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Spiderman
Posted on Wednesday, October 09, 2002 - 12:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Thoes are Ohlins forks, Brakes look like that Black something company. (not sure on that one) and the rims are dyno mag carbon fiber just like Rockets.
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Spiderman
Posted on Wednesday, October 09, 2002 - 01:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

BTW it also has Storz foot pegs and the higher windshield from ASB
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Fasteddieb
Posted on Wednesday, October 09, 2002 - 08:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

For Oxford bags (and more), you can also support the friendly people at Deal's Gap:

www.sporttouringusa.com/store.php
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Sparky
Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 04:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Anybody done anything to the mirrors to improve the field of view blocked by your arms?
Wanting to keep the stock mirrors I've tried small rectangular blind spot mirrors from Pep Boys. These work OK but the image is so small than I don't feel completely comfortable depending on them.

PB also has a 2x larger version for SUVs & trucks I'm trying for the first time today. The problem with this one though is the curvature is so great that it has an extremely wide FOV which produces small vehicle images about the same size as the smaller mirrors. So not much better.

Still lookin',
Sparky
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Captainplanet
Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 04:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sparky,

I have been trying to get a friend of mine to extrude some mirror extensions out of aluminum. Hopefully I will get them done soon. When I do, I will post pics. They will basically go between the mirror base and the mounting surface.
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Harleybritt
Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 08:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

sparky i took off the mirrors and replaced them with flushmount turn signals.then put crg bar end mirrors on {the large ones} they are awesome

Text description Text description Text description Text description
sorry sparky im trying to upload pics i already put these up once now they say they are to big?it says max 57k,anyone tell me the good size to upload.im using photoshop7.thanks
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Fasteddieb
Posted on Thursday, October 10, 2002 - 10:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Let me try this one (Harleybritt's ride):

turnsignals
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Sparky
Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 03:26 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Cap'n, That sounds like a good idea. It was mentioned in one of the magazines, I think. I'd like to see how well it works. Waddya think about just putting a short extension between the mirror arm & its mounting bracket?

Harleyb, I like those flush mount lights. Where'd ya get those? Have you used bar ends before? They look cool but sure seem to add to the width of the bike. Nice lookin' bike, BTW.

Since I need to wear glasses, one problem I'd like to avoid is having to turn my head even slightly to glimpse escape holes in surrounding traffic thru distortion at the periphery of my lenses. I rode a S1W with Napoleons once and, for such wide bars, they weren't bad. I might hafta check those out on the Firebolt.

Thanks,
Sparky
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Captainplanet
Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 09:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sparky,

Yea, I took the mirror apart and looked at that too. While that would be pretty easy, I see two problems there. First, the rubber boot would not cover it up, so you have to make something that fits. I didn't think I could make or find a boot that would look right. Second, I think if you do the extension there, you will likely create a situation where you have more vibration in the mirrors (eg. more flex in that mirror arm). I might get a chance to do a mock up of the aluminum spacer in wood this weekend. We'll see.

Jeff
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Hogman
Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 09:26 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Harleybritt,

Where did you get those grips? They look comfy.
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Harleybritt
Posted on Friday, October 11, 2002 - 07:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

the flushmounts are lockhead phillips $16.95 and the grips are pro-grip $9.95 you can get them any sportbike shop.they are gel so real comfy.
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Harleybritt
Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 04:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

new clutch inspection gasket. forget it!!!!i just serviced my bike for my trip to daytona and the keys,and was told there is a new inspection gasket as mine weeps,anyway al is good take off the cover and the original gasket is made of rubber and is recessed into the cover,well the new one is just flat and the holes are too small to go over the grommets,so i put it onto the bike and then lined up the holes and screwed it down.put the bike on the side stand and the trans fluid pours out!bloody buell shit ,i ended putting back on the original.i,m going to the dealer mon to see if he gave me the right one,or if the holes had not been punched right,anyone else changed theres yet,please let me know.im so fed up with the bad engineering on buells thats why i stayed away from them for so long and kept with harleys.the twin cam was so superior.if they don't get the next sidestand correct im selling mine and getting a ducati s4 monster{anyone interested in buying a blue buell let me know}.i spoke to my dealer and he said the new sidestand will be here in 3 weeks,he also said they are not aloud to release the lightnings till they get the new stand.
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Fasteddieb
Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 08:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Go to eBay and search for "xb9r"

