| Author | Message | ||
     Buellgler |
I've posted a few times and the wealth of knowledge on this board is particularly helpful. I think I've actually read every thread here, so much so I can't even remember anything! I recently bought a '99 X1 w/ 1281 miles on it, had the 1k service done @ 1900 miles just to be sure (and switched to synthetic), installed bar-end mirrors, an American Sport Bike carbon undertray & license plate relocator...the bike came with the race ECM, V&H exhaust, K&N (in the stock airbox), Corbin 2 seater saddle (will replace w/ streetfighter saddle shortly). The next immediate project is to replace the primary chain adjuster. However I have aspirations for this bike. As it sits now I am exponentially happy with how fun this bike is (save for some handling quirks), it runs so well, I'm not looking for gobs more power, just air intake to compliment the exhaust, etc. and better looks. So here's my list-o-questions: 1st; I weigh 260 lbs. w/ riding gear, my years of dirtbike riding has learnt me the hard way that new fork/shock springs work far better than simply adding pre-load to the stockers, is this the case for the X1 springs? 2nd; tires: which are the best for twisties in the hills? I might do a track day occasionally, but it will be rare at best. I don't commute. I want good traction during aggressive cornering (doesn't everyone!). Also, should I stay with the stock size or will I screw up the handling if I go to a 180 in the rear? 3rd; Devonator or Devonator II breather set-up? Experiences? Good/Bad? I've been looking for an alternative to the stock X1 airbox, and want an air filter/breather set-up that works well, is reliable, and looks good. I've narrowed the air filter bit down to the hypercharger, or the Mali-air cleaner but am unsure as to what is the best solution for the ever-present breather question (banjo bolts & hoses to a catchcan, or a Devonator to a catchcan, or the Devonator II, other?). 4th; steering stabilizer, I am beginning to wonder if I need one...pro/con opinions? 5th; stock handlebars, which is best for something slightly lower with a bit of rise? Renthals? Don't want way-low like the crossroads. More like the stock bars on a kawa z1000. 6th; will the X1 guages and bits fit into the M2 instrument panel? Thinking about an XB dual light/flyscreen set-up and am curious to know if anyone has done so previously. thanks in advance, this is all I have for now. Looking forward to pre-op & post-op pic posting! | ||
| Henrik |
1) new springs of the correct spring rate would be a good idea. 2) I prefer a rounder profile tire like the Pirelli or Metzeler. Stick with the stock size rear tire. 3) ?? 4) If you get your suspension set up right you shouldn't need a damper unless you do lots of track days. Henrik | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Welcome! I'll answer the ones I can. I'd stick with the 170 rear. Just run a rubber hose to the ground for a breather.  If you want to get fancy, get XB boxes. If you intend on improving the power output of the bike, stay away from the hypercharger. Those are for roadkingglidesleds. I have been running a forcewinder for some time now. It's ugly and overpriced but it works. The Buell race intake is supposed to be better for power I think. I chose the forcewinder because I needed the knee space. I never needed a steering stabalizer. Does your head shake? I think those round guages are the same size for M2 and X1. Put self-adhesive velcro strips between the top of the X1 "dash" and the flyscreen to eliminate that annoying rattle. | ||
| Crashm1 |
Congrats, I love mine too and can't imagine life without it. 1. Matching springs to your weight is good. 2. I've had Metzler Sportecs and currently have Dunlop D205s on my 2K X1. I prefered the Metzlers but do to budget concerns right now needed to switch to something a little harder. I went through two rear Sportecs in 5500 miles. The Dunlops aren't bad they just squiggle sometimes on bumpier roads and aren't as confidence inspiring. They also feel stiffer over bumps. I don't know that it matters much as long as you pick a name brand. 3. Mark at Crossroads makes good stuff and the Mali is small enough to give you some knee room. Hyperchargers look godawful ugly on Buells IMHO. I just got done gutting my airbox as per the X1 files which suprisingly seemed to work at least according to the butt dyno. Since I'm cheap and kinda like the breadbox that was the route I took. I routed the breather to the ground. 4. I live near some pretty twisty, technical and bumpy roads (I take at least one a day just like the doctor ordered) and haven't felt a need for a steering stabilizer yet but I work really hard at keeping my hands loose on the bars so the bike can self correct. They are pretty stable if you let the physics of motorcycles do the work. By the way what are the quirks? Lastly keep an eye on the exhaust, my bike eats mufflers. I think I'm on the route to a fix now I just need to make it pretty. | ||
| Bomber |
2. stay stock size, unless you're looking to go the chpper route -- bigger rear will slow up the steering -- rounder profile tires will lessen the tendancy of the bike to stand up in the turns under braking 3. generally regarded with some suspicion of being an expensive piece of gear that doesn't work quite as well as some hose and a lil catch can -- this could rapidly degenerate into a religious confrontation, though ;-} 4. stabilizer won't be needed once ya get springs in the thing -- stockers are WAY undersrpung for gentlemen of means {grin}, specially up front -- 5. bars -- go to a dirtbike store and take a buncha bars out to the scoot and hold em up -- 6. X1 and M2 clocks are the same size -- fit up no problem at all enjoy yer scoot! | ||
