Upgrades to The Aircooled V-Twins

[Rogue]

Not as big news as the 1125R, but good news nonetheless.  Racing does improve the breed.

At least for now, Buell remains committed to the Thunderstorm engines:

http://www.buell.com/en_us/news_events/newsdetail.asp?news_id=1236

From the Buell Website:
BUELL REVS UP THUNDERSTORM V-TWIN ENGINES FOR 2008

Improved Oiling, Timing and EFI Boost Performance

EAST TROY, Wis. -- (Sunday, July 08, 2007) Buell continues to develop its Thunderstorm V-Twin powertrain in 2008, with significant enhancements that boost engine performance and reduce required maintenance.

The Buell Thunderstorm is a modern air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin powertrain utilized in the Buell XB motorcycle platform that includes the Firebolt, Lightning and Ulysses model families. Two versions of the engine are offered. The Thunderstorm 1203 displaces 1203cc and produces 103 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 84 ft. lbs. of torque at 6000 rpm. The Thunderstorm 984 displaces 984cc and produces 92 horsepower at 7500 rpm and 70 ft. lbs. of torque at 6000 rpm. Both are tuned to deliver a broad, flat torque curve that makes abundant power available to the rider at almost any speed, reducing the need for downshifting and providing strong acceleration in any situation.

Both engines feature electronic fuel injection and dry-sump oiling. The Thunderstorm 1203 is equipped with the Buell InterActive Exhaust system, which utilizes a valve in the dual-chamber muffler that is controlled by the ECM and adjusts exhaust flow according to riding conditions to smooth torque delivery and optimize engine power.

For 2008 the Thunderstorm 1203 redline is increased to 7100 rpm from 6800 rpm, giving this engine an even broader powerband, and riders the ability to accelerate longer and downshift at a higher rpm. The sustained rpm redline of the Thunderstorm 984 remains 7500 rpm.

For 2008, the following changes have been made to both the Thunderstorm 1203 and the Thunderstorm 984:

New Timing System

The timer cover is eliminated, as the engine is now crank timed from a new crank position sensor, which eliminates the need for manual timing, reducing maintenance costs. The ECM actively monitors and adjusts timing based on driving environment. The new sensor makes 30 reads per revolution, compared to the previous two reads per revolution, for more precise control of fuel mapping and timing to conditions.
More Robust Crankpins
The size of the crankpins is increased to 1.50 inches from 1.25 inches.
Oiling System Upgraded
A higher-output oil pump supports oiling to the new crankpin area. The new pump is driven off of the crank, a design based on the Buell XBRR production racing motorcycle.
A new eight-row oil cooler offers enhanced cooling performance.
All oil line ends are now equipped with Jiffy-tite fittings.
New DDFI 3 ECM (Engine Control Module)

A new ECM with increased computing capacity.
DDFI 3 actively controls and monitors the TPS (throttle position sensor), IAC (idle air control), and timing. DDFI 3 automatically zeros the TPS and adjusts fuel metering for smoother idle, eliminating service intervals and reducing the cost of ownership.
A new progressive throttle cam and new throttle cables provide smoother throttle input from stops, and less rotation to full throttle.

[garry]

Assuming all that works as described, that engine is nearly maintenance-free aside from oil changes.

[lostpckt]

I wonder if the new ECU would work in my '07 Firebolt

[JamesG]

They need to put that upper fairing with real headlights (finally!) on all the other Firebolts.

[Rogue]

Yeah.  The motor will need only oil and filter changes, plus air cleaner and spark plugs every 10k miles.

I agree about the headlights.  The current one works fine.  But it really would benefit from larger units that BOTH light up in low and high beams.

[Mastros2]

Did anyone notice the drop in the msrp's for the air cooled models?  Also, with the higher rpms, better timing and oil cooler make it even better.  
For what I ride, commuting and sport touring, my X1 has been the best bike so far.   On that note, I am glad of what Buell has to offer in '08.

[nanbil]

Hummmmm, now if they only made a Ulysses in Red...

[xcsp]

Hummmmm, now if they only made a Ulysses in Red...

Could always paint the necessary parts!  Would be a one-of-a-kind bike too.

[nanbil]

Could always paint the necessary parts!  Would be a one-of-a-kind bike too.

Yes I could, but I love those red translucent air-box covers...why can’t Buell let us mix and match?

[rauchman]

Hummmmm, now if they only made a Ulysses in Red...

Actually ran into a guy last weekend that had a "red" Ulysses.  We got to talking and I asked about the color.  He was saying he just swapped out the plastics for the red/orange color of the the Lightening Long and mentioned the plastics are actually very cheap.  Something to consider.

[boxjoint]

Yes I could, but I love those red translucent air-box covers...why can’t Buell let us mix and match?

You can. All of the air box covers are the same. Just buy the translucent red and put the stockers on e-bay.

[Mastros2]

I didn't know that! Are all the xb plastics interchangable? The reason I didn't look seriously at a few used xb's were due to their color. I have to admit, some ss's plastics were badly matched up!

[nanbil]

You can. All of the air box covers are the same. Just buy the translucent red and put the stockers on e-bay.

I guess my point is that Buell should allow its customers the option...I would love those red wheels too.

[dgunther]

I didn't know that! Are all the xb plastics interchangable? The reason I didn't look seriously at a few used xb's were due to their color. I have to admit, some ss's plastics were badly matched up!

For the most part, they are interchangeable.  Obviously, the Firebolt fairing only fits the Firebolt (without mods) and the large Ulysses front fits the Ulysses.  The Ulysses wheels are cast a little thicker than the other XBs, but you can easily use the wheels from a different XB if you don't plan on hitting the rough stuff.

If you want to put a little work in, you can even create things like a Lightning with a Firebolt fairing, or the infamous SuperUlyBolTT (SuperTT w/ Firebolt fairing and Uly rear subframe)