| Author | Message | ||
     Lousirider |
Could one of you buell experts help me? I recently purchased a spotless (2000miles) 2006 xb12x, and it seems to not like cranking over. It starts everytime, but I have to bump the throttle a couple of times..sorta like an old truck.. Does the bike have an auto choke? I always wait till the "red light" (alt?) goes off. There must be something I'm missing.. Thanks James | ||
| Hughlysses |
You should not have to touch the throttle to crank it, unless maybe it's VERY cold outside. Yes, wait until the red engine light goes off before cranking. I'd suggest changing the sparkplugs and maybe getting a TPS (throttle position sensor) reset. NEVER blip the throttle while the bike is warming up or it will foul the plugs. | ||
| Lousirider |
Thanks, Hugh...is the only way to reset the TPS is through a dealer? What do I have to do to do it on my own? also...how often does this need to be done?...finally, is there a way to check it to see if it needs reset? sorry for all the Qa.. just a n00b. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
Sounds like you may not be getting sufficient voltage to the starter. Mine will work pretty hard sometimes to get the motor to start turning over and it's an '06 also. I think we both will be needing a new battery soon. | ||
| Lousirider |
Dan. How long have you had yours? Miles? You find any major problems with the 06? I was very hesitate buying mine, but with only 2000 miles on a mint 06 for 6000....that was hard to say no to. Also, I'm happy to be part of the buell family now. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
James, I'm not happy to say this but I want to be honest about it so here goes. Mine was a lemon when I first started riding it. I bought it as a demo model with 300 miles on it. I was the first customer to take it for a test ride too. I didn't buy it right away because it was too tall for me to ride safely, in my opinion. About 10 months later, the dealership had installed a low seat and that was all it took. I traded my '03 Lightning for it and then everything went to shit. Electrics and electronic gremlins one after the other. The dealership posessed my new pride and joy for 141 days at one point and it was smack bang in the middle of the summer too! If it wasn't for Mr. Canfield, I don't even want to think about what I would have done. Based on Court's advice, I called customer service and shit began happenning quick. Big things. They replaced nearly every electrical device on the bike and could not figure out why Buell was so interested in it. (Thanks Court). Buell was actually calling to check on my bike every hour the whole time the dealership was open for 2 days! At that point, I spoke to Buell Customer Service once more and was told on wednesday that if it was not fully repaired by friday that they would fly a tech out and fix it themselves. I was at this time overwhelmed by a feeling I can't describe, it's like I am now a small part in a big powerfull motorcycle company that I had never had any dealings with before. They are willing to go to any length to get my bike running. It felt good James. I am feeling it to this day at over 14,000 trouble free miles on the best damned motorcycle I have ever owned. Welcome to the Buell experience James. You are in for a hell of a ride! Before you buy a new battery, clean the terminals and cables and install a flat washers under the heads of the bolts. The bolts are too long and will bottom out without tightning the cables down properly. | ||
| Lousirider |
Dan..I will definely do what you suggested. I really like the ergos of the Uly. I'm not really a cruiser fan, so it fits me pretty good. I just don't want a troublesome bike as you had. No warranty was transferred to me...so I'm on my own. James | ||
| Lousirider |
*definitely* correction | ||
| Lost_in_ohio |
A number of 06's have that same problem. There are several on Badweb that believe in 06 the stock batteries were weak even when new. BTW there is no choke per say as the bike is fuel injected. What is the voltage on the battery ignition off with the bike sitting overnight? Should be at least 12.6 if not you might consider replacing it. 1. TPS resets don't fix everything 2. It is really hard to foul the plugs, unless your really a knuckle head. 3. The bike doesn't have to warm up for 5 or 10minutes before you ride. 3. Blipping isn't evil, just make sure the bike is warm as dan mentioned, check the ground and battery cable connections at the battery. | ||
| Dio |
