| Author | Message | ||
     Mikej |
Thanks Al, It probably would be good to add B-018 to the collection here. | ||
| Ceejay |
Al, interesting stuff, does anyone know if this applies to later models? specifically a '00 cyclone as I am in the middle of a rebuild. wahoo! | ||
| Al_lighton |
Well, they didn't change the motor mount or the bolts in any of the later years, so I suspect the problem is the same. It would be interesting to see if M2's have had a lower failure rate than S3's or X1's. M2's don't use the upper heim joint, S3's and X1's do. Hmmm.. In any case, I think the key is the webbed mount, either like that on the early S1's and S2's, or the Nallin mount. It is interesting to note that Sparky had serious miles on his 96 S1, then a newer non-webbed mount got fitted, then he had the failure. I'll be interested in seeing if my failures on this go away with the Nallin mount fitted. Al | ||
| Mikej |
"M2's don't use the upper heim joint" Are you sure about that? Pretty sure I saw an upper joint on my '00 M2 last time I had the tank off, but maybe I'm confusing terms with something that looks like it would be an upper Heim joint. | ||
| Bomber |
there is an upper heim joint on 00 M2s -- runs from the frame to the heck-for-strong steel piece that bridges between the front and rear heads, and creates moutning points for the chike knob and horn | ||
| Balderon |
OK, I'm sure this is an often repeated question but... XB12S is on my short list. I have a few concerns that you experienced owners could answer: The bike has a tendency to stand up under braking. How much of a real world problem is this? I keep hearing that the geometry combined with the brakes make the bike great for stoppies. Well I really have no interest in doing stoppies and wonder if this is an issue during emergency/panic stops and overall braking control? Flexibility - how limited? Is this suitable as a the only bike in my garage? Thanks Ahead | ||
| Blake |
Yes, thank you Snail! Al, a copy of the B-018 would be most welcome. Thanks. | ||
| Doerman |
Balderon: 1) Standing up under braking. This has been an attributes of Buell motorcycles since the S1 was introduced. It is not necessarily a negative once you know it occurs. All bikes do this, and my Duc 900SS is a worse offender than my xb9r. On other words, the xb series is no more pronounced in it’s tendency to want to stand up while applying front brake in a leaned over position than previous Buells 2) Stoppies I’ve not hurt myself doing an inadvertent stoppie on my S1 or XB9R. The short wheelbase and excellent brakes lends itself to be able to perform one, but not inadvertently 3) Is this bike capable of being my only steed? I’d say yes, unless this is significant part of your riding - I often ride two up - I often go on long trips where more than 500 miles/day is involved I hope it helps | ||
| Mikej |
Balderon, You are in the realm of needing a test ride. That alone will answer your questions more than anyone else's perceptions. As far as suitability of an XB being the only bike in a garage, well that will depend on your uses and needs in a bike. For me, personally, an XB would not be suitable as an only bike, but would probably suffice as a second or third bike. For others an XB makes a somewhat perfect solo bike. YMMV. Take a test ride if you can, then decide. And maybe update your profile to add at least what continent you are on as that may help people to direct you to local shops and contacts. Just a suggestion. | ||
| Rick_a |
An S1 has been my only vehicle for the last three years. If an XB is suitable as an only bike depends entirely on you. Ride one! | ||
| Fullpower |
balder: regarding the XB. standup under braking is evident on stock tires, but is very much minimized with metzeler or pirelli tires. a stoppie while possible to accomplish, is something that you work at. if you grab the brake too hard at speed, you will lock the wheel, and leave rubber on the road, it takes a pretty careful, concentrated effort to achieve the precise amount of near-maximum controlled brake effort to keep the rear wheel aloft, i dont think you will "accidently" perform a such a difficult stunt. but do practice. with the proper saddle the XB is a fine long distance touring mount, but is in my opinion a solo bike. you may take someone for a short ride to fetch lunch or coffee, but she better have a small rear end. for me the XB12s is the perfect sport-touring commuter bike. take a nice long test ride. regards, dean h ravin | ||
| Rocketman |
Bill, quit riding my back. There's nothing in my reply to Paul of a personal nature in the manner you appear to be suggesting. My opinions however, are just as valued here as anyone else's, including yours. You know something, you've become a right Blakeite in your efforts to sanitize the board, yet there's still a stink of shite around the place. I wonder if that's because I'm still here, or the Blakeite's have lost the plot. Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
Anyone suffering the motor mount bolt snapping problem would do well to read those old threads and take heed. Thanks for finding that thread Al. I had looked myself a few months ago but didn't manage to find them. Rocket | ||
| Ingemar |
