| Author | Message | ||
     Angushendrick |
I'm the proud owner of a 2002 X1 with 8000 miles on it. Just bought it last week. I'm looking for free advice on a bunch of random topics... 1. The dealer sells the service manual for ~$50. Buy for $50 or wait on e-bay? 2. I'm short. I lowered the front end about 1" from topped out, but its not low enough when it hits the bars. Buellistic suggested I get an extra handlebar clamp and put it under the bar to raise the bars up and give a little more room for the forks to come up. Is that the best/only choice? 3. Has anyone used the Westek kit that lowers the back end? Is it hard to install? Does it hurt handling much? 4. I want my handlebars to come farther back to ease my riding position. I'm looking at a "high handlebar" on JC Whitney: http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ItemBrowse/c-10101/s-10101/p-100000144030/med iaCode-ZX/appId-100000144030/Pr-p_CATENTRY_ID:100000144030 I don't want the grips any higher, but I figure if I lean the bar back, the grips'll be closer to me without hitting the tank. Will this work? Will the cables and other assorted stuff reach? 5. The bike came with a V&H can on it. It still has the stock ECM on it. It seems to run fine, but I'm worried based on what I've read that it may be running a lot lean. Should I go for the Race ECM? 6. I wanna use this bike to commute in DC in the summer. I'm considering the Buell fan, and aftermarket oil coolers including both the Jagg unit and the "Cool Collar", which slips over the filter. (Actually, it looks like I could do all three.) I'm inclined to go with the Jagg and the fan, but at ~$450 for the set, do I need both? 7. My blue powdercoated pipes came pre-scuffed. Does anyone make a high-temperature touch-up paint for them? Thanks in advance! Angus (Message edited by angushendrick on May 23, 2005) | ||
| Koz5150 |
Some guys (like me) have replaced their handlebars with S3T bars. They are a little higher and can be leaned back closer to you. You will have to move the cables to the other side of the neck, but that is pretty easy. THe price on the manual seems high, but I may be wrong? Check with Dave from Appleton Buell (he is in the sponser section) he will give you a 10% discount on stuff. | ||
| Angushendrick |
What's the difference in dimensions between the S3T bars and the stock X1 bars? Using the dimensions on the JC Whitney site, their bars look to be about 2.5" higher (B-Dimension) and 2" deeper (D-Dimension) than the stock X1 bars. After gettin' radical with Pythagorus, I'm guessing those bars would reach out about 3.5" or so toward me compared to stock. | ||
| Oldog |
Congratulations Angus! 1. buy the FSM havent seen any new ones on E-Bay lately 2. doesn't the top clamp have the instrument mount cast into it? 3. if it attaches to the front mount probably not too hard, its a pull shock setup as the rear goes up the shock eye moves forward 4. You would have to get the bars and check if they move UP and Back much I think you might need new (longer)cables, Possible wiring issues too with longer bars the ring harnesses are not set up for longer bars 5. you might want too especialy if you have a low restriction filter too. the stocker does run lean, I would go the Race box before the PC3 Daves and American Sport Bike sell it and Badwebbers get a discount. 6. the fan sounds like a good idea too I put a wimpy one under the scoop I could not tell if there was a big difference. the Kit fan is likely more powerful. The Oil cooler is also a good idea for heavy traffic. the clip over the filter thing i think is a waste of your money One thing about the fan Your right leg WILL get quite warm. the bike will survive for a while with out it i got caught in Miami traffic and got it Good and hot it was ok once i got it moving One last thought when you lower the bike you are altering its "geometry" please be careful there Its been a topic here recently so look around I think CJ was just doing that. I hope that this was of some use, ultimately you bike will become an expression of your tastes in some ways once again welcome to the old school.. all the best the ol dog  (Message edited by ol-dog on May 23, 2005) | ||
| Hotrodsportster |
The S3T bars are the same ones that come on the later Buell Blasts. They go for $15 - 20 on ebay all the time. As was mentioned earlier, give them a try prior to spending "big" bucks for after market bars. The fan and oil cooler would seem to be good options for a computer bike. The Buell one is a bit "pricey" however, it seems to help with rear cylinder heat. The Jagg cooler is a no-brainer for summer stop and go travel. Get the one with the thermostat built-in. Ride Safe Just our $.02 worth. | ||
| Angushendrick |
