| Author | Message | ||
     Roycet4 |
So I just sold my HD and now have some available funds to purchase an XB (9 or 12), still undecided on a Lightning or Firebolt...I am 6'4" 195lb, my son has a '06 CityX and I like it a lot. the Firebolt might be nice but how comfortable will it be for a 2 hour ride?(this will be a 2nd bike, not my "primary" ride). Any opinions there? Also I have a couple of questions on different years. I know in '06 the swingarm was redesigned, was there a huge reason for the redesign? Is a low mileage '06-08 that much better than a low mileage '03-05 to make me not consider an '03-05? Thanks in advance for your opinions. Royce | ||
| Jstfkndi |
I am 5'8" and I am cramped on the R model. I just recently put 1" drop pegs on it, but it is on the bench not ready to ride, so i can't be much help of how it feels now. The bike is not that bad, but given the option to repurchase, I would go with the "S". The seat is more comfortable, it has the pegs and the bars set the way I like, but the only issue I would have with that choice is the lack of wind protection. The fairing on the "R" does exactly what it is supposed to for me. Being 6'4" you may have to get a taller shield. Anyway, my two cents worth in the comfort department. As for operational changes, someone may jump in on this after me, but from what I know 08 had many new revisions including a stronger crank shaft, better cooling (fan), fuel injection change and a few others. The bike I have on the bench is an 06 the spun the shaft through stator magnet, so I would opt for a stronger crank (again, just my opinion), but for the most part, you are getting a good bike if it is well cared for. I would be looking to get an 08 "S" or City X if I were you. As for the swing arm...I'm not gonna even pretend why I know they made a change!  | ||
| Froggy |
Only you will be able to say. I and some others can do 10 hour rides no problem on one. The new swingarm is lighter, stronger, and looks better. Another big change on the 06 was the smoother transmission, and the increase in fuel capacity. Get the newest bike you can afford, simple as that | ||
| Gunut75 |
I'm 6'2", 180 lbs, and have an 05 Bolt with 1" lower pegs, and the select seat. I'm pretty sure the seat raises yer a$$ about 1"+. I can do 4-500 mile days on it. I also get around 52 mpg. | ||
| Bumblebee |
}my son has a '06 CityX and I like it a lot. the Firebolt might be nice but how comfortable will it be for a 2 hour ride? I am 6'3" and also have a CityX, what makes it work for me is the "Skyline" (which isn't so Skyline anymore on the latest models) seat that bike comes equipped with, it provides more space - it's also flat you you can slide back. I bought a "Select" seat, it's much lower - but the bike is more cramped with it. As for length or ride - I have spent all day riding with a group (stopping occasionally) and the bike didn't kill me... (Message edited by Bumblebee on January 14, 2010) | ||
| Chainsaw |
Is a low mileage '06-08 that much better than a low mileage '03-05 to make me not consider an '03-05 2003's had a weak belt drive, 15,000 replacement intervals. That changed in 2004 and up. Check my profile for specific trouble I've had on my 03. IIRC the 06 bikes have the helical transmission gears (smoother shifting) and I think the 2008 bikes have an ECM that doesn't require a TPS reset at the dealership. You might feel a bit cramped on the R. Putting the Lightning pegs on might help, as they drop 1 inch from stock. The R puts a lot of weight on your wrists, but does have good wind protection. Some guys on the Lightnings complain about wind buffeting above 80mph. I'd suggest a test ride of both if you can. Like Froggy said...buy the newest bike you can afford. Good luck! | ||
| Roycet4 |
Thanks for the replies, I'm leaning towards an '08 XB12R that has about 2,100 miles and I would put on the drop pegs and will consider changing out the top tree to change the bars.. The Firebolt riding position looks better than my older sons CBR100RR, I can last about 20 minutes on that...My younger son has a CityX so I know what to expect on that. Thanks Royce | ||
| Aldaytona |
Royce, get the XB12R, I have been riding the R models since 2003 and have put in several day long* rides. Stock bars, seat, and pegs. Ride it a couple of times and you probably won't change a thing. But then again I have ridden an Italian race bicycle 125 miles several times and a non-rubber mounted Sportster on a 3,000 mile trip.  | ||
| Roycet4 |
Thanks to all for the replies, I'm picking up a '08 XB12R Saturday with 2,100 miles on it for $4,500 and the warranty is good til 9/2010. The unfortunate part is that we just got a bunch of snow so it's probably going to end up in my shed until March...  I'll post a picture or two next week. | ||
| Gunut75 |
Rock on! | ||
| Srwitt |
I'm 6'1 ~165lbs, I have an 08 12R. I've done 300+ mile days, and depending on what I'm wearing I can be sore, or just tired. Wearing jeans n loose clothes that chafe I get sore. Wearing full leather its rather comfy. The bike is cramped for me though at full tuck. | ||
| Roycet4 |
Thanks for the all of the advise. I Picked up the Firebolt Saturday, LOVE IT!!  also with my son's CityX  Nothing like a family portrait Royce | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
what is the green stuff on your sons bike? | ||
| Roycet4 |
Masking tape, he was trying to visualize different color layouts before he painted the tank, flyscreen and front fender (1/2 orange, 1/2 black) | ||
| Iman501 |
a '08 XB12R Saturday with 2,100 miles on it for $4,500 and the warranty is good til 9/2010 WOW GOOD DEAL!!! or at least i think so! |
