04 Buell XB12 project bike

[Tukkayak]

Join DateJun 2019Posts28

Hello everyone,

Here is an update to my new-to-me project bike with 68K miles. It is running strong yet leaning out over longer hauls and seems to be doing this at a quicker pace by the day. I have put roughly 200 miles on it since the cluster/light repair took place. I ride in central Texas hill country.

Mods:
K&N Air Filter
Jardine Exhaust
Tune from Buelltooth

Successes:
Repaired Cluster
Repaired Lighting
Continued Painting

Maintenance:
New Engine Oil
New Primary Oil
All Grounds cleaned, tightened and tested
All Connections cleaned, inspected, and greased with dialectric
Sprayed carb cleaner to check for change in RPM- no result.

New Issues (which probably existed long before I got it):
The bike will run as expected for 50-60 miles. I noticed a gradual increase in noise volume coming from the top of the air filter as, what I assume, is the ECM leaning out the AFV.

Each time it has leaned out, I reloaded the map, and do a TPS reset. I have noticed an AFV reading of 92 on several shorter rides. The Lowest I have seen it was 68 after my 1st 100 mile ride. After that ride, I shut it off for dinner, went out for another short ride later that evening, and it ran boggy, was gutless as it popped and cracked.

No codes are being thrown.
After reading a bit, I thought possibly 02 sensor. Replaced it today with a Bosch #12014 (which people have said they have had good luck with). I rode for about 30 miles today with the new 02 sensor in and the AFV had dropped again to 78.

I am continuing to read up on things. I look forward to any insight that the collective wisdom in this forum might provide, and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

 

[cdc]

We would like more pictures . . .

 

[derekdemere]

First off, I have never worked on one of the efi bikes, but I believe you can adjust the afv using the buelltooth software.


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[derekdemere]

If you only have one O2 sensor make sure you are reading the correct value, which should be the rear sensor value.


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[derekdemere]

On my 1996 Land Cruiser I was having some issues I thought may be linked to O2 sensors. I bought Bosch sensors indicated as compatible and they made the vehicle throw codes. I put back in the oem sensors (Denso I believe) and no more codes.


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[Aspear]

Welcome from stockdale

 

[Tukkayak]

First off, I have never worked on one of the efi bikes, but I believe you can adjust the afv using the buelltooth software.


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I have the Buelltooth setup and adjust the AFV each time I reset the TPS. It will run great for another 60 miles then lean out. Thank you. The Buelltooth setup is incredible! Excellent product service as well.

 

[Tukkayak]

On my 1996 Land Cruiser I was having some issues I thought may be linked to O2 sensors. I bought Bosch sensors indicated as compatible and they made the vehicle throw codes. I put back in the oem sensors (Denso I believe) and no more codes.


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I wondered that as well. Since it is behaving the same way as the original 02 sensor, I am not positive that is the concern. You are correct- it certainly could be a contributing factor.

Most commonly, people say these bikes are plagued with intake leaks in several different locations due to vibration. Since I am seeing no signs of leaks, I am scratching my head.

 

[Tukkayak]

If you only have one O2 sensor make sure you are reading the correct value, which should be the rear sensor value.


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The sensor is on the rear cylinder exhaust so it is correct. I am not sure the voltage value expected by the ecm, but based on the research that I have done the Bosch is supposed to be good for these bikes.

 

[Tukkayak]

Welcome from stockdale

Hello! I love Stockdale. I spend time there to get away from the noise of Austin. Thanks.

Some friends of mine have a small ranch there and I frequently spend weekends in Stockdale - sitting in front of a fire! Too cool.

 

[Tukkayak]

We would like more pictures . . .

 

[Tukkayak]

Since I am in the middle of cleaning this little beast up. Here are a few pics of the stages of this project. The primer was rattlecaned, undercoat paint is high gloss enamel, the metallic layer was next and last night I peeped and masked for the matte layer. I plan on an enamel clear over that.

 

[Tukkayak]

Since I am in the middle of cleaning this little beast up. Here are a few pics of the stages of this project. The primer was rattlecaned, undercoat paint is high gloss enamel, the metallic layer was next and last night I peeped and masked for the matte layer. I plan on an enamel clear over that.

We would like more pictures . . .

Here are a few more pics of stages of work- electrical, and paint.

 

[OldTLSDoug]

Here is a NIB wiring harness for your scooter for $275.00

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Harley...219619&hash=item56a8bc5ce1:g:oscAAOSwCJxaPY4t

 

[Tukkayak]

After a long day painting, some successes and some not so much, here are a few pics of the progress made on my 04 Buell XB12 Firebolt.

 

[Tukkayak]

Here is the Air Box Cover results.

I made the Buell Air Box Logo and the Pegasus Mirror Logo with a printer called a Cricut. It prints and cuts vinyl stickers from photos. I took me 10 minutes to print both logos once I decided on what I wanted. I used that for the emblems on the air box and the pass seat cover.

As you can see, I rushed the passenger seat cover a bit, and ended up with a poor result. I am going to redo that. The air box turned out pretty good. I will have to buff out a few spots that didn't take the clear coat well.

All in all, it was a great learning experience. I got to break out my old air gun to shoot the matte finish. That made quick work of the plastics. Once masked and prepped, I shot each piece with medium coat then waited 10 minutes and shot it again with another medium coat. I didn't want to fight pulling the decal's off to reveal the fleck coat. Also didn't want too abrupt edges when pealing the mask off.

Hope you enjoyed watching the process as much as I enjoyed experimenting with it. I recommend taking your time and allowing 48 hours to pass before you move between stages. Rushing this is what got me into trouble.

Cheers.

 

[Lowrider Bud]

Did you have the leaning-out issue before installing the Buelltooth? What does the engine do when it gets lean? Rev up or increase the ideal speed? Stumble?

You might try removing the tuner and see if you still have the issue. If so, go fix what's wrong. If not, ditch the tuner. Also, with only one O2 sensor, how can the ECM control air/fuel for both cylinders accurately?

My nephew has a 2004 Buell. The PO had installed a aftermarket exhaust of some kind, it sounded awesome, but ran like crap. The removed Buell Interactive exhaust came with the purchase and the bike straighten out and runs fine. Just something to consider.

Later, Bud...

 

[Tukkayak]

Did you have the leaning-out issue before installing the Buelltooth? What does the engine do when it gets lean? Rev up or increase the ideal speed? Stumble?

You might try removing the tuner and see if you still have the issue. If so, go fix what's wrong. If not, ditch the tuner. Also, with only one O2 sensor, how can the ECM control air/fuel for both cylinders accurately?

My nephew has a 2004 Buell. The PO had installed a aftermarket exhaust of some kind, it sounded awesome, but ran like crap. The removed Buell Interactive exhaust came with the purchase and the bike straighten out and runs fine. Just something to consider.

Later, Bud...

Update on the leaning issue. Apparently I missed a step with the tune download. This is meant to run open loop and I did not shut off closed loop and disable the 02 sensor. Once I accomplished this task, I took it for a ride and no leaning out took place. That said, I found another problem. It appears that the code mask process is not functioning as it is supposed to. The 02 sensor is still sending signal to the ECM which is reporting too rich. The bike runs perfectly.

I started out at 100. Then went to 105. Too Rich Code was thrown, then moved to 98. It still threw a code, but I have not read it. I am guessing too rich still. Possibly I still don't know what masking the 02 sensor means. The bike runs great though.

Cheers.