| Author | Message | ||
     Fenterline |
I have a 2003 Xb9S with about 3,500 miles on it. This spring, I am going to need new tires and a tune up. I have only owned this bike since last spring. When I got it, I changed the engine and tranny oil and adjusted the primary chain. By the end of the summer, it seemed to be getting less gas mileage and have slightly less power. I would like to give this bike a major tune up but I love doing the work myself. Is this ignorant to think that I could do the work myself or should I just take the bike to the dealer? I would be willing to buy the diagnostic computer. Basically I would like someone who has a little more knowledge and experience give their opinion. Also, I use this bike as much as I can in the summer to commute to work so the tires that were on it have worn rather flat and quickly. Does someone have a suggestion about tires that will last longer for use on the highway but still be fun in the mountains? What about the double compound tires? Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I highly recommend the Pirelli Scorpion Syncs that come on the XB9SX (and I think all the bikes in 2007). Best tires I have used on a motorcycle. They should last longer then your original Dunlops, though they still probably won't live to see much past 7000 miles, and only that if you are gentle withe them. The power and economy could be as simple as heat. The difference on my 9SX between 90 degree ambient and 50 degrees ambient feels more significant then a race kit and race exhaust in terms of power. Economy seems to drop as well when it is hot. I think its basically because cold air is denser and has more potential energy. What kind of fuel economy are you getting? That would be a good datapoint to know if you are running correct or not. I get about 43 to 46 consistently (fat guy commuting and riding fairly hard) on my 9sx. | ||
| Fenterline |
When I first got the bike, I was getting about 50 mpg! I think when I last checked, I was getting somewhere in the upper 30's!?! I will definately check out the Pirelli Scorpions... Thanks. I saw in your profile that you have a custom built exhaust. Have you ever heard of someone cutting a stock header and welding on straight pipes? | ||
| Diablobrian |
For tires: anything but the (formerly) stock dunlops. I have a soft spot for the Pirelli Diablos, but Michellin, Metzler, Avon, etc. all make tires that work well with your XB. Your AFV may need to be reset, but that's about it aside from changing plugs and checking static timing. | ||
| Reepicheep |
My modded exhaust (since removed) was very close to a straight pipe. Sounded great, but very loud. Too loud for an old boring fart like me. Real straight pipes would be a mess from a performance standpoint. You could tune them to pull hard at peak RPM, but they would suck everywhere else. 30 MPG, something sounds wrong. | ||
| Vagelis46 |
About tires : Michelin Pilot Road are the best choice for durability (especially for highway)and reasonable corner performance. They will last 10,000-12,000 miles depending on use. They last longer than Metzeler Z6. Try to get Pilot Road tires with velocity index V (Not W) since these tires are easier to warm up and so perform better in the corners. Double compound like Pirely Corsa III and Michelin Pilot Power 2CT will last maximum 3,000 miles. And if you use them on the highway you KILL THEM. But for the corners ......HEAVEN I totally agree with Reepicheep for hot weather fuel economy. Remember this is an air cooled engine that gets Very hot in warm weather. |
