njloco
Well-known member
Runs and sounds better than tepacks Buell !
What are the parts most likely to go bad first?
- Thread starter Peeking Turtle
- Start date
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submax
Well-known member
John, that Vincent is a thing of beauty even in its current condition! Definitely post some pics as you do the restoration. And, that Sno Runner is awesome! I've never heard of it before. Of course, out here in Oregon where I'm at it would be more of a mud runner. 
user_deleted
Well-known member
John, that Vincent is a thing of beauty even in its current condition! Definitely post some pics as you do the restoration. And, that Sno Runner is awesome! I've never heard of it before. Of course, out here in Oregon where I'm at it would be more of a mud runner.
james: know what's even goofier than the sno-runner concept itself? dig this. you pull a few pins and it collapses into a suit-case sized module that you can load into the trunk of your Plymouth Cricket or Dodge Colt. LOL LOL.
i'm serious james. you pull a few pins and the front ski comes off....the handlebar collapses...the rear track and motor fold up...and the seat comes off. typically most airlines request that you drain the fuel and run the carb dry prior to bringing it onboard and stowing in the overhead luggage ports. :sorrow::eagerness:
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submax
Well-known member
John...that is effing awesome! I'll have to keep an eye out to see if one comes up somewhere near me...would be fun for me and my son to play with. You may have already seen these, but here are a couple of articles about finding and restoring a Sno Runner. I love the original ad. "A super-sizzling, ultra-new winter thing to do." :up:
https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/20...ryotherapy-hope-motorcyclist-winter-doldrums/
https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/12/28/chrysler-sno-runner-restoration-complete-motorcyclist/
You may have already seen these, but here are a couple of articles about finding and restoring a Sno Runner. I love the original ad. "A super-sizzling, ultra-new winter thing to do." :up:https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/20...ryotherapy-hope-motorcyclist-winter-doldrums/
https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2016/12/28/chrysler-sno-runner-restoration-complete-motorcyclist/
Mesozoic
Well-known member
I bought mine new (2008 model) and had a few things that have come up over the years, but nothing extraordinary.
- Clutch cable wireform on engine failed - replaced with a much heavier duty unit under warranty
- The horn snapped off its mounting bracket due to fatigue
- The older bikes have the 2-bearing rear wheel and that really should be replaced immediately with the '10 model 3-bearing wheel; my 2-bearing wheel suffered a bearing failure which caused the rear wheel to periodically lock up while riding down the road... not safe.
- The front engine isolator will eventually give out and need to be replaced. Mine went out at roughly 32,000 miles.
- My steering head bearings crapped out pretty quick as well, but you can run tapered bearings which are much stronger.
- The wire harness to the ECM needs some decent sleeving to protect it from chafing against the seat otherwise you may rub through the insulation like mine did.
- My fork seals lasted about 20,000 miles before needing to redone, but this is normal maintenance on any suspension fork.
wheelieking
New member
- Joined
- Aug 23, 2016
- Messages
- 3
What should be done to Sleeve the harness? I just picked up a 2007 XB12Ss and i noticed some chafing under the seat. Would wrapping with electrical tape be sufficient?
Silverrider
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2016
- Messages
- 2,802
For me it was the rear tire. go figure.
As a potential new Buell buyer currently shopping for a Lightning what do you mean by engine seals or top engine seals?
I am aware of the rocker cover gaskets and the need to rotate the engine to change them. Is this what you are referring to?
I am aware of the rocker cover gaskets and the need to rotate the engine to change them. Is this what you are referring to?
Mesozoic
Well-known member
I believe so. The dealer replaced the rocker box gaskets with Cometic parts under warranty at one point, I do recall.
I agree Silver, What the heck is TP doing on this forum with such a crap attitude. I like my Uly, it has been a good ride so far. If it goes weird well, there is always this forum.
