| Author | Message | ||
     Ron_luning |
Since H-D is paying the bill for this here are some things to think about: 1) Have you had your clutch leak fluid out of the 'weep hole'? 2) How close did you get to losing control of the clutch as a result of fluid depletion in the reservoir? 3) If you were more of a novice motorcyclist or simply less attentive, would there be serious potential to leak enough fluid to lose control of the clutch? 4) If you couldn't control the clutch, might you crash? 5) When your warranty runs out, and your motorcycle then starts to leak clutch fluid, are you sure the repairs be free of charge? If you think that this clutch fluid leak phenomenon poses a safety risk and should therefore be an official recall AND you have experienced the leak yourself, you might consider filing a complaint with the NHTSA. The NHTSA is the driving force behind safety recalls in motor vehicles. This is their website: http://www.nhtsa.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.be ad436724af02e770f6df1020008a0c/ | ||
| Froggy |
Yep on one of my two bikes.
Beats me, I rode it for about a thousand miles before it started loosing feel, then I rode it home from work clutchless. Once I got it home, I used an mightyvac and bled it, it came back to life, a few hundred more miles slowly leaking, I got it fixed today at the dealer.
It took so long to have an affect, it would be blatently obvious something was wrong, then worst case scenario I could of had it towed.
I crashed into a parked car while doing 60mph on my XB. Your point? If you don't feel safe operating something, then don't. Its not like you are just running along, clutch all the sudden fails and makes you do 150mph. I don't see how it would cause an accident. Annoying? Sure, especially if you have to deal with traffic, otherwise its non issue.
Nope, but if your engine exploded out of warranty you expect a new one?
Guess what, it doesn't. My tail light bulb on my CR was a bigger safety risk than the clutch. Hurry up and drive your Prius into a brick wall so you can sue. | ||
| Ron_luning |
HA! How dare I question the sanctity of anything Buell? I recall a video posted by one guy on here where the fluid literally squirted out of the hole like a water pistol with each squeeze of the clutch lever. How long would his bike take to lose the clutch? I bet it wouldn't take thousands of miles, probably less than 100. What if the clutch wouldn't disengage when trying to stop mid-corner after some d-bag or animal crosses your path, and the rear wheel locks up when the engine stalls? Maybe you'd be such a stud rider that you wouldn't go down, or maybe you'd be killed. I vaguely recall another member on this board whose clutch failed to work properly several times (not sure if it was the fluid leak that caused it) and he was going parking lot speeds causing him to stall the bike and drop it. It's pretty easy to break a wrist or ankle that way, and it's not because of the rider doing something stupid. By the way, I've never sued anyone or anything, and I don't drive a Prius (or any foreign car for that matter). If you don't think that anything needs to be done about the clutch leak not being a safety recall, then don't tell the NHTSA...it's that simple. | ||
| Froggy |
You can, just don't make yourself look like a fool. 
Yep, and guess what? It doesn't happen out of the blue! You wouldn't be fine and dandy than 2 minutes later no clutch at all.
Again, its not instant no clutch, short of physically cutting the line to the master cylinder. I've had clutches fail before on other bikes and cars, it is no issue at all. Worst case scenario, you call a tow truck!
Your telling me you have never stalled a bike before? So its Buell's fault the bike got dropped because someone couldn't balance it?
Cool.
Yep, and its also simple not to waste peoples time on here with meaningless crap like this. If you want, do the same about the turn signal failures, you might have a leg to stand on, but given how turn signals aren't legally needed in many areas, I don't know how that would work. | ||
| Bishopjb1124 |
My 08 has 6000 miles on it and just developed the leak. I agree with Ron, it could be a safety issue for an inexperienced rider. I am going to take it in tomorrow and get the updated part put on my bike. Many new riders bought these bikes during the fire sale and for some of them this may be there first experience on a bike and it could be a bad thing for them. Jimmy | ||
| Leechykyle |
I had my clutch weep fixed last October/November. I rode it home from the dealer and there it sat until last month when I started riding again for the season. Now, the new clutch is weeping again and they're ordering parts. Again. Makes me wonder what they did the first time, since this fix didn't even last 1,000 miles. | ||
| Dvy_bby9 |
It's not a recall yet because they probably haven't figured out how to fix it  | ||
| Court |
>>>HA! How dare I question the sanctity of anything Buell? You didn't really question anything, sanctity or otherwise. You just offered up a bunch of stupid "what if" scenarios to which there are no "one size fits all" answers. Quit your whining, your "what iffin?" and if it's broke, fix it. That seems to elude so many today. By the way, I think it's a great idea to notify NHTSA. In each and every case they've found Buells records and responses to be the best in the motorcycle business and you are paying them anyway. Be sure to keep us informed of their response. I'm not sure if you've ever dealt with a federal agency. I did once when the DOL had an egregious error. I hired and attorney, scheduled a meeting and flew to Washington, DC. They agreed I was right and set about correcting their "inadvertence" (they don't make mistakes, they "create inadvertence's"". To their credit they did what they were supposed to do . . . it just took 7 years. If I sincerely thought my safety was in jeopardy . . . well, I'd fix the damn thing regardless of who was paying and I'd not play stupid and wait to be saved by the United States Government. But . . hey, that's just me. | ||
