| Author | Message | ||
     Aatch |
so i just installed the crossroads clipons on my '06 cityx. first off - the installation requires some serious time and messing around with the wire routing, as has been described here in previous posts: the clutch cable ends up with a very tight bend to fit, and the throttle cables are another story all together, requiring numerous attempts so as not to bind on full left lock. i was finally able to get it right, and i found that adjusting the throttle cables right under the switch housing helped a lot... but still, i think i spent a solid 4 or 5 hours with the whole install - i guess not bad for someone who's more or less a total novice at wrenching in general (i guess i've got a little practice from installing my drummer and the fender eliminator, but that's about the extent of my knowledge..) so, anyway, while i love the way the new bars look, i still don't know how i feel about the performance of them. maybe i had just gotten so used to and comfortable with my previous handlebars, so that when i got on the bike with the crossroads, it handled completely different. somehow it felt "heavier" to throw into a turn, and i've got more weight on my wrists (and hence more wight on the front suspension) so do i need to readjust my suspension setup? the clutch also seems a little heavier to pull (i'm guessing on account of the re-routing) i'm wondering how fellow badwebbers felt after their install? good? bad? just different? at the moment i'm a little ambivalent about how i feel, and i'm hoping that the change in performance is just due to me not being used to the new bars... somebody please chime in and let me know! | ||
| Spatten1 |
I have the zero degree setup and it is the single best improvement I've made to the bike. If you are hanging off much it really helps to get the bars in the sport position. I love them, and they worked great at the track. | ||
| Fcbuell |
I had the same experience. You do have to mess with the suspension... it makes for a completely different ride and it takes some getting used to. I'm a bit tall/lanky, so the crossroads make for a great fit on the bike... once suspension is dialed in it feels great. Practice being light on the bars. Now that you are more forward, I found starting with Firebolt suspensions settings to be a good starting point as suggested on this forum. | ||
| Fcbuell |
About the clutch pull, its probably from how you have it routed. Lots of folks end up doing two things: drilling a hole in the left side of the front housing near the ignition to allow for a easier cable route, stick a rubber bushing in there. And then also, next time you get a new clutch cable, order one for a Firebolt because its a bit longer and easier to deal with. Hope that helps. | ||
| Aatch |
cool, thanks for the input, guys! i'll have to check the suspension settings for the firebolt, and i'll look into that clutch cable as well...i guess now i just need to get out there and ride to get comfortable with the new bars. | ||
| Glitch |
And then also, next time you get a new clutch cable, order one for a Firebolt because its a bit Fixed that for ya  | ||
| Ducxl |
WOW! I think i'm about to faint! Are you guys' actually talking about lower or more reach to the bars?? OMG! I think 99% go with HELI-BARS!!  | ||
| Spatten1 |
We're talking about S models. | ||
| Ducxl |
So you're "flattening" them out on "S" models? | ||
| Aatch |
yes, the bars are forward by about 4" forward and about 3" down...check out the website from american sportbike: http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-p rodshow/9074.html | ||
| Spatten1 |
It gets the bars off of your knees on the S models. Allows you to move around on the bike using your legs, without inadvertantly pushing on the bars. Much better for sport riding, if you are more accustomed to sport bikes than dirt bikes. It's not as radical as the R's. Also, and you keep the S foot position. | ||
| 1324 |
Is the crossroads kit a complete bolt on kit or are other parts required? Also, does it replace the top triple or just put a plate over it? I don't think I've ever seen them in person... | ||
| Kedo |
Complete kit. Bolts right up to the handlebar clamp. Does not replace the upper triple tree. One of the best improvements you can make to a Lightning. | ||
| 1324 |
I'm going to look into this then. I pick up my (used) Lightning this weekend and can't wait. However, the only thing I didn't like about any of the Lightnings was the bar position. Felt like I was holding my knees as mentioned above. Plus, I just felt the firebolt was a little more stable on the throttle due to the extra weight over the front wheel. Does this kit lower the bars enough to comfortably allow the rider to lay on the tank at highway speeds? It may sound stupid, but that was a major factor in installing clip-ons on my sv650... | ||
| Xbswede |
I will have to check those cross roads out Aatch. | ||
| Dongalonga |
Check out these bars as an alternative. I have had em for about a year now and what a difference at a fraction of the cost. I also got the Buell traction grips. The bike felt totally different after installing this setup. Superbike bend: http://www.ridenow.com/product/detail/bikemasterba rs.aspx | ||
| Dongalonga |
Also I lowsided at 70mph at the beginning of this season and the bars barely bent. i replaced them with the same. i couldnt be happier with the performance/feel for the money. | ||
| Spatten1 |
I tried superbike bend and the CR low dirt bike bars, but neither really worked for me as well as the crossroads. The crossroads are expensive, but they totally transformed the bike for my personal riding style. | ||
| Aatch |
swede - i'm looking forward to riding with you guys soon again. it seems every time i've got something planned i get thwarted by weather, schedule, work, family, you name it... as for the crossroads, i like them more as i get more used to them. They're not great in stop and go, but once you open it up and hit some curves they feel awesome! I also got the one of the new dashfaces from Typeone, so with this and the crossroads, the whole front end looks pretty badass....and that's alright with me. i'll hopefully be able to join the PBR riders again real soon. |
