| Author | Message | ||
     Ccboy24 |
Hello, I'm looking to buy a Firebolt XB9R or XB12R. The problem is I'm only 5'6" and can barely touch the ground...Is there any lowering kits or any ways to enable me to touch the ground with at least the balls of my feet other than the tips of my toes??? I'm hoping to buy in a few weeks but i want to figure this problem out first... | ||
| Sparky |
I'm 5'6" and don't have any problems with a XB9R. There is adjustability for spring preload in the stock suspension front and rear that can alter the bike's height by a sizeable amount. It's enough to put me on tippy toes or comfortably on the balls of my feet. Try this: have the dealer, if this is a dealer buy, adjust the front preload to where there are 5 or more lines showing on the adjuster on both forks. And on the rear shock, turn the preload ring to the lowest setting at ramp 1. My current settings are 6 lines on the forks and ramp 1 on the shock. There is another adjustment possible on the front end that raises or lowers the forks in relation to the triple clamps about 1/4 inch total, but this is more for fine tuning steering response for flickability than for seat height. | ||
| Rhpaw |
I'm 5'6 and have an xb9r. The only issue I have is backing the damn thing. Other than that, your feet aren't really suppose to be on the ground that much. Being on your toes isn't that big of a deal. | ||
| Al_lighton |
Joshua, What Dahl and Darryl wrote..... I have a Uly, and have short 30" inseam legs. The best I can do when the bike is level is put the tips of my toes down...But I wouldn't dream of trading away my suspension to change that. It doesn't make a lot of sense to sacrifice the suspension you use the 98% of the time you're moving for the 2% of the time you're stopped. That said, I get a phone call about once every two weeks asking the same thing you are. I generally discourage them from lowering the bike unless the rider is so short that they can't even tip-toe the bike when level. But, if you're dead set on changing it, you can put the forks, lower triple tree, and rear shock from an XB12Scg on a firebolt for about a grand and that'll drop the bike a bit more than an inch. But you'll go from 5.1" of suspension travel down to 3.6" of suspension travel. Al | ||
| Diablobrian |
Rhpaw, since your 9r is an 03 you don't even have to change the lower triple clamp. the 03 has 41mm forks. I did the swap to scg suspension on my 03 firebolt and I am very happy with the change. With parts on hand it takes less than an hour to swap the suspension on an 03 if you have a place where you can suspend the bike while you work. The trade off is a little bit harsher ride than you get with the standard suspension. IMHO it's worth it. | ||
| Rhpaw |
Thanks for the tip. | ||
| Bigdaddy |
Brian, I should've said something earlier, but I suck,,,,great to see you posting  | ||
| 03worc9r |
I have a low (yellow spring shock) I will trade for a standard (blue spring) if anyone is interested. | ||
| Kermit |
Question for Al responding to question of a method of shortening the seat height by substituting parts of a Scg in a ULY. Would it be cheaper to buy a Scg and add the tail and bags to the Scg? Seems it would save the added cost of a Uly. |
