| Author | Message | ||
     Froggy |
Anyone have a list of the changes for the XB12 over the years? Correct me if I'm wrong: 2004 - Introduced 2006 - Different transmission, new belt, new air box, frame without snorkel 2007 - new air box with more holes 2008 - that long list of engine changes, oil cooler, and some other junk. Anything big I missed? I am not worried about cosmetics. My cousin is looking at a 2004 Lightning for sale by me, and I just want to make sure he knows the big changes over the years. | ||
| Point_doc |
I believe the oil drive gear was replaced in '06? But I do know that it was changed, so I upgraded my '04 with the High Performance Oil Pump Drive gear. It also came with larger diameter forks, new rear swing arm that is stiffer. (Message edited by point_doc on May 12, 2008) | ||
| Froggy |
Oh yea, the 07 Uly has a different oil gear than 06, so i assume the rest of the bikes got it too. | ||
| Spike |
I don't have a complete list, but here are the things I remember in addition to the stuff you already mentioned: 2005: Larger front forks (43mm, up from 41mm), new steering head bearings, New fuel pump that doesn't starve under braking and doesn't squeal like the '03-'04 pumps (mid-year change depending on build date, I *think* it was only on bikes manufactured after September '04) 2006: Different swingarm (stiffer and half-pound lighter), new oil pump drive gear. I also remember reading something about the idiot lights in the instrument cluster being serviceable after '05 or '06, but I'm not certain. In '06 or '07 the service interval was increased to every 5000 miles rather than every 2500, but I don't think there were any mechanical changes to go along with the new interval. Another change that I don't remember ever reading about was the change to metal base gaskets. My '04 XB12R came from the factory with those awful paper base gaskets that leak as soon as you even think about riding the bike before it's fully warmed up. I have no idea when the change took place, but newer XBs now come with metal base gaskets. | ||
| Got_buell |
I just got an 04 xb12s. I was wondering what changes should i make of can i do to make the bike a little better and reiable like the 08 | ||
| Perry |
I don't know what you would do to make it more reliable - keep up on the maintenance I suppose! For performance, de-snorkel, drill the airbox (that's free). Your profile says you already have a new exhaust - hopefully also a remapped ECM (or the race ECM) tuned to match. If you ever have the case opened up you might as well replace the oil drive gear, but it's not worth the effort unless you have it open for something else. For comfort, get the select seat. You can also get the hydraulic clutch or the improved clutch ramp for lighter clutch, or replace it with the later years spring/ramp for improvement. The XBS is pretty reliable in stock form. Making it "better" is entirely subjective, and obviously the sky (or your budget) is the limit. | ||
| Got_buell |
Sorry for being new,but what is desnorkle and drill the airbox where. | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
the snorkel is a black tube that runs threw your frame going from the left side scoop to the air box just open your air box up and yank it out. and as far as drilling holes in your air box its up to you how you different people have done this in different ways or you can by a piece from American sport bike that gets rid of the air box lid completly. | ||
| Got_buell |
Basically just allows more air in the box, and the snorkle was just an air tube right. | ||
| Point_doc |
I left my snorkel installed, and this is my reasoning; with the snorkel removed the air makes contact with the frame, well the frame is very warm and consequently this will raise the temperature of the air. When this happens there is less volume of air per unit. I left mine in and put a heat shield (from Summit Racing) around my snorkel to create a heat barrier. Hopefully to allow greater number of air molecules because the air is at least close to ambient, not warmer because of the heat generated by the motor that raises the temperature of the aluminum frame. Please note that aluminum is a great conductor of heat. I also covered the bottom of the air box for the same reason. I also completely lined the inside surface of the frame for the same reason; to keep my fuel cool so that there would be more fuel per volume then there would be if the fuel is at a higher temperature. When going from a larger diameter (the external snorkel) to a smaller diameter (the frame snorkel/tube) pressure goes down while the speed of the air should accelerate (venturi effect) possibly? I don’t know if this is relevant or not, don’t have any numbers to justify one or the other, just some ideas. I would appreciate it if there are opinions/information contrary to mine, please share and give explanation so that I’ll have a better understanding. Thank you (Message edited by point_doc on May 13, 2008) | ||
| Wantxbr |
For a stock application I would say leave the snorkel in. But with mods to the air box such as free flowing air filter and a free flowing exhaust I would remove it. These bikes need to breath. Doc your bike especially would benefit from this. Have you tried to run your bike without the snorkel to see if you can feel a gain? I would remove it and line the inside wall of the snorkel channel to decrease temp. Me personally I blocked mine off and cut holes in the airbox lid, I wanted more airflow to the rear cylinder via the left side scoop. Thats my theory on it, doesn't make it correct though....lol Oh and love the heat sheild liner idea inside the frame around the motor. Keep the fuell cooler....Nice (Message edited by wantxbr on May 14, 2008) | ||
| Point_doc |
Wantxbr, First; time to change your name (just funning). I KNOW you have one...  Yea, I probably should try running without one. I like what you have done to your left scoop, for improved air flow to rear cylinder. My configuration will not permit me, or else I would most definitely do it! Can anyone attest to this "SINGLE" mod (snorkel removal) that there is an actual improvement on performance? Thanks (Message edited by point_doc on May 14, 2008) | ||
| Wantxbr |
lol too funny yeah I know I need to change my name. I think a moderator has to do it though or I need to start a new account. |