There are a few minor issues that if taken care of early will save you some grief later on in the "ownership experience". Are you fairly mechanically inclined - as in, do you do all your own wrench work? If you do, then here are a few items to check/address: 1.The infamous "77" connector 2.Head lights dragging across ground wire connection at steering head 3.Anti-sieze application on both axles 4.Wire loom guide on left side of steering head, especially early production 5.Rear wheel bearings 6.Bank angle sensor and sidestand recalls 7.Spark plug wires chafing on main wiring harness 8.Fuel pump wiring chafing through on fuel pump 9.Instead of the flat washer under the battery bolts, get yourself a battery tender and install the ring terminals of the tender harness under the battery terminal bolts. 10.Incorrect torque spec listed for engine oil drain plug I don't mean to come off preaching doom and despair, but there are many who have had to identify these issues the hard way, and by virtue of their experience have helped the rest of us avoid potential problems. All of the items listed, and their adjustments/repairs, some with excellent photos and step by step procedures, are available here in previous posts. I really like my '06 and have addressed almost all of these issues myself with the benefit of the factory service manual, which if you don't already have one, should be at the top of your list of "must haves".. These really are great motorcycles! | ||
| Panhead_dan |
As far as being on your own, warrenty wise- it's not a bad thing, really. You don't have to deal with an HD dealership to get work done. You can get parts delivered to your door from one of the fine sponsers here on this site. You will find the prices reasonable too, especially if you have owned and worked on say, a Kawi. I have found Buells to be the best thought out, easiest bike to work on I've ever had. Some tools and a factory service manual will open up a whole new facet of ownership experience that is very rewarding. You will become much more involved with the bike and that is infectuous. (in a very good way) Dio's post above is a great one. Especially the last sentence. One more thing. The bikes history regarding recall items and all service work done by any HD/Buell dealership is on record and available free to you from any HD/Buell dealership just for the asking. You will need the VIN #. | ||
| Lousirider |
Once I was a mechanic on humvees and 5tons. I know my way around my toolbox, but I dont have much experience on bike maintenance, since I'm new to the bike world. Thanks, Dio for the breakdown. I will research these topics for more details. Are these in priority order? Guys, what is the five(or more) most needed tools to well maintain or enhance the Ully? I see I may need to update my toolbox. James | ||
| Rr_eater |
Good, Quality torque wrenches.....never on the drain plug though. Remember though you need a reverse torque wrench or some special attachments to properly torque the front axle.... QUALITY Torx drivers for your ratchets, whether 3/8 or 1/4 inch drive Quality Allen wrench sets, both metric and standard, quality, not soft steel type you get from harbor freight PIT BULL stands front and rear And basics of everything else will do it. The ratchet wrenches are nice addition, but not necessary unless you using your tools to make money I think My biggest input though is this, Quality tools lead to quality workmanship, period. Ranking of tools is as follow IMHO: Snap On Matco Mac Craftsman There are others out there, those are just my experience. A majority of my 5 boxes is Craftsman, for ease of replacement and general good quality. And electronics are Fluke or Snap On, most of my specialty tools are Snap On or Matco, like torx bits and Allen drivers. And though I DO NOT condone their use very often, a god quality Impact Driver will save you TONS of headache at times, just have to be careful what you use it on. Bruce | ||
| Lousirider |
Wow..thanks a lot Bruce That really helps..I do need to acquire torque wrenches and torx drivers. I usually use craftsmen because of availability . Most my air tools are Mac though. | ||
| Froggy |
Make sure you set a few things with Torx size 27. A socket, a driver, whatever else you can find. Its a very common bolt on the bike so have it handy.  | ||
| Ulywife |
No warranty was transferred to me...so I'm on my own. You're never on your own as long as you've got BadWeB! As you've already found out, there is a wealth of knowledge and support here. Welcome to BadWeB and Buells! | ||
| Dio |
The list is not in priority order. The one that could be the most expensive though, is the engine oil drain plug torque. I don't know that I have seen the correct torque listed here, only that the spec in the service manual is too tight (I think it's listed as 45 lbs/ft.) I torque mine to 20. There have been some reports of stripped threads resulting in swing arm replacements. I work on class 8 over the road semi-trucks and trailers, and the only real difference when working on motorcycles is the size of the parts. The extensive use of aluminum on motorcycles just requires attention to avoid over tightening, and the regular use of medium strength (blue) threadlocker. If you are handy with a chop saw and welder, you can make your own variant of the pit bull stands for a lot less. I made a front and rear set from 1 1/4" black pipe, and I used old serpentine belt tensioner pulleys for wheels, and spent less than $50, including paint! Pay close attention to what you're doing and you'll be fine! People here on this forum are always ready to help if you need advice. | ||
