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Steve French
11-07-2017, 11:41 AM
Hey everyone, I've browsed here before, own a few Buell bikes and just purchased a brand new 14 RX. It should be here tomorrow morning and I have to say I'm pretty stoked ! I'm just curious of what things I should do to the bike right away, not like mods, but things to do too prevent any common issues. I know my other bikes have their little secrets and I'm sure this bike is no different.

Thanks in advance for any info, Steve

Cooter
11-07-2017, 06:06 PM
Hey Steve, congats on the RX! Since its a '14 you should check out the sticky thread on common problems with those bikes:up:

EBRRider
11-07-2017, 07:08 PM
Did you pick up that red one in Westfield, Massachusetts, if so you stole it .!!!

Subarubrat
11-07-2017, 08:20 PM
Congrats and welcome to the club! Did you get your new in box 14 from the Indian dealer in MA? I bought mine new in box last Feb from them and they still had one or two left. I am certain that in years to come this will end up as one of those legendary bikes like the Vincent Black Shadow or Honda CB750. Mine has been fairly reliable other than the starter which left me stuck after two rainstorms. If you don't replace your stock starter it will fail on you. The bike is a pain in traffic with it's gearing and HEAVY clutch but with the 44t sprocket and reduced effort clutch kit all those problems go away. Like you I have had (still have) Buells and this bike has all that great Buell DNA in the design but the difference in raw power is impossible to describe!

Your bike will come with the battery fuse pulled so your battery will probably still be good, the battery is a nice lithium battery and mine started right up, if time allows put it on the trickle charger overnight before starting. Follow the break-in procedure and get your oil/filter in stock because you will go through the break-in period faster than you think! And don't forget to check your tire pressure, mine had just a few PSI remaining.

My suggested to do list would be:

New version of the starter, they are cheap on Ebay/Amazon etc. They are used on other bikes.
Purge/replace all fluids
44 tooth sprocket kit (HUGE)
Secondary muffler delete kit
IDS ECU to support the above two mods, you can swap the sprocket without the ECU update (gear indicator will be off) but it is mandatory for the muffler delete!
Reduced effort clutch kit
Tail tidy kit

Steve French
11-07-2017, 09:55 PM
You believe, I am the guy that stole that machine... Cause whoever won it on eBay decided not to follow through with the deal. I feel blessed.

Steve French
11-07-2017, 10:33 PM
Hey Steve, congats on the RX! Since its a '14 you should check out the sticky thread on common problems with those bikes:up:

I've been on many forums, lots of time on NSRWorld even.... Guess why. I can't seem to locate the "sticky" deal here ??

EBRRider
11-07-2017, 11:09 PM
Steve, Above Subarubrat pretty much hit on your main concerns with the 14 bikes.

My suggested to do list would be:

New version of the starter, they are cheap on Ebay/Amazon etc. They are used on other bikes.
Purge/replace all fluids
44 tooth sprocket kit (HUGE)
Secondary muffler delete kit
IDS ECU to support the above two mods, you can swap the sprocket without the ECU update (gear indicator will be off) but it is mandatory for the muffler delete!
Reduced effort clutch kit
Tail tidy kit

Cooter
11-08-2017, 12:11 AM
I can't seem to locate the "sticky" deal here ??

Because I'm an idiot:nut:

Here ya go!
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/713493/813360.html?1504295464

"Comm error/failed displays
Poor welds on front header pipes/failed front headers
Faulty low fuel sensors
Fuel pump wiring connector issues (pins physically displaced; easily corrected)
Poor casting quality at "spikes" in center section of rear wheel (cosmetic issue)
Cracking bodywork, particularly tail section (changed to 2-piece design during 2015 run)
High clutch effort (changed to lighter clutch springs in 2015; offered as free upgrade for earlier bikes)
Poor end cap seals on starter motors with a date code stamp prior to 2014/07/29."


Most of these issues are pretty rare. I have a very early 2014 SX (#24) and haven't had any of them. Most everything was found and fixed quickly in the mfg run for these bikes.

You didn't ask about mods, but the above lists are right on:) the steel 44T rear sprocket from JD Mfg for $25 is by far the best mod to make it city friendly, add a quickshifter and these are friggin amazin.:love:

IMO the "high clutch effort" isn't something I'd try to correct with the later/lighter springs while simultaneously adding a bunch of power with an ECM change. I might do one or the other, but not both. Pick your poison...Opinions vary.

