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Buell Motorcycle Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through May 10, 2005 » Lowering the suspension on an XB9R for us short leggers « Previous Next »

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Aka_dark_lord
Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 11:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Just wondering what it would take to properly lower my XB9R. I talked to my local Buell dealer (an 1 1/2hr away) and thought I was getting everything but all I managed to buy was the rear shock and spring. It seems to me that I would want to lower both the back and front at the same time to maintain the ride and stability of the bike. I am only 5'7" but have a 28" inseam. Anybody have any recommendations or suggestions.
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Metalstorm
Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 11:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'd reckon you'd need either the complete forks from an SL, or maybe just the fork springs from an SL. It's one of those but not sure which.
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Wyckedflesh
Posted on Saturday, May 07, 2005 - 11:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

you need the cartridges at $160+ each, the fork springs, and the rear shock from a low model per DaveS who has done the change for a number of people
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Daves
Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2005 - 08:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Dark Lord,
Call me next week on Tuesday and I can give all the info you need.
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Aka_dark_lord
Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2005 - 12:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Dave:
I'll give you a call on Tuesday morning.

Appreciate all your guys help and quick responses.
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Along4theride
Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2005 - 04:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I lower my XB9R by swapping out the rear shock and front forks. Took about 3 hours to do on two bikes- I swapped with a friend who had an SL who wanted to raise his.
It worked out great No cost to either of us just time to swap them.

See if there is anyone willing to swap before you go through with with expense
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Sweatmark
Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2005 - 05:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Aka,

Just so happens I'm looking for a swap:
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/111803.html

I'm converting an XB9s Low to regular height, and will swap the forks + internals + whatever else we'll each require. If you already done the rear spring/shock, then I can find an appropriate unit elsewhere.

I'm located in Oregon... how about you?

Thanks,
Mark
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Aka_dark_lord
Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2005 - 10:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sweatmark,

That may work, problem is we would have to ship it as I live in Illinois, and meeting half way would cost too much (might as well buy new parts). I'm going to check into this and I'll get back to ya Tuesday. How do the parts look and are they mechanically sound. Mine are and I would take pics if you want to see them first.

Also I have kept my rear shock that I took off and would consider selling it at 50% of what my new shock cost ($239.00) if your interested. The spring color is battle blue like my bike, unfortunately when they ordered my new shock it came in yellow. Let me know!
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Sweatmark
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 10:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Aka,

Parts are like new - bike's got <700 miles on it since purchase last October.

Yes, we'd have to ship parts back & forth as only reasonable solution. Let's compare shipping costs for a parts swap with new/replacement parts costs (accounting for value we might get selling our respective used components). If it's cheaper for us to just buy the required pieces from DaveS or other, then so be it.

DaveS - what kind of bill would I run up converting an '03 Low to current 43mm suspension? I'm assuming I'll need fork tubes, cartridges, bottom triple tree, maybe wheel spacers. Your expert advice appreciated.
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Daves
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 03:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I can look tomorrow for you.
I think you need complete front forks and triple clamps.
I would not do it for the extra 2mm. None of us mortals would ever be able to tell the difference in handling.
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Sweatmark
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 11:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Dave-
Thanks in advance for your help.
Your opinion on options to do the following:
(1) raise front to standard height via forks and/or cartridge changes;
(2) stiffen/tune front suspension for my weight;
(3) adapt/tune front suspension for track day use.
Trading the wife's XB9SL in for an XB9SX or XB12something means I'm going to take a big $$$ hit, so I'm trying to make the best of the situation, and adapt the bike for track days.
Thanks,
Mark
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