| Author | Message | ||
     Bigdog_tim |
As much as I love my 1125R, that "lean" running between 3-4K is killing me. Tough to ride this bike as a commuter in Seattle traffic (when it is common to creep along at 15-20 MPH on the freeway). Does anyone know of when the new map will be available? | ||
| Jerseyguy |
Amen to that. I'm not sure its lean running or some other issue but it's annoying enough to make me want to sell the bike. Especially in light of how superbly all my XBs have run in this slower speed range. The first remap didn't get it. I hope this one does. The dead battery problem remains a PITA too. (Message edited by jerseyguy on July 28, 2008) | ||
| P_squared |
Just a question, but have you guys done the 3rd gear/45 mph gig to get it to learn correct AFVs and hopefully smooth out your running? Zac swears by it. I haven't had a chance to really see if it makes a marked difference or not. | ||
| Jerseyguy |
P - Yes, I've done it several times and it may have made a very slight improvement but certainly not enough to say its fixed. | ||
| Ccryder |
When you try and push the government..... it never works. Patience, like the rest of us is what's required. My 25r runs very good but, I would like the new map, almost as much as you. Just try and pace yourself in traffic, leave a buffer b/t you and the cage in front. It won't get you there any quicker but, it will get you there safer and a little more relaxed. My $0.02 for today. TIME2ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!.... | ||
| Brent1125russ |
Come ride it in Spokane and then you only have to slow down to 45mph in traffic. Plus, with 330 days of sunshine a year you can ride more. | ||
| Lionboy70 |
What is the 3rd gear 45mph thing never heard of it i have the same problem please fill me in thanks | ||
| Krassh |
Just move to California and then you can split traffics legally. | ||
| Pizzaboy |
have you guys tried the solenoid eliminator mod?? the only difference ive noticed after doing it this last weekend was in low RPMs. its smoother and it doesnt stumble as badly | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
I have tried the 3rd gear thing Zac recommends. I THINK it helps - but it doesn't stay helped. This weekend, I found a nice stretch of mostly flat 45 MPH road (about 6 miles worth). I rode it 5 times - each time checking the AFVs (as the only data I have to measure). Yes, it does adjust the AFV (I was at about 100' elevation). This morning, I was stuck in a traffic jam and that old familiar surge was back again. I did not check if the AFVs reset or not. I do think I have been patient (as well as everyone else with the surge problem). I got my bike in December. The surge issue was reported to BMC (by me via my dealer) in early January. The first map update made it a little worse. I tried to call BMC myself today to see if they are willing to get me a date range. I couldn't wait on hold any longer. I am just really dissappointed. I sure can appreciate keeping products a "hush", but I don't understand why no one can seem to get information about when they can expect their problems to be resolved. At least in my experience, this is different than any other issue I have had. All other issues did get a prompt response from BMC. This one - well - is mostly a no-response. I know they are busy as heck - but they already cashed my check. I have not tried the solenoid eliminator mod - I have never had the throttle response problem others have reported. | ||
| Ccryder |
The 3rd gear thing is where the ecm can learn. Procedure: A) Engine warm 175deg or more, B) 3rd gear, C) 4,000 to 5,000rpm, D) Level ground (mostly) E) Steady throttle (as steady as you can), F) Maintain for 2-5 mins. This allows the ECM to reset the AFV values. I do it 1-3x/ day just because I'll be riding at those parameters. PB: Did you lock the linkages together? I have not done that yet. I just bet that it removes some of the slack b/t the two linkages and helps remove the butterfly flutter that can create the "surge" or "stumble". It's that engineer in me that keeps coming out  Later | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
CC - thanks for the clarification on the 3rd gear procedure. For some reason I thought it had to be right at 4K RPM. I need to head out yet tonight - will take the 25R and keep it between 4-5K (see if that improves anything). | ||
| Chameleon |
Tim: don't be surprised if it takes a few attempts, even with the correct procedure, to notice a change. Can you possibly take different routes? I for one refuse to suffer in rush hour traffic on the freeway and I take backroads as much as possible. Takes about the same time and can be much more fun, particularly if you find some twisties. My commute is Tacoma to South Park and back. I usually take Hwy 509 most of the way home which is when the traffic is worst for me. I could help you map out side streets if you want; I've been told I'm good at that. As for a date, I thought I saw a rumor on this site that it would be August, but I'm not sure... | ||
| Unibear12r |
