Barn Fresh & Brand New (to me)

[CanadianRocky]

This is my first post, and my first Buell. I have owned Sportsters in the past and a few big blocks, plus most other brands at one time or another since I started riding in 1968. This is a 2008 Uly XT with 12,000 original miles on it. The previous owner bought it brand new, then drove it sparingly for two years, then put it into a shed (clearly not covered) for the next 4 years.

A couple of days ago me and my mechanic buddy worked on getting it fired. He was told that a new battery was installed in January and the fellow tried to get it going to no avail. We charged it overnight, then tried to see if it would fire, no go. Then we put in a load of 94 octane and tried again, still no go. Then we put in a new set of spark plugs. (We should have done that first thing) and it fired right up. It took us about 1/2 hour for the process.

The only damage I can see so far, is that the horn button is broken and the Check Engine light stays on. I have the Harley Error code thingy and that might help it once I get into it.

I am going to take it apart this weekend and do some serious cleaning and detailing. The pict does not do it justice as to how completely filthy it is. All the fluids, including Brake fluid will be done. Up grades will include a K&N air filter, X-type front fender, reinstall the Buell fairing and get a taller windshield for it (the one in the picture is ugly) and bits and pieces as I get into it.

Riding plans include short touring runs and fire roads. When my dog is gone (he is 14) then I am going to head to Tierra del Fuego, and then who knows from there.

 

[nikfleisch]

Welcome, good luck with the cleanup!

 

[neilrl79]

[up]

 

[anrkizm95]

welcome to buellxb.

 

[onelogue]

Welcome to the site and so cool to find a Buell that needs a loving new owner. Hopefully you got a good deal.
Keep us posted (especially with pictures, we love pictures ) and we will help you with any questions.
Especially that check engine light.

ps if you had posted up earlier we would have told you to change those spark plugs and it would have saved you the hastle. Our Buells love good plugs

 

[djohnk]

Welcome and congrats!

I bet it cleans up easily and you get it running like a top in no time. Sometimes the ECM under the seat gets messed up if it hasn't been relocated (see other places in this forum which discuss the problem/solution). That can be a good thing if the previous owner couldn't figure it out and you got it at a great price.

Looks like it has adjustable Madstad windscreen brackets and maybe a Madstad flyscreen (it is if it's made out of metal instead of plastic). An oversized windscreen is nice, but I think that one is probably too big ... I would guess it rattles and buffets at highway speeds.

 

[UMDterp13]

Woah... I thought my 2009 SX was a good barn find. That's a crazy barn find! I'm jealous!

 

[ford_prefect_42]

[up]

 

[user_deleted]

nice find. was it dry and dirty environment or damp and dirty environment where you found it? if damp and dirty with damp being the operative word i would carefully check all wiring, all ground points, front and rear wheel bearings, belt and tensioner pulley, and all fasteners. extended dirt and dampness can be tough on these components. should clean up very nicely. pics of your uly post-cleanup would be great.

 

[UMDterp13]

Also MAKE sure oil was drained correctly. If drained (without running all oil out of bottom of motor) and filled 2.7Q then it's now over filled because the oil will run back into the oil pan of the engine after sitting more than a few days. That's why you have to check oil & drain directly after running the bike. These have oil Line in & oil line out of the pump.
I had a motor like that before so I speak from experience.

 

[sky56]

Great find! Ride safe and enjoy!

 

[CanadianRocky]

Thanks for all the welcoming messages.

The plugs where a good idea from the get go.

It does have an adjustable Madstad and the fly-screen is metal. I am going to try it with the stock windshield first and see if I like it or not.

I did not see where it was stored, but I will assume that it was both dry and wet at times. I will go over it with a fine tooth comb.

I ordered a couple of oil filters from HD, and when they come in I will do a change, run it for a few weeks, then spin the filter off and replace it. I will check the oil in the filter and see how it looks. I will also send the oil off to have it checked for contamination. (i do this every oil change with the big Rigs in my company, and it pays off in the long run)

I also ordered a K&N air filter today.

I spoke with my buddy at the HD shop, and he wants me to bring it by to see if he can sort out the Check Engine light. One of his Mechanics worked in a shop that sold lots of Buells, so he has some background.

Best part of the day was that I ordered a Klim Pro Bandlands jacket and pants today. Now I just need to sort out a helmet, so many choices, and I have never owned a full coverage helmet yet. But every time I put one on, I don't like it.

This weekend I am getting a power washer, get the tools out, and start to clean. More Picts to come....

 

[user_deleted]

If drained (without running all oil out of bottom of motor) and filled 2.7Q then it's now over filled because the oil will run back into the oil pan of the engine after sitting more than a few days.

wow! first time i've ever heard of an "oil pan" on an engine with a dry-sump oiling system.