Bike Startup Question

[RobSTTa]

So, I have also searched this forum high and low but cant seem to find anything.

When I bought the bike, the owner told me that when I turn the key to switch on the Bike, I must wait for the red engine light to switch off before I can start the bike.

Now, I wasn't thinking and started the bike up without waiting for that light to switch off. Now the bike backfires a lot and seems to 'splutter'.

Is this what you guys refer to as TPS reset?

(I have a XB 12 STT)

[Lesley]

You have only made 2 posts so I am guessing you are new to Buells. Anyway have you blipped the throttle at all while bike is warming up? because it sounds like you've fouled a plug.

The light issue on start up is important but I dont think that would cause the computer to reset but anything is possible. I have done what you described before w/o any problems. Basically it is better to use the cutoff switch not the key to shut motor off. Upon start up what you are doing by waiting on the light to go out is allowing the fuel pump to prime up. That should not cause firing problems.

I bet if you check them plugs one has fouled on you. Just my 2 cents. I am only trying to help you out.
NEVER feather/blip the thorttle until bike has completely warmed up.

[user_deleted]

what lesley said and i would throw a set of NGK DCPR9EIX iridium plugs in it. best $16 you'll ever spend. my procedure is:
turn key on
turn kill-switch (red one on right h-bar control) on
wait 5 seconds and start with clutch lever in, bike in neutral, no throttle
put on gear, get on bike, paddle it a few feet if cold or sitting overnite, drop in 1st and go.
paddling when cold eases clash into 1st gear.
i never let these Buells idle more than a minute or so before riding off and never start them without riding for at least a few miles. they're mapped very rich on cold start.

[RobSTTa]

Thanks so much for the posts and helping a noob out. Unfortunately I bought the bike without an owners manual so will have to order myself one.

I think I may have bliped the throttle on start up - too much excitement I suppose! Will definitely do a spark plug change and see how that goes.

[jimijeans]

RobsTTa,,what year is your bike? exact model as well? will always help when posting. Your Buell should not have the Throttle moved when starting the Engine. SAY you have an 2008 through 2010 Buell. Twisting the throttle can put the TPS out of whack as so to speak. The Idle will not work properly. Look Up Daves DIY Videos all in one thread is reads just like that here in the forum .
That will get you started in case you are a Visual it helps to see, and can explain a lot Quickly. ON the NGK plugs the Tip of the Electrode is Fragile so a wire Gapper to check the Gap is less damaging to the Plugs. Go Easy on the Cylinder Heads Spark Plugs Threads so as not to Strip those out when Tightening just good and Snug will do it. Oil Drain Plugs the Same as Well. With the newer models of Buells 08+ there is a simple TPS reset method that you can do with the Key and Throttle more on that later.
The older models can get flooded out easily from the Throttle being twisted when starting the Engine anytime you start the Bike up. You may depending on which year you have will need to check the TPS or Throttle Position Sensors' setting so the Engine idles properly. SAY you have an Older model bike 2003 through 2007 the Tps Reset is done with a meter or better yet a Laptop Computer or Desktop with some software/ Drivers and a cable, This Software is Called ECMSPY and a cable is also reQuired to do the work for Diagnoustics and TPS reset. Xoptiinside.com is a good way to get those products. More on that later.
There are Different Versions of EcmSpy so Never hook up ECMSPYs' older Version to a Newer 2008 Through 2010 Buell there is a different Version for Those Years of Bikes. The Software is Quite Powerfull and needs to be Respected and learned before doing any work. As Long as you Study up on the ECMSPY Software and Respect the Software, depending on your skills it is a Great Diagnoustics Tool for fixing your bike OR Tweeking the ECM for Any Changes made to Exhaust and other Areas of the Engine.
Tune ups and that sort of thing not to worry just do as usual..AmsOil 20/50 in both the Engine and Transmission work very well for the AirCooled V Twin.
Now that said, take your time and go through the Forum for more information this will take a while so have fun learning about the Cool Ride you have. Once you learn the Different areas of the bike she is not to bad to work on or with unless a person is impatient. THAT goes with anything mechanical of Course. Since you are a new Bueller here Welcome to the Forum Have a Good Time Learting your New to you Ride and Ride Safe..Post up when you can.*Jimi[cool]