Buell Mechanics

[bradford]

Hi, I'm looking for a Buell Mechanic in the Pretoria area.
Harley Menlyn has decided it wants nothing to do with Buells anymore, won't service or even order spares for me...

 

[wally]

Bummer! I only know of guys in Cape Town area.

Does it just need a service of what it wrong?

 

[bradford]

Needs new steering bearings and yellow warning light on, doesn't want to idle any more.
Harley Sandton can help but quote R840+ for bearings and R1100+ for labour to replace bearings and I stay in Pta.

 

[wally]

Do it yourself.

What year/model is your bike?

 

[bradford]

Ja I would but apparently you need a special puller for the bearings?
I also don't have a diagnostics tool for the idling issue and warning light.
My baby is a 2008 XB12s Lightning special edition.

 

[wally]

Bearing pullers are pretty cheap. I'll try and get a video clip i used on another bike which was dead easy.

You need the ECM cable, which you can make up yourself.

I have a cable i can send up to you to borrow, not sure how long it'll take with post office strikes...

Then something like ECMSPY or Tunerpro to get the error code. On the comms port you can cross 2 pins to get the error code (without the cable) and at least get an idea if the problem.

Can the HD shop not at least hook the cable up and tell you what is wrong?

Check if they don't have a cable to sell you?

 

[monkey6]

Steering head bearings are pretty simple, as long as you have a motorcycle jack or I sometimes use an engine hoist to suspend the bike while you remove the forks. You can just slowly tap them out with a long screw driver and a hammer. Put the new bearings in the freezer before you install them and they'll slide in easier. Make sure you have a torque wrench to tighten the steering cap properly. I'd recommend sticking with the bearings from HD.I got the All Balls bearings when I did mine last month and it doesn't feel right, steering feels tighter, especially at low speeds.

 

[wally]

You can take your bearings to any bearing shop, get them to supply same quality bearings for a fraction of HD's cost - that's what I did with my wheel bearings.

On my Suzuki Cafe project I did the same and bought all the bearings for the bike for around R500 from Bearings International.

Here is good simple video on how to do the steering head bearings:

 

[bradford]

Thanks for all the info guys, I have looked for replacement bearings but no one has (they in inches with a collar)
I'll check the video out.
BTW I found a guy in Benoni that does software mods etc. apparently he also does a mod on the steering neck bearings that eliminates the need to replace them so regularly, think I'll give him a try first.

 

[bradford]

Started the bike last night and let her rev at around 2000 rpm, disconnected the positive battery terminal and she immediately died...
I assume this means the bike is not charging?

 

[bradford]

Wally, that cable would be VERY NICE...unless you can show me how to make up one.
Where could I get ECMSPY or Tunerpro?

 

[wally]

Here is a link on how to make an ECMspy cable.

You will need a Deutsch 4 pin connector, plus and FTDI USB cable (has special driver in the USB section), but it must be a 5V one.

I ordered parts off ebay and then followed the top link to create it:
1. Deutsch Connector
2. TTL USB Cable

I can send you the cable, but not sure which way is best with post office strikes?

ECMSpy from here and TunerPro here

 

[bradford]

Thanks Wally, let me try to make one first and if I don't come right I'll contact you again.

 

[wally]

It's super easy!

And a fraction of the cost of what HD will charge for the proper cable - if they still have stock...
If you ever need to order parts, contact HD Tygervalley in Cape Town/Bellville.

They are really great and never give me any hassles.

 

[wally]

Right-O Bradford, found some local suppliers for the needs for the cable:
Deutsch 4pIn Connector
TTL Cable to connect to Deutsch connector

Now buy, make your cable for under R300!

Bargain!