| Author | Message | ||
     Gentleman_jon |
Now that the 2008's have been around for a while, and the 2009's have been thoroughly vetted, I was wondering if all the upgrades for the 2008 have even been collected in one place. I would include recalls, necessary changes, and suggested improvements on this list. As a casual follower of this thread, I can think of the following items. I also would like to know which ones are covered under warranty and which are not. Here are some of the issues I have seen discussed, I am sure there are others, and that some of these are related to each other. 1. Reflash ECM 2. Disconnect solenoid 3. Replace instrument cluster 4. New injector type 5. Brake recall / upgrade: I found the stock pads to be a bit "wooden" for the street. Any Lyndal Golds or something like that available. 6. Bad blinkers 7. Overheating, hot right foot 8. excessive battery drain 9. Oil dipstick 10. Kickstand spring 11. Gas vent line. 12. Gas boiling problem 13. low mpg problem 14. fork oil level 15. belt upgrade I am sure that there are many more. I was hoping that someone who has been through it all might do a post similar to the notes I posted for new owners of the 2003 XB9 giving them the benefit of the 13,000 miles I had put on mine. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/406 2/199289.html I think such a list to be valuable to present owners and future owners alike. Just wondering if it is worth fooling with a 2008 at all. Thanks folks | ||
| Marcodesade |
Airbox removal. | ||
| Redscuell |
I agree that there should be a FAQ on this Board. And I'm willing to compile it, if there were a blessing from the site owner; and if a link were to be provided for it. | ||
| Carbonbigfoot |
Second. PM Blake. R | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Redscuell - I have corresponded off line with Blake, and he is all for the idea. Once we have a compilation, he said that he will put a permanent link to the FAQ on this Topic page. So, let the fun begin!!  Red, could you start it off? Everyone else might chip in once Red has posted the general format, if that is possible. Thanks Jonathan | ||
| Palmer |
oh yes! a FAQ page would be very useful, not only for the suggested upgrades, but even for recalls and for problem solving! This forum is the biggest source of information! A MUST read for every poor italian owner !  | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Capito! | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Bump. Come on guys, this a great opportunity for 1125 owners to give back to this site which has been so useful to so many Buell owners for years. In addition, Blake has made a great offer to put a link to this compilation. Help, anyone? | ||
| Jaimec |
The only REQUIRED upgrades for the 09 models I'm aware of are premium fuel and properly inflated tires in good condition. Fresh engine oil is probably a good idea too. | ||
| Kttemplar |
Here is my working list -buy a heavy duty battery tender/charger and keep it on standby for life support -get all of the ECM updates and recalls -Remove the solenoid (use Buell plug Y0248.1AM) good instructions for removing solenoid (www.markelengineering.com/Markel_8B11NE_install_in structions_revised06162008.pdf) -Bar end sliders Dark Horse Moto or Rhino -axle sliders Dark Horse Moto -for ’08 bikes replace clutch cover with ’09 cover (R1029A.1AM) -Fender eliminator (Tail Tidy or Jardine) The tidy tail has a light for the plate and the jardine does not also the tidy tail is designed for UK plates. -Upgrade exhaust (TM, D&D, Jardine, Drummer, HR1, HMF, Remus, Saron, Akrapovic etc.) -’08 bikes, upgrade brakes to ’09 SE7 compound (H0300.1AMB – rear pads) or aftermarket (EBC etc.) -’08 bikes, frame insulation kit (C1580.2AM) -Use your accessory plug for accessories by either buying the Buell Lighter accessory plug (Y0198.1AK) or building your own plug for about a $1 (http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290 431/388582.html?1222284679) -Until the official K&N filter comes out use KN filter #33-2207 and cut in between the pleats, so that it will lay in the housing. -Replace rear turn signals with after market LED signals. -Custom Firebolt seat for longer rides (52319-02Y) -Clear brake light assembly either with or without turn signals integrated from XBlights.com. -Billet shift and brake levers from precision engineering www.preeng.com . -’08 bikes upgrade wheel bearings to E0004.02A8B front; E0005.02A8B rear. -Pazzo shorty levers for brake and clutch -A16501 - Seat Retention Kit for Firebolt and 1125 from American Sportbike Mike (Message edited by kttemplar on April 23, 2009) | ||
| Daggar |
How are the newer wheel bearings better? | ||
| Daggar |
Holy crap, they're cheap! | ||
| Kttemplar |
That is how they are better. I am not sure if the construction is better or not, but they are an updated part and much more reasonably priced than the older bearings. Mike | ||
| Supertt_fl |
kttemp, How well does that frame insulation kit work? What does it all come with?? thanks | ||
| Kttemplar |
I do not have one myself. From what I understand, it is insulation that goes between the frame and engine to keep the frame and fuel in it from getting so hot. It is standard on the '09 models and from what others have said that have installed it, they work very well. I plan to have it installed when I do the 12K service. Everything will already be taken apart anyway. It is only about $53 for the kit. Hopefully, someone that has had it installed on their '08 will chime in to give you a better answer. Mike (Message edited by kttemplar on April 23, 2009) | ||
| Unibear12r |
Bump A FAQ page IS a good idea. Leaky clutch housings on some bikes. A fix is supposed to be in the works from Buell. Effects both 08s & 09s. An aftermarket insulation kit is supposed to cover more of the inside of the frame than the Buell kit for about the same price. For those who ride a lot in winter with heated gear or spend a lot of time stuck in traffic (idling/low rpms) on really hot days (high fans & lights) changing out the 08 alternator for an 09 might be a good thing. I don't know the cost or ease of this. Great care must be excercised when reinstalling the factory air filter to make sure that the left and right ends are fully seated and under the seat lips. Requires a bit of rubbing and pushing on the filter. At least one report of sand injestion/damaged engine has been reported on Badweb because of this. Easy to miss and I've found my dealer tech has left a gap before. (Message edited by unibear12r on April 26, 2009) | ||
| Archernc |
First off let me thank everyone here for posting such useful information and helping me decide on getting the 1125. With that said we complained enough to Buell about the heating issue that they are installing the insulation kit so I can give you a better update as soon as it has been completed. | ||
| Archernc |
Update : frame insulation kit (w/o hard numbers) The kit still hasn't provided relief from the root problem of frame heating but I must admit that it provides an extra buffer which means the frame doesn't get as hot as quickly. As mentioned above the factory kit also only covers the right hand section of the frame, not the entire surface area. It also allows the frame to cool down much quicker now too but unfortunately in this climate and ATL driving conditions there isn't much hope. Special thanks to Odie at Special OPs, the seat barrier also provides much needed relief under the seat. And special thanks to everyone here too. I ordered the solenoid resistor (the dead zone appeared after having the insulation kit installed) but couldn't wait for it to fix the problem so I simply disconnected/removed the cable, safety wired the butterfly and HOLY CRAP what a difference. You folks are the best and I'll make sure to send these posts to our local dealership so they too can help our fellow Buell-ers. (Message edited by archernc on July 04, 2009) | ||
| Gbackus |
Considering purchasing a new '08, so I've been looking through the archives. Wondering if the proposed content of this post(faq or sticky somewhere) has been posted elsewhere? |
