New Buell Owner - Tips?

[dmulligan]

2009 Buell Lightning XB12Ss is now in the garage. What tips can any of you offer?

I'm not clear on the "pre start" procedure the sales guy walked me through to keep the plugs from fouling. Does it actually work and do you do it each time you start the bike cold?

How about the heat? I live in San Antonio so I expect to feel some heat from those pipes. Have any of your wrapped the pipes nearest to the seat?

I just got the bike and it's raining so my only hope for a first ride is tomorrow morning before the Easter festivities.

Great site, by the way..

 

[BadDad320]

If you don't warm it up properly you'll be sorry... You will foul the plugs and it will not start...

 

[dmulligan]

How long do you let yours warm up? Does the "open throttle full, turn ignition to on" pre-start routine help? It is my understanding that this shoots a small amount of gas in the chamber and burns it to help with fouling.

Thanks!

 

[steve may]

My Firebolt gets hot on the inside of my right thigh in traffic.Do they still have the Bandera breakfast run,from Jim's on Bandera Rd to Bandera TX on Sunday mourning?

 

[big b]

Welcome to the board and great choice but I'm kind of partial I have the exact same bike. I've never heard of that pre start. Opening the throttle before you start the bike will not add any fuel. What I do is start the bike and let it idle without adding any throttle long enough to get my jacket, helmet and gloves on. And then I ride it easy for the first couple of minutes until it's warmed up a bit. Also I never really notice a lot of heat from the pipes. I do however notice the heat on my legs when the fan comes on while riding it seems to blow hot air out of the holes in between the seat and frame.

 

[BadDad320]

I start it up and slowly get my gear on.. I try to idle 3 to 5 minutes if the outside temp is cool...

 

[steve may]

I also start off exactly like big b and hav'nt heard of that "prestart" procedure.

 

[Stevenc150]

Same as Big B. [up] Start it and idle while gearing up, then take off, take it easy for a short bit then Nail It! No problems.

I also recommend getting some NGK Iridium plugs (DCPR9EIX), they have a rep. of being almost foul-proof and they've been golden for me.

 

[racepro716]

If you foul the plugs (I did) you're gonna want to kick the damn thing over while replacing them ( I almost did) lol. My question is...if you let it idle to long, will it foul the plugs again? Wayne

 

[Buell_Cru]

Welcome. If I start giving tips I'm sure Id just be echoing some of the senior guys on this board. Have fun with it and wear your gear, there's a tip for ya.

 

[Stevenc150]

Oh, I forgot the always popular Breather Re-route before you start getting oil "spit" inside your airbox.

Also, as far as the heat, I prefer the look of ceramic coating. It's more expensive than wrapping, but, man, it looks good. Check out Jornum's black ceramic coated headers: Jornum's Pics

 

[Buell_Cru]

I heard Ceramic Coating if done right makes the pipes just warm to the touch and not screaming hot.

Is this correct info?

 

[Stevenc150]

Headers that get coated on just the outside, will be hotter than one that's been coated inside & out. I'm guessing a lot just get them on the outside and they would be hotter to the touch than one that is coated properly.

Edit: Just a side note, if headers are ceramic coated on the outside, but not the inside, they can eventually rust from the inside out as exhaust gases are corrosive.

 

[MAGIC]

+1 on the NGK iridium plugs, I'm the same as all the guys with "pre-start" procedure - never heard of it. I'm just starting it putting my gear on and ride. That's it. To prevent it from fouling plugs don't start it for short period of times (not long enough to properly warm it up) for example for your friends to show off that mean V Twin rumbling - I've learned my lesson already

 

[dmulligan]

Steve May, I don't know about the Bandera run but I haven't lived here long. I ride with a few guys from work but they are new to San Antonio as well. I need to find a Buell club in San Antonio!

 

[steve may]

Sport bike riders meet at Jim's resturant on Bandera Rd.and ride through the hill country to Bandera TX. You should make the ride regardless,great sweeping curves and beautiful country.