Pushrod engines

[funmonkee]

From wikipedia

I'm considering a Buell, probably a 2003 to 2006 model XB12s or XB12tt, or possible a CityX9...

The new technology in these bikes, and the style are whats attracting me to these bikes. At first i was unsure about the belt drive... but i'm over than now, but its the pushrod engine thats worrying me now...

Whats your views on the harley thunderstorm pushrod engines, compare to say hondas v-twins etc

Buell are expensive bikes so I don't want to buy and be left with a lemon.... time for test ride methinks
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[lukamon]

the difference is that pushrod engines have the crankshaft hidden in the bottom of the engine and use rods rod push the valves open rather than the directly, as in an OHC (over head cam) engine.

the camshaft is usually run via a chain or direct gear, which needless to say is a lot more reliable than a belt, and i belive they run in an oil bath.
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[Finglonga]

They suit the big V-twins as pushrods don't like high revs so I doubt you will have problems.
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Andy Sez....
F.Y.Y.F.F.

[funmonkee]

...some peeps have quite strong views/opinions on the pushrod engine...mostly negative (!) ...
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**** Don't ride faster than your angel can fly Get this Free Space
The democratically elected Mod of the Scottish Section - The Peoples Choice[b]

[Kickstart]

Hi

Cheap an works OK for low revving engines.

Al the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[funmonkee]

I've read through these now and am less concerned about the pushrod technology. But another thing pops into my head, which would you expect to last longer (in miles) a pushrod engine or an overhead cams engine assuming correct service and maintenance was carried out.
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**** Don't ride faster than your angel can fly Get this Free Space
The democratically elected Mod of the Scottish Section - The Peoples Choice[b]

[Kickstart]

Hi

Pushrod engines are likely to be less bothered about the quality of the oil supply.

Although I think the Buell engine has its own issues if over revved (liners moving from memory).

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[MarJay]

I had a Buell for 18 months and never had a second's trouble with it.

The advantage you have with the Thunderstorm motor, is that they have hydraulic tappets which are actuated by the oil supply, which means that you never need to check the valve clearances.

The main issue with the XB model Buells, is the wiring loom. If a mechanic is lazy when doing engine maintenance and swings the engine out of the frame instead of dropping it, the wiring loom rubs on the frame which can cause reliability issues. I've only heard this happen on a few bikes, but nearly all of them were having tuning work done.

As long as you change the oil every 1500 miles if the ambient temperature is below 15 centigrade, and you use threadlock on everything then Buells are very reliable.

Some owners have reported cooling problems with the rear cylinder on XB models, but the ECU has a special sensor which retards the ignition on the rear cylinder if it overheats. This means that your bike might develop a misfire when hot. That said, I've taken my Buell on three trackdays and it never overheated once.

Some owners swear by the right hand side air scoop (which is an aftermarket item) as it helps to cool the rear cylinder.

The Belts on the XB9 model are a bit sus, and are only supposed to last 10,000 miles. The XB12 models have a much better design and should last (supposedly) for the life of the bike. The 'check and inspect belt' service item is now done at 15,000 miles.

On mine I fitted a spring loaded belt tensioner, as I had heard stories of belts snapping when doing stoppies or when going quick over hump back bridges etc, but unfortunately I never mastered the stoppies!

Additionally you should be aware that you should only use HD oil in the buell, which luckily is dirt dirt cheap. I think I got four litres for £15 or something stupid like that. The oil filter is easy to change and everything is really easy to work on, as long as you remember most of the engine fasteners are imperial, and most of the chassis fasteners are metric.

The thing I thought with a Buell was, it is a toy so what does it matter if it breaks? but in actual fact when I got the bike I found it was actually better built and more reliable than my old SV650!

To be honest I personally would not be asking myself which lasted longer push rods or OHC, because the Japanese could make a push rod engine that lasted until the end of the earth, and the chinese could make an OHC engine that popped tomorrow.

The thing is, Buells have a reputation. I don't think it is a deserved reputation, but it is a reputation nonetheless and you can take it into account when buying, or you can ignore it.

Oh yeah and the biggest downside? Harley dealers charge £650 for a major service. If you find a good independent it will be a lot cheaper, and you can also probably guarantee that the YTS boy didn't do the work!!

Personally, if I have a car as well, I don't buy bikes for practicality. If you're not a numpty then the bike will be reliable, you just have to follow the instructions in the owners manual (don't ride it at parade speeds for extended periods, change the oil if its cold outside) and you'll be fine.

Oh yeah its also worth having an Optimate, as the cooling fans use a lot of juice and invariably come on when you switch the ignition off...

Good luck!


{edit} Oh yeah I almost forgot... www.bike-pix.com/forum {edit}
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Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[funmonkee]

Cheers MarJay. The comparison to the sv is helpful. Cheers If I can raise the dosh I'm going for one for the 1200cc fighter models
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**** Don't ride faster than your angel can fly Get this Free Space
The democratically elected Mod of the Scottish Section - The Peoples Choice[b]

[prawny1]

The buell motor is based on that of the harley sporster, so must be bulletproof, as far as i know these are evo twincam engines and are very reliable.
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hellkat wrote:

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[Robby]

[prawny1]

You hit the nail on the head "If you look after it" it will be reliable which is true of anything mechanical.

There is a model t ford that has been on tv a few years back that has covered a documented 1.000.000 miles all through being looked after.
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hellkat wrote:

Some people are only alive cos its against the law to kill them.