| Djkaplan |
You answered the first question yourself. If your X1 came with PM wheels, you can go up to a 180 without compromising the tire's profile. Stick with a 170 if your bike came with the stock 5" wide rear wheel. Forget the whole issue with the Devonator and just upgrade to XB rocker covers and PCV valves. Use a proper catch can because it's cool and racy. Get a steering dampener if you want one. It'll make you feel better. I heard the flat bar from a Ducati Monster will clear the tank on an X1, but I can't confirm it. | ||
| Buellgler |
I retract the 'quirks' bit, coming from a bike with 12 inches of travel front & rear will make anything with less than 8 inches seem odd. I think you all are right on about the stabilizer, once I get the right springs a lot will change. Even with the compression up & the rebound up I still get a lot of ••• up head down through tight corners, sometimes going a tad wider than I'd like, it's a weird sensation to say the least. I figured it was the springs, but then started wondering if some damping would help me keep my lines better. Springs. What can I say, I'm fully grown! Beyond that, these bikes are bad •••. My two riding buddies roll an '03 z1000, and an '05 sv650; last week we were sitting at a red light when a whole posse of jap/euro riders rolled up. I think each one (about 5 of them) had about 4k in leathers/boots/gloves/helmets, 10k+ in their bikes, and chicken strips that were about 1.5 inches wide. Then they started revving their motors...I was thinking to myself "please." Gave'er one good twist and had 5 faces turning back at me. classic. | ||
| Bomber |
Gler -- buns-up, head down I assume referes to some more suspension movement than you'd like -- definately srpings (rumor has it that the stockers are spec'd for a rider of 165 pounds!) -- right springs will also help with the running wide in corners, although the stock tires will do that too if ya use the front brake while turning XB rckers are a good fix, but close to them (in terms of spooge containment) can be had with the stockers, suitably modified (see the knowledge vault for more than you ever thought possible on this topic ;-} ) I'm around 205 in my altogether, (add some for gear, clearly), and 1.1 KG springs work great -- Buell racing springs are around 1 kg, if memory serves, and are gonna be a little tough to find (ebay) . . .. buncha folks sell em new though (Traxxion, ofr instance), and they're pretty cheap -- they'll transform the bike, no doubt | ||
| Denfromphilly |
Sorry for my rambling long manifesto reply too. Ok, My $.02 worth. Go to Sears and buy a T27 screwdriver. The V&H muffler is a piece of junk. I have one on my 99X1 and it runs good and sounds nice BUT the mounting is a disaster. Mine has broken the rear mount twice and been welded in just the last 4 months. It also loosened the bolts 4x, lost the dog bone bolts once, tore regular nuts/bolts/lockwashers through the slots in the rear mount in the same time frame. The front clamp leaked when the rear mount broke and leaking gas flame cut my header, had to weld it too. Other riders have had the V&H front mount break and drop to the ground while riding, the muffler acted like a pole vault the bike catapulted and riders got seriously injured. I have probably spent 70% of my repair/maintainence time on my V&H muffler. Before you ride, grab the muffler and wiggle it to see if it's loose. Look for cracks in the rear mount!! Test the front mount and header to engine mounts too before every ride. Every time I forgot to do this I regretted it as the muffler came loose and maybe 1/4 of the times I checked something was loose. The rear shock is inadequate for a man of your stature. I weigh 210 and I had to spin my rear shock about 20 revolutions to get it set right and it's almost out of adjustment. You will need a better shock. You want to set the stock shock for 17 to 17.4" from the center of the front eye bolt to the center of the rear eye bolt. You will need a buddy to measure this. After market shocks have different dimensions (I think). Your bike will handle much different when you get it set up right, I though mine was quirky too but after adjustment it's very smooth and flows naturally, very good handling. If you get the shock set too stiff (like mine was great so I had to go for more) the rear tire will slide around corners, there is too little suspension compression for the g-forces and the tire takes all the load. Very exciting! You will want to avoid it... I have a gutted air box on my X1 with the race ecm, etc and there is no reason to make it run any faster. With other air cleaners you need to do something with the IAT sensor too. You may want to consider a 26 tooth front pulley if you like a little faster acceleration. It also throws your speedo off (which can be compensated) so it reads a little high, I feel it keeps me out of more trouble... You should not need a stabilizer, I think your suspension needs to be set up. I am tall and I think a lower front handlebar would make my legs cramp...imho... I like the seating position of the X1, my favorite crotch rocket. Get a catch can, that oil ooze in the air cleaner sucks. Careful on primary oil changes if you change the tensioner (and you will want to change it, a big issue as you know). The specs say to add one quart of oil to the primary but it only needs 24 to 28 ozs. Fill it to the bottom of the