crap out of it. It's $30. I was getting a tire mounted anyway...so I had the bearings put in. End of story. Is the new setup an improvement? Absolutely. Do I "deserve" it for free for "putting up" with my '06?

I know better.

So does any other grownup.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Court
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 - 06:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Another salient difference between the wheel bearings and the shock is that wheel bearings have ACTUALLY been known to fail . . . . the shock were found, after a vendor screwed up, to have been ABLE (it was a very long shot) to fail.

I am aware of NO shocks that ever failed in customer service.

A vendor was found to be using out of spec material that was not as Buell designed. Worse yet, they (the vendor) had done a poor job of keeping track of which shocks were built with which material.

Buell did the only right thing . . . they recalled EVERY shock.

The 2010 wheel bearings and rear wheel (mine should be here today or Monday) are a product improvement based on warranty data, the large number of Buell employees riding Ulysses and customer input.

I'm thrilled to see Buell spending their time on the Rider Comport Kit (I'm doing a photo essay of my install) and the rear wheel rather than simple cosmetics.

The Ulysses is a really fascinating platform that is being honed to suit the needs and wants of the folks who ride it.

I'm excited to see how these improvements work out.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rwven
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 - 06:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I bought new bearings as PM on my bike, because I know I beat the crap out of it. It's $30. I was getting a tire mounted anyway...so I had the bearings put in. End of story. Is the new setup an improvement? Absolutely. Do I "deserve" it for free for "putting up" with my '06?

I know better.

So does any other grownup.



Sure, but Buell will replace a muffler for surface rust, which is purely cosmetic and never left anyone stranded or requiring a tow. A muffler that lists for roughly the same amount as the new wheel and bearing combination. I don't think a request for discount program for present owners is out of line. I am "grownup" enough not to expect one though.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cpilot
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 - 07:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Court,

Can you confirm the part numbers for your wheel and bearings? Is there a complete assembly? Or do you need each piece individually. I didn't see in the part number for the spacer in the other posts.

Since my 08 Uly is at the dealer now for a wheel bearing failure I am wanting to replace it with the 2010 systems. They do not have the 2010 numbers in their system yet, so am wanting to provide those to them.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Hughlysses
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 - 07:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Court- thanks for the additional info. Looking forward to your photo essay on installing the comfort kit.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ratbuell
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 - 08:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Ron - you and I both know the muffler replacement is on a case-by-case basis, and not a blanket "program". Warranty? Yep. All-encompassing blanket statement? Far from it.

It wouldn't surprise me if the wheels and bearings are treated similarly. Case-by-case. Buell will step up when required, I have no doubt...but no company can legitimately say "everyone...you get NEW WHEELS".

Personally...I think the new black bearings will work just fine on '09-earlier bikes. The '10 setup? Over-engineered for extra reassurance.

Court - good point on the shock being a potential failure. I'd forgotten that none ever *actually* failed in customer hands. Looking forward to your thoughts on the comfort kit...mine gets ordered as soon as we get the price book download at work.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rwven
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 - 08:30 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Joe,

I know that, I just like things simple. If I wanted to be without my bike for weeks while this and that was being evaluated and parts ordered I'd go the "case by case" path. So far I've done the grounding repair, the IAC and the rear bearings on my own dime just for that reason. And I'm about to paint my own muffler too....

And, since I had the rear bearings replaced myself I'm sure I've screwed myself over for any chance of a "case by case" settlement.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Court
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 - 09:01 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

>>>Since my 08 Uly is at the dealer now for a wheel bearing failure I am wanting to replace it with the 2010 systems. They do not have the 2010 numbers in their system yet, so am wanting to provide those to them.

I expect clarification on the following issues within the next day or so.

1) Rider Comfort Kit - the first wave has shipped and I'll be doing a quick 1,000 mile shake down to get a sense of how it works. Working today to make certain dealer has the proper software update.

