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Posted:  31 Jul 2008 17:49	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jul 2008	Posts:  7 Reputation: Unranked [?] User Rank: Second Lieutenant
So I'm new to the buell world with a 03 XB9R.  It is time for some new tires and I've been doing my shopping.  I decided to go with the pilot power/road 2CTs.  The problem I'm running into is the cost of installation.  I talked to the local HD dealership (rocky mountain HD) and they want $215 to do the install alone.  They told me they could cut the price down to $45 per tire if i took the wheels off myself and just brought those in.  I'm all for that option as I am very mechanically inclined, but the part where reinstalling the belt to the proper tension is an issue.  I understand how it works, but i do not know any specifications on proper tension.  If anyone has some input as to what some specs are (i.e. center lbs/in deflection or general guidelines) it would be appreciated.  The bike did not come with a manual so i can't reference that.  I plan on ordering one, but i want to get out riding again soon.  the lifted jeep is killer on mpg's, and the current rear tire is starting to show some cord.

Posted:  31 Jul 2008 18:29	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jul 2008	Posts:  7 Reputation: Unranked [?] User Rank: Second Lieutenant
I forgot, I'll also need some axle torque specs and any other relevant info or tricks if you have some.  Thanks.

Posted:  31 Jul 2008 20:29	[?]
Moderator Currently Offline Join Date: Jun 2007	Posts:  2627 Reputation:  49 [?] User Rank: Five-Star General
hi! if you want to do several things yourself, i would suggest getting the service manual...they are well worth the investment. if you have an original belt tensioner, you can not adjust the tension. when it's a race tensioner, just adjust till you can't turn the tensioner-wheel (all installed)...just make sure it's aligned correctly rear axle is about 50ft-lbs and pinch fasterners @ 42ft-lbs

Posted:  31 Jul 2008 20:39	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jan 2008	Posts:  366 Reputation:  1 [?] User Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
That is crazy.  My mechanic charges $60 per wheel to unmount from the bike and mount the new tire and reinstall on the bike.  That is why I don't go to Harley for those things.  Also if you have a 9R get the regular Pilot Power 2ct don't get the road ones.  It will handle much better with the Pilot Power 2ct or just the original Pilot Power.  I have the originals on my bike not the 2ct and it handles better than ever.  Ask Lefox he will tell you how good Pilot Powers are he runs the 2ct on his bike.  I am going to go the 2ct next set for sure so I have the harder compound in the middle and it will last longer.  But I still need to have the performance of a super sport tire.

Posted:  31 Jul 2008 21:20	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jul 2008	Posts:  7 Reputation: Unranked [?] User Rank: Second Lieutenant
Well, i have found a couple more options for installation.  One wants $140 for whole bike work, or $30 per wheel off bike, and runs on a first come first serve basis.  the other place (where i'm purchasing the tires, 2CTs, $129 frnt $165 rear) will install for $27 per tire and i just bring the entire bike in.  I would go for the second option, but they cant schedule me in until the 11th of august.  I love riding my bike and dont know if i can waste that many riding days for the season.  from the sounds of it, the tensioner part isnt too hard (i have the original) so i think i'll put in the wrench time and try to get it all done by tomorrow night.  LeFox - what are the torque specs for the front axle?  I'll get a manual on the way later today. thanks for the info.

Posted:  31 Jul 2008 22:39	[?]
Moderator Currently Offline Join Date: Jun 2007	Posts:  2627 Reputation:  49 [?] User Rank: Five-Star General
front 40

Posted:  07 Aug 2008 00:29	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jul 2008	Posts:  7 Reputation: Unranked [?] User Rank: Second Lieutenant
Got everything taken care of.  Decided to go the route of removing the wheels myself and take those in.  found out that you don't even need to touch the tensioner to get the rear wheel off.  Been riding on the new tires for a few days and it made a world of difference from my old tires.  I feel much more comfortable leaning in corners now and can take all of them faster.  the set up for taking the tires off was pretty hoakey.  but engineers usually figure out a way to get it done with what they have. here's a pic of the setup. taken on a camera phone.  and yes that is ratchet straps hanging on a ladder.  the forks are sitting on a couple "borrowed" retaining wall blocks.  and i worked by the headlights of my jeep, lightbulb out in garage.  all worked out though.  thanks for all the input.

Posted:  07 Aug 2008 18:58	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Apr 2008	Posts:  274 Reputation:  6 [?] User Rank: Major
I thought i was the only one using ratchet strapps in crazy ways. I'll post pic later. Do what works.

Posted:  09 Aug 2008 00:37   Last Edited By: rolskii	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Jul 2008	Posts:  5 Reputation:  2 [?] User Rank: Second Lieutenant
I have had 2 rear puntures in 200 miles running the pirelli scorpion sync - second time I rode it home very slow and feet down ..... still inflated 2 miles from home but scrapped it that day, got a new tyre - £165 ... great sticky boots... maybe too sticky..... plus another tenner for the ratchet strap but now I can strap the missus up as well as my bike

Posted:  11 Aug 2008 19:20	[?]
Registered User Currently Offline Join Date: Apr 2008	Posts:  274 Reputation:  6 [?] User Rank: Major
Ratchet straps are great. The misses, that could be fun may have to try it!

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