A sad Buell story

**awd** · 30th May 2007, 21:42

I've been bikeless for just over 3 weeks now! My XB12X with just over 5000 on the clock dropped a valve on me on my commute home. Luckily I was about 300m from the end of my road so didn't have far to push the bike. McIvor & Veitch, the agents down here, were absolutely great, collected the bike out in our rural area and have kept me informed all along.

Basically the front cylinder broke the exhaust vale spring and dropped the valve into the cylinder, the piston broke the valve, the broken valve punched through the piston and everything is munted! The worst part is that it has taken 3 weeks for the spare parts, admittedly major, to come over from the States. The broken spring was a manufacturing fault so Mr Buell is paying for everything.

The good news is that the spares eventually arrived today and I should have the little beauty back for the long weekend! I hope the weather holds out like it has for the last 3 weeks that I haven't had the bike.

I still think that it is the best machine

**merv** · 30th May 2007, 21:46

Originally Posted by awd

I still think that it is the best machine

Geepers, what would a bad one do then?

The Yanks supposedly adopted Japanese style kaizen during Harleys recovery 80's to 90's - are they outsourcing to Bangladesh or something now?

**Big Dave** · 30th May 2007, 21:46

Buell warranty is really good - I stuffed my front wheel bearings - 'abuses' - nothing more - i fessed up - and they still replaced them - parts are cheap too.

**nudemetalz** · 30th May 2007, 21:47

Interesting to hear, I've heard all of the stories of Guzzis having manufacturing faults. Mine, when it was new, had the black crackle engine paint fall-off and had to be repaired under warranty.
Something to be said about having a simple aircooled v-twin

**NighthawkNZ:Me** · 30th May 2007, 21:47

Originally Posted by merv

Geepers, what would a bad one do then?

thats what i was thinking

**Big Dave** · 30th May 2007, 21:56

and sensi can list all triumphs and I know a few honda issues etc etc - co-pilots merc has been at the dealer for 3 weeks...shit happens.
the bitch is if they don't fix it.

you have my sympathies being off the road tho - I was a few weeks off with the wheel bearings - but I had the press bikes to use. - sorry.

**Drum** · 30th May 2007, 22:18

If it makes you feel any better I have been waiting 6 weeks for a cush drive. Yes, 6 weeks! Still got a week to wait too.

**awd** · 30th May 2007, 22:28

Originally Posted by merv

Geepers, what would a bad one do then?

Don't really know I suppose. I'm the type that sees the silver lining on things, in this case I'm getting it back soon and can go for rides. The only party I'm a bit annoyed with are the Buell spares bunch in Wisconsin who took so long to send the necessary bits.

**Blackbird** · 30th May 2007, 22:40

Originally Posted by merv

Geepers, what would a bad one do then?

The Yanks supposedly adopted Japanese style kaizen during Harleys recovery 80's to 90's - are they outsourcing to Bangladesh or something now?

Kaizen has almost been consigned to history in the West, including our company. I used to facilitate it but it was canned in favour of management by edict some years ago. Very hard to resurrect now.

**Devil** · 31st May 2007, 08:13

I think i'm going to have to try me one of those XB12X's some time. Second hand prices are looking pretty good.

**Mully** · 31st May 2007, 08:32

Originally Posted by Devil

I think i'm going to have to try me one of those XB12X's some time. Second hand prices are looking pretty good.

As long as you like riding Singles.......

**Rashika** · 31st May 2007, 08:43

glad to hear you will be getting it back on the road soon... cant have a Buell rider Buell-less for too long huh?!

**Big Dave** · 31st May 2007, 08:55

Originally Posted by Mully

As long as you like riding Singles.......

Nah - that's good - it is just like two 600 singles bolted together.
Good analogy.

**Paul in NZ** · 31st May 2007, 09:00

Bikes like all technology are complex bits of kit with multiple failure points and a lot of componentry is outsourced so we can purchase them at affordable prices.... ALL manufacturers drop the ball occasionally, it's what they do about it that matter....

Cheers