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View Full Version : Bringing an XB9 back to life?


sbkal08
08-02-2008, 01:59 AM
Hey all! I'm attempting to rebuild a FUBAR City X and turn it into a XBR track bike. I have almost all the parts I need for the conversion but might part out the stuff if the engine is a gonner. I doubt the engine is irreparable as the damage seems superficial. I would hate to part it out as it's like admitting defeat, you know? I spent the afternoon dismantling the bike and got down to the engine, which I don't know even runs. I was hoping someone could give me some pointers. The pics depict a damaged primary cover and points cover, and bent pushrod. I disassembled the front head and removed the push rod cover and replaced the bent push rod. The lifter doesn't appear to be damaged. Now, the top of the piston and the cylinder wall had this flaky layer of black residue. I wiped it with a rag and it came off pretty easily. What does this tell me about the condition of the engine? Under the piston, I could see the crank shaft and it looked ok, but it was black and I don't know if it's sludge or not. I will look further tomorrow. I am looking for a replacement points cover but once it's together, do I have to assemble the whole bike to see if this engine even runs?

sbkal08
08-28-2008, 12:50 PM
I tore the engine down and discovered water had gotten into everything. The cylinders were corroded and there were hairline cracks in the rear cylinder head at the top mount holes. Those could be repaired. The problem lay in the cylinders, They could be bored 10 over but there are no pistons to fit, nor are there any conversion kits. So, it's either buy new cylinders and pistons from HD, or buy a used motor. I noticed there are guys on ebay that part out perfectly good XBs. What a shame. It's almost criminal to do that to such a unique machine, I think. I also see individual owners parting out their XBs in order to build these ugly-ass Mutant choppers! I believe parting out also drives up the price of parts. I'm amazed at how many bidders will bid up used parts over retail pricing! Anyway, I think I'll just assemble a rolling chassis in the meantime until I decide what to do about a motor. If I went to a XB12 motor, I'll have to change the entire wiring harness, but I'd rather have the 1203 anyway...