Thanks Oldog! Do you know where I can get a cover for the paycheck receptacle on my bike? Mine seems to have fallen off... There's a new Race ECM on eBay. I've know I've seen them for sale on line, but I seem to locate one now that I'm ready to buy. Whats a good price? Angus | ||
| Koz5150 |
I paid $75 for mine. | ||
| Angushendrick |
Thanks Hotrod & Koz, The JC Whitney bars are $25, so not too much different. Any perspective on how much effort is involved in extending wires? Will I have to replace the brake line and clutch cable as well? Koz, was that an e-bay buy for the Race ECM or from a store? Used or new? Angus | ||
| Bomber |
ANgus -- unless you put apehangers on the scoot, you won't have to extend the control cables or wires -- rerouting em will do the trick | ||
| Patrickh |
Angus, #1. Buy the manual. I got mine on ebay and still paid $40.00 #2. By raising your forks by 1" you have made a substantial change to the geometry of your bike. I would lower the rear to suit. #5. You can tell if your bike is running lean by pulling the plug and taking a reading. The service manual (see #1) has nice a diagram in the front if you do not know what you are looking for. | ||
| Angushendrick |
Will the Race ECM for the XB work with my 2002 X1? Angus | ||
| Rick_a |
My bike had the lowering kit installed. I modified it to raise it back up again. Lowered sportbikes...yuk. Lowering the front end 1" without the rear can cause dangerous instability problems. | ||
| Tbolt_pilot |
Angus, I saw that you are going to commute in D.C. Good luck! I commute into DC everyday and found that the Durango offers much better protection. I have the tall bars on my S3 and always kinda wanted the shorter ones. **Can someone tell us if they will swap out for sure? Mine are 7/8" bars, right? I might be willing to do a swap if we could work it out. | ||
| Deltacruiser |
I've got the S3T bars on my X1 and they work great. In my case they were already on the bike when I bought it. The prior owner said it was a lot more comfortable that way than with the stock X1 bars. The only time I wish I had the stock bars on there was when I'm really riding aggressively through the corners. Then I think that extra 1" of width and being 2" lower would be nice in order to get a little more body weight up over the front tire. Most of the time they seem fairly comfortable to me the way they are, so I'm leaving them alone for now. | ||
| José_quiñones |
Yes, 7/8 bars you could swap and try it. Angus, XB ECM will not work for "Tubers". You have a few options: 1. Race ECM. Unplug stock, plug in race ECM, reset TPS. Simple, but Race ECM's are getting harder to find. 2. Keep stock ecm and add TFI or Power Commander box. upside is no TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) reset is needed, you can tune it, and remove it and go back to completely stock; downside is that you could get lost in tuning it without actually putting it on a Dyno to dial it in. For cooling purposes, the fan is the way to go. That with Synthetic oil and the 10R12 spark plugs and the bike will handle stop and go pretty good for an air cooled bike. Just remember to keep the clutch cable lubed. | ||
| Ghost69 |
I hope this doesn't sound like a dumb question, but what is the proper way to lube your clutch cable? Thanks, Wade | ||
| Oldog |
Angus: I hope that some of the info has been helpful, I havn't seen a paycheck recepticle cover lately if you find one on E-Bay,in carbon fiber beware! it will proly fall off on you. LOL American Sport Bike and Daves (sponsor members) offer new race ecms, The techlusion only adds fuel as I have been told, The PC3 controls pulse width (lean rich) instaling the PC3 is a bit of a pita. If you have a note book its nice to load the map and see whats going on. The PC3 boxes are no longer made for buell tubers and they are getting scarse I recall that Al_Lighton and Daves have posted that the Race kit ECM for tubers in in production again. Truth is If I had the coin I would spring for that and remove the PC3 On second thought Bomber is likely right about the wiring & cables I would check any way (My luck they would be short) One last thought buying new gives you a warranty and again Welcome I'v enjoyed the giggle on paycheck recepticle, The work day was like being in a vacuum other wise | ||
| José_quiñones |
HERE is one way to lube your clutch cable | ||
| José_quiñones |
Here is another one. | ||
| Ghost69 |
José, Thanks for the info, this is something that hadn't even crossed my mind, this will be added to my maintenance list. | ||
| Angushendrick |
