| Author |
Message |
    
Dpwc5
| | Posted on Sunday, July 28, 2013 - 12:49 pm: | 
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Hey guys,
I am the new owner of a 2004 XB12R. What a fun bike! Handles amazingly. I know nothing about Buells and I'm not a mechanic. I did have a Harley about 20 years ago...
I've got a couple of issues. I've searched the forum and I can't find precisely my biggest concern.
The bike hasn't seen much use at all for the past year or two as the previous owner decided no more street time, only track time. He didn't use this for the track. Sooo... it's sat. Previous owner is a mechanic, and did all the work himself.
Here is my issue - and it's really irritating - The bike runs great cold. But, once good and warm, between 4 and 5K RPM, it just doesn't run well. Backfires, sputters, surges, etc... Runs nicely up to 4K, and it runs consistently over 5K, but I feel like it's lacking power over 5K, but not bad.
Then the standard issues I've read about - hot seat, hot leg... I live near DC so traffic is a way of life. I will have to figure out how to deal with that.
What I know about the bike - XB12R with the Millenium upgrade about 12,000 miles ago. I don't know what ECM, I don't know what pipes.
Help - I can't stand things that don't feel right.
Thanks |
Bman12r
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - 02:09 pm: |
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Hi! Welcome to the DC area. I have a 2005 XB12R, also black w/ gold wheels. And a 2008 1125r. Can't get rid of the Firebolt. Too much fun to ride. My bike came from Baltimore Buell/HD and they know how to work on them there. Sounds like yours needs very careful set-up with TPS reset and (I think) an adjustment of fueling (air/idle?) Mine has always run really well. When they are adjusted right, it is a great ride |
Harleyelf
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - 02:15 pm: |
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Get an EBR module and be done with it. Unless the problem is simply timing, dirty injectors, or the cam position sensor being fried or shaken silly.
The rpm range where you have trouble should be your smoothest power band. |
Bman12r
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - 02:42 pm: |
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I have the factory Buell race kit installed on my 05 Firebolt when bike was less than a year old. Race ECM, muffler, and air filter. Made a big difference. I still respectfully suggest that bike is hooked up to Harley dealer diagnostic system and carefully tuned by competent Buell mechanic. My Firebolt has never backfired, surged, or sputtered ever. Mechanic at Baltimore (who left to be a fireman in Balt. City) told me that these bikes need very careful tuning. I have ridden many XBs from Buell factory test rides that were not set up right. They run like crap when not set up properly. |
Dpwc5
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - 08:48 pm: |
|
Thanks for the feedback.
This thing is getting worse in a hurry. I am in total agreement that it needs to get to a qualified tech. I'm in Falls Church. Any idea where to take it? Looks like there is a Harley dealer in Fairfax.
Thanks again
D |
Ishai
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - 09:29 pm: |
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Sent you some info in a pm....
Ishai |
Dpwc5
| | Posted on Friday, August 16, 2013 - 05:04 pm: |
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Took it to a professional. The oil leak is fixed, and it's running WAY better.
The poor running sputtering issue turned out to be something quite simple- a poor battery connection. It's running much better now, although still kind of quirky.
It's still running quite rich, and when it gets hot, the idle doesn't go straight to idle. It hovers about 2k, then slowly comes down. But only when the motor gets hot.
I literally burnt my leg today sitting at a light. I guess I'll be wrapping my pipes. What is everyone using?
Getting MUCH happier. I think it will be an awesome bike once I get everything done.
Thank to everyone for your help!
D |
Chicknstripn
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 04, 2013 - 04:59 am: |
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Welcome to the wonderful, sometimes finicky, world of the Buell! My 2007 had an idle issue when it had around 15k. It wound up being a bad intake seal. The idle would "hang up" or stick at 2k rpm when I would pull the clutch in while coming to a stop. The idle would come down once the clutch was released ever so slightly. That issue made it near impossible to set the tps correctly. Anyway, spray some brake cleaner around the base of your intake. You'll have to take your right side cover/scoop off to access the base of the intake to accomplish this. If your rpms spike, you have an intake leak. Some people recommend using propane for this test but I'm just giving you the knowledge of what worked for me. Good luck |
Reepicheep
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 04, 2013 - 08:05 am: |
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I'd recommend WD40 or some other light multipurpose lubricant instead of brake cleaner. Or even propane (unlit obviously).
Some brake cleaner would be fine, but other stuff will take paint right off and dissolve plastic.
For the burnt leg, the best solution I found was a cheap set of armored riding pants. You can probably get mesh ones for $100 or less. They keep the heat from being much of an issue, keeps the road spooge off your clothing, and they will be greatly appreciated as you do a graceful front flip over the back of a recklessly driven Toyota Corolla and see the ground approaching at about 20 mph. DAMHIK. |
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