| Author | Message | ||
     Hoover_uly |
Hello All, purchased a 09 XP about a week ago with 2100 miles. This thing is FUN! While researching heat modifications (hot seat) on this site I came across some posts discussing broken ECMs due to a lack of clearance under the seat. The PO had placed the rubberized aluminum mat under the seat and it was rubbing on the ECM. A quick look at the ECM revealed a crack at the gray connector. I am going to try to get the selling dealer to provide a replacement or a credit towards a new one. If that doesn't work, I'll be forced to purchase new unless a good used one becomes available 1. Am I correct in assuming that the price of a new OEM and the EBR pre-programed is about the same @ $300.? If yes, I assume it is a no brainer to go with the EBR version. My only beef with the current performance is at low RPM. Kinda difficult to control at low throttle for an "adventure bike" Thoughts? 2. Since I have not yet noticed a performance problem due to the cracked ECM, would it be possible to cover the crack in epoxy? I don't think I would want to depend on this as a long term permanent repair but would it make a good spare? As for the hot seat, as stated above, the PO placed the rubberized mat against the bottom of the seat. It rubs and melted along the frame rails and made a huge mess which I cleaned up with mineral spirits. When it gets hot again I'm afraid it will melt again. The bike has the right side comfort kit but the way the fan behaves, I don't think it was flashed to the newest level - not sure yet. 3. I think If I can remove the rubber/aluminum mat, I would rather have the special ops blanket under the seat. Any value in having both or one over the other? 4. Is it worth it to drop the engine down in the rear and line the frame around the rear cylinder with the rubberized mat. 5. I've read that ceramic coating on the headers or header wrap can help lessen the heat on the right side. I really don't want to go ceramic at this time. Is the wrap a good option based upon function and lower cost? Thanks in advance for any help. This site has already been a great resource. | ||
| Towpro |
1. some guys have had results getting the ECM replaced under the emissions warranty. to prevent the new ECM from cracking, search on relocation. Seems to be the best method. 1a. As for low speed work, search on the xb9 primary gear change. 2. with bike running, but pressure on connector, does bike do anything strange? if no, seal it up and keep as spare (but if warranty, they will take old one back). 3. Don't the 09 have the comfort kit? After putting the CK on my 07 I got rid of the rear special ops blanked. 4. Some creative aluminum take on the RS rear of the motor, and a piece of foam stuck on the frame to seal the seat gap on the Right front side of the seat does wonders. 5. Never felt I needed either after the CK and blocking the heat leak at the RS front of the seat to frame gap. (Message edited by towpro on November 27, 2011) (Message edited by towpro on November 27, 2011) | ||
| Froggy |
A new OEM ECM is $362, so the Race ECM ends up being cheaper. Your bike is still covered under the federal EPA emissions warranty, so the dealer can replace it at no cost to you.
A combination of things like fueling, crank breathers, and gearing can affect this. Crank breathers can be rerouted for next to no cost and may be all you need, a different ECM without EPA restrictions will help too, and ultimately changing the gearing will fix it.
Wouldn't do a thing. The problem with the damage is that it is internal and the stress of the seat flexes the connector breaking it internally.
For some reason the XP never got the updated fan programming.
No
The benefits of the wrap are debatable. | ||
| Towpro |
See if all of the comfort kit is installed. Not only is it the RS scoop, there is a piece of plastic that covers the back of the shock, sending all the hot air down, instead of under the seat. That part can be a PITA to install. | ||
| Reepicheep |
If the traces aren't cracked yet, reinforcement with epoxy sure can't hurt, especially since the alternative is to replace the ECM anyway. The comfort kit on my 2007 works great for... well... comfort. With riding pants on I don't notice it at all. In the highly unusual event I am riding without riding pants, it gets hot and makes me think "If I think this is uncomfortable, just wait till the road rash resulting from a minor accident without riding pants starts itching". For off throttle issues, take the time to do a TPS reset and adjust the throttle cables by the book. That'll help.  | ||
| Hoover_uly |
Wow, didn't expect such a quick response! I'll see see if I can get the emission warranty to take care of the ECM. I'll check this week for the nearest servicing dealer in the Birmingham area. Since I live in Alabama and I'm planning a trip to Key West next spring, I want to eliminate as much heat as possible. It gets incredibly hot here in the summer with riding gear. All the Harley dudes are riding in jeans and T shirts but I can't do it. The complete comfort kit seems to be installed. Guess I'll get rid of the gooey rubber/aluminum crap under the seat also There is a small opening around the top shock mount. Any reason to not cover this with HVAC tape? I'll try "some creative tape work" on the right side frame opening along with something to seal the seat to the frame on the right side also. For the low speed operation, I think I saw a thread on the TPS adjustment for the 08 and above which I can use but nothing yet on throttle cable adjustment or the breather mods mentioned. I'll do a little searching unless someone throws me a bone. I assume a manual is still available for the 09. Don't really need one for my DR650 but this is a quite a bit different.... Froggy, what do you mean by "fueling" Correct octane? Regarding the change in the primary, I won't rule that out but would only do that as a last resort. I don't plan on doing any real off road on this bike, the DR is for that. Nothing more that dirt/gravel roads and fire trails. I would like to make it more manageable in slow traffic though. Thanks again for all the support! | ||
| Ratbuell |
"Fueling" refers to the EFI programming. For the right leg heat...simply "toe in" your right foot. Point your toe towards the center of the bike, sticking your heel out. This will rotate your leg away from the header - with my size 13's, it's about an inch difference. And every inch counts (just like it did on prom night). You can still get manuals (parts, service, and electrical) from your dealership. How long was it at a dealer? Chances are if it was in inventory for an extended period, you will want to replace the spark plugs. These bikes don't like to be started and run for short periods - they like 30 minutes at a time, so the engine warms up and the EFI turns off the electronic "choke", allowing your plugs to clean off. Get a pair of 10R12X plugs while you're there getting them to replace the ECM and ordering your manuals | ||
| Hoover_uly |
Ratbuell, Thanks for the info. Not sure how long the bike sat around but I will look into new plugs anyway as well as the manual - gonna need it. | ||
| Whisperstealth |
Hoover, you could roll with out the air box cover. I do in the hot/warm months. It makes the opening bigger allowing more air on and over the head, massively reducing the "jet" of hot air. Helps overall cooling, including under the seat. I cut up a tupperware tub and put it over the exhaust actuater, so I am still able to my tank bag. |
