Twitchy Handling? Steering Damper?

[Clive]

Does anyone feel the bike is a little twitchy, given its short wheelbase and rake/trail dimensions?  I've read in a couple places about a perceived instability in long sweepers (not sure if they were high-speed or not).

[roadrailer]

I've never had any problem with twitchiness on my Uly.  

[naustin]

Because of the geometry, the Firebolts and Lightnings are very sensitive to proper suspension setup.  When the suspension is properly set for the riders weight, the bikes are not twitchy at all - at least, not in a bad way.  

[lostpckt]

The only time I've thought about how nice it would be to have a steering damper was when I was trying to keep up with my friend on his Ducati as his took off away from me  

[Kootenanny]

I do not find my Firebolt "twitchy" at all--in fact, I find the opposite, it is dead stable in the corners.  The steering is a bit heavy and deliberate (well, compared to Japanese supersports anyway), which really helps the feeling of stability--yet it is capable of flicking into corners and changing line while leaned over easily as well.  I know this all goes against what you'd expect from a super-short wheelbase bike with very steep rake, but...somehow, Buell's design just works.

[Clive]

Well, I stand corrected.  I wish I could remember where I'd read it.  

(And I know, I need to get my ass on the bikes and actually RIDE them.  I'm working on it!)

[Biglar]

Works great. But only felt anything when suspension was not set right. (pre dampener)

[Kootenanny]

I took a ride this morning, and at one point (just as I was getting to the good twisties!) I ran over something, I assume a rock, probably about 2" (the road runs along cliffs there).  I didn't see it, and it scared the bejeezus outta me!  Felt like hitting a curb!  But, I'm happy to say, the bike just shook it's head a bit and kept on going (I stopped to check the wheels and tires--no damage   )

So yeah, it's stable enough...

[scott-sts]

Does anyone feel the bike is a little twitchy, given its short wheelbase and rake/trail dimensions?  I've read in a couple places about a perceived instability in long sweepers (not sure if they were high-speed or not).

Yes, I find my City X to be twitchy feeling in long, fast sweepers.  You can tune it out by adjusting preload on both ends.  Mine is feeling better but not perfect yet.  

[littlefield]

I got some professional help getting my Uly suspension sorted out.  I weigh 225 and ended up with the rear shock at max preload, compression, and rebound. Actually took some preload and rebound out of the front. Seems counterintuitive to me but it works.

[Clive]

Where does one go to have a bike's suspension tuned for the rider?  Especially a Buell, as I wouldn't think a Harley-Davidson dealer would be up on that.

 

[Biglar]

Where does one go to have a bike's suspension tuned for the rider?  Especially a Buell, as I wouldn't think a Harley-Davidson dealer would be up on that.

 

The Harley shops in my area will do it. Just not on my bike cause it's old. But, look for an independent shop that is not bran specific. There are a few here too. I take my bike to V-twins 101 they have no problems working on my old bikes. they may know of a place in your area....  866-988-7850

[desperado buell]

I Was riding in Northern Ontario last summer, Highway #129 in the middle of no where. Beautiful sweepers but a lot of road snakes (repaired tar strips). I came around one corner and ran across three strips side by side. I'm not sure what happened but the next thing i knew the bike was flopping violently side to side, not a tank slapper with the bars but the whole bike. It was so bad to actually knocked my left foot off the peg, which strangely seemed to straight it out. Scariest ride I had ever had. The whole area is either rock faces or a drop off to the river, and very deserted, it was an hour before I meant the next car. Not a great place to crash.

[Rogue]

The Buell Owner's Manual on the XB's explains in detail how to set up suspension based on rider weight and riding style.  In fact, it explains it very, very well, as well as provides the owner a table of adjustments.  Most riders are happy with those recommended settings.  I tried modifying my settings but I ended up going with the book.  I did adjust one notch down from my weight to get more ride comfort.

[dangle]

Would be interested to see that chart. Anybody able to post a pic?

[Rogue]

Don't have a scanner so I can't help you.  But it is very helpful and is a no brainer.  Just look for your weight (given in weight range), adjust preload, rebound/compression damping, then fine tune based on your riding style.  They even give you pointers on what to adjust to get more ride comfort, lighter steering, etc.  From what I've read, Buell went through a lot of testing to find just the right baseline setting.

[Clive]

Don't have a scanner so I can't help you.  But it is very helpful and is a no brainer.  Just look for your weight (given in weight range), adjust preload, rebound/compression damping, then fine tune based on your riding style.  They even give you pointers on what to adjust to get more ride comfort, lighter steering, etc.  From what I've read, Buell went through a lot of testing to find just the right baseline setting.

THAT is very cool.  

[littlefield]

For some reason the book settings just didn't work for me. I went to a track day with mine where a suspension tuning outfit was in residence.  After about 3 changes the bad symptoms were gone.

[AusTexBueller]

If you do a Knowledgebase search on the BadWeather Bikers website there's also a posting by someone (who's name escapes me) used to race Buells.  His settings are a little more sporty than the book and obviously tested on the track.