I bought a Buell 1125R in October. Since then, I noticed the bike struggles to start when its hot. This occurs whether the bike sits for 15 min or an hour. I took it to the dealer and they said they had to perform recall work. This did not fix the problem and I was told it is an ECM Calibration that Buell is trying to solve. I was also told it will not damage my engine or hinder performance. I was basically told to deal with it. Personally, it bothers the hell out of me and I am not sure what I should do. Has anyone else had this problem and how have you handled it? I plan on recording the hard starts on video and sending it to Buell. I paid a lot of money and want to keep the bike, but it is embarassing as hell to sit at the pump wondering if the bike will start or not.
Buelltech6 Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - 09:34 pm: turn key wait ten seconds ...........
Then you have a dead battery, lol j/k
On a serious note, if you need to wait 10 seconds at startup then whats all the pump cycling for at shut down? Could they lose that cycling and just slow up the startup procedure to save battery at shutdown?
i had the same problem but i work for buell so i can choose what downloads and recalls i want to utilize i chose not to use the download that has the cycling feature because i found that by leaving the ignition on for ten seconds allows the bike to set itself for start up. iac mostly
What about the dealer telling me I would have to deal with it until the "Buell Scientist" find a solution? This is my first bike purchase and I don't understand the technicals regarding this bike.
Another thing I found guys is right from the owners manual. I had occasional hot start problems also until I learned to, each and every time, shut the bike down with the STOP button and then shut the key off. As soon as I turn the stop button and the engine quits running I immediately turn it back on so as to not forget it and wear the battery down trying to start it with the button off. Works fine every time now. Bob
If the bike doesn't start on the first 3 revolutions -
key off, throttle WFO, key on for 4 seconds, turn off key, let go throttle. repeat once. Key on, wait 10 seconds, push start button, DON'T touch throttle until running.
I waited 10 seconds and it still struggled to start. I am in the works of recording it so I have proof (although the Harley's service people acknowledge there is a problem). This is very frustrating and embarrassing. The bike has 1200 miles and is only 3 1/2 months old. Its my first major purchase and I feel like I am going to have to demand a resolution.
Is it hard to restart right after shutting off? If so, what if it stalls at a stoplight? Could be the difference between getting rear ended or not.
If that is the case, I would call Buell customer service and tell them what's going on. Then take it back to the dealer, tell them it is dangerous and ask that the dealer get Buell involved so the problem can be addressed.
If the dealer is not trying to resolve your problem, if indeed you have one, you should call customer service.
I understand you're waiting plenty of time. Are you keeping your hand away from the throttle? Point a finger and push the yellow button, I'm not kidding.
I had trouble with mine a year ago, kept barely nudging the throttle and flooding it. Passed 15k today, best bike I've ever had.
Yeah, I never touch the throttle. I'm going to give it one more week. The weather is getting better so I will be riding more often. If there is no difference, I'm going to talk to the manager then get Buell involved if necessary. Thanks all for the input.
I just purchased an 09 1125R 2 weeks ago, and noticed difficult starting when hot as well. I've tried the wait 10 seconds thing, and it didn't seem to make much difference. When I say that it has difficulty starting though, I mean that instead of cranking for 1 second like when it's cold, I have to crank it for 5 or 6 seconds. So I haven't had fears of being stranded when the bike is hot, but it is embarrassing. Especially on a new bike. I haven't had the opportunity to try too many different techniques of shutdown and startup yet, but I'll let you know if I find a solution.
How much difficulty are you talking about here with hot starts? i.e. you have to crank it for a long time, or the bike literally refuses to start?
Hey Zack...I have never had any hot start problems so I can't follow some of the logic here. But if the engine is fuel injected how can it flood out? That being said I don't twist the throttle on start up, just hit the button and voila.
Before the 1125R, I had an 03 XB9R. It required a little throttle play to start and stay running. When I did the same thing with my new 1125 a year ago, she flooded.
Ran the battery down to a clikking solenoid several times before I got "the knack". About the same time I got it sussed out, BMC came out with the "flood recovery steps".
I could never do with my Firebolt what I do with the 11 - key on, push the yellow button and continue getting ready to ride.
I'm curious to know if you had this trouble even before the first service. If not, then perhaps something was screwed up during that service?
I'd also be interested to know the state of your battery light before, during and after cranking/starting the bike. Have you tried using a battery tender when the bike is not in use? Perhaps your battery is weak or damaged? Has your battery ever run dead?
Do you know for certain that you have the latest ECU update applied? Search forum archive for details.
Chameleon, the battery light comes on occasionally AFTER it starts, probably drained from cranking. I was told by other people it might be a battery issue but the dealer said that wasn't it. There was a recall regarding an igniting sequence or something. I let them take it in and do the work. I am not exactly sure what they did.
i dont think it is a battery issue because i just got a new battery and the hot start problem still happens to me. I dont think you should have to use a battery tender on something that is ridden everyday.