| Author | Message | ||
     Shea |
Please, don't think I am a squid, because I am far from it. Today I hit the 600 mile mark, so started riding the bike a little harder than usual. Nothing crazy. The horsepower and torque felt "adequate" for almost all the roads around here. But, today I wanted to test the bike a bit. I cracked on it at full throttle in 1st gear at 3500-4000 RPMs and was surprised that the front end only came up a couple inches than almost immediately came back down. Now, granted I am 215lbs, I expected a little more than this. Perhaps I wasn't expecting it to sit the front wheel back down until a little into second gear. Also, I then took it out on the highway. I saw a post about top speeds and I was curious. Hit about 110mph just long enough to see where the tach was, then backed off. It did a fine job getting there, no doubt, but I cannot possibly see this bike going much passed 120mph. It seemed that's all it had. I am sure that wind resistance was the cause, but I thought 130mph would have been a more likely number, not 120. What does that change? Well, nothing. I am not really into top speed. I am sure this is the only time I will ever get above 75 or 80mph. Just wanted to share that part to add another answer to "What's the XB12's top speed" question. This is my first bike from a few years off of riding. I don't regret getting this bike because it's so controllable and I feel that the power is great for me to get back into riding again. I have to say though, unless Harley bumps the HP by atleast 15hp in the next couple years, not sure I will own another Buell. Of course, if I have the money, perhaps I could fix this one up, but I'd rather start with a bike with a little more than 91hp at the rear. Anyone know what the future Buells have in store? | ||
| Perry |
Being heavier will actually increase the ability/tendency to wheelie, since the center of gravity is then higher and inertia resisting acceleration at the seat (your rear) is greater. A large rider will slow down acceleration, but increase wheelie ability so long as the weight is toward the rear of the bike (like on the seat). At the altitude I live and ride (about a mile high), combustion engines produce around 23% less power than at sea level because of the thin air. If you live at high altitude that may be part of it. If not, consider yourself lucky! I doubt anybody can tell you anything credible about the future of the Buell engine, other than their own wishes... | ||
| Bugman |
No, but XB12's usually make enough grunt in the mid-range to pull the front end up as far and as long as you want to IF you use the proper technique of pulling on the handlebars while shifting your considerable bulk towards the back wheel. As for top speed, finish breaking in the engine first then give it a shot. A tight engine will surrender a few ponies. | ||
| M1combat |
I've bouced my '04 12R off the limiter a few times in fifth. The needle indicates 140-142, and I've heard that the concensus is that it's an actual 138 or so. As far as pulling the front end off... I can lean forward and whack the throttle open with NO clutch and NO spring bounce from 3K at 5000' elevation and the front carries about 8-12" off the ground until I need second. At the shift it pulls the front back off the ground about 4" for about 6'. As I recall, I needed to open the throttle at about 3800 when it was stock. That was also at 5000' (about 14% down in HP). That said... I do have a filter, ECM, and Force exhaust. I know it's not apples and apples, but I don't get any more power above about 4500RPM's than stock. I do get more from 3K to 4500 though. In Phoenix (about 1K' elevation I think) it'll pull the front right over the back on accident in first and second. I weigh 202 at the moment. In any case, it should gain power for the first couple thousand miles. Not much of course, but a little. How is your suspension set? Maybe too much rebound damping on the front? Not that I'm saying you should set your suspension for wheelies, but at least set it to the manuals recomendations... | ||
| Shea |
Suspension is set to the recommended agressive handleing for my weight using the chart that was posted on this site before. I think it was the same as the chart in the manuel. Only thing I have on here is an Econo drummer, but haven't had the bike remapped of had an ECM put on. I was told that the HD dealers will do a remap for $150 though, so I may do that. BTW, I just found out that all 06 and newer bikes in Pa are no longer allowed to have any after market exhausts or fuel alterations. Is that true? | ||
| Daves |
I think your HD dealer is thinking it's a HD. The remapping can only be done by Direct Link and the "key" alone is 249.00 I do not know what is wrong with your bike but every single 12(or 9 for that matter) will flip itself backwards if nailed in first gear like you say you are doing. I don't even do wheelies in first because they are so abrupt. I do mine shifting into second, much more controllable for me anyway. I see your bike is a SS so the longer wheelbase may limit it's wheelieness( is that a new word?) a little but I spent many a good time on a 55" WB X1 that would flip itself in first gear as well as the XBs I have ridden. Something isn't right. Your bike may not be running right? Your technique may need some work? Maybe you should come to the homecoming and let me ride your bike?  I will show you that it will wheelie. Not that I ever wheelie of course  | ||
| Exitlandrew |
The exhaust your using may be your problem. A free flowing exhaust without a race ecm or some other way of richening your air fuel mixture will most likely hinder performance. It can also cause other problems, such as discoloration of your pipes. Im not familiar with the drummer setup, but Im sure its more open than stock. My 12r did somewhere in the 130 range when it was stock. Now im well over 145, maybe even 150, I havent really tested it yet. Oh and Im about 220 pounds. | ||
| Daves |
Exit, did you change the gearing? | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Exit, Your bike has no more top speed than when it was stock. Period. | ||
| Diablobrian |
Shea, another thing to consider, although you have finished "break in" your bike won't reach it's maximum hp potential for a couple thousand miles or more as it continues to loosen up. | ||
| Shea |
I got the mapping as second hand info. I was told that the dealership will dyno tune it for me, just haven't gotten a cost and won't ask until I have money to spend anyway. | ||
| Jlnance |
FWIW, I was riding down the road a few weeks ago and recalled a post where Court asked "have you ever whacked the throttle open really hard in 2nd gear?" I'm not actually sure wheather I was in 1st or 2nd gear, but it didn't just lift the wheel, it launched it. I'm sure I looked funny, riding down the road trying not to fall off the back of the bike. | ||
| Buellxb9s |
Must be the rider.. I am about 230 and If I am at 4000 rmps in 1st gear and Wrap the throttle it will come write over on top of me if I don't keep my foot off the brake.. Also I have had my 9s up to 125 and let off and still had a bit more.. my .02 | ||
| Cataract2 |
I can wheely my 9SX with no trouble in 1st and can do it in second with the clutch. I find that when it doesn't work it's because I didn't use the throttle right. | ||
| Bueller69 |
I've got an XB12S and at about 132 MPH, I'm bouncing off the rev limiter. | ||
| Sgthigg |
Mine has never been able to get the front up that easy.Maybe it has truly never ran right? I dunno. It will put it up in 1st 4500+, but I have to do the whole let the front rebound thing.. 2nd gear dump and pump the throttle method LMAO... no way! Go the race ecm now... we will see i guess. However Top speed 130+ and still was pulling friggin hard go figure. By the way im 155lbs I still love this bike though. (Message edited by sgthigg on April 09, 2006) |
