Couple Issues with my new XB9S

[kylegeldmaker]

Hello Guys, I'm new to Buells and riding in general.
I picked up an XB9S locally. The bike is in great shape. I have a couple issues tho. I have a very difficult time finding neutral, i was wondering if this is typical of these bikes or if there may be something wrong with the mechanics there.

Also, the clutch level is very tough to pull, im also wondering if this is typical of these bikes or and indication of a deeper issue. I was also looking into aftermarket levers, CRG or Pazzo (i cant decide).

 

[shortyxb12r]

Normal

 

[bleblanc03]

I'm a new rider as well, starting out on an '03 XB9S. I've had it about a month. The clutch is a bear. From all I've read, that's just how it goes. Neutral, I've found, is easiest to get if I push my heel against the heel plate (not sure what it's really called) and use just the very tip of my toe to pull up lightly. I can get it maybe 70% of the time that way.

Where do you live?

 

[kylegeldmaker]

Im in ocoee florida.

Im getting a little better at the neutral deal (up from first seems way easier that down from second). But, the clutch still wears my wrists/palm out after a couple hours. Hope some levers with a different angle will help.

 

[LeFox]

if the clutch is a bit hard, yes...you have options to make it lighter muller or the much cheaper option free spirits

finding neutral should be pretty easy...oil can be a major factor in this.

have fun with it!

 

[chrispudd]

I never noticed the clutch being hard to pull, but maybe it's because i work with my hands all day...neutral is always hard to find on my 03' as well, but i usually find it while i'm still rolling to a stop. Once stopped though, i pretty much have to shut it off to get it into neutral. I figured it was just a characteristic of the bike and now I know! Thanks guys!

 

[LeFox]

I figured it was just a characteristic of the bike and now I know! Thanks guys!

no it's not...neutral is easier to find on my buell compared to my duc.

 

[Sawyer]

I agree with LeFox neutral has never been a problem on my 9s either

 

[kylegeldmaker]

neutral seems to be easier to find while moving, once stopped i have to "search" for it.

I was reading the manual and I found that if you overfil the transmission fluid you'll end up with both conditions, hard to find neutral and a high pressure clutch engagement. I plan on checking on this next weekend.

 

[mccluresm]

I can never find neutral, its the hardest part of riding for me (I am just learning, havent got out of the parking lot yet but yea, neutral is killer on our XB9R too, I pass it several times in both directions before that little green light pops up.

 

[LeFox]

I can never find neutral, its the hardest part of riding for me (I am just learning, havent got out of the parking lot yet but yea, neutral is killer on our XB9R too, I pass it several times in both directions before that little green light pops up.

little trick, go to 1st, pull the clutch in for 50% and a little push up and you're in neutral.
DON'T push hard, cause that't not healthy [smirk]

 

[njsxb9]

Neutral is fine on my XB9S. For the clutch I would try using a Moose Ez Pull. I use it on my stunt bike and makes the clutch 10x easier. I would go with Pazzo levers for the XB9S. Just put some on mine but order soon as the prices are going up to $179.99 set on 4/15. Shoot me an email if your interested as I am an authorized dealer for Pazzo.

[email protected]

 

[jcrane82]

I ride a XB12S, and have no problem finding neutral (at least not any harder of a time than on any of my previous bikes i.e. FZR600R, ZX7R, and CBR600RR). I chose to go with the CRG shorty levers and love them. The best part is that they are adjustable, and I find that the stock levers require a long reach. Only bad thing about the CRG shortys is that they are pricey.

 

[bwesky]

hey i got my 03 xb9s a few wees ago... yes nuetral is hard to find and yes the clutch is hard to pull in, thats how the bike is... youll get used to both, now i can get nuetral everytime and clutch is normal...