G oog le Buell 1125R Forum | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile


Buell Forum » 1125R Superbike Board » Archives 001 » Archive through October 24, 2008 » Ahhh, the root cause!!! » Archive through October 10, 2008 « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Xb9
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 01:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

This is a must read for any '08 1125R owner:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/3160208/Wild-a nd-wacky-Buell-1125CR.html

I KNEW it was not right....but many argued the point........


"Against that, Buell's factory problem in its communication with Europe last year looks rather more forgivable. It might not have been of Mars Orbiter proportions, but the issue was the same: the engine is designed and built by Austrian power train specialist Rotax, creator of such fine engines as Aprilia's RSV1000, and Rotax measures some engine parameters in a different way to the Americans. As a result, Buell's 1125 was set up with completely skewed ignition mapping, leading to... excessive heat, poor fuelling and vibration."


"After months of battling hidden demons, the discovery was made by a Buell engineer visiting the Austrian factory, after which it was corrected in an hour, a eureka! moment that had grown men in tears of joy. The test engines ran so much better after that fuel consumption improved by more than 20 per cent, immediately."

(Message edited by xb9 on October 10, 2008)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rasta_dog
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 01:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I thought there had already been unsuccessful attempts at re-mapping, so this might be a dumb question:

If this is accurate, does it go back and fix all first year 1125 models?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Krassh
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 01:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The reflash has already been released as a service bulletin for the 2008 1125R. This fixes the issues with the 2008 models.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Xb9
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 01:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The latest 'reflash' is the result of the finding in the article.

Read the first half of the article!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Court
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 02:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Be cautious about what you believe . . .
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Edgydrifter
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 02:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Either way, it's an entertaining story.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Redscuell
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 02:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

In terms of believing what we read, my expectation is that this story's basis came directly from either Buell or Rotax. Otherwise we're left to expect that the writer simply made this up. As an industrial designer (and having done the whole metric / imperial / language barrier / time zone difference / "tyranny of distance" thing) I can say that the story's premise is at least plausible.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Xnoahx
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 02:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Good find, good read!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Fresnobuell
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 03:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I am a little skeptical that a monumental error of this sort would happen btw Buell and Rotax--and even if it DID happen, it seems like it would have been discovered long ago.

Interesting story tho!

Be nice if COurt could be a little less cryptic IMO.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellborn
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 03:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I hope the people that were ridiculed early on for expressing concerns on their new bikes now feel vindicated.

You were not crazy!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Xb9
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 03:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The article leaves out the fine details, especially on who actually screwed up (Buell or Rotax) but at least for me it gives me some closure (and regain my sanity). Hey, sh#t happens, I deal with this kind of thing on my job too, we are all human. I've been battling with Dealers and DM's and HD Customer service most of the summer and all I got was tight lips and "the bike was not designed to be run below 4k" BS..... It's been extremely frustrating to say the least. Many others I have spoken with feel the same.

I really, really wish Buell would make an official statement on the issue, but that will never happen, and it is a moot point now. But I still feel we, as early adopter owners, at least deserve an explanation from the official source.

Honda did a press release on the CBR100RR US model horsepower issue - why can't Buell??
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Xb9
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 04:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Court, I don't know if you really know what went on or not, or maybe you are just trying to divert and cast some doubt to help cloud the issue. That seems to be the 'official' response I've been presented all along.

All I know for sure is these ECM EEPROM's can be read, and before and after the latest calibration reflash can be compared. That is proof positive of some substantial changes to those spark tables. That is a fact, and at least in my mind substantiates the article.

Kudo's to Buell for finding and fixing the problem. But Bah for not being upfront and honest with their customers that invested 12k of their hard earned money and can't get a straight answer from them when there is a problem.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Doughnut
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 04:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

So what is mpg on a "healthy" 1125?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Badlionsfan
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 05:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've been seeing high 30's when playin on the back roads, low 40's when running down the highway around 75 mph.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Madduck
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 05:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Why can't we just let a good story stand on its own. Facts just get in the way of a good story teller. You really need very few "facts" to generate a really good story, germ of truth enterains. History books put me to sleep.

Friends with pictures/videos can really ruin a good story and eliminate my deniablility.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Slypiranna
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 06:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Good read and it makes sense.

Things like this DO happen and the easiest problems are often the hardest to find resolve for.

We were never crazy, proof of the latest flash should support that.

Everyone that had a "perfect" bike before might now realize the real difference...mm
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Court
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 06:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I can say that the story's premise is at least plausible.

Not even close.

Fun reading.

Fun story.

So is Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

The internet loves a good story.