| Kicka666 |
Pmsl at froggy, I take my hat off to ya. If I had a sook to my local Harley dealer in Australia, he would probably punch me in the head & tell me to piss off. If my clutch leaks I will pull it apart & fix it. It is as simple as that...  | ||
| Ratbuell |
...anyone ever break a clutch cable before? THAT is an instant "no-clutch" scenario! Ever do it 2 hours from home? In the rain? Broke one on my FLHP (and yes, cop bikes have a clutch-starter interlock). Upshifts, not too bad - preload shifting *does* work on an old Evo! - but the downshifts in the rain were pretty high on the pucker-factor And I agree with Court - if I thought my safety was in danger, I'd either take the steps to fix it myself ("if you want it done right...", right?), or I'd get out of the hobby altogether. From Merriam-Webster: Main Entry: ac·count·abil·i·ty Pronunciation: \ə-ˌkau̇n-tə-ˈbi-lə- tē\ Function: noun Date: 1794 : the quality or state of being accountable; especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions Individuals need to reacquaint themselves with this concept. It's not always someone else's fault, and there's not always someone in the wings waiting to save you from yourself (although the lawyers would like you to think so). (Message edited by ratbuell on April 10, 2010) | ||
| Tbenson |
How is the "clutch weep" the buyer's fault? What are you supposed to fix it with, when the parts offered is not 100% fixing the problem? "Individuals need to reacquaint themselves with this concept. It's not always someone else's fault, and there's not always someone in the wings waiting to save you from yourself (although the lawyers would like you to think so)." +infinity Ratbuell!!! On the other side though, this does not exclude Companies, Organization's, Law Enforcement, Government ETC. ETC., All should reunite this concept! Court, Is the shut down of Buell a good example of placing the blame and a bunch of "what iffin"? Not bashing, just curious, why one only sees others as whiners, only to ignore their own actions are on the same level, just a different subject. Under any circumstance, there is always an excuse or an avenue to blame, if one chooses to go that route, as anyone can act as another, if they choose, but some recognize wrong from right, and do not! Troy | ||
| Sparropie |
I think everybody is stupid but me. And I should know...  | ||
| Freight_dog |
How is the "clutch weep" the buyer's fault? Exactly! I didn't build the effing thing. If I did I would expect to be "accountable". Lay the fault where it belongs. That is what sucks about this forum. It isn't the whiners. That is why we are here, to sympathize with each others headaches and help out when possible. Every time someone posts something like this, a MOD jumps on them like they are the a-hole. I would expect a moderator to limit the backbiting, not CAUSE it! Its too bad this is the Buell forum with the best knowledge base to go along with all the sand kicking. | ||
| Freight_dog |
I really dont mean to offend Froggy, I really enjoy most of your posts on BWB, but your response here struck a nerve. I would hesitate to say it is a non issue. Some of these things squirt slippery fluid out. That could be a far worse thing than just losing your clutch. | ||
| Ron_luning |
Clearly there are differing opinions on this topic. The NHTSA certainly won't do anything about one notification of a problem. They probably won't do anything with 500 notifications unless multiple people report injuries or fatalities. But much like voting for elected officials, you can't "whine" about it if you never cast your vote. And to address something that is completely irrelevant to this discussion: regardless of BMC's (R.I.P.) former record of having the best recall responses, the public perception is that they are not so good. If I quoted whatever statistics show they are so great, but then I pull a rag out of my pocket to wipe the DOT4 brake fluid off the engine cover, brake pedal, and swingarm at work each morning (after it has been repaired!) the guys parked next to me with BMW, Yamaha, and Triumph bikes will have a nice chuckle. | ||
| Therealassmikeg |
I'm drinkin' a few PBR's for lunch. Thats "Pabst Blue Ribbon" for those of you non trailer trash Buellers. Anyone want to join me? Weehaa...we got a squirter here!! lol Ron.. what you do with this is your business, you won't hurt my feelings... Cheers Mike G | ||
| Black |
Had a leak on mine. Got it fix for free. Carried a bottle of DOT 4 while I had the leak....... | ||
| Freezerburn840 |
There is not just a clutch leak there is the stator issue. Fixed both of them once already. If I have the dealer fix either one 3 times. I will look into legal action. Both of them are huge safety issues period. I will cross that bridge if it ever comes. I hope it wont I love my 1125CR but there is no substitute for accountability that is the bottom line. I hope Harley/Buell have done enough research on the harness and that will be the fix for the long haul with stator overheat issue. I hope the slave cylinder they replaced as well as other components within the clutch is the fix. I just hope so for their sake. | ||
| Thefleshrocket |
Court and Froggy, I don't understand why you're getting onto Ron. The bottom line is that any time the controls in a vehicle don't respond the way they are supposed to, there is a safety risk. Considering that the clutch weep is a known issue and considering that it can cause the clutch to not work as expected, I think it's safe to say that this should be a recall or, at the very least, something that has an indefinite warranty on it. | ||
