header was glowing, checked oil it surcharged out! WTF???

[DWix1]

I started up my 2009XB12R and was putting on my helmet about to hop on and ride off when I remembered I was chewing gum. I hate chewing gum with my helmet on.

I spit out my gum in front of my bike, then thought, I better pick it up and throw it out of my way because I didn't want to run over the gum and have it stuck to my tire. That's when I noticed my exhaust header was glowing bright, bright red!!

Holy crap! I shut her down. I checked the oil and it surcharged out!!

Anybody have any idea what the #@!% just happened?

I'm guessing this is serious.

Other than that, the bike didn't sound any different when it sat there for 1-2 minutes when it was idling.

Any idea what happened?

 

[ich]

all 2008+ xb headers glow.

 

[Supermanrider]

all 2008+ xb headers glow.

Really i dont think i have seen mine glow

 

[anrkizm95]

its common while at idle.

 

[stellio78]

Mine doesn't do that, 2010 XB12Ss.

 

[anrkizm95]

yours is a 2010 2 o2s might be the reason

 

[IYAOYAS]

Never noticed my 09 glow, but it does get damned hot if it idles too long.

 

[anrkizm95]

mine did it 4or5 times in the 2 years ive had it.that ive noticed.it always does it close to the head.

 

[Jon0341]

Had it happen a couple time on my 09ss, I would say it's normal.

 

[DWix1]

I'm pretty attentive. I've never seen it glow before. I mean, it really caught my attention. I've never known it to do that before.

If it is nothing then I'm happy. I'm gonna let the dealer have a look anyways because the bike is still under warranty and the guys at the HD in Oakland are actually totally cool with Buells.

Any idea why my oil surcharged out? what the hell was that about. And I mean a lot of oil. It was like it was being pumped out of the dipstick hole. Just gushing friggin out. ????? what is up with that?

 

[Stevenc150]

Almost all XB headers will glow if you're in a dark enough place to see it and idled for extended periods of time. Although a custom remapped ECM helps this immensley. Save idle time to gearing up (about 1min. or so) and it'll save your plugs too.

 

[Sidewinder]

I've seen mine glow at idle in the dark. But never bright red. Just a light orange.

 

[anrkizm95]

Not sure on the oil maybe over filled or restricted line or cooler.

 

[jimijeans]

Thats definately one for the books on the oil. unless the oil filter has a problem or overfull/oil pump area etc. Post up when you find out. [confused]

 

[Ralph S]

Mine does it too, same year and model,especially if i leave it idling little to long after a cold start up. I posted on here about it a while ago and the most people said that it was probably running way lean. Had it dynoed and A/F ratio is within norm. Talked to a decent Buell tech at one of the better, Buell friendly dealerships in Seattle area and he said it's pretty common.

 

[xb12 tripp]

My 08 glows too.

 

[Riderdie]

I'd assume not all bikes run at the same temperature so some may glow more than others. Like Steven said doing some ECM work will make it run a little more rich hopefully not running so hot

 

[Iamarchangel]

Spit your gum out before starting the bike. It's rude.

Get your gear on before starting the bike except for your gloves.

Start the bike, put your gloves on and go.

Bike likes that better.

It's normal, you just don't see it in daylight.