2009 XB12R Bogging issues/power loss - not same issues as 100 others

[AceOfSpades]

Hey guys!! Glad to be here. I have used a lot of advice from these forums. I had a 2008 1125R that I fully modded and loved.

Id like to get this XB12R up to speed before I begin anything major.

I purchased this bike about 2 weeks ago. Bogged all the way past 2.2k rpms. When WOT(in the correct gear) it would not run correctly. Huge decrease in power and it took everything in the bike to reach 100 to 105mph. Ran some 93 with injector cleaner through for 3 tanks. Minor improvement but not much.

Cleaned injectors & fuel rail, cleaned air filter, changed spark plugs. 1 spark plug was cracked and beginning to nearly crumble when removed(rear plug). The injectors were disgusting. Cleaned them up with seafoam, etc.

Now it’s running BETTER but not fully solved. When at highway speeds, power and acceleration are greatly improved and the bike will get past 100 no problem. No high rpm bog really more than normal.

BUT, from a standstill the bike bogs even when rolling on. I understand that these bikes are notorious for bogging when you blip the throttle, but when I roll it on that just doesnt make sense to bog like it does.
Sometimes when I start it cold to ride, warm her up and start to pull off the bog is worse. Other times it’s a little better.

Guy installed a K&N filter, and cut 2 holes into the airbox. I tested it by choking the airbox a bit and that didnt seem to do much.

I appreciate you guys in advance. Any help is warmly welcomed!!

Much love
Ace

 

[AceOfSpades]

Also, the plugs I got were the NGK DCPR8EIX as the 7s and 9s were unavailable in my area.

 

[AceOfSpades]

Anybody feel like helping?

 

[Cooter]

Easy now, this ain't Facebook, we're a little slower here.

With the lack of any diagnostic info at all, it's down to an educated guess because honestly, it sounds just like the same issue as 100 other bikes on here.

Either test your fuel pressure at WOT in gear... or buy a fuel pump and hose kit from Barrett. It's as filthy as the injectors you just pulled and ie easier to remove.

Buell XB fuel pump removal in 7 minutes.

These awesome bikes are getting older and the scourge of Ethanol in our gasoline and sitting in a garage is a hard life for a electric fuel pump. I hope this serves as inspiration for the home mechanic to do this job themselves and get out there and RIDE your Buell!! Couple of hints: Its not...

www.buellxb.com

 

[AceOfSpades]

Easy now, this ain't Facebook, we're a little slower here.

With the lack of any diagnostic info at all, it's down to an educated guess because honestly, it sounds just like the same issue as 100 other bikes on here.

Either test your fuel pressure at WOT in gear... or buy a fuel pump and hose kit from Barrett. It's as filthy as the injectors you just pulled and ie easier to remove.

Buell XB fuel pump removal in 7 minutes.

These awesome bikes are getting older and the scourge of Ethanol in our gasoline and sitting in a garage is a hard life for a electric fuel pump. I hope this serves as inspiration for the home mechanic to do this job themselves and get out there and RIDE your Buell!! Couple of hints: Its not...

www.buellxb.com

My apologies. It hasn’t been a day for the record books.

I may just buy one if you think there’s a decent chance of it being the culprit.

Also, if there’s gunk and stuff in the tank, how can I clean that up with the frame being the tank on this bike?

 

[Bueller-Bueller?]

Agree, sounds like fuel delivery problems. Probably low fuel pressure from a leak between the pump and housing from deteriorating.

 

[mafizz]

I had similar issues ('08 XB12S) even after doing same steps you did, including multiple tps resets, checked fuelmap, I ended up changing my tps and it did huge improvementon throttle response in all ranges.
My winter project will include fuel pump & injectors maintenance.
Good luck!

 

[Barrett]

Symptoms of fuel pump failing or desperately in need of full servicing: Lackluster throttle response----long crank-to-start times when sitting overnight or longer----inconsistent performance----loud high pitched whine or groan coming from inside the tank when pump in prime or run mode----visible air bubbles inside tank when pump is running----low fuel warning system failure.

ALL XB pumps have a drain plug on outside of pump with captive O-ring on same. After draining frame and removing pump you can then clean easily clean out the frame. You do NOT have to remove the rear wheel assembly to R&R the fuel pump assembly. I am seeing these pumps now failing at alarming rates.

Many choices of pump rebuild kits floating around out there. Most are either garbage or missing critical parts for full rebuild. The kits below are finest available and I keep plenty in stock. These pumps are tedious and very tricky to rebuild correctly. If you don't feel comfortable doing same you can send to me for the rebuild.

Store, Mid-Atlantic Cycle Company

www.midatlanticcycle.com

 

[mafizz]

My apologies. It hasn’t been a day for the record books.

I may just buy one if you think there’s a decent chance of it being the culprit.

Also, if there’s gunk and stuff in the tank, how can I clean that up with the frame being the tank on this bike?

I also wonder how to decontaminate fuel tank if seafoam isn't enough ...
I think your fuel pump's filter will tell a lot once you get there.
Thought I would clear all accessible options first.

 

[Bueller-Bueller?]

In reply to cleaning out the tank: most of the debris will come out as you drain the old gas. A bit of advice, the old gas with all the orange varnish in it will stain the hell out of anything it touches, so have lots of rags and wipe up drips right away. Once the pump is out you can reach a shop vac up in there and suck any big chunks out and then wipe down the inside of the tank as best you can. Obviously, get a new pump, filter sock, in tank fuel hose, fuel pressure regulator (careful taking this off the plastic housing) fuel filter, and seals between fuel filter and housing. O rings for banjo bolts and o rings for the pump body. If I had to do it again I would get Barrets kit. I used a $100 kit from Amazon which has everything except a fuel filter which I bought at autozone and I think I needed a corrugated in tank fuel line which I already had. I reused my banjo o rings because I find t have these either and it isn’t leaking but that was luck

 

[DamMechanic]

I’m not sure about reaching into a freshly drained gas tank with a shop vacuum.

Most shop vacuums use motors with brushes (sparks) and fuel vapor. Could be entertaining.

 

[Bueller-Bueller?]

Good point! Maybe just turn the bike upside down and shake it.

 

[cocoabutterlover]

I'd suggest getting an in-line fuel pressure gauge to determine if its your fuel pump before tearing into that.
My XB12ss used to be similar to that when blipping the throttle, I find the spark plugs (iridium) and a new battery helped eliminate most of that. A new lithium NOCO (forget which type but has the high CCA) did wonders for my bike running; even installed a volt meter to check the battery state while the bikes running.
But I also did a fuel pump rebuild after I replaced the two items mentioned, but the visual inspection of the fuel pump looked good, no gummy substance and no leaks so I was surprised.
If you buy the rebuild kit from Chaz Aagard, ask him to include a spare white tube in case you screw up the install like I did.
You will need special pliers for the clips and a heat gun. Take lots of photos before ripping the old pump apart.
**this is assuming its not a silly air leak issue.