| Ron_luning |
I was a little skeptical at first about the stator overheating issue being a valid SAFETY recall, so I figured I'd take a look and see what other recalls were out there for motorcycle manufacturers. Below is a copy of the first example I looked at: Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): YAMAHA / FJR1300 2006-2009 -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V002000 Summary: YAMAHA IS RECALLING 9,300 MY 2006-2009 FJR1300 MOTORCYCLES. THE INTERNAL SWITCH WIRING COULD BECOME DISCONNECTED. IF THIS OCCURS ELECTRICAL CURRENT FLOW WILL BE STOPPED AND THE ENGINE COULD STALL. Consequence: IF THE ENGINE STALLS, THE OPERATOR MAY BE UNABLE TO START OR RESTART THE ENGINE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT YAMAHA AT 1-800-962-7926. Although with the charging system failure, the rider is given a warning via the check engine light, it is feasible that the rider may not notice it in time. In a recent post on here, one guy saw the light and kept riding to get home. The bike died and was unable to restart after 30 or so miles. So it isn't completely different from the scenario described above for the FJR1300. My whole point with this is not to look to sue anyone, or blame a vehicle if I ride it in a foolish manner. Rather, my concern is the REQUIREMENT of the manufacturer to repair a vehicle with a well established defect after the manufacturer's warranty has expired free of charge to the customer. From what I understand, both the clutch leak and the charging system fix are part of a "customer satisfaction campaign" or something to that effect. I am not a lawyer, and am therefore ignorant of the difference between that and a safety recall regarding how long it is in place, and the legal requirement for a manufacturer to stand by it. If someone knows the difference, I mean really knows it and isn't guessing, please say so. Some of these bikes are already out of the 2 year warranty period. What kind of help will H-D provide Buell customers in 4 or 5 years? Also, I'm very pleased to see that those without anything intelligent to say have stuck to the standard practice of name calling. | ||
| Black |
In Court's and Froggy's defense, you have to have been on the Bad Web for a while to understand. Going strictly from what I read on the bad Web, I would be afraid to ride my Buells. No, I would be scared to death. The reality is that I have had a problem with a rotator in the secondary ignition of my X-1 and a clutch leak and a bad set of turn signals on my 1125R. Sure, I got mad as hell about the X-1....wrote a couple of nasty (no profanity) letters to HD ....but stayed the course. It was a very hard to find but very simple fix that has stood the test of time. The 1125 required a replacement of the clutch actuator mechanism (or some doodad under the clutch cover) and a new clutch cover....so the paint damage wouldn't offend my delicate sensibilities. Anyway, I recommend you count to ten, buy a manual, and make sure that you are going to a decent dealer.....hint hint.....do they race Buells? My Buells have been a lot less trouble than ANY car I have ever owned, with the exception of an F-150 (had a bad oxygen sensor.....that's it!) | ||
| Sportster_mann |
But surely, if the clutch has been repaired under warranty, does the warranty not get renewed on that part for a further 2 years ? And if the clutch hasn't leaked within the warranty period then it isn't likely to - unless you don't ride the bike much - in which case you deserve what you get ! | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
love my 1125r not my first rodeo first buell though i love things that are different. this is clutch fix i believe #3 since new there are 1800 miles on this bike. wtf | ||
| Greenflash |
Ducatis circa 2001 (my 900ss) had a known cluch slave cylinder leak issue; the fix included upgraded o-rings. The fix was not a recall; only the bikes that leaked were fixed for free. I was in Tampa 4 hours away from my home when I realized that shifting was getting very hard. I bought two bottles of DOT4 and rode the 4 hours home, stopping to top up the reservoir periodically. Sure it was a bit of a pain, but I made it home fine. This issue is absolutely not confined to Buell. Both manufacturers responses were similar, and in my opinion perfectly adequate! | ||
| Black |
Boogieman, What does that mean? Three actuator replacements? Would appreciate hearing the list of your repairs. Thanks much! (Message edited by black on April 10, 2010) | ||
| Jpinkerton |
I am a little naive when it comes to the clutch weep, but I am pretty sure I have a slight showing of it. My clutch cover puck definitely has fluid coming out of the hole on the bottom side of it. Is this the "weep" that everyone mentions? Or is there an actual leak from the clutch cover/gasket combo? When you pull the puck off there is a nut that holds the clutch together. This is where my bike leaks from. | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
Black- taken the bike in three times since delivery for the leaky clutch. first time was upgraded to the rev.c cover and new o-rings or whatever the 'fix' is. same each time. the dealer is baffled by it i am beginning to wonder if i have a shaft out of alignment that is putting weird pressure on the the slave causing the leak?? dunno what the deal is but im just plain out tired of dealing with it. | ||
| Jpinkerton |
Went riding last weekend and the clutch leak is definitely becoming an issue now. The fluid accumulates in the puck, leaks out of the weep hole and sprays all over the rear brake lever. On several occasions my foot slipped off of the brake lever because of the slippery fluid. How can I make a complaint to the recall and bulletin organization? |