clutch, just until it touches. A quart of oil will cause some hydraulic lock problems and make shifting into neutral at an idle hard and cause clunky shifting. It also comes out the overflow and burns on your V&H. When changing the engine oil warm the bike for a while. When filling use a synthetic and fill with about 2 quarts of oil and take a ride. Only fill to about 1/2 way up the dip stick. I filled to the top and oil oozed from everywhere, the oil filler cap, air filter, etc. Some oil is always in the motor and hoses and it really does not take the full 2.5 quart and the excess WILL come out. Get a fan kit or a 12vDC fan to blow on the motor in hot weather. There is a billet oil cooler on ebay all the time too for $30, I don't know how well it works but have one on order. These air cooled bikes get very cranky in traffic during the summer. There is a factory fan kit and suburban harley has the lowest on line price for them and Daves here is the next best price at appleton HD in Wisconsin and he's a contributor so he gets extra credit. Well, I guess this will be enough for now, if you need any help send me an email, I will be happy to do what I can. The service manual is a lot of help too if you can spare a few bucks. Good Luck, these are really great bikes, a lot of fun and fantastic performance. Den 99X1 Blue with white stripes. (Message edited by denfromphilly on July 07, 2005) (Message edited by denfromphilly on July 07, 2005) | ||
| Daves |
"There is a factory fan kit and suburban harley has the lowest on line price for them. " They are 4.36 less than my price. I hope I'm worth 4.36!  | ||
| Denfromphilly |
What's really cool are 120mm 12vDC computer fans with built in thermocouple on a wire, multiple speeds, and built in high power LED's on the blades in many colors for $12.95!! You can get a cool bike and bike cooling and pimp out your Buell all at the same time! I got one of them on order too.. check it out here, about 1/2 way down the page. Don't know if it will take the vibes but I'm gonna try in near my battery for rear cylinder cooling. http://www.coolerguys.com/coolergarage.html Ok Dave, How much is a high power headlight bulb for my X1 that makes more light, hopefully at 5000 degrees K and does not draw more power and make more heat? I want one of them too but $50 makes me want to shoplift. Den | ||
| Deltacruiser |
1) Dave is the man and worth way more that $4.36! 2) As far as suspension goes, I just set my 99X1 up with help from a suspension expert two weeks ago. I'm 190 and the rear shock is cranked all the way tight to get the sag measurement within specs. Anyone over 190 is going to need a stiffer spring. Once you get the compression and dampening set up properly it makes all the difference in the world on the ride. | ||
| Crashm1 |
Hey Delta, I adjusted my rear shock the other day after realizing I'd only been using the last third of its travel. Boy what a difference that made. Nowhere near as harsh over frost heaves, it also gives more feedback about what the rear tire is doing in corners. Thanks for the post that got me thinking. | ||
| Denfromphilly |
Yo Delta, after I read your post I downloaded the articles on suspension set up and read them. I set my shock for less sag, almost to the limit, I am 200 lbs. I have done this before but the rear tire slipped in corners. This time I then reduced the compression setting for more shock compression in the corners and less tire load. I tried a bunch of different settings and it handles a lot better. I did not change any damping, just sag and compression for now. I want to try some more and find the best window but thanks for getting me on the right track so to speak! Den | ||
| Deltacruiser |
Not a problem. Makes a huge difference doesn't it? One thing that will help when you set the stuff up is to have one or two guys there helping you. When we set up our bikes in the class, we were in groups of about 5 people. We would do one bike at a time and then move to another. Some of those adjustments are much easier to see with multiple eyes when you are bouncing the suspension and trying to watch how it settles, etc. A lot of the small movements are really hard to see unless you can step back from your bike and watch as the suspension bounces. | ||
| Denfromphilly |
What was interesting was that I got the bike to a point where it actually turned too far into the turns. Like the front tire just falls to the side when you lean it over, the bike turns more than you expect. Very cool, first time I ever felt this on a bike. Right now it's where it feels really nice, like it responds intuitively. Den | ||
| Tripp |
i am den of earth, damb i miss john candy | ||
| Blake |
"I did not change any damping, just sag and compression for now." Compression... damping.  | ||
| Denfromphilly |
Yo Tripp, here is my Den of Earth pic....damn I love Google, can find anything. http://www.petoftheday.com/archive/2005/May/28.html I didn't think I changed damping, I changed the ya know whaddaya call it, the little screws at the top of the fork and the little screw at the back of the shock. Both CCW, a little here a little there, a little back, wala! Cool! | ||
| Bomber |
Den -- damping comes in two flavors -- compression (resistance to the wheel moving up) and rebound (reistance to the wheel moving down) the little whaddyacallits adjust extactly those attributes of the shock, or of the fork -- so, without knowing it, you DID adjust the damping {cool, yes?} -- furthermore, ya did it the right way, a little at a time, experimenting to find the right combo . . . .. congrats! |
