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Buell Forum » Knowledge Vault (tech, parts, apparel, & accessories topics) » Troubleshooting (Poor Starting/Running/Handling/Ride Issues) » Archive through May 13, 2012 » My 08 XB12r is dying HELP! « Previous Next »

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Buell_xb12r
Posted on Saturday, December 24, 2011 - 09:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hello, I just bought my first Motorcycle, a 2008 Buell Firebolt XB12r, my knowlege of how a motorcycle works or (in my case) is supposed to work is very very limited so if you have a response or a possible fix, talk to me like I am four years old. Alright heres the deal. When i went to buy the bike the guy who was selling it, started it right up for me, and rode it around a bit then put it in the back of my truck and i drove it home. The next day i took it to a local place that had a ramp, unloaded it, started it right up and rode it home without a single problem. It sat in my garage for a day then I rode it again. The second ride was great as well, started right up no problem. The very next day I went to start it and it took me a couple of tries to start it and i took off, the bike died a couple of times as i engaged the clutch and i would have to restart. I also noticed that there wasnt a whole lot of "giddyup" when i accelerated. The next day i rode and it had more trouble starting, and died on me essentially every time i stopped and my acceleration was pretty much completely gone. Now i cant get it to start at all, it will turn over and occasionally fire, but it wont start. The mods that the guy i bought it from were a jardine exhaust, and an ebr power commmander which has not had any dyno time, i dont know if either of these things could be the problem or not. Ive also been told it could be spark plugs, fuel pump, or battery. The spark plugs have less than a thousand miles on them, the battery is the original one that came in the bike. I put a brand new tank of premium gas in it with some techron fuel system cleaner to no avail. The battery was kept on a battery tender while the other guy had it, however i had not had it plugged in until it wouldnt start. This bike has just over 4100 miles on it. The only things i really know about the bike are that the fuel is in the frame so there is no tank, it is a v-twin, and is fuel injected. UPDATE: I just bought a new battery yesterday and tried it out, i got a lot more life out of her, she is trying to start but still wont. If you have any suggestions about this or any possible fixes I am more than willing to hear them and try them out. Thanks
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Two_seasons
Posted on Saturday, December 24, 2011 - 10:23 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sounds like your plugs are fouled. Do not idle these bikes. They don't like to idle. But, when the engine and trans. is cold, don't hammer it either.

Start it, give it 30 seconds, then ride.

Buy new plugs. You'll have to check your manual as I don't have that info.

And welcome to BadWeb.
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Ulynut
Posted on Saturday, December 24, 2011 - 05:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Did the problem start before or after adding that fuel additive? It's pretty easy to over do it with that stuff since the tank only holds about four gallons.
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Buell_xb12r
Posted on Saturday, December 24, 2011 - 05:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Well it was running weird before, then i added the fuel cleaner and fuel stabilizer and thats when it wouldnt start...
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Ulynut
Posted on Sunday, December 25, 2011 - 09:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My guess, and this is only a guess, is that you had a fouled plug, then aggravated the situation with an overdose of fuel additives.

Try draining the fuel, inspect/change plugs (might as well change them while you're at it), add fresh 92 octane and give it a try.

When you start an XB, don't touch the throttle. Just hit the button. As it warms up, just leave it alone. It doesn't take long to warm up enough to ride. I start mine, put on my helmet and gloves, and go. That's it. Never fouled a plug.

Also, once you start it, don't shut it down until it warms up completely. Shutting it down while cold does a number of bad things. One of them is fouling plugs.

Ride safe and enjoy.
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