Hellbound Steel - Page 4

usctrack · #46 (**permalink**) 05-19-2004, 04:28 PM

Just got back from Bike Week in Myrtle Beach. Man - did this thing turn some heads!!

bobabooey · #47 (**permalink**) 06-13-2004, 10:57 AM

Lets see the new guys HBS'S

holyhotrod · #48 (**permalink**) 08-24-2004, 06:16 PM

ANYONE HAVING ANY PROBLEMS WITH THERE HBS WICKED STARTING? ABOUT 30 PERCENT OF THE TIME , THE STARTER MISSES ENGAGEMENT. YOU GET THAT SCREACHING EMBARRASING SOUND. HOW DO YOU FIX IT? OTHER THAN THIS , THE WICKED IS VERY IMPRESSIVE. FIT AND FINISH IS SECOND TO NONE

usctrack · #49 (**permalink**) 08-24-2004, 06:20 PM

I have not had that problem. Rode her really hard this weekend and now have some small oil leak. Let the search begin. Looks like some is somewhere around the Oil Sender. Will post update once I find it. Thank goodness for the 4 year warranty!!!

flstfff · #50 (**permalink**) 08-29-2004, 02:18 AM

usctrack,
How is HBS warranty responce, are they taking care of you?

usctrack · #51 (**permalink**) 08-29-2004, 06:48 AM

So far so good. It helps that I have a really good dealer.

Anthracite · #52 (**permalink**) 10-23-2004, 12:10 PM

I toured the Hellbound operation and the American Made component maker the other day. They seem like good people.

What's the word on the bikes and service from those who've had the bikes awhile?

Frenchbiker · #53 (**permalink**) 10-23-2004, 04:28 PM

I like HBS bikes, except their rear fenders with the frenched license plate. I don't like the looks at all. Wish they'd redesign them for their 2005 models (shorter) but that's just my opinion.

bobabooey · #54 (**permalink**) 10-25-2004, 05:48 PM

Anthracite ,

I would love to hear about the tour you had. Ive had my HBS since Feb 04. For the most part I am pleased. The biggest problem im having is the hydrolic clutch. It needs to be adjusted and I cant find anybody that knows how to do it. The clutch also squeels like a bird. I also had to water proof the battery compartment. The fender dumps all the water right down the battery compartment. I wish I could tell you how many miles I had on it. The odometer went out couple months ago. Overall I still love it. It rides nice and its a real head turner. I guess like most things everything has a kink or two.

Anthracite · #55 (**permalink**) 10-25-2004, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bobabooey
Anthracite ,

I would love to hear about the tour you had. Ive had my HBS since Feb 04. For the most part I am pleased. The biggest problem im having is the hydrolic clutch. It needs to be adjusted and I cant find anybody that knows how to do it. The clutch also squeels like a bird. I also had to water proof the battery compartment. The fender dumps all the water right down the battery compartment. I wish I could tell you how many miles I had on it. The odometer went out couple months ago. Overall I still love it. It rides nice and its a real head turner. I guess like most things everything has a kink or two.

The HBS "factory" is in a big warehouse out east of LA. All they do there is assemble the components. They've got a big parts cage where stuff comes in from all over, and then they've got a work area where a couple of seasoned wrenches put the bikes together. They had a couple of them sitting on the floor ready to go out. Painting is done at a nearby shop. There are a bunch of old project bikes sitting around, owned by the people who work there. These are definitely motorcycle people.

The American Made machine shop a couple of blocks away is where the real action is. They've got these big-ass automatic enclosed lathes that turn out aluminum component parts, and that's where they fabricate the steel frames, etc.

As I said, they seem like good people, and the bikes definitely turn heads.

usctrack · #56 (**permalink**) 10-25-2004, 06:27 PM

Mine is currenly in for the 2500 mile service and I have only had a few things go wrong so far. I will have to let you know how much was covered under warranty. One of the primary cover bolts snapped and they are having to replace the entire primary (for one bolt????), had a little fork oil leak after long rides - just barely enough to see, spedo goes a little wacky at stop light if you rev it - oh yea almost forgot the most important. At about 1000 miles i noticed that the inset bolt from the front right axle was missing. I thought it was a cover and called the dealer - they werent too worried so neither was I. It turns out it was the FRONT AXLE BOLT!!
I rode 1500 hard miles without a right axle bolt!!!! Thank God for really really tight pinch bolts. Everyone at the shop thinks I have a horseshoe up my ass. I rather be lucky than good any day!!

Ride'em hard boys!!

Nick

bobabooey · #57 (**permalink**) 10-26-2004, 04:34 AM

Anthracite , usctrack

Thanks for all the good INFO. I would love to see the factory. Wish I could get a spare gas tank from them. I want to keep it as a spare. Love my paint job and if something happens to mine like to keep a spare. Ive Emailed HBS 3 times over 6 months. Never have been acknoledged. Usctrack I had 1 bolt break off. I brought it in and they drilled out another. When they were putting on the cover another snapped off. Learned not to loosen or tightned those four bolts when the engine is hot. My Speedo is a piece of shit also. Dont know if I want them to replace it with more junk. Maybe you can tell me the sequence in getting the odometer to dispaly. I push the button 2 times for trip ometer and 3 times for the odometer right? Also hows your clutch. My friction point on the clutch is about 1/8 inch in. Dealer said you cant adjust a hydrolic clutch.

Freak · #58 (**permalink**) 10-26-2004, 06:27 AM

Got one too.
Killer ride, no problems with handling at all. Yes, a little awkward at super slow speed but learned real quick how to handle it.
As for the starter issue, about 1 in 20 starts mis-engages. First time it happened was at the deales when I picked it up. Dealer is well aware of the ongoing problem.
Mine has a killer one-off paint job. Found that the seat was assembled too soon after paint and the suction cup caused some paint damage. Dealer and factory were notified and...they agreed that when I want to put up the ride for a month or so, they will return the fender to the factory for repaint. I called the factory and talked to the warranty guy. He was aware of the problem. Kinda made me more comfortable with both the dealer and the company.
Wait till you see the 05. Single side arm, on right, right side drive with 280. Bad looking ride. Might have to own one of them too.
As for odometer, press and HOLD buttom on back for about 2 seconds for Trip- Press and hold again (when trip is displayed) to return to speedo. Press and hold for about 3 seconds for mileage. Will display thousands first then hundred then automatically return to speedo

bobabooey · #59 (**permalink**) 10-26-2004, 07:39 AM

Hey Freak,
I voted for you for the chopper of the month yesterday. Nice wicked. Thanks for the directions on the speedometer. Dealership couldnt explain. Just to make sure. When you get the odometer, your only going to get 1 digit then it will blink to 3 digits. If that is so, im in trouble. Ive got to get some service. Last I checked I thought I saw 3700 miles. I need some service. I didnt hear that about the 2005's. Cant wait to see. Are you going to add som pictures to the gallery. I would like to see the paint up close.

bobabooey · #60 (**permalink**) 10-26-2004, 07:40 AM

Oh DA

Just saw the pictures. Thanks.

Looks great.