| Author | Message | ||
     Methed |
I pulled the trigger about a month ago and I still can't believe the difference. I've got the race can and ECM, and with the swapped drivetrain the Uly finally became my favorite bike, the most enjoyable I've ever ridden. The XB9 gearing perfectly lines-up the torque, physics, and powerband with the weight, balance, and capabilities of the machine. I know it's been said and I know that alot of all y'all have done this, but it bears repeating that the XB12X probably could have and should have been shipped with this configuration. From riding the power-lines to pulling out of a 40 degree lean, this is everything I'd hoped the bike could be. Had to share. | ||
| Andymnelson |
Jealous. This is on my short list of mods! Can't wait for winter, when mine will get it! | ||
| Methed |
Should've done it sooner. Other than remembering which nuts are right- or left-hand-turn, the process took only a couple of hours for me since I picked up a front sprocket with the flywheel already pressed in. Still can't believe I didn't bend or break the crank after twisting off my third 1/2 inch breaker bar. | ||
| Windrider |
I still wish that the Uly had a six speed. I like the stock gearing for long road trips but would like the lower ratios for dirt. A 6 speed tranny would have perfected the Uly. | ||
| Eulysses |
Ditto Methed. Just did mine...feels like a real dual sport now. Looking at that camping thread and thinking how much nicer camping will be with the XB9 gearing. Have no issues with top end either...actually needed to slow down a little anyway. Also...it has a lot more go to it. Gonna cost me on rubber items I think. | ||
| Okc99 |
Is the new 5th gear still a bit taller than the original 4th gear or is it basically = the org 4th gear? Or maybe shorter like a 3.5? | ||
| Itileman |
I'm about to order a set of Distanzias for a lot of dirt riding this summer and do the 10k service. This has been on my "yes I will -no I won't" indecision list for some time. What's a couple of more hours?  Can't recall any posts where anyone was sorry they did the conversion. | ||
| Eulysses |
Okc99...5th is like a 4.5. Itileman...I waited with the same yes/no and took advantage of a good shop while in that town for a while. Pulled the trigger...makes normal Uly grin even bigger. Want to ride even more. Actually feels like more control. | ||
| Itileman |
One of my issues with the Uly has been the gear ratios for street riding as I prefer the gear box over the brake pedal. Got me convinced & will be in touch with Al shortly. | ||
| Natek |
My main concern with it would be reduced MPG. Can anyone report on mileage before and after the swap? Thanks! | ||
| Conchop |
I wanna! | ||
| Itileman |
From what I've heard, there is no drop in MPG. Guess it all depends on how you ride. I'm doing the swap because I'm going to be riding a lot more off the pavement along with a whole lot of 2 lane and won't be doing much in the way of long distance touring anymore. I also rarely go much over 80 anyhow. The gearing change and a set of Distanzias should make for an interesting summer in Montana.  | ||
| Natek |
Most of my riding is twisty country roads (don't mean to brag here, but...  ) but I'm going on a long distance bike-guided tour of wherever the bike takes me (most likely northern US and Canada) with whatever back roads I might find thrown in. So the swap is appealing to me for the trip as well, but I figure I can deal with a bit taller gearing for the off-road patches for increased MPG over the duration of the trip, which will be anywhere from 5,000 to 12,000 miles. | ||
| Tootal |
My mileage didn't change. 70 mph is 3800 instead of 3400. Riding in the city or off road is much nicer and my bike is smoother at the higher rpm. I have gotten as high as 54 mpg but usually get around 45 back and forth to work. I give it a big;  | ||
| Satori |
Itileman Is that pic at the RedLodge bike ralley? OK I'll stop the threadjacking.. | ||
| Itileman |
Yes. 10:00 AM on a Friday. | ||
| Methed |
Threadjack away! I've only take a couple of 150 mile plus trips since doing the swap, but the mileage for me has not changed at all. For me, I'd rather have the couple hundred extra RPM even at super-slab speed. My only disappointment in doing this so far is breaking my extremely weather-checked drive belt; honestly it likely would have happened either way. Thankfully this occurred pulling out of my parking spot at work last night. So now I'm wondering if anyone has a line on new belts in stock--I really don't want to have to drive to HC or skip it completely due to the back-order of Buell parts. Anyone know of a dealer with one on-hand, or if American Sport Bike has them on the shelf currently? Looking to get one on the cheap, since this will come out of my HC budget. | ||
| Jim_williams |
Methed, contact Tripp at Precision. When he got mine he mentioned he got a few extra. That was only a couple weeks ago. | ||
| Eulysses |
Hit the freeway last night and no sweat at 80 and 85 with gear reduction. Felt perfectly normal in the rpm arena. I am thinking the rubber is gonna suffer! Soooo much more torque. I find I am taking off with just the rear wheel more. Learning to take off and turn on the hind wheel. | ||
| Redbuell_really_gives_you_wings |
Would the parts found here http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Buell-XB9-XB-Califo rnia-XB9SX-CLUTCH-PRIMARY-DRIVE-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQ QhashZitem563c5d830dQQitemZ370379948813QQptZMotorc yclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories suit this mod for a 2009 model? | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
No, you need the front drive sprocket, chain and gaskets http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-p rodshow/A17192.html | ||
| Svh |
Eulysses I love turning on the rear wheel. I already do that often so I have been reluctant to do this swap but I may just have to pull the trigger. Lots of great info guys thanks | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I will be installing the 9 primary in my Uly. How exciting! Now, to wait a couple months.... | ||
| Itileman |
Waiting on mine. Gasket is back ordered, but should be shipping this week.  Then next up are tires and a spark arrestor. Anyone have a spare chain drive kit? | ||
| Tootal |
Here's the link to the thread I started when I did mine. Read the whole thread first as I was corrected on torques used in the book. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/425775.html?1230619985 | ||
| Bryn1203 |
Is there no supplier of alternative final drive pulleys out there ? Lowering the final drive would be better, as the g/box is given the mechanical advantage & therefore less strain, rather than more....... so I am reliably informed by an engineer. Sounds like something I gotta do, one way or another. | ||
| Eulysses |
The XB9 makes it more of dual sporter...now I want those tires you see on a 1200 GS or a XL 650. I can see roosting up a logging road now with the gear reduction. Bryn1203, it seems stronger to change the primary drive than the final...less strain on the guts. More on the rubber though! | ||
| Hughlysses |
Wow- you guys are just about to talk me into doing the swap... | ||
| Ogre_fl |
I had to do a spreadsheet to wrap my head around the difference. Its much less than I had thought. An 8 1/2 mph difference @ 4000 RPM Looks similar to a -1 tooth CS sprocket swap on a chain drive bike. The data points read at the middle of the columns. 4000 RPM = 73.1 MPH  4000 RPM = 81.7 MPH  (Message edited by ogre_fl on June 14, 2010) | ||
| Hughlysses |
Nice charts Ogre! The general consensus is that you can simulate the 9 primary change (at least for cruising speeds) by riding with your bike in 4th. |