Couple of sad stories and one possible bargain.

brokebuell
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Xb9
Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 08:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Harleybritt-
The new gasket goes with the new metal cover only!
Do not use the new gasket with the old plastic cover.
Buell came out with an updated cover to replace the original plastic one. Your Dealer should know this!!!!

cover
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Ray_Maines
Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 09:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Oh, Lord! Here we go again.
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Harleybritt
Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 09:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

xbr thanks mate! well it sucks that the dealer sells me the gasket and forgets to let me know about the cover!!!typical.did they recall the cover no one told me.im getting fed up with buells.i think after my trip i will seriously think about selling it and getting something else.maybey i,just get my big dog a bit earlyer than i thought,and get an old monster for knocking about on.i'm just not happy paying $10 grand and having all this trouble .ive been riding 20 plus yrs and never had this crap especialy on a bike this new.
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Fasteddieb
Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 10:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Harleybritt,

One man's loss...

If you do get fed up and sell the 'bolt, I'd like to buy your bar-ends and front turn signals.

Maybe even your shield.

Don't forget!

But give the li'l 'bolt a chance. Buying the first year of ANYTHING makes you a beta test-rider - you knew that, didn't you? ;-)
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Xb9
Posted on Sunday, October 13, 2002 - 10:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

It is not a recall. It's an updated part. Happens all the time, motorcycles, cars, whatever. Look at it as an improved design. Refinement.

Ream you Buell Dealer on this one, not the bike. They dropped the ball.

Note: this also affects the Blast.
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Reepicheep
Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 09:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"Oh, Lord! Here we go again."...

A minor problem like this, and Buell has an updated part out and available ALMOST before we even note the problem here?

No... we have not been here before... this is a wonderful new place.
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Court
Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 10:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

>>>>No... we have not been here before... this is a wonderful new place.

That is an accurate statement, and it is not accident or coincidence.
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Sparky
Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 12:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Ordered the lower footpegs of the Lightning to try on the Firebolt, p/n N0520.1AD & N0521.1AD, L & R respectively. When they come in I'll see how they work. Maybe I'll be able to scrape pegs then, eh!

Sparky
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Harleybritt
Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 06:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

hey guys went to the dealer today they replaced the inspection cover and gasket under waranty,the funny thing is they didn't even know anything about it!!!and i called buell and they didn't know either.so it must be harley changeing it?.....anyhow i spoke to buell and they told me they are working on the front wheel rotor springs,so get ready for another fix!!!!the side stands wont be out for another 3 weeks,you can tell if you have one by a stamped {r} on the stand.so fast eddie b im down in daytona wed and ft laud maybey mon or tues i,ll hook up with you before i go to key west.and in answer to you quest i knew it was a beta test i just don,t have as mutch confidence in buell due to thier past track record.i'll proberbly keeep it just needeed to whine i spose.still getting my big dog though....
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Davegess
Posted on Monday, October 14, 2002 - 10:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

TWO magazine out of England has an excellant write up about the Firebolt.

They take Erik at his word adn do a camparo test with an Aprilla RS250 road bike.

The Aprilla handles better but just. They love the thing except for the tranny.

The also have an owners bike kinda feature and that fellow loves it also.

The mag was 8-10 buck on the newsstand so I didn't buy it but it was a Barnes and Nobel so you might fine one to read.

Dave
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Two_Buells
Posted on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 01:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hey Sparky, with the lower pegs do you think you will have to move the brake lever?
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Sparky
Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 12:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yes. It looks like there's plenty of adjustment in the brake & shift levers to bring 'em both down enough... Almost like they planned it that way.:)

Sparky
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Darthane
Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 04:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Just as a note - I have both a Blast and a Firebolt, and neither weeps from the clutch inspection cover. Original gaskets and plate on both. 4 changes for the Blast, 3 for the Firebolt. I'm not changing unless something goes wrong. Same thing for the sidestand, especially after Harleybritt's story from Deal's Gap!