| Jlnance |
it seems to not like cranking over. I think a new battery will do you wonders. It did for mine. | ||
| Lousirider |
You're never on your own as long as you've got BadWeB! As you've already found out, there is a wealth of knowledge and support here. Welcome to BadWeB and Buells! Truly is great being part of BadWeb, thanks for all the "schooling".. keep it coming. James | ||
| Lousirider |
I think a new battery will do you wonders. It did for mine If I may ask..What battery did you use? Part# would be nice. thanks James | ||
| Bienhoabob |
I have an '06 with 43,000 miles. Yours with 2,000 miles, no battery tender, would lead me to believe that the battery needs a good charge or replacement. I've had the TPS reset one time at my dealer. Cost a whole $20.00 I'd suggest that you take the bike to the your dealer and see if the recalls where done, first. Ask the tech if it needs a TPS reset and to have the battery checked. Then you should be off to a good start. My '06 and many others has been trouble free. It seems like the people with the 'bad' ones, really have the 'bad' ones. My sympathy goes out to them. Since you know your way around the tool box, get a shop manual also. It's probably the best tool you'll own. Ride safe, Bob | ||
| Xbimmer |
I think a new battery will do you wonders. It did for mine If I may ask..What battery did you use? Part# would be nice. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/392178.html?1221515872 Just posted my solution for my starting problems. Found lots of battery solutions over the weekend. Welcome to BadWeB. I'm one of the guys who bought a 10/05 '06 and had my share of troubles, bought it in May '06 and have 50k on it now. I love this bike, and I'm not hesitant to work on it. This website is invaluable for info and support. You're more than likely also going to get into the fork servicing eventually, I highly recommend American Sport Bike for the tools. They make the job easy and you'll have them forever. Like the others said, beware the drain plugs! Forget a torque wrench there, new o-ring and sealant and snug with a 6pt box end wrench. Good for another 5k! | ||
| Lousirider |
Thanks Xbimmer for the advice. I glad badweb is around for guys like me that count on guys with the "know how". I just bought the service manual today. I'm looking at buying riding gear next. I will be doing a road trip this weekend, hopefully. I want to really learn how the Uly responds to deferent roads and situations. | ||
| New12r |
I want to really learn how the Uly responds to deferent roads and situations. I have gone from dirt fire roads to dragging knee in less than a mile, works great on all kinds of stuff! | ||
| Dr_greg |
Another vote for the battery. Mine is '06 S/N 044 (not as early as others here, but still early) and was the demo bike. Began to "hesitate" while cranking a few months ago; with backcountry camping trips coming up I replaced it (with H-D/Buell battery). Made a big difference. However, my engine always started and ran well, even with the hesitant cranking. I never touch the throttle. | ||
| Stevem123 |
Mine is an 06 model SN/033 and had the hesitant starting issue also. New battery solved it for me too. Load test of the battery showed it only putting out 280 cranking amps. New battery puts out 450 cranking amps! Mine was like this for over a year till I finally bit the bullet and put out $$ for the new battery. All is well now. BC Steve | ||
| Lousirider |
New battery it is then.. thanks guys | ||
| Rotorhead |
Get a new battery, but I would check where the ground terminal is bolted to the frame of the bike also. My 06 with 44K on it and always exsposed to water in one way or another I have had to clean my ground connector a few times to be safe. The corrosion was starting. As you can see a small question like your battery will spark all the help you can think of here on the BADWEB. BTW look at the BRAN http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/boar d-auth.cgi?file=/42/42.html&lm=1221519286 to see the local guys who can physically come and help you out. Some can do the TPS reset for you. (Message edited by rotorhead on September 19, 2008) | ||
| Lousirider |
Thanks for the link, Rotorhead. This site just keeps getting better everyday. This is also really effecting my productivity at work to. Too much to read... James | ||
| Brenegade |
my Uly won't start! push the button and absolutely nothing happens. turn key on and lights come on everything seems fine but nothing when you hit the starter button. |
