Bike is coughing and throwing code 16

[rcuppernall]

Hi everyone this is my first post and this is my first Buell.
Just purchased a 2008 XB12R, it has not even 6k on it.

When i was riding it the week after i bought it, it started to i guess you would say cough on itself, as i was coming to a stop or even just disengaging the clutch for a few moments. I came to a stop and the bike just did not want to stay running. I tried giving it throttle but it just did not want to answer back and it just shut off. I was able to restart the bike imediatley after and assume riding. My check engine came on right after that.

I check the code by using the wire trick in two slots and it came back as 16(battery voltage)
I disconnected the battery and charged it. i put it back on the bike and yet the engine light came back on.
I understand that i might need to change the battery but there could be anything else wrong with it with that code. the bike has a jardine exaust and thats it.

And could the problem of it shutting off on me or putting at a stop be the cause of the battery or something else?

thanks for the help

Ryan

 

[FIDOSOL]

Could be your voltage regulator going bad.

 

[rcuppernall]

Can that screw with the battery in a way that it doesnt charge it?

 

[FIDOSOL]

The voltage regulator will. It sounds like it is going out. Make sure it's not just the battery going out first. If the battery is holding a charge without a problem, but isn't getting charged while riding the bike, then it is definately the voltage regulator and you need to have it replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise it will eat through batteries and your patience. Mine is being replaced right now.

 

[rcuppernall]

Can that also be the cause of it dying on me when i stop?

 

[FIDOSOL]

Yes it can. Have your headlights started acting funny yet? Getting dim when you just let it idle, and then brightening when you rev the engine up?

 

[rcuppernall]

Not that i can notice. i havent really taken it out at night except for in the early morning.

 

[rcuppernall]

So i started it up in my garage and watched the headlight on my wall and i didnt see anything getting brighter or less bright. I just dont want to buy this voltage regulator with out pinpointing this thing. ill have the batter tested first

 

[rcuppernall]

Ok it is also doing 21 for a code as well. Can this all just stem from the battery?

 

[FIDOSOL]

The headlight bit was the last thing to happen before my voltage regulator completely went out. So keep an eye on it. I sincerely hope it's just a battery issue.

 

[rcuppernall]

I took my tank cover off last night and observed that the actuator for the exhaust has been totally disconnected. The wire is not even there. Is that bad? Or am I gonna have to get that replaced for the check engine light to go away. It has a Jardine exhaust on it now. And how would I know if the exhaust valve is stuck open by looking at it?

 

[FIDOSOL]

That valve is inside your original muffler, so you can't observe it right now.

 

[rcuppernall]

So i replaced the battery and it was running great for about 5 min. I pulled into a gas station and let it sit for a sec to see what would happen and then it died on me. It did not want to start at first but it finally turned over. After that it just sounded and felt like crap.

i got back home took the battery out and hooked it up to my charger and it showed it was only at 25%.

I hope this is not some kind of alternator problem..or i mean the regulator

 

[FIDOSOL]

Your electrical system is not recharging the battery, you've established that it is not the battery. Check all the wiring again to make sure there isn't any damage to it. The next step after that should be the voltage regulator. I am sorry for that, I just had mine replaced and it's pretty ****** because I didn't have access to the tools to do it myself.

 

[rcuppernall]

what kind of tools did you need. I think i located it. is it infron of motor net to the air scoop thing?

 

[FIDOSOL]

Yes it is, you will have to wire the new one in. Wire cutting and crimping tools and some small miscellaneous electrical connector parts.

 

[rcuppernall]

Ok. Well I'll keep u updated

 

[FIDOSOL]

There is a write up of how to do it, search the forum. I would link it but searching it out from my phone is just not feasible right now.

 

[rcuppernall]

im just not sure. I mean can it be the stator. all the posts about the voltage regulator, people are saying things about checking your lights. I have checked the headlights and they do not dim at all.

I am thinking i might just bring it in to a shop. I dont want to deal with this shat anymore.[mad]

 

[FIDOSOL]

Shop is going to be the most reliable way to pin down the problem and have it fixed.