Bryan
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Epierce
Posted on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 10:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Robin and I are loaded and ready for Daytona Beach. If you see us down there, Blue XB and a yellow Blast, yell and say hey. We will be leaving at 0500 hrs. Thurs. morning.


Eddie and Robin
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Reepicheep
Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 09:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

There was an interesting discussion on another list (my Radian yahoo groups list), where one of the Guru's was talking about rake and trail of many popular bikes (Derek Capito, I believe he runs TLC Cycles somewhere in California, and based on my dealings with him if you have an inline four you would be very well served by doing business with him).

Anyway, he was talking about "actual trail", which was measured from the contact patch to steering head. Or something like that. But he was calculating them for popular bikes, and I asked him to throw in the XB bikes to see where they fell. The list is below.

> '03 Buell XB9R, XB9S, 78.26mm or 3.081" of real trail
> '?? Aprilia RS250, 92.06mm or 3.624" of real trail.
> '86-'87 Honda VFR750F, 95.65mm or 3.766" real trail
> '90-'93 Honda VFR750F, 89.87mm or 3.538" real trail
> '94-'95 Honda VFR750F, 88.98mm or 3.503" real trail
> '86-'87 Suzuki GSX-R750, 94.45mm or 3.848" real trail
> '96-'97 Suzuki GSX-R750, 86.28mm or 3.397" real trail
> '89-'90 Kawasaki ZX-7, 91.00mm or 3.582" real trail
> '95 Muzzy ZX-7R, 91.00mm or 3.582" real trail
> '96 Kawasaki ZX-7R, 89.72mm or 3.532" real trail
> '86-'90 Yamaha Radian, 114.05mm or 4.490" real trail

> Please note that I am using real trail figures rather than the manufacturer
> quoted ground trail figures. There is no point in comparing ground trail
> figures because they do not take the rake into account and therefore do not
> relate to one another. They also are not in line with the force vector as it
> is exerted in reality. Real trail figures solve these problems by being
> measured from the contact patch perpendicular to the steering axis rather
> than from the contact patch to the steering axis along the ground.
> It would be interesting to measure your bike to see what real trail it
> actually has. It could be even more than the already substantial figure as
> calculated from the factory specified ground trail. To my knowledge, none of
> the measuring places give real trail figures, but they can be easily
> calculated by multiplying the ground trail by the cosine of the rake angle.
>
> Regards,
>
> Derek


Amazing... the bolt is simply off the chart. The custom built unobtanium 250 GP racers were the only bikes out there with a shorter trail. To quote Derek... "Max Biaggi's '95 RSV250 had 70.95mm and 2.793" of real trail".


(Update... The name of the company run by the person kind enough to post these is:

motolab

www.moto-lab.com

)

(Message edited by reepicheep on April 12, 2005)
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Sparky
Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 12:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Nice surprise, the Lightning footpegs came in only 6 days. Thanks Buell & Calif HD/B, esp. SteveB. They installed easily and after fiddling with the brake & shift lever adjustments, I was on my way for a test ride.

One sneaky thing is the bike feels bigger somehow, sorta like I'm sitting in it more instead of on top of it. The best surprise though is they make the Firebolt a more comfortable streetbike probably because my legs have slightly more leverage to hold my torso in the assumed position.

One mod I think I'll try is trimming the length of the brake pushrod about 1/8" in order to lower the brake pedal further. It's adjusted down 0.6" now but could use up to a half inch more. The threaded pushrod end touches the end of the lever at the clevis, limiting the adjustment. So if the pushrod were a little shorter, the rear end of the lever could go up and the pedal would go down more.

For $25 the Lightning footpegs are a good improvement. Now, where are those handlebar risers, Tat?

Sparky
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Anonymous
Posted on Thursday, October 17, 2002 - 02:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sparky -- the pushrod adjuster changed length during production. The early 'Bolts have longer brake rods than the current ones, which share the part with the 9S's. If you have the older part, you could just update it with the new one.
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