Worried about my Buell..

[P3_techman]

So the story is that I popped off the oil return line in a low-side incident and it has been that way since February. I Drained all of the oil after the crash, then other complications arose. Now it's 7 months and $3200 dollars later. It has also been on a boat from Hawaii to Nashville. Arriving tomorrow in my driveway. I now have everything to my knowledge to have her fixed, but I'm worried about just filling it and going.

Is there a preferred method of cleaning these things out? I've read Kerosene, but also read it requires compressed air to flush it out. Which I don't have access to. Would mineral oil or mineral spirits work? I am very curious to hear the opinion of some pros.

 

[christianmb]

I would do a multiple stage cleanout. Do the motor flush like you have read, but instead of kerosene, I would just do a lightweight oil like a 0W-20 or something, but DO NOT RIDE IT. I would follow similar directions as with the kerosene. Change oil filters with a cheap fram or something, refill with 20W-50 then ride it lightly to clean it out and warm it up. Come back, change out oil and filter again, for the last time. Refill with Amsoil, Redline, or a good, quality oil, get a good filter, and go on down the road.

If at anytime you hear loud knocking, chances are you have a clogged oil passage and you have no oil pressure to a lifter. TURN IT OFF immediately, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, try again. If the knocking persists, turn it off again, and it is time for a trip to the garage or shop because there is something in there it doesn't like, and likely won't work out.

 

[anrkizm95]

^[up]

 

[P3_techman]

Thanks for the advice. She'll be here within an hour or two and I'll be starting on this right away.

 

[djs2k2]

Good Luck.

 

[ztied]

did the bike come today?and did you have luck getting it going?

 

[P3_techman]

Yup came in today. Her and my new to me R1 that has been sitting for at least 4 years.

You don't happen to have any stands I could use for re-assembly do you ztled?

 

[ztied]

I got one i dont remember if it was front or rear though.bought it and never used it

 

[P3_techman]

PM sent ztled

 

[P3_techman]

So guess what? The front axle was bent! Yaaaaay!
That brings the total to both forks, top and bottom triple, head bearings, and a fairing bracket in the front.

Update: Got some Mobil Super Syn 0W-20 and some marvel mystery oil for the clean, waiting on the axle and 2 filters from HD. Of course Amsoil for the fill.

She's mad at me, I can tell. Ha.

 

[P3_techman]

Current status

 

[P3_techman]

Still at it. Going to get as much done as I can today and then just wait for the axle and filters for clean and test ride.

 

[P3_techman]

 

[P3_techman]

So it's all back together now. Rode it around Nashville for a few days, then down to Atlanta for work.

Only a few things seem a little off. It seems to drag and sputter from 6 to 7.5k rpm. Also, that is when the vibration starts, and continues what seems like the rest of the powerband. That is all besides some suspension tweaking that needs to be done. It likes to wallow to a stop, and sometimes fishtail/plow a little in the corners. Do new forks require a wear-in period? Probably just time for new tires.

 

[2004xb12s]

When and why do you hit 7500rpm? lol Maybe Im not beating on mine hard enough but i usually shift around 4500-5500 tops

 

[P3_techman]

I normally do too. I just like to womp on it from time to time. Maybe it's because I haven't taken her on a track yet, maybe it's because I'm reckless, or maybe because it's just fun. Also, if I didn't how would I ever know it is doing this, possibly creating a surprise I don't want.