| Author | Message | ||
     Superman217 |
I have a Buell XB12R and I love this bike. I've been doing a lot of reading about pipes, air box mods, ECM Spy vs. PC3 or TFI, and various other things. I've seen a lot of conflicting statements and I’m just looking for used and tested warranty safe modification. So my goal is more power….period. I don’t really care about the LOUD noise because here in California, that’s what gets the cops attention. I would rather have a bike with power than a loud bike that kind of has power. I know that in order to get more power you have to make it breath better, with that said, just because you have loud pipes it doesn’t mean you have a lot of horsepower. I’ve also heard that the 09 XB12R can make a wide range of adjustments itself with out the use of a Power Commander 3, a TFI, or ECM Spy. Any knowledge you XB12R Guru’s can give me is greatly appreciated. Kevin G.  (Message edited by Superman217 on May 24, 2009) | ||
| Ratfink |
Same exact bike here, kevin. As far as PC3, TFI, Ecm spy... Its an '09. I thought that it was still in the air as far as cracking into the new control systems of 08+ bikes? Because if it isn't, I'm gonna go play with mine with ECMspy. As far as making it breath better, your gonna need an exhaust. Go here... http://www.americansportbike.com/ Look into the "exhaust shootout." Pick the exhaust that you think makes the most power and buy it. You dont need to worry about doing the "airbox mod" because our airboxes come modded from the factory. But a K&N filter couldnt hurt. The only other thing that could "improve" horsepower is the catch can from American Sport Bike. But that is still unproven. I have one just in case. And if you really want more power, shoulda gone with an inline four or an 1125. Theres really not a whole lot of power left you can get out of the 1200 withouth some serious cash. So I say do the limited power mods and love the bike for what it is. A serious corner eating machine. (Message edited by ratfink on May 24, 2009) | ||
| Slaughter |
Warranty is the big issue. Check with Fordyce since they're likely the people that will have to go to bat for you in any warranty work. Why not do suspension and brake work before messing with the engine? Turning, handling, braking performance will make the bike FASTER than mods to the motor... and they don't mess up the warranty. That being said, there ARE many many many engine mods that can be done but you asked about warranty. You're limited in what might be allowed... but ask Fordyce. | ||
| Glitch |
Why not do suspension and brake work before messing with the engine? Turning, handling, braking performance will make the bike FASTER than mods to the motor... and they don't mess up the warranty. Seriously | ||
| Rogue_biker |
There is NOTHING much you can do to increase power on your XB12R without messing up your warranty. Your '09 is already the best in can be, without extracting some kind of price (noise, warranty void). My exeperience with Skip Fordyce, in Riverside is that their Service Dept. cannot be trusted. Not long ago, Skip Fordyce sold my good friend an '08 1125R and assured him that ALL recall work was done on the bike. Well, on his first long ride on his '08 1125R, the kickstand spring broke off and the stand deployed at speed! Good thing was, my friend was only doing 15 mph and I saw the stand down and was able to warn him!! Otherwise, he could have gotten killed! The Kickstand spring was one of the recall items in the list for '08 1125R's! But that's not the end of it. My friend immediately took his 1125R to Buell of San Diego, because that is where we were when his kickstand failed. Buell of SD techs confirmed that none, I mean NONE of the 2008 1125R recalls were done by Skip Fordyce. Holy Crap! If you want workd done right, go to Buell of San Diego in Kearney Mesa. (Message edited by rogue_biker on May 24, 2009) | ||
| Ezblast |
You could also talk to JTS- a sponser about a custom mapped FI/ignition - they do specialize in Tuning and are a Cali group and know their shit. http://www.jtsperformance.com/ Chances are your a bit lean with that Force - They could help - though I do know of a guy who is fitting VRod injectors on an XB so he can run some square inches and a hot cam and Force goodies - the regular XB ones not able to deliver enough fuell - lol EZ (Message edited by ezblast on May 25, 2009) | ||
| Fast1075 |
The voice from the dark side says...Listen to Slaughter, he is wise...When the chicken strips go all the way to the tire edge, then seek more power. | ||
| Superman217 |
Outstanding. Thank you all for the quick response. KG | ||
| Iamarchangel |
And, in case buddy has made you nervous, if you punch your VIN into the Buell.com > Owners site, you can find out if any warranty work is required. | ||
| Ducbsa |
Iam - I logged in and don't see where to check that. A little help? | ||
| Dsword |
Yeah, I was just looking for the link to check the VIN too and I don't see where you can do that. I'm logged in to the Buell Owners web page too... | ||
| Iamarchangel |
It's been a while. Pretty sure when you fill out my profile and enter your bike's VIN, it shows up there. Online profile is on the menu at the top of the page. I'll follow up when I get home. | ||
| 2008xb12scg |
I had a chance to meet Jim from JTS performance and Al from American Sport Bike last Sunday. they both know there Stuff. I can't wait until funds are available to take my bike to JTS | ||
| Brumbear |
The truth about POWER if you cant ride your machine like a motoGP racer you don't need more power you need lessons and work sometimes hard work. There are some that can if you are one of those guys then there are several options for you. I am not trying to stop you in anyway from modding your bike just trying to give you heart felt advice I would hate to see anyone ride above there level and bounce and be out of a great sport and possibly worse. All the best Dave | ||
| Blake |
That kind of thinking makes no sense to me. According to that philosophy, a drag racer or land speed racer would never need more power. One needs to be MotoGP level before wanting more than 100 RWHP? I do agree that improving skills should come first. | ||
| Blake |
Talk to JTS. | ||
| Iamarchangel |
Okay, it's not at the Buell site, it's at the HD site. Maybe it was at the HD site all along. Sorry, but pretty sure you have to register anyway so you've got that done. Use your log-in from the Buell site, or it might recognize you from there, mine does. Go to Harley-Davidson.com > Owners > Service Check up. | ||
| Uawjesse |
Swap the primary gearing from a XB-9. While this will obviously not increase power, the mechanical advantage of the lower gearing of the 9 will get you to the limit faster. Search primary swap threads on this site for more info. Oh, also search ericz's turbo XB-9. (NOT WARRANTY FRIENDLY SOLUTION THOUGH!!!)  | ||
| Brumbear |
why would you want to drag race a short wheel based buell other than for fun but I guess I should have thought that out a little more I thought quickly the guy would want to ride the buell for what its best at well anyway I stand corrected | ||
| Rogue_biker |
The XB12R is best at tight, twisty roads.  | ||
| Ericz |
You could turbo it like I did my 12  It voids the warranty, wears out rear tires quickly, burns more fuel, you have to hold on tighter, and it's harder to keep the front wheel on the ground. Really not too many good things about it, I guess | ||
| Boltrider |
Oh yeah that turbo sounds like a drag  | ||
| Ourdee |
Ericz, Does that balance the heat out left and right side? | ||
| Superman217 |
Ok guys, I see everyones point and I totally agree. I still have some chicken strips and it is a sweet ride in the twisties. =) I think I will keep her the way she is until I can run the twisties faster and get rid of those strips. =) I think an investment in a MotoGP type course is a good investment. I would rather have the skills than a bike with too much power and not enough skills to handle it. KG (Message edited by Superman217 on May 27, 2009) | ||
| 2008xb12scg |
a bike with too much power and not enough skills to handle it. Are you describing me? | ||
| Xl_cheese |
TRACK DAYS!!! That's the best bang for the buck period in speed. |