Steve French
11-08-2017, 08:53 AM
Thanks for the responses guys. So it seems there isn't much at all to worry about. That's good...

If it's geared anything like my 1125R I don't think there will be issues, nor with the clutch pull. I'm pretty sure the guy said he put an EBR clutch master on it for whatever reason.
The exhaust will definitely be swaped, I have an FMF on the R it just sounds absurd and I love that !

EBRRider
11-08-2017, 09:02 AM
I'm pretty sure the guy said he put an EBR clutch master on it for whatever reason.

What do you mean ^^^ they all come with the above, on the 15 ,16 17, they have put lighter clutch springs in for a lighter pull.

Steve French
11-08-2017, 09:26 AM
I'm pretty sure the guy said he put an EBR clutch master on it for whatever reason.

What do you mean ^^^ they all come with the above, on the 15 ,16 17, they have put lighter clutch springs in for a lighter pull.

Sorry for the confusion, on my 09 1125R, has a few EBR items on it. Guy used it mainly as a track bike. Getting it made me NEED the 1190

EBRRider
11-08-2017, 09:48 AM
Sorry for the confusion, on my 09 1125R, has a few EBR items on it. Guy used it mainly as a track bike. Getting it made me NEED the 1190

From what I have heard the bikes are day and night in a great! way!

Steve French
11-08-2017, 10:09 AM
The 1125 is a great machine, but so are my XB's. They all have their purpose, and that's putting a smile on my face and some speed to my heart rate !! I'm sure the power difference is going to be staggering, especially once it's piped with a tune !

EBRRider
11-08-2017, 10:35 AM
and a 43 or a 44 Bamm you will be smiling and sh*ting your pants at the same time.

d_adams
11-08-2017, 12:16 PM
The 1125 is a great machine, but so are my XB's. They all have their purpose, and that's putting a smile on my face and some speed to my heart rate !! I'm sure the power difference is going to be staggering, especially once it's piped with a tune !

15+ hp, 9-10 ft/lbs more torque. I wouldn't call it staggering, but you can definitely tell it makes more power. Between that, the gearing change and a quick shifter, it's a completely different animal. Mine lofts the front easily enough and will carry it through 4th gear on occasion. It's those 75+ mph power wheelies that scare me though. 2nd or 3rd gear and just nail it, the front comes up.

Steve French
11-08-2017, 05:43 PM
15+ hp, 9-10 ft/lbs more torque. I wouldn't call it staggering, but you can definitely tell it makes more power. Between that, the gearing change and a quick shifter, it's a completely different animal. Mine lofts the front easily enough and will carry it through 4th gear on occasion. It's those 75+ mph power wheelies that scare me though. 2nd or 3rd gear and just nail it, the front comes up.

Once again, the power between the modded 1125R and the stock 1190 is what is staggering. The 1125 is supposedly 153 hp with the EBR race tune and FMF pipe. It has the quick shift in the GP pattern. I'm a smaller dude, thing powers up on its own over 100 sometimes. I got the 1190 this afternoon, and WOW is it brutal. Strange it felt a good bit more comfortable than the 1125... It is going to be a great bike form me I think :)

d_adams
11-08-2017, 07:24 PM
Mmmm, 146 hp crank rated, mine made 143 on EBR's dyno in 2010 and it was the highest except for their full race system at 145 hp, that was $1800 + a programmable ecm at $750 back then. The HMF made 138 as I recall. That said, an RX/SX makes roughly 40 hp more than an 1125 when comparing stock numbers. Best I've gotten out of an RX to date is 179 at the wheel. Several others around the world have hit 177 & 178.

Cooter
11-08-2017, 08:45 PM
This guy knows ^^^^:biggrin:

Subarubrat
11-08-2017, 09:16 PM
Did you take delivery? Any pics?

- A few thoughts on your comments, the 1190RX is geared WAY higher than the Xbs, so much so that you are slipping the clutch in traffic under 25-30mph which gets old real fast with a clutch that stiff. The reduced effort kit and gearing change make the bike much easier to deal with. Don't worry, you'll see.

Steve French
11-08-2017, 10:46 PM
Did you take delivery? Any pics?