I did 800 miles in three days 2-up on my xb9r. 500 of those were backroads. The rear spring is too soft and my wife was complaining about pain in her hips and a sore rear end. Nevertheless we managed to have a lot of fun together and we won't hesitate to repeat it. The hardest part for both of us was to keep a little distance between me and her. She was very comfortable leaning against me, but that would put too much strain on my neck and wrists. Not your typical comfi tourer, but definitely possible with good fun. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Please take any personal dialogs (particularly ones including statements that could reasonably be construed by third parties as insults) over to personal email. Including ones directed at me  Bill "current lightning rod on-call duty" Kilgallon | ||
| Snail |
Rocket, old Druid, email me your address so I can continue to insult you. | ||
| Court |
>>>"M2's don't use the upper heim joint" That is an inaccurate statement. ALL Buell, for the last 21 years, have had an upper Heim joint. The one that "evolved" onto the bike was the 4th. I'd need to do some checking to find the year, but it appeared (I think in 2000) on everything but the M-2. Someone confirm? Court | ||
| Rocketman |
sean_pepper@hotmail.com Rocket | ||
| Blake |
"My opinions however, are just as valued here as anyone else's, including yours." That is a highly inaccurate statement. | ||
| Al_lighton |
OK, I wasn't clear which one. I'm talking about the 2nd upper heim joint that attached to the front motor mount. All of the tubers have the one in the middle of the V above the carb/throttle body in order to react roll axis engine movement, but only the 99 and later S3's and X1's have the forward upper heim joint that attaches to the front motor mount above the left side bolt (the one that fails). The S1 frame doesn't even have the gusset to attach that heim joint. The M2, having the same frame as the S3, has the hard point, and one could add that heim joint to their M2 if they wanted to. here is the picture, with the new Nallin mount, on my S3.  (Message edited by al_lighton on October 18, 2004) | ||
| Mikej |
Interesting. Would be interesting to see an FEA analysis of the Heim joint configurations and resulting stress factors involved. One might think the upper-V joint would induce similar stress loads to the bolts, or not. And if you factor in the other "4th" Heim joint that some add to the rear of some S2's there would be another variable involved. I wonder if a failure could be induced deliberately like was eventually made to happen with the shock issue. Oh well, something to ponder for the rest of the afternoon. Then I'll look at the M2 and S2 tonight when I get home. Then I'll throw a few pinecones in the back yard for the dog to play fetch with and probably get something to eat and do some homework and other stuff. "Curiouser and curiouser...." | ||
| Al_lighton |
BTW, I always thought that the 99 and later M2's and S3's used the exact same frame. There is but one difference that I am aware of: The frame gusset just behind the throttle body/carb between the somewhat vertical member and the top frame tube has a large 1.5" or so diameter hole on an S3, but is a full gusset with a mounting hole for the large heat shield on the M2's. I'm not aware of any other differences. Does anyone know if there are any? Al | ||
| Bomber |
Al -- this is from memory, but I think it's correct -- the aft end of the S3 and M2 frames differ a fair amount -- the horizontal frame member on the M@ stays horizontal, while, on S3s, it corves down some, possib le for the tailight housing, and, (I'm guessing here, cuz the last S3 frame I saw had the bags off) for the bag mounting hardware -- you're right on the gusset on M2s though -- little 1/4 or so taped hole for the leading/upper edge of the heatshield | ||
| Balderon |
Folks, thanks for the feedback. I don't plan on doing any 2-up riding. I would also replace the stock seat with a Corbin. Re-entering biking I like the light weight and the V-Twin, (never was into reving to 13K). I'm looking for an all arounder and and don't like other offerings (maybe the Interceptor). I do plan on some longer rides but nothing in the Iron Butt realm, I assume the Corbin would be a help. Thanks for your comments. | ||
| Hootowl |
"The one that "evolved" onto the bike was the 4th. I'd need to do some checking to find the year, but it appeared (I think in 2000) on everything but the M-2. Someone confirm?" My 99 X1 has the 4th hemi joint. | ||
| Rick_a |
That heim joint was "optional" on the M2. All the '99 and up have the mounts. | ||
| Rick_a |
Balderon...my brother has an Interceptor VTEC...he loves it but wishes it handled as good as my old raggedy Buell. | ||
| Paulinoz |
"Even the Australians treated me like an old friend!" We resemble that remark. Snail sounds like you had fun and now have the reason to sink some even more serious horsepower into that Gixer of yours. Way to go mate. You guys need to learn to be less parochial, cross the Pacific we have very hard salt at sea level,cood coffey and even better beer. Down side 20 million Australians to avoid. | ||
| Blake |
Better beer? I just finished two pints of Boddingtons Pub Ale purchased at my local store here in Kilgore, Texas. Beats that Fosters stuff all you Aussies swill down in mass quantities. | ||
| Court |
>>>I always thought that the 99 and later M2's and S3's used the exact same frame They do, excpet for the tail section. The M2's that did not ahve the 4th Heim joint had the mounting tabs for it. Make that 1999 Hoot....I see it here in the '99 catalog. Court |
