| Author | Message | ||
     Pcmodeler |
How much more comfortable is the handlebar position on the XBS? The reason I ask is that I have an XBR and after taking a 1 hour ride, I can see where on long trips, it might be a bit uncomfortable. I was thinking of possibly getting one of the aftermarket handlebar relocation kits of simply swapping out the upper tree/handle bars, etc from an S model. What's the trade-off in handling? I have no intentions of ever hitting the track. | ||
| M1combat |
Don't support your weight with your arms. Either lay on the "tank" (not recommended for spirited riding) or hold yourself up w/ your knees. | ||
| Coyote_xb12s |
http://www.americansportbike.com/shop/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?usr=51F8018723&rnd=8504 856&rrc=N&affl=&cip=144.189.40.221&act=&aff=&pg=prod&ref=9077&cat=new&catstr=HOM E:new Americansportbike.com carries this conversion kit for the R model. | ||
| Pcmodeler |
I've tried the tank lay. It makes visibility from the helmet difficult as the top of the helmet blocks my vision a bit. I've tried the knee thing as well, but it hurts my lower back after awhile. It's weird, as the other sport bikes I've had in the past weren't too bad. I think it's because the tank came up just a bit higher allowing me to lay on the tank a bit more. I've also got the 2004+ extended rider pegs. My feet start to go a bit numb after awhile as well. I think that's because the circulation is getting cut off at the knee. I'm not excessively tall (5'11"  . Guess I'm just getting old (haha). I know I am surely going to purchase the Corbin. My butt was getting a bit numb. | ||
| Pcmodeler |
Coyote, that's the kit I was looking at. However, what I don't like about it is that it leaves the stock tree in place and it looks a bit goofy having he old handlebar extensions there. I'd much rather replace the entire upper tree. Plus, I like the look of the all black bar on the city-x. | ||
| Flick |
The S riding position is much more comfortable than the R. Steering is also "lighter" (i.e. less push/pull on the bars to initiate a turn). The tradeoff is, you will be "in the wind" more. You can also trade footpegs from S to R and drop about 1-1 1/2 inches (?). Not sure what the handlebar swap would do as regards cable lengths (?)...you might need longer brake lines, etc. (?). You can do track day just fine on the S...done three so far, and plan to do many more this summer (if the damn SNOW ever melts!). | ||
| Captainplanet |
PC, If you put a tank bag on your bike and fill it with soft stuff, like a sweatshirt or something, it can really give you a break by laying over on it while keeping you high enough to have good vision of the road. | ||
| Geoffg |
There is a Helibars unit, moves the clip-ons back about 1 1/2" and up 1" (or so it's advertised--don't have mine in hand yet). Daves can get one for you... | ||
| Pcmodeler |
Flick, those are the same pegs I have, but I didn't even think about the cable lengths. The wind issue might not bother me too much. I've been in the wind before with other bikes. I think I might have to hit the local Buell dealer and see how the riding positions feel. Might need to check the parts numbers on the cables between the two to see if there is a difference. Geoffg, are you saying that you have ordered or will be ordering the Helibars setup? I looked at that but wasn't sure if that was going to make enough difference in riding position. | ||
| Geoffg |
Pc, yes I have a Helbars clamp on order--I'll post more on it once I have it in hand and installed. I really like the position of the Lightning for around town, but almost all of my riding will be on the highway--yet, I find the Firebolt clip-ons are just a bit too far forward for my short arms. I think (hope!) the Helibar unit will provide just the right position, sorta between the two... | ||
| Whistle |
Hey PC, If ya wanna swap...I've got a black (swapped the blue for black) CityX and I'll do a straight swap out-my front end for yours!!! (Bars, cables, flyscreen, ign lock, triple clamp etc etc) Email me if yer up for it! later, Nick | ||
| Coyote_xb12s |
PC- This is the set up that I have: http://www.sportbikes.com/photo/showphoto.php/photo/8946/size/big/sort/1/cat/500 I think a swap would be good except for the ignition switch on the S is located on the left side as opposed to the center of the triple tree on yours. | ||
| Gowindward |