TP, go buy a rice rocket. Part of the allure of the Buell is that is American. We work together -- Do some thinking, like for example the historical cracked Liberty bell, this is a founding principle of America -- try hard, do something difficult, if it f+++s up, accept your failure and try again. I have to admit I am of tired of your whinny loser's attitude.
Opto
TP, go buy a rice rocket. Part of the allure of the Buell is that is American. We work together -- Do some thinking, like for example the historical cracked Liberty bell, this is a founding principle of America -- try hard, do something difficult, if it f+++s up, accept your failure and try again. I have to admit I am of tired of your whinny loser's attitude.
Opto
I am currently chasing down an oil leak (or two) on my Ducati so I am familiar with the phenomenon. Aside from the brilliant (IMO) design and engineering from Eric Buell, the near zero maintenance and cleanliness of the belt drive and hydraulic lifters also really appeal to me. Can not wait to give one a try.
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njloco
Well-known member
Yeah, " don't buy buell " coming from a guy that makes problems for his bike when none exist, designs new parts for it from a 3-D printer drives many people nuts for advice then, doesn't listen to the advice given, tries to redesign parts that aren't necessary but most important of all is, he keeps his Buell and rebuilds his motor to exact tolerances ! Then just keeps on bitching and moaning about how bad they are like a, You know what !
Yes, if you are OK with European motorcycles and especially with Ducati you are going to be probably OK with Buell. Buell is not the worst motorcycle, there are much more worst motorcycles.
GregoXB
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2012
- Messages
- 1,543
Pros of owning an XB Buell:
- No chain, belt drive. Never have to adjust, lubricate, or routinely replace the belt, which makes tire changes as easy as they could possibly be. Never have to clean off chain grease from your motorcycle and boots. You can expect your belt to last 50K miles, maybe less maybe more, but definitely a long time. Belt drive also means no drive train lash and smoother power delivery. If your belt snaps it will not jam up like a snapped chain and attempt to kill you, you'll basically role to a stop. Definitely all very nice for daily riding.
- Never have to perform valve adjustments.
- Never have to worry about engine coolant.
- Oil changes are about as easy as they get.
- Great gas mileage, expect 40+ mpg on highways. If you have an SS or Uly, enjoy a 4.4 gallon fuel tank!
- Nice and toasty when it gets cold.
- Comfortable sitting position on the Lightning. Neutral and easy to complete long trips with.
- With an aftermarket exhaust, it has probably one of the most beafy exhaust tones of any sporty motorcycle. It appeals to the inner animal. Their easy to tune as well, and there are quite a few options to dial in the bike just right.
- Excellent community support, with a few exceptions..... *sick... teabag.
- No driver aids. Some might say that's a minus, but in my book it is a huge plus.
- Torque. 86 lbs of torque in a 400 lbs air cooled motorcycle, I challenge you to find that without resorting to a full on super bike. Your always in the right gear with the Buell. 103HP is plenty for me. In the field of air cooled bikes, that is a great number, and might be best in class. It is about equal with the new BMW R Nine T, which I had the pleasure of riding and then racing. The XB is about on equal footing with the R Nine T, it is extremely close. I was able to pull away from the BMW, even though it makes 110HP, but it losses a lot of its power through the drive train because it is crank drive.
- Handling. The short rake and the mass centralization, extremely nimble motorcycle.
Cons:
- If you gotta do engine work, you have to get around the frame which usually means an engine drop.
- Vibration. The bike vibrates harder than Jenny Mcarthy's dildo. I call it character. It won't ever let me forget that I am on a motorcycle.
- Heat, in the summer, the right thigh gets toasty.
- Lack of certified mechanics. Being that the Buell is now a collectors bike, thanks to the ******* over at Harley, that is something to be expected and you should know that before getting into this bike. Good news is that the community is strong out there, and there a hundreds of guys with the know how and the resources, but you will definitely have to dig around and make some new friends.
.............I'm sure I left out quite a bit, but I am done for now.........