- A few thoughts on your comments, the 1190RX is geared WAY higher than the Xbs, so much so that you are slipping the clutch in traffic under 25-30mph which gets old real fast with a clutch that stiff. The reduced effort kit and gearing change make the bike much easier to deal with. Don't worry, you'll see.

I totally understand the gearing difference compared to the XB's, those engines make a way different power curve. Now, I feel mildly confident it's close to the 1125R. I don't ride in traffic... Ever. I live in an area close to the city, but it's more country-ish. No stop and go, traffic free winding roads are what I ride. So, I'll leave that gearing alone for a while. And the clutch pull seems fine to me.

Steve French
11-08-2017, 10:52 PM
"Mmmm, 146 hp crank rated, mine made 143 on EBR's dyno in 2010 and it was the highest except for their full race system at 145 hp, that was $1800 + a programmable ecm at $750 back then. The HMF made 138 as I recall. That said, an RX/SX makes roughly 40 hp more than an 1125 when comparing stock numbers. Best I've gotten out of an RX to date is 179 at the wheel. Several others around the world have hit 177 & 178."

The guy I bought the 1125 from claimed EBR told him that the FMF and EBR race computer makes 153 crank, I have no idea if thats true, but if it were rated 145 stock I don't see that being an outrageous claim. Either way I love them both, and my XB12X and the XB9SX, those are for different riding situations.
I've already checked your stuff out and most likely will be purchasing a set up for the 1190 before to long ! I personally like the look of the stock system, but no bark like that FMF has, I need that...

d_adams
11-09-2017, 06:11 AM
Crank rated is what the manufacturer puts out typically. Rear wheel hp is on average, at least 10-15 % below that, it's just simple mechanical driveline losses. Most exhaust systems (even with a tune) never make up that total amount, at best, 5-7% back is typical. Some only see 3-4% so who knows why. Mine have usually hit 8-10% and a few have made as much as 14% gains, which is kinda huge.

The only drawback on mine is, they're loud. Some may call them ugly or whatever, I was after functionality, it needs to perform.

Cooter
11-09-2017, 01:04 PM
Thats why they're pretty, Dean.
Function is form:pimp:

Ghost
02-14-2018, 02:27 PM
New (26 miles) 2014 RX bought at Mecum auction Jan 2018. Doubled the mileage driving it home. Was (somewhat still am) concerned over the status of the company because of parts and maintenance -- but could not pass it up! Needed a change up from my Road King.

Great thread for a new guy! Waiting to get plates, etc. Just got the South Dakota title which says it is a HD. We'll see if that changes when I re-register it. Sent Dash and ECM to EBR for updates. So far, they've been GREAT to work with!

Looking forward to breaking it in! Anyone living in Las Vegas? Thanks for letting me join, I'm going to need the help!

MegaFighterX
02-16-2018, 03:24 AM
I'm actually in vegas. I can't promise I'll be of much help though, haha. But I do ride it as my daily. 1885

plus it gets me free parking at the casinos when I gotta work there. :D

Cooter
02-16-2018, 12:56 PM
Nice seats! St1tch?

Ghost
02-18-2018, 02:51 PM
Megafighter

Where did you get the tank protectors? They look perfectly sized for the air box ....

Thanks! Ghost

Cooter
02-18-2018, 03:47 PM
They look like Techspec

Ghost
02-19-2018, 06:24 PM
Thanks -- Techspec they are. I'm sure I'll be hunting After Market supplier names forever. Next new guy question. Got the "Service Manual". Great videos. Almost every one of them says "torque to spec". Where is the "spec" written?

gdisaac07
02-19-2018, 06:29 PM
Thanks -- Techspec they are. I'm sure I'll be hunting After Market supplier names forever. Next new guy question. Got the "Service Manual". Great videos. Almost every one of them says "torque to spec". Where is the "spec" written?

If you look at the 1190 engine parts link, it has an .svg image that has the spec sheet inside it. The 1190 chassis parts link is just a .pdf with a breakdown of each chassis component, and includes fastener torque.

Ghost
02-19-2018, 06:41 PM
Perfect -- Just needed to read a little closer! Beer is on me!

Cooter
02-19-2018, 07:24 PM
Any video that says "torque to spec" means they didn't bother to look it up:beat:.

