differences between model years

[the4ork]

im not sure if this has been covered before, im pretty new to the forum.

but is there anywhere i can find information about the differences between the model years?

im still in the market to buy, which will most likely be an 03-06 (price) im just wondering if there is anything i should really know between them.

also, what year did they start selling the black powder coated frames? i cant stand the silver, seems like all the 03/04 bikes at least are all silver

[Orion]

I'm fairly sure 03-07 (or 08) were all silver with 9s being lighter than 12s. The 09s are black.

[Stevenc150]

I'll give you what little I can recall, though I can't guarantee it's 100% accurate. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong somewhere.


(Edit: Also add - '03 models had recalls for the wheel bearings failing pre-maturely)

Pre '06 = 3.7 gallon fuel tank
'06 - Later = 3.82 gallon fuel tank - (SS Model = 4.4 gallon fuel tank)
(This was due to earlier years having an air "hole" through the frame, as pictured below. Of course the latter models don't.)



Pre '05 = 41mm forks
'05 - Later = 43mm forks


Pre '05 = DDFI fuel injection
'05 to '07 = DDFI2 fuel injection
'08 - '10 = DDFI3 fuel injection


Pre '04 = Original belt system
'04-Later = Upgraded belt system
(Earlier years had some reports of pre-mature breaking belts)


Pre '05 = Original Kickstand components
'05 - Later = Upgraded Kickstand components
(Earlier years had reports of failures resulting in dropped bikes.)


Pre '08 = Original ECM's & Oil Pump Gear
'08 - Later = Newer "Learning" ECM's & upgraded Oil Pump Gear.
(Some '07s will be included in the "Post '08" category. And the "Learning" ECM's will generally only compensate for either an upgraded intake OR exhaust. They have trouble with both and may require a custom map just like the earlier years.)


2009 = ZTL2 8 Piston Front Brake (XB12 Models)


2010 - Current =
- Fuel pump & fuel pressure sensor similar to the 1125's.
- Front & Rear New style LED turn signal.
- 30mm rear wheel bearings
- 3 bearings and dust seals. (One bearing on brake side and two bearings on sprocket side.)
- New tools are required to remove and install the new bearings.
- Axle & Wheel hub changes due to the new bearings
- Front Cylinder O2 sensor has been added.
- Wire harness changes. (Addition of fuel pressure sensor wire and front O2 sensor wire.)
- For XB12R models, the rear sub-harness is now part of the main harness.
- Fuel pump break-out location change
- JST Connectors on tail light & license plate light.(XB12R ONLY)
- Updated oil check procedure
- New Fan logic driven by speed and temperature
- Battery tender connector built into harness

[Stevenc150]

I'm fairly sure 03-07 (or 08) were all silver with 9s being lighter than 12s. The 09s are black.

Mine's an '06 and it's got a Graphite colored frame. I think Pre '06 had the silver frames. But the "tail rails" are ALL silverish until the blacked-out '09s. Which I'm still jealous of.

[XBen12]

And the "Learning" ECM's will generally only compensate for either an upgraded intake OR exhaust. They have trouble with both and may require a custom map just like the earlier years.)

didn't think this was possible yet? is it?

found this, little over my head... but looks to do it... sorta?

http://www.ohiosportbike.com/phpBB3/...d07c118700c99d

I am looking into a 09 XB12Ss for my next bike, but I thought the ability to remap the ecm was not an option... unless you might be a buell race engineer???

if you couldn't remap I was thinking I would have to buy an earlier model in order to do the mods that I liked...

sorry to hijack your thread the4ork!

all black = SICK!

[Stevenc150]

I think the deal is that you can't simply reflash the ECM like you could the Pre-'08 year models. You now have to input the numbers into your maps manually for the Newer year ECM's.

Mike @ Xoptiinside.com could probably explain it better. I do know that he states on his site that he has the ability to make custom maps for the '08+ ECM's.

[Odin]

I didn't see where a specific model was mentioned.. cause I was going to note, my '08s only a 3.x gallon tank. definitely not 4+

[Stevenc150]

'08 Owner's manual states:

Lightning: "4.4 gallons (including reserve)"

Firebolt: "3.82 gallons (including reserve)"

;)

[kbaddict]

if you have a 08Scg like mine than it is less than 4 gallons. i don't have my manual with me but it's almost a gallon less than a regular s model.

[dave_xb12r]

'08 Owner's manual states:

Lightning: "4.4 gallons (including reserve)"

Firebolt: "3.82 gallons (including reserve)"

Yeah the XB12Ss has the 4.4 gallon frame. There is no difference in frames between the regular XB12S and XB12R

Oh and Post 08s have the updated clutch cable clamp. :D

I always thought the XB9's have a silver frame and the 12s have the graphite frame no matter what year (with the exception of 09s