My new project bike.
10-11-2010, 04:41 AM
#1
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My new project bike.
Its a 2004 Buell xb12s. I've been saving and hunting for one of these ever since I sold my ninja 500ex and this one came across craigslist. It has new tires, ebc front rotor, race pipe, etc. Although the motor has what sounds like rod knock to me, so it will be coming out immediately for a build or a replacement motor.
The good thing is I only paid 1k for it, so the other money I've saved is going straight into the project. My current plan is to buy a nice used motor to swap straight into it so I can take my time to build the current one into a beast over the next few years. I may even decide to turbo charge it.
Funny thing is that these bikes were designed by Erik Buell to be turbo but H-D shot down the idea even after several test mules had been made and were doing great in testing. Its ecu is fully tunable with free software and a simple "spy cable". Also since mine is a 2004 model it has the "hole in the frame" which was originally used for charge pipe routing but was closed up for extra fuel capacity after the turbo prototype was shot down in 2005 and up models.
But that's all dreaming for now. I just want it to run and look great by spring so I can enjoy the riding season.
Sorry for the shitty Iphone pics, I plan on getting some real pictures and starting a build thread once I start making progress.
The good thing is I only paid 1k for it, so the other money I've saved is going straight into the project. My current plan is to buy a nice used motor to swap straight into it so I can take my time to build the current one into a beast over the next few years. I may even decide to turbo charge it.
Funny thing is that these bikes were designed by Erik Buell to be turbo but H-D shot down the idea even after several test mules had been made and were doing great in testing. Its ecu is fully tunable with free software and a simple "spy cable". Also since mine is a 2004 model it has the "hole in the frame" which was originally used for charge pipe routing but was closed up for extra fuel capacity after the turbo prototype was shot down in 2005 and up models.
But that's all dreaming for now. I just want it to run and look great by spring so I can enjoy the riding season.
Sorry for the shitty Iphone pics, I plan on getting some real pictures and starting a build thread once I start making progress.
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10-11-2010, 09:43 PM
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Thanks guys. I bought this one because my brother has an xb12r Firebolt, the thing is a ultra torquey wheelie machine. Such an amazing bike to carve the canyons with. I personally LOVE the ultra short wheelbase, and low revving torque monster hopped up HD powerplant.
Here is a pic of my brothers 07 Firebolt
The parts are very plentiful right now. I found a whole motor with 1,900 miles on it from an 09 Buell xb12 for just over 1,000. There are several Buell only salvage places, and the parts are also dirt cheap there.. for now. I do expect prices to rise without a doubt over the years since they are out of business though. Since me and my brother both own one, we have plans to stock up plenty of spare parts.
Here is a pic of my brothers 07 Firebolt
The parts are very plentiful right now. I found a whole motor with 1,900 miles on it from an 09 Buell xb12 for just over 1,000. There are several Buell only salvage places, and the parts are also dirt cheap there.. for now. I do expect prices to rise without a doubt over the years since they are out of business though. Since me and my brother both own one, we have plans to stock up plenty of spare parts.
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06-27-2011, 04:53 PM
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Project updated: Ive done A LOT over the past few months on this baby.
I picked up the bike from a craigslist add, the seller claimed the bike as perfect running, etc, and was advertising for $3,000. After getting in touch of the seller he told me that the bike was currently not running and would not start, and had a salvage title, but would take $1,000 for it. I jumped on the deal and picked it up. I changed out the fuel, put in new plugs, etc and got it fired up for the first time. To my dread at this point in time it had an obnoxious rod knock. Very obvious loud rod knock.
I started looking into engine rebuilds, replacement motors, etc and quickly decided on just swapping in a new motor for a quicker turnaround. After browsing ebay I came across a motor with 3k miles on it and made the guy an offer, $1,400, of which he accepted. That motor was purchased and thus the project began.
Teardown started:
Engine and swingarm removed.
Old drivetrain, dirty and bleeding.
Pile of parts.
I picked up the bike from a craigslist add, the seller claimed the bike as perfect running, etc, and was advertising for $3,000. After getting in touch of the seller he told me that the bike was currently not running and would not start, and had a salvage title, but would take $1,000 for it. I jumped on the deal and picked it up. I changed out the fuel, put in new plugs, etc and got it fired up for the first time. To my dread at this point in time it had an obnoxious rod knock. Very obvious loud rod knock.
I started looking into engine rebuilds, replacement motors, etc and quickly decided on just swapping in a new motor for a quicker turnaround. After browsing ebay I came across a motor with 3k miles on it and made the guy an offer, $1,400, of which he accepted. That motor was purchased and thus the project began.
Teardown started:
Engine and swingarm removed.
Old drivetrain, dirty and bleeding.
Pile of parts.
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06-27-2011, 04:57 PM
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New motor after it arrived. I wrapped the header and cleaned it up, as well as the frame itself.
New engine slid into place and bolted up.
Coming back together.
New engine slid into place and bolted up.
Coming back together.
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06-27-2011, 05:02 PM
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And as of yesterday Ive been riding it.
Here she is completed, could use a good detailing and a few misc upgrades but its ride able and im going to enjoy it A LOT.
My first ride on it.
Me and my brothers bike. His sr20 240sx in the background, and the turbo miata in the garage.
Sorry for the diary of terrible resolution pictures, but its all I had. I am very proud of what I've achieved, the bike is better than I ever hoped.
Here she is completed, could use a good detailing and a few misc upgrades but its ride able and im going to enjoy it A LOT.
My first ride on it.
Me and my brothers bike. His sr20 240sx in the background, and the turbo miata in the garage.
Sorry for the diary of terrible resolution pictures, but its all I had. I am very proud of what I've achieved, the bike is better than I ever hoped.
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06-28-2011, 03:16 AM
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Trust me I love naked bikes, but its going to keep the small fairing for now. I have future plans with a KTM superduke or a 1125cr headlight setup.
Nice bikes guys!
Nice bikes guys!
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