So be it.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Fresnobuell
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 06:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Everyone that had a "perfect" bike before might now realize the real difference...mm

I considered my bike pretty close to perfect prior to the latest flash. My conclusion:

a) Love the cooler running temps.
b) Love the better MPG (up from 30 in mixed riding to about 35, expecting a similar jump on the freeway (35 to 40).
c) Preferred the driveability of the stock ECM mapping...HOWEVER I am still battling a front AFV that is jumping around, which could be the issue.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Fresnobuell
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 06:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I can say that the story's premise is at least plausible.

Not even close.

Fun reading.

Fun story.

So is Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

The internet loves a good story.

So be it.


Court, you are funny. If this isn't the real scoop, why don't you impress us with your knowledge of what really happened...that is if you know.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pridayr
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 06:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yeah! What he said!

R
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Xb9
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 07:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

+1 Fresno!!!! I smell a smoke screen.....
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Slypiranna
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 08:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Surely, there is more to the story than what information would have ever been released to the press.

I personally believe that it wasn't just the "spark maps" but something else contributing that we on the outside cannot see, yet. Something in the hidden pages of the ecu's controls...

Whatever the whole story is...I doubt we'll ever formally "hear" it from the horse's head. Trade secret stuff.

I feel that is safe to say that this case was NOT a fairy tale that we all just woke up from...NOR just good internet reading.

Many on the outside have devoted countless hours/$'s for this learning curve and perhaps, were heard.

Many on the outside also know what a properly running engine is. Prior to this fix, this model was not right. I rode some of the "perfect" ones and was less than impressed.

This problem DID happen, was completely discredited by many owners and BMC for a while and then was resolved for the benefit of all.

An admission of anything greater than resolve won't do any good from here on out, IMO.

I'm just happy that the majority of the first model year problems are solved and in that, their owners now satisfied. mm

p.s. Those that remain not, your bike needs to go back to the dealer. Period.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ruprecht
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 08:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ahh... American Imperialism is to blame eh?
Makes sense. : D

By the way, was there a dyno chart of before and after the reflash yet?
I swear there was one posted here a few minutes ago from D&D, but the numbers were too small to make out.
It seems to have "disappeared".
Either that or I imagined it all...

I swear it was right there -> http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290431/08_1125R_09_ECM_UPDATE-402624.unk

(Message edited by Ruprecht on October 10, 2008)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Slypiranna
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 09:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ruprecht,

"Ahh... American Imperialism is to blame eh?" ???

I am not blaming here nor do I see a major tie to the definition of the word, Imperialism.

As far as pre/post flash dynos...I doubt your going to see anything really credable as far as a major increase/decrease.

The corrections were mostly relevant to closed loop operation, therefor, minor to open loop wonders. mm

(Message edited by slypiranna on October 10, 2008)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ruprecht
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 09:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It was tongue in cheek Sly, a play on words. Metric vs Imperial... imperialism. ...and isn't American Imperialism to blame for everything? : D

As for the graph... I wouldn't have expected much either, which is why I wondered about the graph that I saw.
There was a definite change, but I couldn't read the labels.
Here's a screen cap of it.
Flash?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Fresnobuell
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 09:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

By the way, was there a dyno chart of before and after the reflash yet?

Yes, it has been done. I haven't seen the chart (that would be cool), but reports were no changes.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Slypiranna
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 09:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ruprecht,

Thanks for helping me understand! Now your post finds meaning...

As far as the dyno goes, again, I cannot believe that this latest flash could make much of a difference...UNLESS,

The AFV learning curve in Closed Loop is further improved to the point of correcting Open Loop with greater accuracy and timelyness...and we've all questioned that prior to...

But this is splitting hairs from a street bike situation with only an intake and exhaust mod.

It cannot be done in a back to back fashion though, it must be given time to learn the difference.

But that's just my opinion. Peace out! mm
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ruprecht
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 09:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yeah, I would have expected more qualitative than quantitative changes.
So what is this mysterious graph that was posted in a thread labeled "Pre/Post Reflash Dyno" (or something similar) and then promptly deleted?
Someone's teasing...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buellborn
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 10:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Slypiranna GREAT POST!!!!!!!!!


Bottom line is a better product/more customer/more revenues/better product.

Things can only be fixed that are recognized. I think some valuable time was lost while people carried the "party line" ignoring the facts and unfortunately allowing more press time on the previously perfect model.

There are many of us shoppers on the sideline watching the events waiting for the right moment to jump in.
I love
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Spectrum
Posted on Friday, October 10, 2008 - 10:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You guys crack me up. My Bike runs better. It didn't run bad before. So the new flash was a very pleasant surprise.

Christmas came twice there year and I don't care why.

There's an ol saying in Texas. "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth".
« Previous Next »

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration