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Swordsman
Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 - 09:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Is this just the nature of the 1200cc beast, or what? I've got the timing set to perfection, reset the TPS, running good Premium gas, new air filter, crank case vent reroute... and still, if I'm running less than 60mph, the engine stumbles around at steady throttle. It accelerates like a rocket (good smooth roar!), but cruising feels almost like I'm on cobblestones. The only thing I've modified (other than the vent re-route) is the air box. I cut matching holes in the left side to use more of the filter. Spark plugs look good, and the engine mounts are still fitting properly. Any ideas what could be causing this, or am I trying to cure a healthy bike?

I'm starting to use my bike more for commuting than sport, and this poor cruisability (new word!) is getting on my nerves.

~SM

(Message edited by Swordsman on April 21, 2008)
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Wantxbr
Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 - 12:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

What RPM are you running at when cruising?
Did it do this before the mods to the air box?
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Etennuly
Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 - 12:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If you haven't done it, change the plugs. They can foul and clean off, they will look fine, but run as you have described.

Let us know if it works.
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Swordsman
Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 - 01:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Usually around 3500 rpms.

I made the air box mod last season. I've always wondered about the way this engine behaves... I don't remember there being a difference after I added the holes.

I forgot, I'm using Splitfire plugs. I've heard some mixed reviews on them, so maybe a plug change IS in order. But MAN I hate changing the plugs in this thing....

~SM
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Wantxbr
Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 - 01:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

OH GET RID OF THOSE GOD AWFUL PLUGS. I never had any motor that ran good with those plugs in it. Thats including my car.
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Swordsman
Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 - 01:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yeah, I've had them in for like 2 years now... long enough that I can't remember what it ran like before. Maybe this has been my problem all along...?

~SM
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Wantxbr
Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 - 06:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

How long have you had this problem?
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Jos51700
Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 - 07:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Make it "right" before you troubleshoot. Set timing, reset TPS, new plugs, check the plugwires, fuel pressure, etc.

Then see how it runs from there.
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Bombardier
Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 - 08:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

How do go about checking the fuel pressure Jos51700?

My bike runs like shit when the fuel level drops so I am begining to suspect the fuel pump / pressure may be the problem.
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Sgthigg
Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 - 08:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

+1 Check on the plug wires, definetly do the easy schtuff first.

I had a problem alot like this and it was because after changing the plugs I didnt full seat the wire to the Ign coil. It slowlys slide off and would run good under heavy throttle but would buck and cough under steady throttle. Easy fix if it is the problem.
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Retrittion
Posted on Monday, April 21, 2008 - 08:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hrrm, rough under 60mph? I guess when I first started riding my '07 12R it took some getting used to to find that "cruising about town" rpm/gear sweet-spot (about 5000 miles actually). This isn't to say there isn't a mechanical issue on your bike but I have noticed that the XB can be a bit unforgiving to being operated in certain ways (the iron grip on the bars issue for example). I would offer that you also take a look at your riding habits to see if they might be playing a part in the problems your having.

When I started riding my 12R in higher RPMs I found out something interesting -- when the mirrors are vibrating just right so you can see perfectly behind you (about 4Kish for me) the bike feels really perfect. Running "hot" just took some getting used to for me -- maybe my coming from a metric bike skewed my habits/perception -- but for me and my XB it seems that high RPM and running in a lower gear is where it feels right. As a happy bi-product my fuel efficiency has also gone up 15-17 mpg...

Hrrmmmm, maybe the mirrors aren't "crappy" as such, rather they are "tuned to the proper riding method by Mr. Buell himself!"

Now, I wonder if I can find the reasoning behind the headlights...

In all seriousness, hope you get your issues sussed and can get back to riding. Cheers mate!
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Swordsman
Posted on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - 12:04 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well, I've swapped the Splitfires out for standard H-D plugs, but haven't had a chance to run it yet... that comes during tomorrow's commute. If that doesn't do the trick, I'll look into some plug wires. I know I've yanked them a time or two, and not the "right" way, so I may have cracked one internally.

~SM
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Wantxbr
Posted on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - 12:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Bombardier

You need a fuel pressure gauge and an adapter to do the test.
But try this first. Put your ear to the fuel tank near the fuel pump and turn on the bike to allow the pump to prime (DON'T START THE BIKE) and listen for any gurgling sound or bubbling just after the fuel pump turns off. If you hear that sound you may have a leaky hose or posibly a pin hole in the hose.
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Swordsman
Posted on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - 03:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Engine behavior didn't change with the different plugs. Guess I'll be looking into plug wires. I'll check the Search for recommendations.

~SM
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Swordsman
Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 09:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Just an update. I installed a set of Magnecore plug wires. Still no change. I'm utterly at a loss, unless what I'm feeling is the "unrefined" portion of the 1200 engine that everyone talks about. I've got new plugs, new plug wires, TPS reset, timing adjusted, battery terminals are properly secured... the only other thing I can think of is the 02 sensor. After that.... no clue.

I love everything about the bike BUT the way the engine runs while I'm commuting, which is now 90% of my time in the saddle. It didn't bother me so much before, when I was only making short runs, but the more I use it the more it gets on my nerves... to the point I'm starting to shop for another non-Buell bike.

(And don't even suggest the 1125R... smooth yes, commuter, no.)

~SM

(Message edited by Swordsman on April 29, 2008)
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Blake
Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 02:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Have you ever let your dealer try to resolve the problem?

My advice is to restore the bike back to bone stock configuration, including airbox, plugs and wires, and then let the dealer have a chance to make it run the way it should. Chances are they'll get it done and you'll be happy.
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Blake
Posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 - 02:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Chances are you have an intake manifold air leak or something very minor. You believe that the timing and TPS are all perfectly set/calibrated, but there may be some things that you are not able to identify in that regard. Repositioning the sensor itself for instance.

It may be that the muffler/exhaust valve is malfunctioning.

"the only other thing I can think of is the 02 sensor. After that.... no clue."

Again, a VERY good reason to allow the experts at Stone Mountain have a good chance at solving the problem.

(Message edited by blake on April 29, 2008)
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