| Author | Message | ||
     Khollister |
Ready to purchase my first Buell (an 07 XB12Scg). I have a few questions: 1) The sales guy started the bike up (I guess to try and impress me - didn't work) and it seemed pretty cold blooded for an EFI bike. It idled pretty rough. I expected better based on my HD EFI experience. Is this normal, or could there be something mis-adjusted with this unit? 2) How is the drivability on a stock bike? Am I going to want to remap it or get a race ECM due to flat spots, surging, etc? Again, m recent reference is late model HD EFI bikes which are way too lean due to EPA. 3) Is there any advantage to using a Power Commander on an otherwise stock bike (this is related to the previous question)? Don't see much mention here. Thanks Keith | ||
| Xb12r_nate |
Khollister I found out that the salesman foul out the plugs on the showroom bikes and that causes them to run like crap so don't worry about that. The guys in the shop at my local HD hate the salesman because they always fire up the bike and rev em up cold then shut em down causing the plugs to get fouled really quick. Mine did the same thing and they replaced the plugs for me before I took delivery, huge difference. I also found that after a short break in period the bike idles allot smoother when cold, maybe loosened up a bit? Enjoy that Buell !! Nate (Message edited by xb12r_nate on September 20, 2006) | ||
| Shea |
I wouldn't worry about tuning the ECM unless you plan to change something. I think they run great without a tune. You are correct in your assumption of these being cold blooded. They def need some warm up time and don't take too well to quick runs without adequate warm up. IMO, NO MOTORCYCLE should be started and stopped constantly without being ridden due to fouling plugs. This is a good reason why many dealers don't even put oil or fuel in the new bikes on the floor. | ||
| Buellfirebolt31 |
Nate, you are exactly right. the buells average about 4-5 starts and shut-downs. that meaning, you can start them up, rev the piss outta it cold then shut it down. this being within a ten second period. as for epa stock, yes it does run lean, but nothing that is not rideable, or bad for the engine. if you are changing pipes you would need to look into a new ecm or as we the HD people call them, a race tuner or download per say. if you are familiar with this terminalogy from your HD tell me and i can thoroughly explain it to you. | ||
| Thespive |
Just get the bike and go riding with us. If you are on the fence about opening your wallet, DO NOT go on a demo ride. You are sure to take it home! I did. --Sean | ||
| Beachbuell |
Power Commander = problems on HD products. | ||
| Khollister |
I wish they had a bike to demo - the dealer has no demo or used Buells to try. I've about decided to buy it anyway. I was planning on building out my Sportster as my hot rod (other bike is a Road King), but I can buy the XB and have a faster bike for less money. I'm going back tomorrow with my Sportster to talk trade-in.We're leaving Wed to go camping with the Airstream up in north Georgia for a few days. If I get the XB this week, I'll load it in the truck and take it along. Did have a great talk with Al of American Sport BIke this evening - learned alot about how the ECm works and my options on exhaust. I'll let you guys know what goes down and post pictures if I get her. Guess I need a new helmet - look kinda stupid riding around with my carbon fiber beanie on the Buell :-) | ||
| Crashm1 |
Khollister, You might want to see if Stone Mountain Harley-Buell is going to be anywhere near where you plan to camp. They are active here on badweb and a sponser. | ||
| Josh_cox |
As to whether or not it is worth tuning a stock bike, we found 5 extra hp in a stock XB12R when we were first learning direct link tuning! So, even if you like your quiet exhaust, you can have more power. I'll probably tune my stock ULY and add a K&N filter to it. | ||
| Sleez |
there is a lot of "smooothness" to be found even if you tune an otherwise stock bike, just read about dyno tuning a map to smooth out all the EPA dips and made the bike much smoother on roll aways, of course that example was an IL4, but i'm sure similar gains could be made on a buell with a properly trained dyno tech! | ||
| Seewhy |
The dealership filed the plugs on my bolt. I had to take another one home because there wasn't a tech there to change them and go back the next day to pick it up. They always tell you there "don't start up the bikes and shut them down. let them run a while" but the salesman don't have to follow that rule. | ||
| Khollister |
Well - I rode my nwe 07 XB12Scg home today!!. Great fun and while I am sure it could run a little smoother if mapped by someone who knew what they were doing, I did not notice any obvious issues stock. The exhaust has got to go, but Kevin is really behind on the SSDrunner, which is what I wanted. Back to the shootout report. The only 2 things I'm concerned about is the seat (verdict is still out on the CG seat comfort) and heat. The seat gets pretty warm since it is over the rear cylinder, I realize breakin & synthetic oil will help. Bike handles & brakes GREAT! Really good power too. Very easy to ride. Keith | ||
| Xb12r_nate |
Awesome ! You will love it i'm sure! Bet ya can't keep it stock!!  Nate | ||
| Old_man |
www.specialops-online.com Odie's heat barriers really help. I have both on my bike. | ||
| Daves |
Keith, Did they set up your suspension for you? Very important step, often not done. Congrats on the new bike! (shameless plug) If you need anything I offer a 10% Badweb discount on almost all Buell stuff, OEM or aftermarket. | ||
| Khollister |
I specifically asked to set the suspension, and the shop guy came out and asked my weight, so there is fair chance they actually did something. I'll go over it this weekend to make sure. They did underinflate the tires by 4 PSI front & rear. I'm definitely getting one of the heat barriers - thanks Keith | ||
| Shea |
It's not too hard to adjust the suspension. In fact, it's written right in the manual. This is why I still find it hard to believe that they don't adjust it, o atleast inform people it needs adjusted. Then again, my particular local shop is filled with morons. They still think that synthetic will cause a racket in the engine. | ||
| Josh_cox |
Congrats on the new XB12Scg! They are a lot of fun. It seems like you share my one complaint about that bike... the seat. Switching to the select seat seems to be a good option for most people as it adds gel padding into the seat and is not much higher than stock. I have a few in stock for the Lightning if you'd like to give one a try. I also honor a 10% discount for BadWeb members. Really though, any Buell seat you change to will be more comfy than the stock one! Now, get out there and ride that thing. You'll be glad you chose a Buell! | ||
| Khollister |
Is the select seat about the same height as the S seat or the Scg? I can go a little higher, but going higher thn the standard S seat might be a problem. | ||
| Old_man |
The Select seat seems a little higher than the standard S seat, but it gives more. So I don't think you would sit much higher. I rode the Streetfighter seat and now the Select seat. Either one is comfortable for an all day drive. The Select feels a little cushier, but seems to hold you to one spot, while you can move easier on the Streetfighter. The standard S seat was not very comfortable. I never tried the low seat but it seems it would be even less comfortable. (Message edited by old man on September 22, 2006) | ||
| Perry |
I put the select seat on my Scg and it made a WORLD of difference. It made the seat slightly higher, but not a huge difference. I could just flat-foot with the stock scg seat, now I am still very comfortable even though I can't get both heels down. The ride is totally transformed though. An hour was kind of stiff and painful before, and after the select seat it was a joy! My advice - do the select seat for sure, unless you are already at the absolute limit on height and wouldn't be comfortable riding with even a bit more. Take your shoes/boots off and sit on the bike - that's probably about the difference the select seat will make. | ||
| Hogs |
Well Just a quick Note IF anyone wants to sell one of their SCG seats of a 05 or newer and cheap enough , perhaps I can help ya out with some $$$ towards a new Select seat...Just a Thought...! | ||
| Khollister |
Well, I'm convinced, but I can't find one anywhere near Orlando. All of the loser dealers don't stock crap for Buell accessories. We're leaving on vacation Wed morning and I would really like the seat (I'm taking the bike in the truck). |
