| Author | Message | ||
     Rfp52 |
I have had my 08 XB12X for a few weeks now and love the bike. The one and only issue I have is my 29" inseam. I am thinking I should replace the rear shock with a XB12XT shock. I have a riser extension so I can move the front forks up a bit also. The 1" I would gain is all I want and everything I have seen here suggests the ride will not suffer. If necessary I will just cut the side stand off and re-weld the foot on the bottom. The big question seems to be where can I get a XT shock? Any suggestions? | ||
| Froggy |
There is a certain race company with Erik Buell's name that may still have one. (Message edited by froggy on September 30, 2010) | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Any dealership could get you an OEM shock like that. But I'd most certainly try Erik Buell Racing first. | ||
| Smac |
Rfp52, Did you already try the XT seat or the low gel seat (51901-06YA)? Either one will drop the seat height by about 1.5". Maybe just a lower seat will do the trick. | ||
| Smac |
Here's a good thread that Froggy put together about the available Ulysses seats... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?142838/386432 | ||
| Froggy |
Assuming he is riding on his stock seat, the accessory low seat will only be a hair lower, so he would have to start fiddling with the suspension to lower the height further. | ||
| Rfp52 |
I have the stock (Low) seat. As was said, the "low" Ulysses seat only gains a fraction and I like the seat I have. Starting and stopping are no issue. I am just on my toes when I need to back the bike up or maneuver it into a parking space. My experience looking for Buell parts at dealerships have usually resulted in "no longer available" I was unaware Erik Buell Racing had parts available other than 1125R and Race parts. I will try that. Thanks to all. | ||
| Murf2 |
Is there an aftermarket spring that is slightly shorter with the same rate as the X or maybe an offset spring collar? I think the XT feels way different than the X. I would like to find a way to lower the rear maybe an inch but use the X shock. Any ideas? Thanks, Murf2 | ||
| Rfp52 |
The shock is still available $315. I work for a HD dealer but unfortunately not a dealer that is authorized to get parts for Buells other than the Blast. Maybe they can get it for me through another dealer. It is also possible the shocks are the same with a different spring. Does anyone have an XT that could tell me the color of the spring? Thanks again. | ||
| Santafe |
Rfp52, My 08 XB12XT spring is a silver/gray color. | ||
| Hunn |
Did lower my 06 X by 20mm with a part from there : https://www.metisse.de/index.php?id=2760 Replaces the lower spring retainer on the rear shock. Neat solution that is not very expensive. The picture on there meager website is not what you get. Will post a picture of it. | ||
| Steve_a |
I'd swap an XT for an X shock from a 2008. Also the fork if you're interested. | ||
| Rfp52 |
Aren't the front forks on an 08 XT Different than the X? The X fork tubes are 47mm, the XT are 43mm | ||
| Steve_a |
A fork swap is a fairly major transplant; it involves triple clamps as well as just the fork legs. Also, there is a drawback for an X owner; you lose the extra steering lock that came in 2008. The XT always had the steering lock (and triple clamps) of the original 2006 X. Just so you know what you're getting into. But if you're interested, send me a PM. | ||
| Rfp52 |
The main reason I got the 08X over the XT was for the tighter turning radius so changing the front trees would be something I want to avoid. But Thanks. | ||
| Murf2 |
Hun, A pic would be great! Some details on how you ordered and how much it was, please. I'm not getting much from their website. Thanks, Murf2 | ||
| Hunn |
Murf2: will post some pics and more info tomorrow | ||
| Rfp52 |
I got the shock from Eric Buell Racing, about half the Dealer price. I ordered it late Monday afternoon had it Tuesday afternoon. I put it in last night but the bike is still on the lift so I haven't checked how much difference it makes. I haven't decided if I will drop the front forks yet. I'm not sure if it's necessary. After I do some wiring and get it back on the ground I will try it. | ||
| Hunn |
Murf2:    The "lowering kit" is 129 Euros, thats about $180 as of today plus shipping. | ||
| Murf2 |
Thanks Hun! Looks simple enough. What do you think about ride and handling after the swap? Did you lower the front also? Nice post on the panniers, by the way. Murf2 | ||
| Hunn |
There was no need to lower the front, the 20mm in the rear was enough to go from tip-toe to sure-footed. That saved me from cutting the kickstand too. Really not different in riding and handling compared to the tall setup. | ||
| Desert_bird |
Thanks for posting a pic. So wait, that little (rather dinky looking) retainer ring is 129 Euro? Nothing else included? Geez. If one wants to retain (no pun intended) the Uly's aggressive fork angle, is dropping the front as easy as sliding up the forks in the crown? On the other hand  I wonder if the slight reduction in fork angle would make off roading a bit less stressful - less front tire loading/fidgety front end. | ||
| Hunn |
The dinky little piece is machined out of a solid piece to absorb the forces from the spring. Also anything that is sold in Germany for use in engine, frame, steering and suspension on motorcycles has to get tested and certified by the State. That means a lot of R&D and a lot of testing. Piece of mind, too. And a lot of money.  | ||
| Desert_bird |
I work for the German government. I know what "quality" means to them/us. Notwithstanding the hoopla, a "solid piece" of machined metal in the US would cost half the amount. They are made in garages and shops across the country. It's not a mystery, and it doesn't need to be certified by any State to be a quality component.  | ||
| Rfp52 |
Sliding the tubes up doesn't have any effect on the fork angle. That is determined by the rake of the frame neck and any offset that may be in the triple trees. It would change the wheelbase a fraction of an inch. |
