| Author | Message | ||
     Green_lantern |
New to Buells and I'm deciding between a new 08 vs. a "leftover" 07, which only has 13 miles on it. So what are the differences in regards to performance, maintenance, reliability, etc. Sorry for the newbie question. Thanks. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Pros for the '08: has higher redline, bigger main bearing journals, better fuel injection, better (XBRR-based) oiling system, crank sensor (no more TPS resets), and the ECM controls the mix at idle and the timing. Pros for the '07: It's probably cheaper. | ||
| Ratbuell |
+1 on XL's post. As for real-world differences? Performance ratings are the same, colors are different, probably less tinkering required due to the change to DDFI3. Also, '08 got a bigger oil cooler. I've ridden both (work at a dealer). Minor difference in off-idle snap for the '08, it seems a bit more lively. It also has a "progressive throttle cam", giving a bit more smoothness in the idle/throttle transition phase, i.e. parking lot maneuvers. If you have to have the latest and greatest (and the cool looking new oil pump cover!) get the '08. If money is the concern, you won't regret the '07 one bit. There are some differences, but not night and day differences. (Message edited by ratbuell on October 01, 2007) | ||
| Xl1200r |
Rat - any idea if the progressive throttle cam is retrofittable to an earlier bike? Is it in the grip or on the throttle body? I know doing slow maneuvers I have to be constantly slipping the clutch to keep the thing from jumping forward from the smallest throttle adjustment. This would be a big help. | ||
| Wantxbr |
It's on the throttle body. Will not retro fit | ||
| Kedo |
How about the oiling system? Will the larger cooler retro-fit? Anything else that might be worth it? Thanks. | ||
| Wantxbr |
Nope won't retro fit either. Has different fittings. Uses jiffy-tite fittings (Message edited by wantxbr on October 01, 2007) | ||
| Towjam |
No doubt the '08 will be a lower maintenance bike - no more TPS resets alone is a huge selling point. But... I've test ridden 2 '08s (12R and 12Scg) and compared to my '07s, I couldn't tell any significant difference between the throttle response. The '08s still were far from smooth. Given that this is supposed to be the next gen ECM, I was more than a little disappointed. | ||
| Twinv |
Look at the oil lines on the '08 that connect to the oil cooler, they are rubber hose, mine a 2005 XB12S (I believe '07 have SS lines as well) is Stainless Steel mesh lines, looks 10x better  | ||
| Green_lantern |
Thanks for the info guys. I just read the news release on the Buell's website from back in July. I've decided on the 08. Also I read the news release that Buell is shelving the dirt bike program.  Oh, well. I guess it was a sound biz decision. | ||
| Swordsman |
I don't care for any performance enhancements... I'd LOVE to have an '08 engine in my '06 Ss. I'm sick to death of tinkering with the TPS. 2 adjustments needed within 8500 miles seems a little much. I just can't keep that thing running smoothly, and I've eliminated every other cause (that I can think of). ~SM | ||
| Bikertrash05 |
Twinv, I hear ya. Wish they would have stuck with the SS lines.  | ||
| Xb9 |
One other thing that has not been mentioned is the cams are now hollow and the ends are oil fed - the cam bushings are gone. Better lubrication in this area should improve longevity and reliability. Having spun a cam bushing resulting in a trashed engine, I see this as a big improvement. | ||
| Xb9 |
And those jiffy tight fittings eliminate all the 90 degree fittings that were somewhat troublesome for loosening up and causing leaks. The oil line routing is much cleaner on the '08's. They might not have the looks of the old steel braided lines, but with those connectors they are an improvement for sure. |
