| Author | Message | ||
     Vospertw |
All, I was at the dealer picking up a new fender (warranty) and some parts for my 1000 mile service. Checking out of service after the replacement, I ask about the 1000 mile service just out of curiosity. (approx $360 was the estimate - don't know if that's good or bad). The service writer mentioned a few things for the 1000 mile service that aren't in the service manual. Tighten engine mounts - ok, maybe I can see that, and no big deal. TPS reset? I thought the 09's didn't need that, and there's no mention of that in the SM at the 1000 mile check (or any check, for that matter). Exhaust valve check - he made it sound like a "good tech" would do it - though it is mentioned in the manual and it doesn't seem difficult. I told him I was leaning towards doing all the service myself and he says "whatever you do, let us change your spark plugs." He explains it's a PITA and they replace a lot of Buell heads after owners cross-thread them, etc. I've read it's a bit tricky, but I always turn in my spark plugs with a length of tubing attached - it can make any turns/bends, and there's no way you can cross-thread any fastener trying to put torque on tubing. Anyway... I'll buy that I should look at the engine mounts (I guess, but that's not been on any other bike service sked that I've seen), exhaust fastners, and others... but does it really need a TPS reset? Is the exhaust valve check really that hard?? Spark plugs?? Everything I've read about these bikes, including looking through the SM, leads me to believe they are pretty darn easy to maintain. Advice/suggestions?? Thanks in advance. | ||
| Krueger08xb12s |
Tps reset takes no tools at all. Takes 1 minute. Get a drummer and you'll lose the exhaust valve all together. Plugs are a pain but with the right tools can be done in a half hour and without turning the engine (as described in the service manual). Buy a service manual it's well worth it. Search badweb for additional tips. | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Both of my 1k services have been just over $200- can't imagine paying $300+! | ||
| Froggy |
You need to remember, a service writer, just like a salesmen will do whatever it takes to get your business. Sometimes they may stretch the truth a little in order to justify the expense of the service. The TPS reset thing isn't wrong, its just optional for your bike. Exhaust valve check? If its working, its good to go. He is right about the spark plugs, I will never do one on an XB, the heads are made out of butter. | ||
| Nickh |
@ Froggy The heads aren't that bad, are they? Thanks, Nick | ||
| Dongalonga |
done plugs myself on all of my XBs w/o any issues w/o any special tools | ||
| Vospertw |
Thanks guys. Krueger, I do have the service manual. I saw the procedure for resetting TPS; just that there isn't a service interval for it. I've seen a few tips for putting in the plugs so we'll see how that goes when the time comes. RBJ - I'm not surprised; we have a lot of those "advantages" in SoCal. For $200, I might be tempted to let them do it, though that would be a track day plus lodging! Froggy - I agree, which is why I was asking; wanted to know which of those were a little salesmanship and which were real concerns. | ||
| Froggy |
I've read enough horror stories to leave it to someone who knows what they are doing. Good news is, a new head is like only $300 assuming you muck it up beyond repair. | ||
| Gunut75 |
If you use the piece of hose, you wont f-up the head. For spark plugs, take your time. Get the service manual. If you have ever used a torque wrench, then you can work on your scoot. All spark plugs are to be started by hand, with or without a piece of hose. Thats my own rule I use, and I can change mine in about 15 minutes. | ||
| Kokomochandler |
i did my plugs on my 12s in 15 minutes. take out right side scoop and use a wrench on the front. take out the lower air box and use a swivel on the rear. real easy. | ||
| Kokomochandler |
sorry left scoop | ||
| Ulynut |
Engine mounts are considered "critical fasteners" and should be checked regularly. Easy thing to do. If you have the service manual and half a brain you can do it yourself if you take your time, and follow the instructions. If I can do it, anyone can. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Just a couple of tips. 1. How do you tell when your Harley service writer is lying? Ans: His lips are moving. 2.Spark plug thingy is a ten minute job, once you got the hang of it. Trouble is, Iridium plugs last so long, one does not get much practice. Here is the "lil' blackie' Official Sparkplug Tool Kit. The front plug is removed with a conventional box end wrench. The rear plug is removed with the wooble joint sparkplug wrench. The angled needlenose pliers help removing and re-attaching the wires. The most important tool is the vinyl tubing that facilitates inserting and starting to screw in the rear plug without stripping the threads.(See Froggy above).  | ||