Because:
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41WuQrN82DL._AC_UL320_SR240,320_.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.amazon.com/Youtube-CERTIFIED-Master-Automobile-Technician/dp/B01N97GI3D&h=320&w=240&tbnid=xwF2FZbVSSRv5M:&tbnh=259&tbnw=194&usg=__2MY_DQFsG7kB2TI1f3jTWjoW--g%3D&vet=1&docid=FTewDeBicIQ03M

Heres a good aftermarket parts list. Right here in this forum!:nut:
http://ebrforum.com/showthread.php?1464-Aftermarket-parts-lists&highlight=parts+list

gdisaac07
02-19-2018, 10:54 PM
Any video that says "torque to spec" means they didn't bother to look it up:beat:.

Because:
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41WuQrN82DL._AC_UL320_SR240,320_.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.amazon.com/Youtube-CERTIFIED-Master-Automobile-Technician/dp/B01N97GI3D&h=320&w=240&tbnid=xwF2FZbVSSRv5M:&tbnh=259&tbnw=194&usg=__2MY_DQFsG7kB2TI1f3jTWjoW--g%3D&vet=1&docid=FTewDeBicIQ03M

Heres a good aftermarket parts list. Right here in this forum!:nut:
http://ebrforum.com/showthread.php?1464-Aftermarket-parts-lists&highlight=parts+list

Every single one of the service manual videos says "Torque to spec" :smashfreak:


Perfect -- Just needed to read a little closer! Beer is on me!

I think you'll have to buy that beer for my friends when they're in Vegas over Memorial Day

Cooter
02-20-2018, 02:02 PM
Thats different gdisaac07.

The official service manual says "torque to spec" so they can provide the most current, updated specs in one place. i.e. the XB oil drain plug fiasco, or even the EBR race rotor mounting bolts.

But some dude in his garage making an iPhone video of himself installing grips with a heavy metal soundtrack in the background, and he says 'torque to spec' as he cranks on a bolt with vice grips. 99.9% of YouTube is that guy:Whatever:

That's my point... to be careful and use your own brain. I don't put that much faith in youtube as a teaching source for technical problems. But it is a great study of human nature! :twitch: lol

gdisaac07
02-20-2018, 02:08 PM
Thats different gdisaac07.

The official service manual says "torque to spec" so they can provide the most current, updated specs in one place. i.e. the XB oil drain plug fiasco, or even the EBR race rotor mounting bolts.

But some dude in his garage making an iPhone video of himself installing grips with a heavy metal soundtrack in the background, and he says 'torque to spec' as he cranks on a bolt with vice grips. 99.9% of YouTube is that guy:Whatever:

That's my point... to be careful and use your own brain. I don't put that much faith in youtube as a teaching source for technical problems. But it is a great study of human nature! :twitch: lol

I totally agree! Though in my experience, most people ignore torque spec anyways.

Cooter
02-20-2018, 03:43 PM
You are so right:twitch:. A good short story:

Went to a friends house for beers and his "car-guy" buddy was swapping pads on his own car in the driveway. The whole time he's spouting off how much he knows, he actually said "Be sure to torque to spec...". I honestly thought he was asking, so I went to my buddies box and grabbed the torque wrench for him. I handed it over and got the funniest, quizzical look from him. He didn't even know how to unlock the grip to turn the setting up. Never even held one before! Had a good laugh over the one:twofinger:

d_adams
02-20-2018, 07:48 PM
Absolutely rich story there. I've been wrenching long enough to know when I'm pretty close to most torque specs (in ft/lbs anyway) and I floored my boss a few years ago when I was doing a service/repair job on a Quincy 740 air compressor. The drive coupling had disintegrated completely, I was in the process of replacing it and he was standing there looking over my shoulder. As I was buttoning it up, he nonchalantly asked "Hey, you gonna torque those bolts?" to which I replied, they're right at 25-27 ft/lbs. No, I didn't have a torque wrench handy but I KNEW it was spot on. Ever the disbelieving boss, he goes off and gets a calibrated torque wrench and INSISTS that I check them. I said "Nope", he replies back "You're fired if they're not right and I'm checking them RIGHT NOW." All 8 bolts, both sides of the coupling, 26 ft/lbs exactly. I was never questioned again about anything I'd tightened down "to spec". I still work there, the boss has since retired.