| Author | Message | ||
     Steve_b |
New to the neighborhood and without a Buell as of yet. Since the XBR's debut have wanted to get one. Have been running a very high fever as of late. Not a superslab runner, as I prefer US, state, and county roads at a 200-400 mile daily pace for a week or two. Like to run from here in Michigan to the southeast(tail, BRP, Cherohala, Suches), to the northeast, or Canadian maritimes. For those of you that have preceded me in this application how do you rate your XBR mount. BTW,I know how to pack light. I know that my last question may fall under tech but, are there any significant improvements that have occurred in the XBR's since 03 that would justify the preference of a 06 to a 03. Thanks | ||
| Rubberdown |
Heli bars, S pegs, and a Ventura rack system and you're good to go. ps I have a complete Ventura rack/bag system for sale. | ||
| Diablobrian |
You can easily update the 03 to the 06 style belt, but the biggest internal difference is that the 06 has a newer transmission and shifts lighter/smoother. It also has a lighter clutch pull, but that can be retro-fitted to the earlier models. Other than a fuel pump update in 05, and 43mm forks that same year (all xb's except the lows) and the things I've listed they are pretty close to being the same bike. BTW, welcome to Badweb! | ||
| Gowindward |
Add to Rubberdown's list the Buell custom seat, Buell traction grips and a throttle lock and a 400 mile day is a cake walk. Because of the improvements to the drive belt I would go with an '04 or newer bike. The '06 can carry just a wee bit more fuel, which would be a "nice to have" but not a deal breaker. | ||
| Kootenay |
I posted a while ago about my demo ride of a Ducati ST3, and how I find my Firebolt (with Helibars and "S" pegs) more comfortable than bike. To get to the demo, I rode 2 days straight, over good, twisty mountain roads--and the 'Bolt not only handled it all very well, it was comfortable to boot. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one as a sport-touring mount (especially if you know how to pack light--it ain't a GW!). Check here for a short write-up and pics of the trip. | ||
| Steve_b |
Thanks for the input and the ride report. I'm still on the beginning of my learning curve and have quite a ways to go. The main hesitation to picking up the XBR in 03 was the Harley engine. I have quite a few bikes already in the stable but I just like the bike so much I want to check it out further. Now I have investigate any test ride opportunities and a dealer. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
If I had the choice between an '06 and a '03-05, I would go with the '06. Lots of small improvements. You might even wait until the '07 models come out in a week or two, just to see if there is anything else new. To sum up the improvements between '03 and '06: Changed from 41mm forks to 43mm; New fuel pump; New sprocket/belt configuration; New transmission; Lighter clutch pull; New oil pump gear; Longer stalk rearview mirrors; Improved throttle body; Did I miss anything? You will definately want to replace the stock footpegs with "S" footpegs, they drop your feet about an inch, much more comfy for touring. http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes_gear/accessories/Product.asp?Menu_ID=2&ProductL ineID=3&CategoryID=7&ProductID=1941 The Buell Custom seat is a MUST. http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes_gear/accessories/Product.asp?Menu_ID=2&ProductL ineID=3&CategoryID=3&ProductID=1293 The traction grips are definately worth it. http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes_gear/accessories/Product.asp?Menu_ID=2&ProductL ineID=3&CategoryID=7&ProductID=1288 I would also get a pair of bar-end sliders, they dampen the vibration quite a bit. Oh, and junk the Dunlop tires and get a set of good sport/touring tires like the Pirelli Diabolo Corsas. (Message edited by indy_bueller on July 06, 2006) | ||
| Indy_bueller |
P.S. Steve, if you ever get down here to Indianapolis, shoot me a note. We have some really great twisties in the Bloomington area, Hoosier Thunder Club and I would be happy to introduce you to them.  | ||
| Rd3501 |
Different oil lines. 03-06 Different swingarm. Different passanger rear sets. Different seats. Different speedo sensors. Different tires. Different mounting brackets on lower fairing. Different airbox. Different oil pickup gear. Different kickstand. Etc... Wait for 07's.. | ||
| Indy_bueller |
Oh, I thought of one more thing. A Zero Gravity screen would help with touring as well. American Sport Bike has them. www.americansportbike.com (Message edited by indy_bueller on July 06, 2006) |