2) 2010 Wheel - I'm requesting clarification. The internet, in the hours following the release of anything like this, typically goes into a state that is the information equivalent of a rock thrown into a bevy of geese on a still pond. Give me a day or so to sort this out. I will find out precisely what needs to be ordered to do a complete update to a 2010 wheel system.

3) Ditto 1125R clutch.

My caveat would be that some of the information I am reading, represented as "right" . . . . is . . . well, "not".


Court
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Florida_lime
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 - 10:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

1) Rider Comfort Kit - the first wave has shipped and I'll be doing a quick 1,000 mile shake down to get a sense of how it works. Working today to make certain dealer has the proper software update.


Court,
Did my order from yesterday make the cut ?

More info on the software update -- ALL years ?, and what does it do ? If it just richens thing up, I might pass -- my gas mileage only averages 40 mpg now.

Thanks !
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jphish
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 - 10:23 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Thanks for your sleuthing efforts Court - universal benefit from your inquiries. j
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Court
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 - 10:47 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

It's not so much sleuthing as the fact that these are some REALLY NEAT and RESPONSIVE upgrades from Buell.

I like seeing a company so customer driven.

There is, and it happens every year, some confusion regarding precisely what needs to be ordered, how and so forth. Be mindful that some dealers are just not returning (yeah, some of them ride from the coasts to Denver) from the dealer meeting.

As cool as it is to roll out new models, programs, branding, parts, accessories, 2010 owners manuals, shop manuals and parts manuals at the same time . . . it results in a huge initial workload and those much stuff gets shoved in the pipe line.

I'm going to try to do a couple of what I think the more popular installs are and share some tips, impressions and "things you should know first".

Stay tuned.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Tipsymcstagger
Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009 - 11:26 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

So far, it looks like EVERY complaint raised about the bike has been addressed in the last couple of years.

19" front wheel so I can mount some dirt-worthy tires!

Tipsy
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cpilot
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2009 - 06:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Received word from the local dealer. When my rotor side bearing when out... it also so took out the swing arm, and wheel. They are contacting Buell on Monday to see if they will go for doing a 2010 wheel/bearing upgrade. My fall back position is if they won't, I am asking how much they will allow me to purchase the upgrade. Hope to know something in the next couple of days.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Court
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2009 - 07:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Long shot in that they generally . . . absent a compelling reason not to (i.e. parts no longer available) are required to replace with "like kind to original spec".

i know how you feel though . . . . I had a hard drive replaced in a Mac last week. When they told me they were going to have to replace the 500GB, I told them I wanted to go with a 1TB. They said they couldn't. I told them, "no worries, I'll pay the difference". Still a "no". So I told them . . . "I'll pay the entire parts and labor" . . no deal. As long as it is under Apple Pro Care . . .they put it back like it was.

In Buells case it also saves future headaches when the guy who buys your bike calls 5 years from now to order bearings . . . and put bearings in that are too small and brings his "you should have known" action against Buell.

Keep us posted.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cpilot
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2009 - 10:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

You are probably right that it is a long shot, but one I am willing to give it a try.

In your Mac's case, if that model of HD was known for crashing before its time it probably would be replace with a different model HD. In our Uly case we know they have a bad design with the number of failures that have happened over the years thus the 2010 change. I suppose for mine to be replaced with the new model wheel and bearings there would need to be a recall which probably won't happen.

Like all owners I really desire reliability. I am concerned when my warranty runs out, to afford to replace swing arm, wheel, and all that goes with it is a very expensive repair. What makes it more concerning is that I had my rear tire replaced less than 1,000 miles (two weeks previous) before the bearing went out, and I was assured that the rear wheel bearing was inspected during the tire replacement.