I started the rumor unintentional. It's a "I heard it from a little fish who heard it from the lips of the biggest fish" kind of thing. I tend to believe in the two people involved tho. What was said was that it "should" be "roughly" a month away. Spoken at Homecoming. It was ment to be considered with a lot of leeway I'm sure. | ||
| Chameleon |
And that's why they don't even want to hint on a date because it'll get spread around this and other Buell forums and then if it's not accurate or delayed, Buell looks bad. | ||
| Citified |
I dont think buell could look any worse. | ||
| Zac4mac |
Even once it maps right, I still have some hiccups when she gets real hot. When the ambient's around 100, things get bumpy again. I can still idle in 1st and 2nd tho, anytime. I've had the best results, running at 45 mph in 3rd, almost exactly 4k rpm. The key is to hold it VERY steady. I hold the grip AND controls housing so I don't move. A throttle lock would work well. Z | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Thanks Paul. The problem for me is that I live part of the week in Woodinville and part of the week in Oly. I typically am in Oly Thursday night through Sunday. Riding 405 and I5 Thursday or Friday nights is always a traffic jam. | ||
| Chameleon |
I dont think buell could look any worse. Sure they could... These bikes could be spontaneously exploding or the axles breaking at freeway speeds. You need perspective on the situation. It will get sorted out in due time. Riding 405 and I5 Thursday or Friday nights is always a traffic jam. I rarely use I5 South on Thursday evenings and NEVER on Fridays due to that very reason. PM me your start and end cross streets for both commutes and I'll help you out. I know some backroads along that commute which are very fun. | ||
| Black9 |
Against my better judgement, I had the dealer load the revised map into my bike when they did the recall work...it ran worse than when they got it.Iv'e tried the "learning "thing several times with only minor improvement, the bike still surges and it will backfire when cool(under 175) on decel, which it didn't do before.I think every one with similar problems like mine have been more than patient waiting for the new and improved "fix".I traded 2 perfectly great running bikes in on this one ( 04 12s Lightning, and an 08 Nightster")keeping the bike above 4000 rpm at all times is just masking the problem and is simply bull**** advice. My money says I trusted you, Buell, now fix it already! | ||
| Teach |
Black9 - Same thing happened to my bike. Speculation, but it may be not all bikes are affected...if this is the case it must be driving Buell engineers crazy. I believe that the EPA rules probably had the bike "on the fence" at the troubled RPM range (fuel/ignition mapping) and due to manufacturing tolerances and/or individual differences in the bikes have caused the problems in some of them. From a manufacturing standpoint, if all of the products made have a similar flaw, it is usually a relatively simple task to make corrections. But if some of the products are good and some of them are flawed, it becomes a much more difficult task. (What is the variable?) I have total faith in Buell in that the problem will be resolved and I believe that much of their energy and resources have gone into finding and correcting this issue. | ||
| Bob_thompson |
Jim(Teach), I am in 100% agreement with everything you just said and if I may I'd like to add this for consideration: the only thing I am really worried about is that most here have agreed that most problems associated with these bikes RUNNING is from very lean fueling to meet EPA regulations and thats a big concern of mine as my experience in building/tuning many engines over the years has shown a real detriment to running an engine very long in a highly lean condition, i.e. extra wear, burnt valves, piston durability, etc. Now I do not want to worry anybody un-necessarily, and maybe its "not that lean" but this cannot be real beneficial for long life either. I really do hope BMC will fix this and have considerable faith that they will but I believe I am going to limit my riding somewhat until this is resolved to my satisfaction, and I have one of the better running bikes. Bob | ||
| Court |
>>>>I have total faith in Buell in that the problem will be resolved and I believe that much of their energy and resources have gone into finding and correcting this issue. And what a wonderful world it would be if the feds and bureaucrats were as prompt to review/approve such work for deployment. | ||
| P_squared |
Bob, if you are limiting your riding until "the feds and bureaucrats" as Court implies get off their collective duffs, that means you will have "spare" time to start writing/documenting your mounting of the lower fairing, right?  | ||
| Bob_thompson |
