| Author | Message | ||
     S1joel |
Ok, my wife absolutely loves the new XB12R, and I am selling her M2 to buy her one when she gets back in country. The problem is that she is about 5'5", and they don't make the 12R in a low version. I've looked at the Buell website for the XB9S/L and the differences seem to be shorter? forks, different rear shock, and a lower seat. I think that if I can lower the suspension, I won't have to worry about the seat. The seat is much more narrow than the M2 which will allow her to flat foot it at a slightly taller seat height. What exactly would it take to shorten the front forks, and is the rear shock on the R the same as the S, enabling a simple swap on that end? I rode an XB9S/L yesterday and it is lower than her M2 so I know this will be the perfect bike for her. Any idea of how expensive these parts will be? I really want to have this bike waiting for her when she gets back. After what she's going through she deserves anything she wants. Thanks for your help. Joel | ||
| Jim_witt |
 -JW:>? | ||
| 99buellx1 |
The rear shock is the same, so a simple swap for the low shock should be a snap. Or you can buy the low parts and re-work the shock. (personally I would just buy the complete, much simpler) As for the front, there are alot of different parts between the two. You could buy the shorter spring, damper assembly, slider assembly, and the different valving from the low. Kinda labor and part intensive, but it can be done. Craig Buell Cycle Center  | ||
| S1joel |
JW, Thanks, I have a new pair of Sidi "Carbon/Titanium DISCO Race Boots" on order. Here's another question, can you simply slide the fork tubes up through the triple trees like drag racers do? Looks like the rear will be simple enough with a shock swap. Thanks again, Joel | ||
| Court |
Changing the "attitude" of the XB's should be done with careful consultation. It should be no surprise, given the geometry that the XB platform is quite sensitive to changes. If really likes it's nose down a bit. Do not, make that NOT, simply drop the fork tubes 2" and head out. Court | ||
| Bud |
yep, watt court said, & your muffler is going to scrape the floor with bumps en putholes gr,m | ||
| S1joel |
Alright, not being the most knowledgeable in the mechanics and physics of motorcycles, what is the difference between lowering the front end using the shorter "low" forks and lowering it by slipping the existing forks up through the trees? Joel | ||
| Mikej |
Not sure of the exact differences, but fork travel comes to mind. Many people have learned indirectly on a track what happens when the plastic hits before the fork stops traveling. Beyond that you may be okay as long as the aspect of the bike remains within a reasonable envelope. |
