Engine Temp Guard.

[XB Mick]

Basic question guys, I've just installed a Engine temperature guard alarm on the XB12SS & was wondering what maximum engine temp i should set it to? So far I've seen her creep up to 110 while checking tire pressure but she runs around 68 on highway speeds. What's too hot? So i can set the alarm. Sure you will know Cooter
Thanks again.

 

[user_deleted]

110 what? celsius? fahrenheit? oil temp? turkey thermometer near the front cylinder? what?

469 degrees fahrenheit head temp within a 1 inch circumference on the head surface at the rear exhaust port considered the approx. maximum temp XB's can live at.
but i'm lacking in basic intelligence plus i don't know all that much about buells so you should probably wait for cooter to advise.

 

[TPEHAK]

Set it to 215 Fahrenheit, this is the temperature when fan starts working.

 

[Cooter]

Sorry Mick, I don't even know what a temp alarm is or why it would be anywhere near an air cooled engine?

Lunatic is right, and the bike sees that temp from it's own temp sensor in the top of the head. Thats where it gets the info to turn the fan off/on and even retard timing and rpm limit as a safety if she gets too hot. Your check engine light (CEL) will illuminate if its having an issue.

If this is some sort of aftermarket thing, I'd toss it. Or put it on a water-cooled something. Air cooled engines run a drastically wider temp range and the Buell has all the safeties in place already so not to worry.

 

[BuellyBagger]

110 what? celsius? fahrenheit? oil temp? turkey thermometer near the front cylinder? what?

469 degrees fahrenheit head temp within a 1 inch circumference on the head surface at the rear exhaust port considered the approx. maximum temp XB's can live at.
but i'm lacking in basic intelligence plus i don't know all that much about buells so you should probably wait for cooter to advise.

you said 69 hehe

 

[Mesozoic]

Yeah, if the motor got up to 450*F you'd know it in your pant leg first!

 

[XB Mick]

I suppose i asked for it with that vague descriptive post, thanks anyway Lunatic for your sarcasm lol. I wanted a led numerical readout that catches the eye, as the engine temp light is so small & could be easily missed before its all too late. I just put a sensor under a head cover bolt on the back cylinder. Thought the more checks you have on heat with air cooled motors the better, especially here in Australia. Anyway each to their own. Appreciate the feedback anyway.

 

[Mesozoic]

Is the land of Oz hotter than southern Arizona? Probably about the same, just offset by season due to position relative to the equator. My Buell runs pretty good in sub-50*C heat, I wouldn't worry about it. The ECM is programmed to enable cooling fans, pull timing out, and adjust fueling as engine and intake air temperatures get too hot. Even 50*C hot air is still relatively cold enough to provide cooling effect to the air-cooled V-twin that typically runs at 160-180*C.

 

[njloco]

I'd be chillin in the AC with a beer and a cigar ! Wait until nighttime to go riding.

 

[user_deleted]

I suppose i asked for it with that vague descriptive post, thanks anyway Lunatic for your sarcasm lol.

always my pleasure mick. in all seriousness i commend you for having consideration of the tortuous effects excessive heat has on XB motors. the single best 5 things you can do for any XB that's going to be exposed to constant temps of 90 degrees fahrenheit and beyond for extended periods of time...and i'm talking weeks and months....is this:
1-purchase and install the RSS factory intake setup. still available and about $65 US retail.
2-run top quality automotive or cycle 20wt-50 synthetic oil in the motor ONLY.
3-fan maintenance! that it's tight to the frame....that the blades rotate freely...that there's no wobble in the fan shaft causing it to make excessive noise from faulty internal bearings....that the ecm is operating it under the proper temp parameters.
4-custom mapping/tune for your ecm. traditionally more fuel equals cooler running temps.
5- AVOID stop-and-go traffic situations at all costs. keep moving!

 

[XB Mick]

Thats why i get on here! You learn so bloody much! Lunatic what do you recommend for the primary? I run Motul vtwin 20/50 full syn in both holes at the moment. Thanks for your knowledge & time.

 

[XB Mick]

Yes you are right Mesozoic, its just my pride & joy & i am a little OCD about my bike.

 

[Cooter]

With ambient temps above 60*F (16C), the factory recommended oil is straight 50w.
Ambient temp above 80*F (27C) should be straight 60 weight.

'09 Buell XB manual page 1-7.

Always use a V-twin specific oil, Delo (for diesels) is formulated similarly if you can't find it.

Lots and lots of people are afraid of doing the factory recommended weight oil, I don't know why. From my experience living in AZ and FL, both my CR and XB really loved that weight oil. Much less valve noise too! Too thin an oil can be catastrophic. Drain 20w-50 when its really hot and its like water! Not good for a heavy V-twin.

 

[XB Mick]

Great Advice thanks!

 

[user_deleted]

Thats why i get on here! You learn so bloody much! Lunatic what do you recommend for the primary? I run Motul vtwin 20/50 full syn in both holes at the moment. Thanks for your knowledge & time.

my pleasure Mick. Motul petroleum products not that terribly popular here in America mostly due to pricing but their products are outstanding. I've used Motul 7100 in the past in the primary only and it shifted and clutched nicely. my personal preference in the primary remains Amsoil 20wt-50 based on pricing, performance and availability..... nothing else. whatever you choose for the primary just be damn sure it's JASO rated MA1 or higher indicating it's "wet clutch" compatible. also Mick as mentioned if you're bike not now sporting an RSS set-up strongly consider it. best $ you'll ever spend. here's the look from a few of my buells......and here's the part numbers you'll need.

M0851.7AA quantity 1
M0852.7AA quantity 1
AN1005.3FSS quantity 3

 

[njloco]

Hey John, you really need to chop the tails on those bikes, they look beautiful but a tail chop would just finish them off so nicely and most importantly, I'll have one of the only totally stock bikes around !

 

[user_deleted]

Hey John, you really need to chop the tails on those bikes, they look beautiful but a tail chop would just finish them off so nicely and most importantly, I'll have one of the only totally stock bikes around !

took your advice kenny and just removed the entire tail section on my beloved cherry bomb cityX. nice thing was that i didn't even need any tools.

 

[njloco]

I truly hope your kidding ? That's not you right ?

 

[XB Mick]

Those bikes are a credit to you & the video a ripper!

 

[XB Mick]

Hi Lunatic those part numbers which i really appreciate by the way, they will fit my 2006 xb12ss? I have got Micron Headers so assuming i may have to modify to fit slightly? Thanks again.
Mick