I'll let you know what happens.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rwcfrank
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2009 - 10:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I have been following the wheel bearing thread and I wonder how many failures occurred AFTER the rear wheel had been removed and reinstalled? Could improper torque procedures lead to premature bearing failure? The only way to tell is an honest poll on how many had the rear wheel off at some time during the life of the bike? I am betting everyone had at least one tire prior to the bearing failure...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Froggy
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2009 - 10:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Rwcfrank, there have been reported failures on bikes with only a few thousand miles, and never having the tire removed since leaving the factory.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Electraglider_1997
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2009 - 10:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

My local dealer let me go the difference on a Harley seat that was twice as expensive. The original had the seams splitting. I got the Air Zeppelin seat. They didn't bat an eye when I asked to do that.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Court
Posted on Monday, August 03, 2009 - 06:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'll be eager to see how it plays out. I haven't had any problems with my orange seal bearings but I do not like having to give them a thorough inspection at each fuel stop.

I went ahead and bought a 2020 . . . er, make that 2010 wheel just to check it out . . . we'll see how they do.

EDIT: Ooops . . . that's what I get staying up till 1:00am watching races and then getting up at 4:00am!

(Message edited by court on August 03, 2009)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rwven
Posted on Monday, August 03, 2009 - 06:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"I went ahead and bought a 2020 wheel..."

Court, you are WAY ahead of the curve on this one!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pso
Posted on Monday, August 03, 2009 - 08:12 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Rwcfrank: I have changed my rear tire two times. I have followed the procedure to the T. I used a clicker Craftsman torques wrench and tightened , lossend then retorqued to spec. I just changed out from orange to black seal bearings, in anticipation of a ten day trip. the left side orange bearing had a very slight notchy feel to it. Nothing serious yet, but I am glad I did it. I am not sure if it was going to go or not. 5K miles ago they felt very smooth when I swapped out the tire. 20K miles total. several rides in the rain, no water crossings and garage kept. Supposedly there have been no reported failures of the black seals yet. I am probably going to go ahead and get the rear wheel set-up when I need a new tire, (probaly about 7 or 8K miles)but I am also going to await reports from others.

(Message edited by pso on August 03, 2009)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rwcfrank
Posted on Monday, August 03, 2009 - 01:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Unfortunately I have an early 08 with orange seals. I will just keep an eye on them for now. I absolutely love this bike and I dare not jinx myself by saying I have not had a single issue. As a matter of fact I am scared to try the new reflash since it runs great now. I have a short commute to work and it probably takes me as long to gear up and down for the ride as it would to drive my truck but that bike it sooo much fun to ride..
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Reepicheep
Posted on Monday, August 03, 2009 - 02:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Oh! A bash apple thread?

A friend of mine has a nice G4 powerbook... something with a pretty aluminum case and big nice screen.

He dropped it, breaking the power adapter, and the connector inside the laptop. Apple quoted him (no kidding) $900 to fix it.

I fixed it with $1.79 in parts. It took about 4 hours labor, but only because I was being sloppy and shot a little nut (which has no business being inside a laptop case in the first place) under the mainboard, so it had to come completely apart to find it again. Without that, it would have been an hour job tops.

So if anyone has a screwed up Buell, they should work with their dealer and Buell CS.

If anyone has a broken G4 power adapter, I'll fix it for ***half*** of what Apple wants
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ratbuell
Posted on Monday, August 03, 2009 - 02:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm just trying to figure out why the wife's MacBook is making a "wonk-wonk-wonk" siren noise when she tries to start it up now.....8 months old, strictly schoolwork and email and facebook stuff. <shrug>
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Court
Posted on Monday, August 03, 2009 - 03:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Say what you will about Apple . . . every time I need something . . . it's a matter of MINUTES.

I never fail to remember those HOURS on hold with Dell . . . ."oh, you need xxx department" . . . or "it sounds like a software issue, call Microsoft" . . . "how may helping you may be I?".

I will say that the CHEAP (I saw some special ad in the NY post one day for a Dell Vostro with a 22" flat screen for like $379 that came with Windows XP Pro "downgrade") that I bought for my wife . . .just absolutely kicks butt.

But the Dell is a throw away (I've got a stack of them and IBM laptops) when it breaks, the Apple is a "take, fix, back to work in a hour" deal.

Cool beans.
« Previous Next »

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration