| Author | Message | ||
     Ciel_bleu |
I've got a 2008 XT which is too tall for my wee legs. I don't need a tall bike but I commute all year round and like the hard luggage. I've been reading up on options and like the idea of shorter suspension, and have a couple of questions as I decide what to do. First I see a XB12S rear suspension for sale (blue spring for what its worth) not too far from me at a good price. There are a couple of people here who have mentioned using SS rear hangers, will the S work? If I go that route what forks will fit and match the height change? I think I read 1125R but can't find the post again. How will the bike handle. I have always owned sports bikes, the Uly handles really well for a big old lump, will she handle better on the days I take off the boxes and go for a scratch in the hills? Thanks for any help/comments. | ||
| Froggy |
The S suspension won't work for what you want, but like you mention the 06-08 SS rear spring will drop you down to the same height as all the standard Lightnings. The 06-08 SS used the same forks as the 05 and newer standard Lightnings and Firebolts. Doing those forks with the 06-08 SS rear shock will keep everything correct, and it will handle beautifully. (Message edited by Froggy on May 25, 2015) | ||
| Hughlysses |
If you make the change, I'd be interesting in buying your XT suspension bits for my X. | ||
| Ciel_bleu |
Thanks Froggy, sounds like I might be on the road to the perfect(ish) all-round motor for me. Hughlysses, if I can find the parts I will most likely keep the standard stuff for if/when it comes time to sell. Also I live in France so shipping would be pricey. | ||
| Ciel_bleu |
Froggy, sorry I know your answer specifically states 05 and newer but I found 04 S front bouncy bits close to me. How are they different? Can they work oh fountain of knowledge. http://www.leboncoin.fr/equipement_moto/804878935. htm?ca=5_s Thanks again Perry p.s. "on the road" in my previous post was not an intended pun, I only just spotted it. Ha ha. | ||
| Froggy |
Starting with 2005 models, Buell started using 43MM forks on the standard height Lightning and Firebolt, up from 41MM used in previous years. I'm not sure if it can be safely used with your Uly's 43mm trees, but I know for sure the 2004 trees will not fit your bike. I didn't realize you were in France, that does complicate things as Buells are significantly harder to find there. | ||
| Ciel_bleu |
I'll leave those alone then, pity. I was also wondering how the set of gold wheels would look on my black Uly. Ha ha. Europe is sparse for parts but I'll find something. Buying in the US is not out of the question, just more difficult/pricey. Thanks again for your help. Perry | ||
| Ciel_bleu |
At the risk of becoming annoying asking questions that have already been answered. So far I've had no luck with my search but I found a 2009 Ss shock and I'm hoping I might be able to bash it in with a sledge hammer or get it to work some other way. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Buell-XB12SS-XB12-SS-Lig htning-Long-2009-Rear-Shock-Read-Description-/1614 46086724?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2596efc844 Any thoughts on whether it would work in my Uly? | ||
| Froggy |
The 2009 SS shock will bolt right up, no hammer needed. The problem with the 2009 SS shock is that it is not as short as previous years, it would lower your rear approx. 5MM. The 2006-2008 SS shock will lower you about 35MM and can be mated with the easier to find standard height XB-S/R forks and kickstand. | ||
| Ciel_bleu |
Thanks again Froggy, I'll buy you a beer next time I'm in town. Or seeing as thats not very likely, come visit us in France, there'll be a cold one in the fridge. Meanwhile I'll keep searching. | ||
| Ciel_bleu |
Thanks again Froggy, next time I'm in town I'll buy you a beer. Or seeing as thats not very likely, come visit us in France and there'll be a cold one in the fridge. Meanwhile I'll keep looking, as a thought what would happen if I put a 06-08 SS spring on my Uly shock? | ||
| Ciel_bleu |
Time to step up the search for these bits. I just took my wife for her first real bike trip (6 days, 1000 miles). She is a bit nervous on the back and on day one I let the bike fall while doing a U-turn on a hill. Heavy load, high CoG and legs too short to touch on the downhill side. There was a small grass patch then a large drop directly in front so I was reluctant to gas out of it once I lost my balance in case I over did it and ended up over the bank. Needless to say for the rest of the trip she was very nervous for all slow corners. Still she had a great time and I think will be keen to have another go, once the bike is a bit lower. This was on our route just after the fall...  | ||
| Ducbsa |
Just a guess, not in Iowa? | ||
| Ciel_bleu |
Not in Iowa. The same day I posted my last comment I picked up a set of 1125R forks off BadWeb. Very cool. Now I need a shock, looking at a hyperpro for the Ss. Anyone got any experience with them? I'll go have a look around the forum to see what info is there. |
