| Author | Message | ||
     P3ordie |
Hello, I just finished rebuilding a salvage 2005 XB12R, it was an electrical fire. Turned out pretty good, all new plastics etc.. I was going to sell this bike after it was finished because it just was'nt my style of bike. After seeing the Uly I started to think what would it take to convert my bike? It would raise the bars up where I like them. I would keep the bike then. Has anybody successfully swapped the sub frame and front end? Is there any issues that would kill this project? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Mark | ||
| Ulynut |
Sounds like a fun project. I know Froggy converted his Lightning long into a Uly-type assault vehicle. I'm sure if you pm him he will help you out. Please, please post some pics if you do decide to do this! | ||
| Jaimec |
It ain't JUST the subframe. Different frame and swingarm, forks, shock... In fact, scrap everything but the engine because beyond that there is precious little in common between the XB12R Firebolt and the XB12X Ulysses... If you were starting from the XB12Ss, or XB12SST you'd have an easier time as at least those two bikes share the same frame and swingarm... | ||
| P3ordie |
Sorry about that, I should have stated my intentions more clearly in my first post. I would be happy if I could at least swap the sub frame, front end instrument housing, handle bars. One unsure area is I don't know if the XB12X foot peg assembly will clear the XB12R swing arm. Also what about the electrical wiring up front. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
They are different bikes, to be sure, but the core component of them is the same. the firestorm motor with the fuel in the frame. Your biggest issues will be changing your top triple trees so you can get some proper off road bars there. Your cables will be next. and then the dash cluster. I would leave the rest of the bike alone. Add a set of knobby tires, put the beak on it, and ride the liven hell out of it, get her muddy, dirty, filthy and post some pics up for all the people that said you couldnt. If you wanta know about off road riding a short frame Buell, drop me a note, I have a bit of experience in the area. (ps, they all said I couldnt do it with my CityX too) | ||
| Steve_mackay |
The XB12SS, XB12STT, XB12X, and XB12XT share the same frame, and the subframes will "bolt" right up. Not so with your XB12R. The Subframe bolt holes from the bikes listed above will not line up with the frame, you'll have to slot the subframe of the ULY to match your XB12R frame about 3/16" to 1/4". I just wouldn't do it. Sell the current bike, and use the funds to buy a used or salvaged Uly. | ||
| Ulynut |
You can do it. You can do it. youcandoit.youcandoit.youcandoit.youcandoit.   | ||
| P3ordie |
Steve, I don't mind doing little modifications to get things to fit, as long as it LOOKS ok when I'm done. I was thinking of selling it but I have noticed used one's are at least 6k~8k, I will probably only get around 4k~5k for mine. I found a salvage bike http://www.cyclesalvage.net/images.php?id=637 , I think they want way too much for the problems this bike has. I have a little time to think about the choice I have, I'm currently saving up for a new sew machine for the wife, $2,000  It sounds like you have a little insight to fitting the sub frame. I have not seen the sub frame yet but I'm assuming all 4 mtg holes would have to be slotted? was there enough material left after slotting it safety wise? I think what would kill this project for me is if there are different mtg holes up front and I could not mount the new head light, instruments etc.. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Your front clip is fine, many people here have changed it from one to the other. And if you have seen em go down the line, you know the frames are all the same between firebolt & short lightning. Why do you want the sub frame of the ULY on the back of the bike? THAT is going to be your major cost and your fabbing challenge. If you are going to try and sell it for a profit, stop before you start; its a loosing proposition. You will never get the money you put into back out, especially if you are creating a FrankenBuell bike that will not have a real book value to it. (you gotta now find someone that wants your idea of the bike) If you are doing it from the stand point to prove that you can, then have at it, have fun, take pictures, and ride the pi$$ out of it. good luck | ||
| P3ordie |
