Bought an 08 xb12r a few weeks ago from a private seller in pa. Ran great when I test rode it. Inspected it very well, decided to buy it. Got it home, stalled a few times and did some moderate sputtering while riding it around the neighborhood. Started it today after letting it sit for a few days and it sounds like complete ****. The exhaust smells like pure gas, and when you try to give it some throttle, it bogs out then sputters and revs up but sounds like its missing. Anyone have any idea of what's going on, or anyone live in the buffalo area that wants to stop by, have a beer, and give me there advice? Im new to buells, but not new to motorcycles. I've had sportbikes before this, and a couple of Harleys. Not really too knowledgable about v twins, or buells. I know the basics, but I'm absolutely lost now...
Newbie in Buffalo Ny needs help...
- Thread starter Rogo716
- Start date
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Check for spark. It may not be a thorough burn or no spark at all. If that's the case, then the fuel will fly through the exhaust valve. You may want to change the plugs and wires. I have the same bike and when I bought it I changed them. Also, do a quick smell test of the gas to make sure it isn't ****.
nicholas900
Well-known member
Judging from the smell you noted, it's getting fuel. Try to get it running. Then see if both exhaust pipes are equally hot. Might have lost a cylinder. Could be coil, plug wire, plug wire not seated, or fouled plug. Or many other things. Raw fuel smell, backfiring, usually indicates loss if spark.
First try to see if both cylinders are running.
First try to see if both cylinders are running.
Sounds like you were down to one cylinder. Might as well do plugs and wires while you're at it, fluids change couldn't hurt either.
GregoXB
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2012
- Messages
- 1,493
Use the opportunity to upgrade to NGK iridium:
http://americansportbike.com/newdir/Item/5889
http://americansportbike.com/newdir/Item/17146
Spark plug change how to (second from the top):
http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Do-It-Yourself-Buell-Mods/Daves-DIY-videos-all-in-one-thread
BE GENTLE!!!! Do not strip your spark plug threads!!!!!
P.S. - My positive terminal on my XB12 was loose and it was making poor contact which resulted in the complete melting of the positive terminal. If you can salvage the battery, then try recharging it. I couldn't b/c the screw melted into the thread. When reconnecting, clean the terminal thoroughly with battery terminal cleaner, then spray it with terminal protection spray. Then, when you screw it back in, insert a "spring washer", tighten with a screwdriver, then take a socket wrench and turn it another 1/4 - 1/2 turn more, to all the screws connecting the battery. That should keep it from vibrating loose again.
If these are your only problems, it should be pretty straight forward.
http://americansportbike.com/newdir/Item/5889
http://americansportbike.com/newdir/Item/17146
Spark plug change how to (second from the top):
http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Do-It-Yourself-Buell-Mods/Daves-DIY-videos-all-in-one-thread
BE GENTLE!!!! Do not strip your spark plug threads!!!!!
P.S. - My positive terminal on my XB12 was loose and it was making poor contact which resulted in the complete melting of the positive terminal. If you can salvage the battery, then try recharging it. I couldn't b/c the screw melted into the thread. When reconnecting, clean the terminal thoroughly with battery terminal cleaner, then spray it with terminal protection spray. Then, when you screw it back in, insert a "spring washer", tighten with a screwdriver, then take a socket wrench and turn it another 1/4 - 1/2 turn more, to all the screws connecting the battery. That should keep it from vibrating loose again.
If these are your only problems, it should be pretty straight forward.
user_deleted
Well-known member
weren't you the guy posting about buying a white firebolt in thomasville, PA and how to tie it down?
let me guess...you got it back home...started and stopped it several times to hear it run...rode it down the street and back a few times and never generated much heat in the motor. sound about right? it's the plugs. get a set of NGK DCPR9EIX. but i'll tell ya right up front they're very tricky to install correctly which involves among other things removal of left front air scoop, air box cover, filter, ancillary hose/cable/wiring plug, base plate. do this to access rear plug for removal and install. you'll also need a 3/8th drive ratchet/proper extension/swivel/dedicated spark plug socket of 5/8th inch size....long reach needle-nose pliers for ease of plug wire removal.....and patience. if you find you're missing one or more of the above prepare to start reading up on TimeSert/Helicoil information.
let me guess...you got it back home...started and stopped it several times to hear it run...rode it down the street and back a few times and never generated much heat in the motor. sound about right? it's the plugs. get a set of NGK DCPR9EIX. but i'll tell ya right up front they're very tricky to install correctly which involves among other things removal of left front air scoop, air box cover, filter, ancillary hose/cable/wiring plug, base plate. do this to access rear plug for removal and install. you'll also need a 3/8th drive ratchet/proper extension/swivel/dedicated spark plug socket of 5/8th inch size....long reach needle-nose pliers for ease of plug wire removal.....and patience. if you find you're missing one or more of the above prepare to start reading up on TimeSert/Helicoil information.
Yep that would be me. But no starting just to hear it run. When I got it home I topped the tank with premium. I would start it when I went outside to grill dinner. Let it run for about 15 mins and kill it. Two other times I started it, let it warm up, and rode it around the neighborhood for ten/fifteen mins. Then yesterday everything was different. I'm just hoping its plugs and wires. I moved the hose out of the way, left everything else intact to the airbox cover, detached it and moved it where the seat would be. Cleaned my filter while I was at it, and realized I don't have a long enough t27 to get at the bolts on the back of the base. So my father is going to stop over with one and give me a hand.
Take your time. It's a pain in the ass to do if you have big hands.
Add to the list of tools, a piece of fuel hose - it works wonders in helping get the rear plug properly threaded. Put the top of the plug in the hose and lower it into place and gently turn it to get it started.
Add to the list of tools, a piece of fuel hose - it works wonders in helping get the rear plug properly threaded. Put the top of the plug in the hose and lower it into place and gently turn it to get it started.
user_deleted
Well-known member
go to harbor freight chinese crap store and buy a set of super long nosed angled needle nose pliers. quality blows but for limited jobs they're incredibly handy. set is $10. take any 1 of the 3, spray a small amount of Kroil or similar lube on inside of end of plug wire which engages plug tower. using the needle nose mentioned above start it on the plug tower and push down till seated properly. if done correctly you will both hear and feel the wire seating onto the tower. takes 2 minutes regardless of hand size.
nicholas900
Well-known member
I don't know the part #'s. I got a new coil, two new plug wires and plugs from American Harley in N Tonawanda. Had them in stock.
I'd bet that's all it is. I can stop by and help you if you need it. Just let me know what tools you need. I'm in S Cheektowaga.
*edit the plug wires are a pain to get back on. I found taking the coil off ( two screws and one connector) helps. Put the wire on the plug first. Then plug them into the coil while it's unbolted. Then bolt the coil back down.
I'd bet that's all it is. I can stop by and help you if you need it. Just let me know what tools you need. I'm in S Cheektowaga.
*edit the plug wires are a pain to get back on. I found taking the coil off ( two screws and one connector) helps. Put the wire on the plug first. Then plug them into the coil while it's unbolted. Then bolt the coil back down.
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