I have been working on the same issue on my 12R. I have added the Heli bar triple clamp. It helped a lot. I have a set of S foot pegs, but I was already using the rubber traction pegs which cut vibration down, so I have been reluctant to switch to the metal S pegs. The Buell custom seat helps to since it's a little thicker. Also added the Zero Gravity Sport Touring wind screen. I did about 400 miles yesterday with no shoulder or wrist pain. My legs do get to aching and I have to stretch them now and then to ease the pain. I may still try the S pegs out. | ||
| 99buellx1 |
Early in the riding season, you'll get used to it. I would ride a bit more before making drastic changes. | ||
| Deerhunter17 |
I agree with 99. I was having some comfort issues last year when I first rode my R. I got the Buell touring seat, and more seat time. I found a balance between the knee thing and relaxing your arms. The more I rode , the more comfortable I got. I ended the season making long rides w/ out issue. For reference, I'm 6-1 | ||
| Bbstacker |
"If you get a tank bag and fill it with soft stuff..." That's totally the way to go. May I suggest the Tour Master Cortech tri-bag. Strap mounted of course. There are actually two bags. One large, one small with the small one expandable to a med. size bag. Very versatile and very comfy to lay on for the long haul. | ||
| Bbstacker |
Charlieboy posted a thread of pics on mounting the tri-bag. They are on Knowledge Vault. Heading Bags, luggage and misc. stuff: who makes bags for the 03 XB9R? | ||
| Gearheart |
Another trick for long trips is leaning back and letting the wind take your shoulders and hold you up but this is kinda dependent on how tall you are. Personally though I really dig the ergos on the XBS after going from a sportbike it feels really easy and fun especially around town but it doesn't give you the same kinda of screwed in feeling at ludacris speed that a fully faired sportbike gives. Can't really say anything about the ergos on the XBR in comparison as I've never ridden one but having sat on one it seemed to be similar to some of the sportbikes I had ridden. So as to what you will like no idea other than see if you can find someone on the badweb that will let you try an S for a ride you may really dig it. Oh and as for the handling well the S totally rocks in comparison to the sportbikes I've own, all of em kinda oldish, but I'm not the fastest guy around so its possible that there are limits to the handling that I'm not reaching | ||
| Captjim |
The stock Firebolt riding position was to far forward for me. I installed the Heli-Bar risers. They helped alot, I can now ride for quite a distance without any discomfort. The riding position is still forward and you have to hold the bike with your knees and make an effort to keep weight off your wrists. It is not the relaxed standard position of the Lightning. Oh, I also installed the Lightning pegs which are an inch lower. These mods have made my bike comfortable for me. Here is a pic of the Buell tank bag, sport touring windscreen, and Heli-Bar risers. Oh and also notice the CRG levers, BLING BLING!  | ||
| Gowindward |
Captjim, Do you have any more photos of your Ram mounts? | ||
| Bonesbuell |
I chose the S model for its more comfortable riding position. I do more cruising and zipping through the city then banging twisties though. | ||
| Lazyme21 |
Captjim, I agree, I just put those on my 9R and I love them. I rode my bike up to Daytona for Bike week right after I got them and what a huge difference. No more weight on the wrists. FYI: took us 7 hours to get to Orlando, so the comfort level is way up there with those Heli-bar risers. | ||
| Pcmodeler |
One thing I was thinking about was possibly having the factory tree modified by a local custom cycle shop. Essentially just have them lop off the ears from the old bars and then mill in new bar holders on top. Not sure if that can be done of it would just be more cost effective to go with the kit above from American Sport Bike with the 3" change and still have the ears from old bars cut off. I would probably hunt down a used upper tree somewhere to have it done. Fortunately, if I do have that shop mill something up, the owner actually owns a XB9S, so he would have something to look at to see if it's possible. Regardless, I probably will ride it as is this year and wait until the end of the riding season to do that as well as some of the other work I have planned. | ||
| Daves |
Helibar risers 265.50 Badweb price! | ||
| Pcmodeler |
That's a pretty good price Dave. Guess I better start saving up some money. |