| Brumbear |
Changing the plugs in an XB is not that bad just don't force anything. I can do mine in 20-30 min easy. The front plug is easy anyway just pull the scoop pop the wire and theres the plug. 5/5 hand wranch watch the fins. The rear pop the air box covers and air filter. Not the bottom plate. take a 5/8 universal plug socket and a 6" ext. I use a long handled pair of 45degree needle nose to pop the wire. pull rear plug Gap plugs put in I replace the wires and clean the throttle body when I do plugs can't hurt. I use the old wire to start the new plugs in if they spin easy your good tightnen and pu the stuff back on Done  | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Good suggestion on replacing the wires, Bear, especially on early bikes. Wires were upgraded, and they do tend to chafe. Early ones were not very waterproof either. | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Yes, the wires do chafe- here's one off of my '08 XB12R with only 1,700 miles (track bike)...  | ||
| Firebolt32 |
I always turn in my spark plugs with a length of tubing attached That's what I've always done and never had a cross threading issue. Patience, common sense and the ability to use common tools are the basics. You'll be fine. The only service item I was unable to tackle was a fork oil change. That's only because the Chevy took me out before I had the chance...lol | ||
| Panhead_dan |
I've always used the fuel tank vent hose for the rear plug. It fits the metal end of the plug, not the ceramic part but it works perfectly. Always wondered why others have to go find a piece of hose and then move the vent hose out of the way in order to use it. Also I learned the hard way on a gold wing years ago to put some anti seize on the plugs threads. | ||
| Ratbuell |
If you're doing your own and still have a stock / valved muffler...pop open the airbox and lube the cable good with Dri-Slide or comparable. It'll help keep from burning out the motor by keeping the cable working smoothly (think clutch cable). | ||
| Badrap |
When I bought my bike the stealership told me it would be over $400 for my XTs first service.  NO THANKS, I'll do it myself. | ||
| Vospertw |
Ratbuell - is that stuff something that can get its way all along the cable, or do you just do your best with the cable you can access? I've lubed clutch/throttle cables with a can of cable lube and spray attachment before, but obviously the liquid can run inside the cable housing. I keep meaning to check the service manual to see if a liquid cable lube is recommended for this bike's clutch and throttle cables. Panhead - great idea, and I usually use anti-seize as well. | ||
| Vospertw |
By the way, meant to say thanks to the rest of you guys as well - appreciate all the tips. This is a great forum and I'm excited to get some work done and start learning the bike. And knowing a spark plug change is humanly possible makes me feel better about the purchase! | ||
| Irideabuell |
If you have small hands changing the plug in the back is easy. | ||
| Ourdee |
+1 on using anti-seize. Use anti-seize on the spark plug threads. I use a 1/4 inch by 12 inch hose from my toolbox and push the vent hose out of the way. Did I mention that anti-seize on the plug is worth it's weight in gold. | ||
| Brightbuell |
Do what you have to do for your warenty at the dealership. Buy your own service manual and start reading. Use a highlighter to mark stuff cause its your book. If you can do something on your own try to find a friend who owns a buell and work together to maintain you bikes. Join more then one buell fourm and ask tones of questions. not only will you save lots of money but you will become much more intimate with your bike and a much more fulfilled as a biker. | ||
| Glitch |
You're supposed to change the spark plugs? | ||
| Blackm2 |
Todd, who are you going to S.D. or Sweetwater? Wolf knows some guys at S.D., email him and see who it is you should talk to so you don't get all the B.S. But save your money for your girls and do it yourself, it's easy. | ||
| Gunut75 |
Jentleman_jon, which iridium plugs do you use? | ||
| Vospertw |
From the NGK website, DCPR8EIX for your bike, Gunut. (05 XB12R) | ||
| Vospertw |
Dave - SDHD. I'll give Wolf a shout. Thanks! |
