To those with an incurable sputter in the mid-range.

[ztied]

if all else fails follow the spark plug wires up from the plugs,if that helps

 

[Tbone]

Just did this last night and noticed this morning the cold idle, idle, and off-idle are a lot smoother. Seems like the throttle is more crisp on the low end now. For the few bucks and hour it took to do it is definitely worth doing.

 

[Banshee77]

Thought this thread was worth a "bump". I seen this posting a while back but was skeptical, I had my lightning apart anyways to clean so unwanted grass and hay outa my airbox that some dickhead farmer was blowing all over the highway. I figured since I was that far I might as well try it and it cleared up some minor cold start issues and seemed to improve cold popping a bunch too. Will definitely be doing this mod to my firebolt next time I have it apart.

 

[s0dhi]

So for those asking for photos, I thought I would post one as I ask some questions:

So as I understand this mod, we run a ground wire from the battery negative (green circle) to the bolt hole for the coil mounting (yellow circle). Is this correct, or would it be better to fix it where the other ground strap (blue circle) appears to be?

Lastly, there is already a ground from the battery to the frame (red circle). Does that have any impact on this mod? Is the mod even required if this ground exists?

 

[Matteson]

All your doing is adding another ground source connection. If the problem your having is electrical related try cleaning existing grounds first. Then assume the role of engineering another method. All this thread is showing is how to make another ground point, it just happens to be next to a critical peice of running equipment giving you the illusion it has cured something. It's like saying run a wire from the negative post to your axle and you'll go faster.

 

[Tbone]

Seriously this wire helps in the 2K to 3K rpm range for whatever reason, it's gets results.

 

[s0dhi]

I gave this a try, but I'm lazy, so I picked up a 24" automotive starter wire in 4 gauge.

Probably industrial overkill, but it's already nicely terminated.

 

[Internet Annoyance]

Actually this thread represents what is very clear to me, That these "Fly by wire" bikes are VERY dependent on good connections, and conductivity. When i was in the air force, we were in the transition from mostly mechanical aircraft to flying computers and electo-mechanical devices.
The F-4 and F-111 I started out on had rudimentary computerts, but were mostly mechanical devices. the F-15 and F-16 were light years ahead. Instead of rigging throttle cables (A job i did very often) the 15/16 had throttle by wire.

In aerospace applications they leave nothing to chance, the basic engineering concept for any system is ideally triple redundant. If one system fails, you have at least one, and perhaps 2 fall backs to get you home.

why not accept this concept on these bikes as well? the buell is nothing more than a motor, wheels and wires, not much for a frame or anything else. By all means, CLEAN and maintain your electrical systems, but adding additional grounds causes no harm and likely will help. I give this mod 2 [up][up]

 

[s0dhi]

So the initial impressions are that bike starts up a with less cranking.
The initial cold start idle fluctuates between 1000-1050rpm, but once warm is a rock solid 1050rpm.
The bike pulls more smoothly through the entire rev range, particularly through 2000-3000rpm.
The bike feels smoother at a steady state cruise around 3000rpm in fifth.

So far, I'd say the results are positive. [up]

 

[snrusnak]

internet annoyance, why are you referring to the buells as fly by wire? just curious.

my ram is fly by wire and at first i was annoyed but it is honestly a great system for MANY reasons. There's not really any drawbacks, as long as you have access to tuning/adjustment of the computer control.

 

[go cytocis]

internet annoyance, why are you referring to the buells as fly by wire?

By "wire" he probably means "cable". He's too used to working on all those old Brit bikes where the controls are connected with rods, gears and leather straps!

 

[Internet Annoyance]

uh yeah, maybe fly by wire isnt 100% accurate, but to me its rather new fangled gadgetry compared to what I am used to. Up until recently, I didnt own any vehicles NEWER than 1975. And I own a LOT of vehicles.
Still waiting for my George Jetson jetpack tho.
And Yes,,,,, on some of my bikes, the Gas tanks,, Sorry..."Petrol tanks" are secured by Leather straps.

 

[s0dhi]

Up until recently, I didnt own any vehicles NEWER than 1975.

LoL - good lord!

 

[PaulTurner911]

Any input on which is the best method?
1. Battery terminal to braided wire on frame
2. Battery terminal to 2nd coil
3. 2nd coil to braided wire on frame

Is there zero concern to have a larger ground for the 1st coil?

I would think that 1 would be the better option, but it is clearly a longer run with more resistance....
Any input would be great.

Thanks

 

[go cytocis]

Sorry..."Petrol tanks"

"Petrol"? Ohhh, you mean "petroleum distillate"?.

 

[TheyCallMe]

Tried this with 10 gauge, no difference whatsoever. Still starts hard, still rough 2-3k range. Not sure if I should try a bigger wire or not.. thinking my problems lie elsewhere

 

[s0dhi]

Tried this with 10 gauge, no difference whatsoever. Still starts hard, still rough 2-3k range. Not sure if I should try a bigger wire or not.. thinking my problems lie elsewhere

Have you tried cleaning up the existing ground points? For instance, taking off the ECM ground location and cleaning it thoroughly?

I would think that 1 would be the better option, but it is clearly a longer run with more resistance....

That is the method I chose, as pictured above. I used a 4ga wire.

 

[Matteson]

Try a tps reset?

 

[TheyCallMe]

no, I have not taken all my grounds apart and cleaned them... however the bike has been this way since 600 miles in (when I bought it)
And I have done a TPS resent many many times. I'm in the midst of data logging (logged and edited maps 5 times thus far) but still having the same problems. It seems the biggest change came with the change of plugs, iridiums. I still have hickups but they are not as severe when they occur... I will try cleaning all my grounding points soon. maybe also try a thicker wire.

 

[RedShift42]

If someone doing this mod wouldn't mind noting & posting the length of wire used, I'd appreciate it. (Terminal eye size might be helpful too.)
My XB is stored several thousand miles away, I'd like to make a ground harness up before-hand so it's ready to install when we're reunited.
Thanks!

-Eric.