Cityxslicker, Is the the "front Clip" where the headlights, instruments are mounted on? I almost had a chance to go to East Troy, The company I work for manufactures a few solenoids for Buell. The reason I want to change the rear end is I don't want to end up with a half XBR half Uly. I know I will never get it totally 100% Uly but I would be happy changing whatever I can. I agree once I start cutting into this bike it WILL affect it's value. I like to sit up right while riding so I either sell it now or change it so I can ride it. If I do change it I will be keeping it for quite a while. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
If it's just the sitting up thing you want. Then find yourself a top tripple from a lightning, use CityX bars, cables, and brake lines. Then swap over to the lightning pegs. You'll be sitting upright, and not compromise the tail section. I'll give you a little insight into why I wouldn't recommend modifying the Uly tail to work. See, I live approximately 20 miles from the Buell factory, and ride with a few Buell engineers from time to time.... To graft the ULY tail section on to the XBR frame, you'll seriously compromise the mounting points of the tail section parts IMHO. I know one person that did it. And I just don't like the way it's mounted... But that's me, and my Buell engineer friends. If you're determined to do it, go for it. I just wouldn't recommend it in any way shape or form. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Mark, Steve knows what he is talking about. It is difficult enough with the SS/TT to get the ULY end on it. I would leave the R tail on it. A different take on the Ulybolt to be sure. The top triple tree is really your major sticking point. And depending on your height and inseam, it will open up a new set of bar options for you. I am running the Blast bars on my CityX. I sit in it almost like I am at my desk, ergos are great for riding in the dirt too because I can stand in the pegs and still ride comfortably in Overland when I need to. I would check the boards as I know there are couple of people with lightnings that want to go to the firebolt fairing. Use your resources here to keep your cost down. Remember you are going to have to relocate your ignition housing ! the front fender and eagle beak will bolt right one (once you drill and tap your clutch side braizon on your lower triple tree) A set of knobbies, say the MT-60s and you are off and riding in the dirt. I bet somebody with some fotoshop skillz could come up with a rendition. Firebolt Rear, Uly beak, Uly windscreen. | ||
| Ratbuell |
How come nobody mentioned putting a standard 12S tail on the R? They bolt right up - all the short-frame bikes are the same. If "all seat" is what you want back there, and no cowl/bodywork...get a standard Lightning tail (12S or 9SX). As noted above, the front end swap would be: Upper tree Bars and clamp Cables to go with bars, and front brakeline 3 cowl pieces - left housing, right housing, gauge support Flyscreen Headlights Fenders Also, I *believe* you can install Uly footpeg mounts in place of the R footpeg mounts. Three bolts hold them to the main frame. Although, if you do swap these, you have to change your shifter and mounts, and your rear brake master cylinder and pedal. LOTS of work, but it can be done(ish). One thing's for sure - you'll have a lot of time in it, and it'll be all *yours* when you're finished! | ||
| Cityxslicker |
yes, but that R tail is sexji time, its like happy party in my pants, its a veraay nice (damn Borat clip wont load) | ||
| Skinstains |
I was wondering the same thing...why not just put a standard Lightning tail on ? You will have several saddles to choose from that bolt right up. You obviously know your way around the wiring. A lot of it can be hidden under the airbox cover. There is even someone here that has a trimmed down Firebolt fairing (OD green with a white star). You could probably do that and put on the bars you want leaving the actual lobor and parts to be bought at a minimum. | ||
| P3ordie |
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for steering me down the right path. I was really unsure about the Uly mod. Doing the 12S mod I will be able to keep the bike, it will cost less and I will have more confidence in the bike handling right. Thanks, Mark | ||
| Steve_mackay |
LOL! Mark, I just realized, you also live in Waukesha! Hell, I could have talked you out of the Uly mod over a cup of coffee, since I also live in Waukesha. | ||
| P3ordie |
It still amazes me how I could be talking to several people thinking that they are pretty far away but in actuality only a mile or two! | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Alright, its settled, dont for get the pics and the build diary. Go with the scorps for your first set of dirts, then onto the more aggressive MT60s Have fun | ||
| Ulynut |
See, I told ya you can do it.  |
