Buell Lumpiness
Discussion
I have an XB12R Firebolt which I ride infrequently and have only racked up 1200 miles so far. To me it seems a bit hesitant and jerky at lower speeds in second gear which can be irritating and for an oldie like me a bit scary in slower roundabouts.
At first I thought the engine needed to free up a bit, is 1200 miles too little?
Or do I have a breathing problem - on a Ducati I had the same issue and had to rip off the horrible Weber and put on Dellortos and an open pair of Conti exhausts to cure it. Is there a fix with a new chip or exhaust?
Or do I have to live with it?
At first I thought the engine needed to free up a bit, is 1200 miles too little?
Or do I have a breathing problem - on a Ducati I had the same issue and had to rip off the horrible Weber and put on Dellortos and an open pair of Conti exhausts to cure it. Is there a fix with a new chip or exhaust?
Or do I have to live with it?
OK, bear in mind I know next to nothing about Buells, but I do have an interest in them (want to try a Lightning) and have been researching a bit online lately.
I'm sure I read something about injection map issues with Firebolts following their introduction which I believe was resolved on new bikes a few months later. Might be worth having a word with your dealer in case they can remap your bike.
I'm sure I read something about injection map issues with Firebolts following their introduction which I believe was resolved on new bikes a few months later. Might be worth having a word with your dealer in case they can remap your bike.
I had a Norton Commando like this. The answer is to ride it more!
If I left it for a week without riding it, it was like a bag of spanners for the first 20-30 miles, then ran smooth as you like.
My current ZRX1100 is similar, but it takes a couple of months before it gives the same symptoms, which could be down to the petrol losing combustablilty.
If I left it for a week without riding it, it was like a bag of spanners for the first 20-30 miles, then ran smooth as you like.
My current ZRX1100 is similar, but it takes a couple of months before it gives the same symptoms, which could be down to the petrol losing combustablilty.
There is no reason to live with it. You're describing a specific problem to your XB12. Granted there are other XB12's displaying similar problems, but not all XB's are problematic in the manner you describe.
You need to take it to a HD dealer. Ideally a good known Buell one, and have them look at it with Buells dedicated Scan tool. Why trawling the Buell forums hasn't lead you to that conclusion is beyond me. I think you're looking way too much into it and assuming (incorrectly) it's a character trait of the model which most owners tune out by fitting aftermarket components on the ignition, exhaust and induction sides. This is not the case. Buells are somewhat 'restricted' by regulatory components, more so than perhaps a high revving multi four or a shorter stroke ohc V twin. Buells therefore respond well to more free flowing air filter and exhast, and ECU reprogram. That is not to say nearly everyone upgrades because they have similar problems to what your Buell does. It's just most Buellers do upgrade regardless, and those displaying similar faults to yours were made better by upgrading. So if you wish not to upgrade, then rely upon a Buell dealer to have a pop at it with the Scan tool and then see how it responds.
You need to take it to a HD dealer. Ideally a good known Buell one, and have them look at it with Buells dedicated Scan tool. Why trawling the Buell forums hasn't lead you to that conclusion is beyond me. I think you're looking way too much into it and assuming (incorrectly) it's a character trait of the model which most owners tune out by fitting aftermarket components on the ignition, exhaust and induction sides. This is not the case. Buells are somewhat 'restricted' by regulatory components, more so than perhaps a high revving multi four or a shorter stroke ohc V twin. Buells therefore respond well to more free flowing air filter and exhast, and ECU reprogram. That is not to say nearly everyone upgrades because they have similar problems to what your Buell does. It's just most Buellers do upgrade regardless, and those displaying similar faults to yours were made better by upgrading. So if you wish not to upgrade, then rely upon a Buell dealer to have a pop at it with the Scan tool and then see how it responds.
mrobin33 said:
I have an XB12R Firebolt which I ride infrequently and have only racked up 1200 miles so far. To me it seems a bit hesitant and jerky at lower speeds in second gear which can be irritating and for an oldie like me a bit scary in slower roundabouts.
At first I thought the engine needed to free up a bit, is 1200 miles too little?
Or do I have a breathing problem - on a Ducati I had the same issue and had to rip off the horrible Weber and put on Dellortos and an open pair of Conti exhausts to cure it. Is there a fix with a new chip or exhaust?
Or do I have to live with it?
If it's like other Buells I suggest you get the throttle bodies balanced and the TPS reset as a starter for ten.At first I thought the engine needed to free up a bit, is 1200 miles too little?
Or do I have a breathing problem - on a Ducati I had the same issue and had to rip off the horrible Weber and put on Dellortos and an open pair of Conti exhausts to cure it. Is there a fix with a new chip or exhaust?
Or do I have to live with it?
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