Greetings First Buell/Bike

[bway4x4]

Hey guys,
I just bought my first bike, which just happens to be a Buell. I must say that although i've only spent a couple of hours on the bike so far that i absolutely love it. I know that buying this bike as my first probably wasn't the smartest decision one could make. I came to this forum honestly looking for information and have found an abundance of it in just one hour of browsing and reading different topics. I've signed up for the local MSF course and have been watching alot of youtube videos, as well as practicing in vacant lots, and taking it slow on the street.

Just curious if you guys have any suggestions, tips, tricks etc for the newbie ridiers out there such as myself. That includes even the very basics of cornering, turning in general etc. As stated above, i'm looking for all the information that I can receive to help me become a better/safer rider. Thanks for taking the time to read this, and be safe out there.

 

[go cytocis]

Welcome!

That MSF course is going to be your best source for riding tips & techniques; after that it's practice.

You're at greatest risk of injury & death in the first 2 years of riding. Taking training, wearing proper gear & riding sober are statistically the 3 most effective ways to survive those 2 years!

 

[WokDisWey]

Welcome to the forum. I purchased my first bike a few months back as well. I found this great video on cornering.

 

[djs2k2]

Welcome, great people hare!

 

[dflack001]

Welcome to the forum! You'll learn everything you need to about these bikes on here!

 

[bway4x4]

Today is the first that I've been able to spend more than 30 minutes on the bike. After parking it for a brake I noticed that there is fuel dripping out of the left rear side of the frame and also looks like I'm having very minor (atm) clutch weep. Any suggestions on either of the 2? Thanks guys.

 

[ReadyXB]

Welcome! Riding advice I would offer is to assume that NO other vehicles can see you and could at any moment cross into your lane, especially when riding alongside another auto. Just pretend you are invisible and everyone is out to randomly cut you off. Same for entering an intersection. It just has to become a habit!

Riding is still enjoyable, but you can never let your guard down!

 

[bway4x4]

Break**

 

[oh9bolt]

Where are the pics

 

[bway4x4]

I will upload some pics this evening.

 

[1125RCya]

Just a few simple thoughts.
Respect the bike.
Stay out of the city.
Play with first gear, from 0 to 10500 rpm. Learn to slowly bring the front wheel off the ground and set it back down with ease. Throttle control! Have stopping contests :0)
Have fun.
Maintain your bike because your life depends on it.

 

[Enemy Zero]

Today is the first that I've been able to spend more than 30 minutes on the bike. After parking it for a brake I noticed that there is fuel dripping out of the left rear side of the frame and also looks like I'm having very minor (atm) clutch weep. Any suggestions on either of the 2? Thanks guys.

Welcome to the forum learning to fly in an F-16. Lots of great info here for learning. MSF courses and track day riding schools will help immensely. I recommend good riding gear as well. In the time I spent on an 1125CR, I can tell you it can be a raw and brutal bike if not treated with respect.

As far as your issues go, is the fuel dropping from the frame on the left side next to the rider footpeg or from behind the passenger one?

Clutch weep is also a well known issue with these bikes and I believe it's a matter of replacing a seal. Search around for it. there should be a lot of info on this board concerning it.

Congratulations on your new bike and hopefully it brings you many years of amazing riding.

 

[independentrider]

The clutch weep is a pretty easy fix, just did mine last month. Takes about 2 hours and there is a good video on youtube for it. The parts you need are available from eric buell racing will be around 140 shipped make sure you get the clutch release tool too. The fuel drip is your fuel overflow line exiting from the rear passenger peg most likely. I rerouted mine to exit at the rear right spool so it wouldn't drip fuel on my swingarm.

 

[go cytocis]

I know that buying this bike as my first probably wasn't the smartest decision one could make.

Having an awareness that you've made a poor selection for a beginner bike will also help you too.

Bikes up to 500cc are generally the best to start on because they are light and moderately-powered which allows you to focus your attention on developing your technique. That 1125 is going to be more of a handful than you'll ideally want while you're learning the basics & committing them to muscle-memory.

You'll want to be prepared for a longer learning curve than you might otherwise have on a smaller bike is all.

 

[bway4x4]

Thanks for the feedback and information guys. Had trouble uploading the pics last night. Will try again in about an hour.

To the 1125 owners, I'm guessing they are but is the throttle on your bike extremely touchy? I'm guessing that's just the power of these bikes. Definitely need to work on my throttle control with this bike.

 

[bwylie_99]

Your first bike is an 1125cr? Epic, your my hero sir. I hope you wear full gear at all times and try to be mindful your learning how to fly in an F16. I started on a FZR 1000 so I can appreciate. A steering damper might be a very wise investment. Good luck, speed safely

 

[bway4x4]

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[bway4x4]

From what i can see on my end the picture worked. I'm a newb to bikes bwylie_99 could you give me some more information on the steering dampener? I can make an educated guess as to what it is and what it does, but would like to know that i'm right. Thanks.

 

[bwylie_99]

You do realize every bike you ever ride from here on is going to be a let down! A steering dampner helps control head shake aka tank slappers. I have a gpr and I believe 50dro, a seller on this site, has them along with sliders. You'll probably want some sliders and if yours has the stock exhaust and factory ecm you're going to want to upgrade to the ebr race ecm tuned to one of Dean Adams fine exhausts. Rep point for learning on an 1125!

 

[bway4x4]

It does have the factory exhaust, which i already planned on changing... Can't say i really like the looks of the factory exhaust. How would one know if it's the stock ecm?

How do i go about upgrading to the ebr race ecm? What advantages would I have with the race ecm over the stock ecm?