General concern about bike.

[ARMYbuell16]

I have a 2007 xb9sx and just wrapped the headers with titanium exhaust wrap. Let it run for about 20 mins shut her down and put all the plastic back on. When I went to leave my buddies it started to low idle and shut off one time. Went for a short right and had no issues after that. Should I be concerned about it?

 

[user_deleted]

I have a 2007 xb9sx and just wrapped the headers with titanium exhaust wrap. Let it run for about 20 mins shut her down and put all the plastic back on. When I went to leave my buddies it started to low idle and shut off one time. Went for a short right and had no issues after that. Should I be concerned about it?

are you saying you let the cityX "idle" for 20 minutes then completed the project? if so......read on:
1-header wrap has absolutely no affect whatsoever on sensors....performance parameters....received ecm info.
2-IMO i would NEVER do something like that again. an XB idling for 20 minutes, if that was the case, generates incredible motor temps that can be damaging and considerably shorten the motors' life-span.
3-the low idle and stalling you experienced likely the result of the ecm receiving "overheating signal" from the rear cylinder head temp sensor......and/or low battery voltage sensed by the ecm unit. your XB has what in essence is a crankshaft driven alternator. its power output at idle is minimal. at idle the various lights, sensors, ecm and fuel pump draw approx. 100 watts of power. typically the charging system produces a bit less than that at idle. the battery has to supply the balance. the prolonged idle drained yours resulting in your malady.

 

[ARMYbuell16]

Haha no i wrapped the headers first then I let it idle, but I do thank for the adevice

 

[vicenzajay]

Armybuell,

I think John's point was less about "when" you wrapped the pipes than it was about letting the bike "idle" for 20 minutes or so. The damage that can happen in this case really isn't about the header wrap at all - it's about letting an air cooled engine (that already reaches incredible temperatures by nature of what it is and physically how it sits in the XB frame - especially the rear cylinder) generate incredible temps by idling without the necessary air flow around the engine and through the cooling fins. John is trying to help you preserve your engine life by letting you know what actually caused your problems and what the long-term effects can be as well.

 

[user_deleted]

Armybuell,

I think John's point was less about "when" you wrapped the pipes than it was about letting the bike "idle" for 20 minutes or so. The damage that can happen in this case really isn't about the header wrap at all - it's about letting an air cooled engine (that already reaches incredible temperatures by nature of what it is and physically how it sits in the XB frame - especially the rear cylinder) generate incredible temps by idling without the necessary air flow around the engine and through the cooling fins. John is trying to help you preserve your engine life by letting you know what actually caused your problems and what the long-term effects can be as well.

precisely jay and well-said in your usual fashion. sadly he apparently didn't comprehend one iota of what i posted for him.

 

[buell248]

People in general should do their research before buying a Buell. Don't just buy one because of looks and sound, Buells are a completely different beast than any other bike that I have ever own, I have been looking for a few years for one and did my research, that is why I went with the newest low mile bike I could find, Most people that don't do their research think they are buying a inline 4 jap bike and they are far from that! Also to all the new owners out there, including myself, you need to respect the Senior members opinions, because they are the ones that are going to help you with all the issues that you might have with your new bike, there is a lot of Buell info on this site, I found doing a search usually finds a thread that answers my new owner questions. (just my opinion) Ride Safe!

 

[user_deleted]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^ well written and accurately stated. nicely done. i have found thru all these years now and having owned 15 XB models.....5 at the present time....that buell ownership requires a bit of patience, a modicum of unique knowledge specific to buells, and the occasional tender-loving touch to sort out problems. the reward is a bike not commonly seen that is both reliable and incredibly enjoyable to own and ride. and all that for not a hell of alot of money. who could ask for more?

 

[Dellinger]

^^^^^^^^^^ Well said Lunatic...
You guys aided me more than once with the little BUELL related issues as well as the tourched engine I decided to rebuild myself. I never would have attempted half the crap I do "now" without even thinking twice because of the vast knowledge and experience from the likes of the Buellwhisperer and a handful of other old school Buellers.
Respect!

 

[vicenzajay]

Yep - John, the nickname of "Buell Whisperer" is going to stick

 

[user_deleted]

I get the impression we are without any certified Buell mechanics to be had, there be only whisperers. I didn't know that taking the bike and that changes the dynamics considerably as far as getting any serious issues worked out 'properly' with a Buell motorcycle. Sad but works for me

I also got my refrigerator fixed with the help of a YT video so that's just how we roll in the new world.

a purchase decision based on available buell techs or lack thereof is IMO a non-issue. in the XB world the suspension is showa which is serviceable by any competent bike shop tech.....all the brake components are nissin which is serviceable by any competent bike shop tech....the electronics are a mixture of common jap componentry along with common H-D componentry..... all the perishables are extremely common aftermarket and OEM....the entire driveline can be serviced/repaired by any competent sportster/big-twin tech. XB's are one of the simplest 21st century bikes built to date. lastly...parts are dirt cheap as cycle parts go and available everywhere. how the hell can it get any simpler or more desirable than this?

 

[rchuff]

John I think they like the nick name I gave you. Lol!

 

[user_deleted]

Oh I'm good John.. I was just feeling sad for the poor guy who had his shocks put back together wrong and now I see mine are also improperly rebuilt. I'm not going to worry about it because I don't have any way to compress them and I doubt they will let me go back in the service area and tell them how to do it right... just sad we don't have local talent.

It's all good, nothing to see here... just another tricky day for the DIYer's get-r-done

your XB has 1 rear shock.....not shocks....and a pair of showa "inverted" cartridge forks up front. if 04 and later they are the 43mm models. common as hell....and extremely dangerous to ride if improperly rebuilt as you claim. based on what i don't know; but i do know this: front forks with "issues" are inherently dangerous. the forks do NOT interchange left to right and are removeable from an XB in an hour with basic shop hand tools and patience. if it were me i would be on the horn calling local dealerships, asking service manager if they rebuild showa cartridge forks if dropped off by you, get best price....then go to ASB website and order the seals and both sets of upper and lower slider bushings. money and time well spent and worth every penny. it's your bike and your life but i'm telling you cartridge forks with "problems" are incredibly dangerous.