New 2008 Buell xb12r owner looking for basic info

[sewerrat]

I have just recently purchased a 2008 xb12r with 8500 miles, the bike appears pure stock, except for a kn filter. I have read as many posts as I can, but I am hoping some of you could share important facts I may need to know about this model. The bike did not come with an owners manual and any information about proper maintainance or known common performance/maintainance problems would be appriecated. Also, my reading has lead me to believe that the 08 model year was significant for ecm mods. I'm not looking for more speed or power, but I do want the bike to run as efficient as possible. Immediate plans will include either Hawk or Jardine exhaust, but dont want to do any mods that will cause engine damage. So just to verify, is updating the exhaust advised without ecm upgrades? Also, does ecm mods exsist that will improve mpg? Thank you in advance for sharing any knowledge that will ensure my ownership of my firebolt will be long and happy venture.

 

[snrusnak]

You can download service manuals at the top of the forum (they have maintenance schedules in them). There's a link at the top of the page that says "buell service manuals", just click that.

A proper tune is recommended for intake/exhaust, but you won't cause damage by not doing it.

The first thing I'd do personally is a TPS reset. I think with the 08 it's very easy, some procedure with a sequence of throttle twists. It should be in the manual...

 

[sewerrat]

Thanks for the reply snrusnak, speaking of the intake/exhaust tune, are you speaking about adjusting the valves and if so can an average joe do this type of service?

 

[sewerrat]

I forgot to put in my orginal post, I'm looking for any useable exhaust that would fit my bike(2008 xb12r), if I send my muffler off to Hawk, I'd like to keep riding till its completed. Thanks.

 

[GOduc]

Hawk maybe your best way to go. Im pretty sure if you send him your ecm as well he can remap it. Maybe just call and ask him about it. His service is great and he is notorious for a quick turnaround. Maybe be without a bike to ride for a week or so.

No you dont have to do anything to the ecm if you don't want to. Exhaust will be an ok mod without damaging anything.

Most people do the race ecm for a number of reasons. A little increase.in power and torque but it makes the bike run smoother and more efficient throughout the entire rpm range. It costs around 320 and is on the Erik buell racing website.

Increase mpg. ...not likely. Usually richens the air fuel ratio therefore decreasing mpg. Its very miniscule change however. I think i went from 50.or.so
to 46 or so.

And a tps reset. Stands for throttle position sensor. Pretty much what it sound like. Tells the ecm the position of the throttle, open or closed.

And regular maintenance schedules are in the manual. Stick with them and you will be fine. Use only what fluids are recommended. Theyre recommended for a reason.