Phil(P_squared), I will be starting on that very soon. Gathering pictures hopefully tomorrow and then trying to document my installation for anybody interested and thanks much for your interest. Bob | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Court - can we assume that the issue is actually waiting for fed/bureaucrat/EPA/3rd part sign off? I can be a LITTLE more patient (as I do have some experience dealing with those entities). My gripe is that the bike us basically unusable for the core scenarios I bought the bike for. I paid my money in good faith (I simply love the working version of this product). But with the impending release of the next version and significant problems yet unresolved with the current version, without some form of communication (in a slightly more formal way than rumor from non-factory authorized personnel), it feels like I am just SOL. I do feel that this may be a lemon. Don't get me wrong - I do so understand the implication of enforcing the lemon laws - especially when it isn't a nameless body but actual individuals - it sucks. But from a consumer point of view... well... this is the worst communication I have had from BMC. In fact, this is my one and only substantial dissatisfaction. I did speak to a BMC person today. They denied any new map coming for the 1125R. The gentleman said that "BMC is unaware of any issues related to surging between 3-4K RPM on the 1125R post the April (May) update". I politely game him the case numbers of my previous inquiries (both mine and my dealers). He is supposed to get back to me. Of course, I will refrain from reacting to his lack of knowledge about an issue I have personally (by me and by my dealer) brought to BMC's attention on 4 seperate occasions). And to be totally blunt - if for some reason that this issue can't be satisfied - I would use the refund to pay for an '09 model. I do still have faith in BMC - and I simply love their products. I just have one that doesn't work and they are (at least to me so far) denying there is any fix coming. My dealer, of course, has shared that the maps for the '09 will be available for the '08s (they were apparently told that at the dealer show). So.... since my bike is paid for but not rideable as is here in the traffic crazy Pacific NW during rush hour - what remedies to I have? I took delivery of my bike in December. I first reported my surging issues in early January (via my dealer). I don't want to sound like a whiner - but what would you do? | ||
| Jotrevza |
Hi Bigdog_tim, I'm between Tacoma and Olympia too. I have contacted Chameleon and several others in our area to see if they're up for a ride, but, no response??? I'd ask you the same if and when you have time and maybe a little better time with your bike's issues....... I have the stumbling and dead battery problems too. I've been keeping the battery on the battery tender every night as a matter of habit now, whether it needs to be or not. I haven't brought it in for the clutch shaft issue yet, but, will probably do so by this fall if it doesn't lock up on me first!  All I have to do is keep pushing my mirrors back up at speed, keep the throttle above 4000 rpm, keep it plugged into the wall whenever parked, not run it at 10,500 rpm, AND I'LL BE JUST FINE! LOL Give me a shout some time if you'd like to go for a ride. Stay safe, Tracy | ||
| Chameleon |
Jotrevza: I replied to you in the thread you posted in... Not sure why you say I didn't respond. I said that as soon as I got my bike back (or another bike to ride... hint hint), that I would be glad to ride with fellow Buellers. | ||
| Court |
>>>I can be a LITTLE more patient (as I do have some experience dealing with those entities). I (and you understand that I am a construction worker and damn few of us carry MENSA cards, are Valedictorians at Ivy League schools or are Rhode Scholars) would suggest a bit more patience. There is also the issue of getting the "fix" packaged for electronic distribution and compatibility with the Harley-Davidson Digital Technician Software Package. . . . if, in fact, there even is a remap. It's hard to say. I have total faith in Buell based on experience and precedent. | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
Well - I will have to amend my previous post suggesting that I was totally dissatisfied with BMC communication on the issue. I did get a call today from Customer Service (sadly, it went to voice mail so will check back tomorrow). But... and here is the good part... he wants more information about my particular issue to rule other possible other causes AND confirmed that BMC is looking into a new calibration. That was music to my ears on two fronts: 1. They acknowledge I am not happy with the bike as it is 2. They are actively trying to make the problem better This is the kind of service I have already grown accustomed to from Buell - so not getting this service on the 1125R added to my angst. Of course, in addition to that - others that have more insight have also assured that a new calibration is in the works. Not trying to belittle the non-employees assurance - but it did help me park my anxiety when the factory stepped up. So - others who shared my pain - I feel pretty good that a fix is coming. In short... I will be "standing by". |