- No chain, belt drive. Never have to adjust, lubricate, or routinely replace the belt, which makes tire changes as easy as they could possibly be. Never have to clean off chain grease from your motorcycle and boots. You can expect your belt to last 50K miles, maybe less maybe more, but definitely a long time. Belt drive also means no drive train lash and smoother power delivery. If your belt snaps it will not jam up like a snapped chain and attempt to kill you, you'll basically role to a stop. Definitely all very nice for daily riding.
- Never have to perform valve adjustments.
- Never have to worry about engine coolant.
- Oil changes are about as easy as they get.
- Great gas mileage, expect 40+ mpg on highways. If you have an SS or Uly, enjoy a 4.4 gallon fuel tank!
- Nice and toasty when it gets cold.
- Comfortable sitting position on the Lightning. Neutral and easy to complete long trips with.
- With an aftermarket exhaust, it has probably one of the most beafy exhaust tones of any sporty motorcycle. It appeals to the inner animal. Their easy to tune as well, and there are quite a few options to dial in the bike just right.
- Excellent community support, with a few exceptions..... *sick... teabag.
- No driver aids. Some might say that's a minus, but in my book it is a huge plus.
- Torque. 86 lbs of torque in a 400 lbs air cooled motorcycle, I challenge you to find that without resorting to a full on super bike. Your always in the right gear with the Buell. 103HP is plenty for me. In the field of air cooled bikes, that is a great number, and might be best in class. It is about equal with the new BMW R Nine T, which I had the pleasure of riding and then racing. The XB is about on equal footing with the R Nine T, it is extremely close. I was able to pull away from the BMW, even though it makes 110HP, but it losses a lot of its power through the drive train because it is crank drive.
- Handling. The short rake and the mass centralization, extremely nimble motorcycle.
Cons:
- If you gotta do engine work, you have to get around the frame which usually means an engine drop.
- Vibration. The bike vibrates harder than Jenny Mcarthy's dildo. I call it character. It won't ever let me forget that I am on a motorcycle.
- Heat, in the summer, the right thigh gets toasty.
- Lack of certified mechanics. Being that the Buell is now a collectors bike, thanks to the ******* over at Harley, that is something to be expected and you should know that before getting into this bike. Good news is that the community is strong out there, and there a hundreds of guys with the know how and the resources, but you will definitely have to dig around and make some new friends.
.............I'm sure I left out quite a bit, but I am done for now.........
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2016
- Messages
- 851
Don't listen to Tea bag. He is just upset because he wasted so much time and money on snake oil instead of just fixing his poor bike. Buells are straight forward bikes. Both of mine have been great.
Mesozoic
Well-known member
The 1st time I heard a Buell I actually thought I was listening to a hotrodded Mustang or something pull into the parking lot. Instead, I saw this tiny little motorcycle making just that noise! It's a great bike, it's got enthusiast following all over the world and is very unique. All motorcycles have their issues, the Buell has nothing unusual in terms of failures that wouldn't be seen elsewhere.
Regardless, someone asked about what they should do about the wiring under the saddle. There is cloth-like anti-abrasion split loom sleeving that is very effective called Techflex F6 Woven Wrap. That is what I would recommend covering the exposed wires with and use a zip tie or two to clamp ends of the split loom section around the wire bundles. You can buy it on Amazon for pretty cheap from a range of resellers.
Regardless, someone asked about what they should do about the wiring under the saddle. There is cloth-like anti-abrasion split loom sleeving that is very effective called Techflex F6 Woven Wrap. That is what I would recommend covering the exposed wires with and use a zip tie or two to clamp ends of the split loom section around the wire bundles. You can buy it on Amazon for pretty cheap from a range of resellers.
Peeking Turtle
Member
Actually, I did replace the rear rocker box gaskets. Easy enough. Been running it for a few hundred miles so far. No issues. Now my fan isn't covered with oil. Took lunatics recommendation and installed right side scoop. I'm thinking maybe the rear cylinder getting hotter than the front was why those seals went first. Maybe not. I dunno. But with the heatshield and scoop my right leg is much more comfortable.
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