Thanks everyone for all the free advice. This site is great. My conclusion based on all this is that I should probably spring for everything on my list except for the slip on oil cooler. (Now it needs to become my wife's conclusion and we're there.) My one remaining hesitation is whether the oil cooler and the fan are overkill. Also, from the deafening silence, I take it no one has any suggestions for touching up my scuffed blue pipes... Bueller... anyone... Angus P.S., TBolt, I sent you an e-mail. I'm definitely game to swap bars with you. (Message edited by AngusHendrick on May 25, 2005) | ||
| Bomber |
X1 and S3T share the same cables, hoses and wiring harnesses -- goin to S3T bars should pose no problem touching up powder coating (pipes) is tough, from what I've been told by a pro -- getting the color to match is always an iffy proposition, and getting the paint to stick is trouble as well -- live with it til next winter, and then get em re-done is likely the best solution | ||
| Denfromphilly |
I bought the fan kit at my local dealer, they were most unhelpful in all phases of interaction with this and every other part or inquiry about my Buell. I recall the part number is Z0008.KA and I would recommend you buy it on line at Suburban Harley. Charlie there the parts guy is helpful and the price will save you almost $30.00. It's not too hard to install but the directions to install are hard to find. I have a PDF file copy if you need it. It ain't much of a fan either, it does not seem to blow much air, if I had to do it again I would find a 12vDC computer fan at radio shack and tie wrap it to the frame. The best thing about the kit is the thermal switch that turns it on and off. The directions say to mount it on the front cylinder but I mounted the switch to the rear as the wires would not reach from the front. Good Luck Den 99X1 | ||
| Angushendrick |
Bomber, Any idea how much $ to get pipes recoated? It doesn't sound cheap and convenient... Angus | ||
| Angushendrick |
Denis, I'm going to look into a DIY approach. I bet I could rig up a thermal switch for it too. How does the kit sensor attach to the cylinder? Angus | ||
| Denfromphilly |
HD/Buell uses a silicon switch that looks like a transistor with a couple leads. The switch bolts on a piece of metal that is a little slow to heat and cool so the fan does not go on and off all the time. The + lead goes to the switch and another lead to one side of the fan. It bolts to the top of the rocker cover and gets hot and passes current. Serious rocket science here...not. I attached the PDF instructions but they are too big, you want to see them tell me where to send it...Den 99X1 | ||
| Bomber |
Angus -- not a clue, brother (sorry) -- if memory serves, there was only one vendor that did that color (I'm remembering Classic Coatings in the milwaukee area, but I could be mixing that up with something else) . . . do a search in the Knowledge vault, and you'll likely get a buncha hits | ||
| José_quiñones |
I would get the fan before the oil cooler. When you are stuck in traffic, so is the oil cooler, without air moving across it, the oil is not being cooled. The fan will get air moving across the engine and help to keep it cool stuck in traffic. I have tried both, my experience told me the fan was more effective in traffic where you really need it. | ||
| Angushendrick |
That makes sense José. Angus | ||
| Bluelightning |
Jose's just a wealth of Buell knowledge... To bad I can't keep mine running long enough to go ride with him..... | ||
| Rick_a |
I've got an oil cooler myself. Stuck in traffic there is still one benefit...it takes a bit longer to get too hot due to the oil being at a lower temp to begin with. I also have a finned aluminum Scotts oil filter which helps some, too. | ||
| Angushendrick |
Rick, I'm thinking of getting a Scott's filter for my next change. How do you like it? Angus | ||
| Rick_a |
Serves it's purpose, aids cooling, and can be re-used indefinitely. It can warn you of cataclysmic doom. I dig it. | ||
| Angushendrick |
Hmmm... I'm not sure if I want to be warned of cataclysmic doom. I'd rather just go blindly and happily to my fate. Angus | ||
| Bartimus |
Has anyone put a fan on the oil cooler? Would there be any benefits, compared to putting it at the rear cylinder? | ||
| Mmmi_grad |
Even in the old days of panhead racing racers were doing things to force air and cool the intake. Cooler intake = cooler running bike. I dont have pics of what i once seen years ago but almost made a air scoop for the intake manifold on my panhead. stuck in chicaogo traffic warrents a fan on intake. (Message edited by mmmi_grad on June 06, 2005) | ||
| Denfromphilly |
Yo, for those of you doing the XB rocker mod and have the fan question the XB board has some info. Their fan is controlled by the ECM and uses the head temp sensor that our bikes have. They have no switch. I was checking out the XB rockers and feel that maybe we could use the existing switch with a few washers under it to get it flush with the cover. That's my only suggestion at this point...Den 99X1 |
