| Author | Message | ||
     Snackbar64 |
Ok guys, I blew the motor in my bike a little while back and the service manger at the dealership swears that a new engine for my bike cannot be had and that the only motor that will fit it is an 03 motor like the factory on currently in it. Fellas I know this is BS! That XB9 engine has not been significantly changed since it was introduced, and if it has, it has not been changed enough where it won't fit the frame of my bike right? wouldn't a city X engine from any model year fit? Just wondering if I have a lazy dealership. | ||
| Greg_e |
In theory any other engine will fit and can be made to work with little to no modifications. Exceptions being XB12 which require the correct ECM to work with the exhaust valve. 2008+ which relocated the crank angle sensor and used a different scheme which again requires the correct ECM. The question is, how badly damaged is the motor? Have you looked for a used machine for the swap? Since it is dead, I suggest getting some tools and becoming familiar with the motor... How badly can you screw it up at this point? You could at least remove it from the frame and crate it up and send it to one of the many engine builders for repair. If you have no place to work on it this may be the only choice but you should be able to remove the motor with basic tools and a way to lift the back end high in the air. You might want one of the motorcyle jacks like this one from harbor freight to help remove the motor: http://www.harborfreight.com/1500-lb-capacity-atv- motorcycle-lift-2792.html and some good 600 pound or more rated ratchet straps to lift the frame. | ||
| Froggy |
The final drive sprocket on your 03 was the only year it was used, using a newer motor would require new sprockets at a minimum. Also the engine did have major changes over the years, other than the heads, there is pretty much nothing in common between a 03 and 2010 motor (Message edited by Froggy on August 13, 2011) | ||
| Snackbar64 |
I have been looking at used engines. So Froggy are you saying that an 04 XB9R engine wont bolt right in other than the sprockets being updated? From the outside hey look identical. If there have been internal improvements I'm all for that. | ||
| Blake |
Frank, >>> Also the engine did have major changes over the years... I'm racking my brain trying to think of some, but I don't recall any until the 2008 models. | ||
| Hammer71 |
04 05 motor would be a direct swap, new rear rotor and belt and your good to go. | ||
| Greg_e |
Froggy is correct in that the belts did change in 04, so you would need to get a new belt and rear sprocket to match the front sprocket, or remove your front 03 sprocket and put it on the "new" engine. Engine mounts have been changed, but the newest style works with the old frames because I have new mounts for my 03 9r engine so that isn't an issue. Throttle body changed somewhere through the years which also means the injectors changed, but again you could bolt on your 03 TB and have no real issues. And if you want to do the changes to the wiring harness, even 08+ engines will work, Hughlysses recently did an early frame to 08+ engine swap so it is possible if you put in the effort. but again, what is not working on your old engine? Did it go so long with the stock valve stem seals that the oil caused carbon to build up and wrecked your valves and cylinders? Did the crankshaft go out? Unless you broke a con. rod and punched it through the case or dropped the transmission shafts through the case, everything else can be fixed and then you end up with an engine in known condition. (Message edited by Greg_E on August 13, 2011) | ||
| Damnut |
A 9 engine should be a direct swap up until 08, you can use your old sprockets. I don't know if the 9 ECM's changed over the years but that would be the only other thing I can think of that you may need. | ||
| Greg_e |
Oh yes, in 08 they went with a larger oil cooler which meant different hoses and connectors, so that would need to get fixed, there is no good workaround for this except getting the proper hoses and cooler to go with the motor. I think there is a way to plug the third (vent) line in the swingarm, somewhere in later models they went to two oil lines on the swingarm, not the three that the 03 has. Probably plenty of info on that since people swap swingarms all the time. | ||
| Froggy |
Every year has had some little changes. 03 will drop right in, 04+ will require you change to the 04+ belt and sprockets or put the 03 sprocket on the motor. 05 has a different throttle body and fuel injection system, so that is even more that will require retrofitting. 06 introduced the new transmission, changes to oiling system 07 more oiling changes 08 completely different bottom end and another FI system 09 blacked out the motor for all XB and not just the 9 like previous years. 10 new dual O2 sensor system Any year motor will physically mount up to your 03, getting it to work is the hard part. There have been a buttload of minor changes that while not hard to work around, will complicate things. Different swingarm oil lines, different wiring harnesses, different fuel pumps, etc. The older the motor you find, the less hassle it will be to get working. | ||
| Iamarchangel |
Here's some part numbers and prices for the complete engine. 16032-04 ENGINE, XB9R Retail Price:$3,296.29 16032-04 ENGINE, XB9R Retail Price:$3,296.29 16032-05 ENGINE, XB9R, WORLD Retail Price:$3,296.29 16032-05 ENGINE, XB9R, WORLD Retail Price:$3,296.29 | ||
| Snackbar64 |
Greg they said the bearing is bad in the engine. The service guy said he is pricing me for new engine cases too and admitted that I probably would not need them. They swear that an engine for this bike cannot be had. So Iamarchangel that is good to know however at those prices I may have to look at a used one. | ||
| Iamarchangel |
The price new, and the price of the shop's labour, versus the value of your bike, tell you that you might be better off buying a good used bike. Sell of whichever parts you don't use. It will be a lot cheaper if you do it yourself. You will meet more interesting people at the tool supply and machine shop. However, it will take up a lot of your time. | ||
| Greg_e |
That suggests a crank bearing, used crank is around $100 to $150 and another $400+ to have it lightened and balanced, might get the shop to throw in a new big end bearing while they are lightening and balancing the crank for the cost of the bearing. | ||
| Slaughter |
If you do decide to buy a good used bike, your old parts are of interest to racers. | ||
| Dhays1775 |
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/03-Buell-Firebolt-X B9-XB9R-XB-ENGINE-MOTOR-VIDEOS-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ hashZitem2eb70df0daQQitemZ200639639770QQptZMotorcy clesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessor how about this? | ||
| Slaughter |
I've bought from Pinwall. Reputable folks. | ||
| Blake |
Frank, I think he's mostly concerned about the engine itself fitting and working with his existing harness. If there's no change to the wiring harness, then he'd be good to go. Any idea about that? As you note, the secondary drive sprocket is not part of the engine, and he can use his original. | ||
| Macdiver |
Go to a real mechanic who fixes engines. Dealers just do maintenance and accessories. There should be no need for a new engine unless there is a big hole in the casing where a piston or rod came through. | ||
| Skinstains |
+1 Macdiver. Get your bike away from the toolbags that say an 03 engine can't be had ASAP ! Bring it to someone that Badwebbers recommend and have experience with. Your engine might be fine and dandy and it's only your dealer that's "blown". | ||
| Tony216 |
Where are you at? I'm sure someone in your area knows someone. | ||
| Greg_e |
Says Dallas TX in his profile. |
