| Author | Message | ||
     Teddagreek |
The water cooled bikes I've owned have only had a single Radiator.. I'm not familiar with the the pod thing.. Seen them on dirt bikes anyways.. Why pods.. This bike was designed from scratch. Where they trying to keep their wheelbase at a certain length.. I just don't get the pod deal.. Why double your chance of something breaking or wearing out.. anyways if anyone can explain the pro's and cons of this style water cooling? | ||
| Manofthefield |
Not sure where I read it, or if it was just in my head, but my understanding is that it was done to keep the wheelbase short without running the front wheel into the radiator. Probably also gets them out into "cleaner" air too | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
well my thinking would be so you could one keep the wheelbase and 2 mabe 2 radiators are better than one. 3 Its not the first bike to do it the rc51 also has 2 radiators but they are not covered but the "pods" as you call them and some rc51 owners say that they can make you crotch area rather hot and maybe the pods will help prevent that from hapening plus push more air to the radiators cooling them down better. Just my thoughts any way. | ||
| Metalstorm |
It would probaly have to be a big real ugly radiator. I like the pods. They hide the plumbing somewhat and make the bike look aggressive. I really think the pods will be cool (literaly) in real life. The top down picture of the 1125R is probably the best one as it shows that the pods don't really stick a whole lot at all. They sorta follow the flow of the frame.  | ||
| Anonymous |
Most water-cooled bikes push the engine aft from the front wheel to make room for the radiator. That doesn't give the best weight distribution, so the 1125 doesn't use that design. There are other issues with the conventional design as well, such as the disturbed flow from the front fork and wheel that means the entire radiator surface isn't really useful with a big, one-piece radiator . . . | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
i just noticed it does flow really nicley with the frame at the top veiw. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
It looks really elegant from the top. I wonder how much protection the radiators have in the case of a tip-over or a low-side? | ||
| Ryker77 |
The pods are growing on me... Ugly at first. Now I think it just makes the bike a Buell. Not soo much ugly just different and it works. Both Buell and the Aftermarket sector will be able to alter the looks of the pods- either blend in with CF or stand out with chrome rings! | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
chrome? this bike would look ugly with chrome! CF might look kinda sexy however. | ||
| Jimidan |
If you read the company's literature: "The all-new front fairing and radiator cowling was developed using the latest computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to provide superior aerodynamics, rider comfort, and efficient air flow to longitudinal radiators and a ram-air intake system." "- Radiators are mounted longitudinally between the front wheel and the frame. This radiator location also allows the engine to be positioned further forward in the frame." "- 72-degree cylinder angle and a very compact case and cylinder head design allow the engine to be located far forward in the chassis, distributing 54 percent of the vehicle weight on the front tire." "- Twin side-mounted free flowing radiators are mounted longitudinally within aerodynamic cowlings. The position of the radiator system lowers the center of gravity and centralizes mass, and allows the cowlings to direct free-flowing air to each radiator. The cowlings have an internal vane (splitter) to split airflow efficiently and were designed with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to optimize air flow at all speeds and to create a pressure differential around the radiator to pull air through the core. Hot air is also exhausted away from the rider for enhanced comfort." "Aerodynamics - Quiet Zone cockpit aerodynamics were developed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models and experience gained in development of the Buell XBRR production racing motorcycle. The shape of the fairing and windshield optimize air flow over and around the rider for reduced drag and enhanced rider comfort. - Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were also used to design the efficient, aerodynamic shapes of the radiator cowlings, which direct radiator heat away from the rider." They call it function over form... Jimidan | ||
| Teeps |
Buell is master at stuffing 10lbs into an 8lb bag. Every bit of mass centralized space is exploited to its utmost. | ||
| Buelldyno_guy |
I understand that they are designed to act as sliders and protect the frame and radiators in a low side. ... Terry | ||
| Anonymous |
That is correct. The pod covers are curved to act like a bellville spring for lack of a better description, and they and the bezels are priced very affordably. Each side pod is also mounted on an aluminum "leaf spring" to allow more enegy absorption. All patent pending stuff. | ||
| Midknyte |
in the event of a crash then, would/could one expect to replace just the pod cover, or the entire pod and radiator? or is it the obvious answer - depends on the severity of the crash... | ||
| Elvis |
Very interesting. So it seems there's a reason that the pods aren't integrated into the fairing. This all sounds very un-Harley to me . . . . . . thank God. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Sounds decidedly un japanese as well... Had a guy here at work drop a YZF at a stop light. That was a $600 cracking noise. And go price a "right side drop kit" for something like a Honda ST1100, FJ1100, or even a Kawasaki Concourse. Yikes! | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Buells have great prices on replacement parts. I remember about a month after I bought my XB, i had an unfortunate run in with a curb. I broke the shifter and scratched the plastic pieces on the left side air scoop and oil cooler shroud. I was shocked at how reasonable the replacement parts were. I believe the entire bill was $70 to $80. And there are many more examples too.} | ||
| Teddagreek |
I just noticed the buldging of the tank? Some motor mounted frame sliders might be good.. I could still see some damage but they might be good at at least protecting the Radiator. I've had the misfortune to have have replaced a Radiator on a honda and cost me a pretty penny.. Does anyone have any pics of the bike with the pod covers off and just the radiators showing?  | ||
| Blake |
"The pod covers are curved to act like a bellville spring for lack of a better description, and they and the bezels are priced very affordably. Each side pod is also mounted on an aluminum "leaf spring" to allow more energy absorption. All patent pending stuff." How cool is that! For those who may not be familiar with a "bellville spring." | ||
| Ridrx |
Anon, Neat stuff. Thanks for clearing that up, I'm sure some folks are a bit more at ease knowing there IS some protection built into the bike in true Buell fashion. I personally like the scoops more and more every time I see the bike. Blake, Thanks for the link. | ||
| Paintballtommy |
is the airbox cover bulged like that in reality or is it just the light playing with the picture. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
I think that is the light playing with the pic. There are lots of other pics and this one is the only one where the bulge occurs...Of course, i could be wrong... | ||
| Reepicheep |
Built from the rider down... including the wallet  | ||
| S1eric |
"The pod covers are curved to act like a bellville spring for lack of a better description, and they and the bezels are priced very affordably. Each side pod is also mounted on an aluminum "leaf spring" to allow more energy absorption. All patent pending stuff." The more I hear the more I like. S1Eric | ||
| Court |
For the benefit of those, unfamiliar with the Belleville Washer, here is an enthusiastic young Buell engineering installing them in a prototype bike.  | ||
| Spatten1 |
So, is the XB clutch a belleville spring? | ||
| Josh_cox |
One thing that most seem to not realize is how much HEAT comes off of a front mounted radiator and onto the rider. The heat from these side mounts is directed through the frame (not hitting the rider) and exiting through the rear. Fantastic design Buell team! Those of us who have ridden with a giant front mounted radiator appreciate the consideration. I'm sure everyone will enjoy how it will keep the bike feeling nice on the brakes too. The radiator up front makes the front end way heavy under braking (forward bias). Josh | ||
| Isham |
I know its sounds sad to say this but I'd like to see some pics of an 1125R going down. Does buell have test riders simulate real world crashes on the street or the track? | ||
| Court |
>>>Does buell have test riders simulate real world crashes on the street or the track? Absolutely. Crashworthiness is a mandated testing protocol. | ||
| Isham |
What a job, to be a crash test rider in the high side division. They must get paid big bucks to take the fall.  (Message edited by isham on July 18, 2007) |
