Trading down - XB12X to XB9

[34nineteen]

BRAKE FLUID FLUSH

If you flush the brake fluid, do yourself a favor and pull the front caliper and pull out the pistons and clean them (and the seals) with brake fluid. Almost every XB I've owned has had a front brake that dragged and one that sat for long periods of time is probably going to have issues too.

Why should it matter? If the pads are dragging, they will build up heat. Eventually the caliper heats up and so does the fluid. The fluid expands creating more drag and eventually will overheat the rotor (and possibly warp it) or bring the bike to a halt. I find it hard to believe someone would let it get to this point, but Buell owners typically ride them until they can't and then cry out "faulty design". There is also a video on youtube of someone having this happen to them.


This also happened when eBay/Amazon brake levers were installed and there wasnt enough free play.


Tire date codes are a touchy issue. Some people are obsessive about it, and others could care less. Ari Henning or Ryan F9 did a video where they took a bike with old tires to the track to see what happens (nothing happened). On the Methbuell, I'm running "new" tires with a REALLY old date code, so I'm guilty also. I'm also hyper vigilant about keeping an eye on their condition. I also realize that a new set of tires will cost a lot less than just an ambulance ride.

OK, maybe I'm not the best guy to go to for advice.

 

[34nineteen]

you're really cheap and like to keep your property values down by having a bunch of junk Buells that need work in your driveway:anonymous:

I dont have a driveway, you jerk!

 

[c3powil]

:up: Good points. Taking off the caliper isn't hard to do anyway.

I'll ride a tire that is "old" as in 5-8 years, unless there is cracking or anything weird going on. I take the 5 year tire advice like the 5 year helmet advice. It's a good rule of thumb, but as long as the condition is good and the age isn't crazy, I'm probably going to run it.

 

[Cooter]

Storage matters hugely too. In a temp controlled garage and IMO a decade is OK for slow street use. Outside in bad weather/sun and I get nervous enough to ask myself if tires are le$$ than bodywork.


Choice is yours! I'm just hoping they aren't old enough to Netflix and chill with you:black_eyed:

 

[c3powil]

The seller said they are Dunlop Sportmax less than 5 years old, but I'll have him verify the date codes.

If it turns out I need to replace them soon, I'll probably forgo the extras, but hope that isn't the case. I hate replacing tires... I'll get some better tire irons next time.

 

[c3powil]

Turns out, the tires are from 2017, although the he installed them in 2019. They don't look too bad, though.



Any further thoughts? Yea, I know, I'm just tire kickin' now...:eagerness:

 

[34nineteen]

Turns out, the tires are from 2017

Ha! Those are rookie numbers! I think mine have a date code of 2007. Not sure why I'm so proud of this. LOL

 

[c3powil]

Ha! Those are rookie numbers! I think mine have a date code of 2007. Not sure why I'm so proud of this. LOL

Ha... me either! But, uh, ride conservatively? :black_eyed:

 

[34nineteen]

Ha... me either! But, uh, ride conservatively? :black_eyed:

Check this out:

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/debunking-the-tire-age-myth

YMMV

 

[Starman]

That's an interesting article. I've had my doubts about the five year narrative, my Ulysses tires are 2017 vintage and have a great feel and grip. I would run those tires.

 

[Cooter]

100% how they are stored matters.

 

[c3powil]

Check this out:

https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/debunking-the-tire-age-myth

YMMV

Ha! I love puns

Very very interesting. Always love to see these guys questioning the mainstream.

 

[34nineteen]

Ha! Those are rookie numbers! I think mine have a date code of 2007. Not sure why I'm so proud of this. LOL

I looked today. It seems like I'm still in lead for "biggest loser", but not by as much as I thought. 0714, so mid Feb 2014.

 

[c3powil]

It's happening, my friends. On Saturday, she will be mine. Eager to take my first spin on a Buell that isn't a Ulysses or a Blast. I'll post pics and probably a video in the member's bikes forum.

The seller seems like a super cool guy and takes really good care of his vehicles. Stoked to get my hands on a "creampuff".

 

[Cooter]

Congratulations! Yes, pics please:eagerness: I'm sure you'll love it! Sounds like it will fit you much better anyway

 

[cvc]

I looked today. It seems like I'm still in lead for "biggest loser", but not by as much as I thought. 0714, so mid Feb 2014.

Some of the tire age issue comes from Uncle Sam. DOT on passenger and light trucks tires cannot legally be installed or repaired after 5 years old. Also Comercial tires casings cannot be retreaded if over five years old.
But there’s more.
Rubber break hoses and any tire over 10 years old DOT says to replace them.

So 34:19 ride the snot out of those tires this year !