| Author | Message | ||
     Sam_07 |
Hello Everyone! I'm new to the forum and have fell in love with the xb12s. Riding position, power and handling to name a few. I have been searching in Orlando florida and notice seminole buell has left over 06 xb12s. They're priced at 8 grand verses buying an 08 for 10.5k. Are there major differences between the two bikes? Is it worth spending the extra 2 grand for an 08? I heard the TPS was taken away in 08. Was there a problem? Help me decide! Whats your opinion? | ||
| Lazyj |
08 | ||
| Henry_the_8th |
I have an '08 Lightning and love it. This info about the 2008 changes is taken right from Buell's website, because they can explain it better- BUELL REVS UP THUNDERSTORM V-TWIN ENGINES FOR 2008 Improved Oiling, Timing and EFI Boost Performance EAST TROY, Wis. -- (Sunday, July 08, 2007) Buell continues to develop its Thunderstorm V-Twin powertrain in 2008, with significant enhancements that boost engine performance and reduce required maintenance. The Buell Thunderstorm is a modern air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin powertrain utilized in the Buell XB motorcycle platform that includes the Firebolt, Lightning and Ulysses model families. Two versions of the engine are offered. The Thunderstorm 1203 displaces 1203cc and produces 103 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 84 ft. lbs. of torque at 6000 rpm. The Thunderstorm 984 displaces 984cc and produces 92 horsepower at 7500 rpm and 70 ft. lbs. of torque at 6000 rpm. Both are tuned to deliver a broad, flat torque curve that makes abundant power available to the rider at almost any speed, reducing the need for downshifting and providing strong acceleration in any situation. Both engines feature electronic fuel injection and dry-sump oiling. The Thunderstorm 1203 is equipped with the Buell InterActive Exhaust system, which utilizes a valve in the dual-chamber muffler that is controlled by the ECM and adjusts exhaust flow according to riding conditions to smooth torque delivery and optimize engine power. For 2008 the Thunderstorm 1203 redline is increased to 7100 rpm from 6800 rpm, giving this engine an even broader powerband, and riders the ability to accelerate longer and downshift at a higher rpm. The rpm redline of the Thunderstorm 984 remains 7500 rpm. For 2008, the following changes have been made to both the Thunderstorm 1203 and the Thunderstorm 984: New Timing System The timer cover is eliminated, as the engine is now crank timed from a new crank position sensor, which eliminates the need for manual timing, reducing maintenance costs. The ECM actively monitors and adjusts timing based on driving environment. The new sensor makes 30 reads per revolution, compared to the previous two reads per revolution, for more precise control of fuel mapping and timing to conditions. More Robust Crankpins The size of the crankpins is increased to 1.50 inches from 1.25 inches. Oiling System Upgraded A higher-output oil pump supports oiling to the new crankpin area. The new pump is driven off of the crank, a design based on the Buell XBRR production racing motorcycle. A new eight-row oil cooler offers enhanced cooling performance. All oil line ends are now equipped with Jiffy-tite fittings. New DDFI 3 ECM (Engine Control Module) A new ECM with increased computing capacity. DDFI 3 actively controls and monitors the TPS (throttle position sensor), IAC (idle air control), and timing. DDFI 3 automatically zeros the TPS and adjusts fuel metering for smoother idle, eliminating service intervals and reducing the cost of ownership. A new progressive throttle cam and new throttle cables provide smoother throttle input from stops, and less rotation to full throttle. | ||
| Henry_the_8th |
What it comes down to is preference. I think, mind you I'm no expert, that the '08 is a better bike. Now are the improvements worth the extra money, that's up to you as the buyer. I would suggest going to the Buell site and skimming through the "news" section starting in mid June and read about all the upgrades. I believe you can go back a couple years and see what was news in '06 and '07 as well. That's my .02 Good luck, and I'm sure whatever you decide you'll love it! | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Will pay less for milage services down the road with the 08 . | ||
| Dmhines |
$2500 + Tax is a big chunk of $$$ for updates that 2003-2007 don't have and still work fine. Currently I don't think there is any ECM modifying available for the 08's either if you want to go with K&N filters or new exhaust, etc ... I have a 2006 XB12Scg and love it ... including my 2007 airbox mod, K&N, D&D pipes and custom mapped ECM. And I did all that for way less than the $2500 you will be saving .... And since I bought DirectLink for my ECM mapping .. I can to TPS and ACV resets myslef ... or you can download ECMSPY and do them for free so maintenance isn't that big a deal. (Message edited by dmhines on February 07, 2008) | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I'd say it comes down to how much you'll be riding! If you'll only be doing 5k (?) miles a year, the less TPS resets might not be a big deal for you, and you could save the extra money. If you plan on racking up the miles, the lack of TPS resets is probably better for you. Planning on racing? The higher rev limiter of the 08 would be helpful. Live in a HOT area (climate), the larger oil cooler (and better oiling system) of the 08 might be a better idea | ||
| Herobluebuell |
with buying my xb last year. then buell came out with the better 08 model. kinda makes me wish i would have waited for the 08 model. | ||
| Snakedriver |
I am glad that I traded my 04 for an 08. Its a much better all around machine. Leo | ||
| Bobr |
I have an 03xb9sl and love it. I would get the 08. BMC has been making steady improvements including improvements to the tranny as well as the motor. I'm thinking about getting an 08 myself. If you have any interest in the smaller motor I would be willing to sell mine. Get in touch if you're interested. | ||
| Not_purple_s2 |
Hmmm... $2500 will buy you alot of upgrades for the 06. You could get an exhaust, race ecm (or comparable system), any of the units that allow you to reset the tps yourself, a better seat, touring bags if you like and lots of carbon fiber or other custom bits. But it won't buy you the new oiling system, active ecm, or bigger crank and higher redline. What would be more important to you? I'm assuming the 06 is new, never titled, and therefor still has a warranty. If not then I'd think the 08 is a better deal. | ||
| Irideabuell |
As most everyone else said, it's entirely up to you based on what your riding intentions are. I live in Orlando and have an '04 Lightning and love it - no problems in nearly 27,000 miles. If you're still confused, ask Mike at Seminole Buell. He's a straight shooter and will nudge you in the right direction. Those guys will take good care of you there. To me it would be about the $$$$. I'd love to trade my '04 for a new '08, but I constantly ask myself if I want to start making bike payments. I think you know the outcome as I still have the '04. It's given me no trouble at all and is a great bike as a whole. Good luck. | ||
| Sam_07 |
Thanks for all the imput guys! Im going to seminole buell today! | ||
| Thespive |
I say '08. but I LOVE my '06! --Sean |
