Hi All,
just looking around for a newer XB12 (2007 on ) and I'm noticing that the timing cover on some models is round while on others it is more oval.
Just wondering if there are major differences between the two engines and if there is anything specific I should be looking out for.
Thanks for any hints and tips !

Kev.

Wonderful introduction
Welcome to the site

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I hate being strapped for cash....but it pays the bills

Talk to Maz

If possible get him to look round it, it would be worth hiring him for a day for him to look round any future purchase if he was up for that. He doesn't miss anything and it will save you loads in the long run if you're intending to keep it. Maybe even just pics so he can cast his eye over it for you, you won't regret it & it'll introduce you to Maz.
Otherwise buy one off someone on here, you won't get burned that way, that'd probably be your best bet.
All the best in you quest & welcome to the forum.

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Ride Safe & Stay between the hedgerows.

the round type is the earlier version
the later model the more oval type.
IIRC the later model has smaller dia. exhaust headers

can't remember other differences TBH

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Feros Ferio

and a front lambda sensor ,
oil / lubrication system different as is crank pin diameters .
some very late one 's ??? have a 3 bearing rear wheel

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Buell Ulysses XB12X 06/08

Not really engine but... all oval uly can go ULEZ free. Most round covers have to pay

I think the oval cover model have a cat in the exhaust

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Buell Ulysses XB12X 06/08

I'm phoning the RSPCA

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

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I hate being strapped for cash....but it pays the bills

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Feros Ferio

is that the Really Special Pensioner Carers Agency

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Buell Ulysses XB12X 06/08

Only 2010 models had the front lambda sensor and 3 bearing rear wheel.

2008 onwards (oval ‘timing cover’) are down on power compared to earlier models and are more sluggish, partly because of the catalytic converter and smaller headers (which the US models didn’t have). Buell appear to have started the fuel maps etc. in the ECM then gave up. There are significant gains to be had in that respect. The rest of the control system can be problematic, Uly’s suffer from broken ECMs, active intake control motors are known to fail, probably no worse than earlier models but the system is more complicated to start with.

If it was my dollar I’d buy a 2006 model, not least because the TPS is common with earlier models and Fords etc. (TPS changed on 07 but 08/09/10 are common with BMW Z3).

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08 Specialized Langster

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.