| Author | Message | ||
     Jake318 |
After taking the front triple tree off my 2006 XB12R firebolt and replacing it with the 2005 triple tree so the Ohlins FG334 forks would fit. ( they changed the bottom tree in 06) Then squeezing in an Ohlins BU201 rear shock . Coupled with changing the steering head bearing to free spirits units which kick out angle 2 degrees. Finally adding a gpr steering stabilizer . It was time to take it out for a spin ..... Ive had the gixxers the Ducatis , Zx10s and the R1s . but my god this bike make them feel like a bus . the handling is phenominal . Switches directions in a heartbeat and you feel like your on rails once leaned in the turn . When your at the point where your MAKING the bike turn in a bend with most sportbikes you have 10-15 mph before your at that point . The other XB12R I have uses traxxion forks and penske rear shock and It is even a noticable improvement even over that combo . im sending the whole bike to NRHS as soon as Bueel send me some factory race parts but when it returns ill take pics and post them . The 19 row oil cooler i keep talking about worked so well im maxxing out this motor to 13.5 compression and 640 or 729 cams lightened crank, rods and pistons 90 ci . looking into stroker pins so maybe even more displacement . | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Thanks for the review. Sounds like a nice setup, not unlike one I have had for some time. I agree with all your conclusions, no surprise there:-). With the modified motor that you have, you might want to think about a Hals or Buell Chain conversion swing arm. That would allow you to change gearing, and adds a bit more stability as the wheelbase is increased a couple of inches, like that of the XBRR and the 1125RR. One of our sponsors, Grand Stand designs has a nice chain conversion too, using a XB12Ss long swing arm and his own chain tensioner. Looks very nice. Here is how the Hals conversion looks on my motor, powdercoated to match the frame with a Sprocket Specialties rear sprocket and a DID gold chain. I use 520 chain.  | ||
| Jake318 |
Jon VERY nice . Ironically I have the kit already lol. That also is a NRHS job. It cost more to send the whole bike to them but even though my area has 4 million people in it, the 2 machine shops ( yes only 2) wont touch motorcycles . Im thinking of stroking the motor which would entail lenthining the cylinders and having to machine new motor mounts . | ||
| Jake318 |
Jo also on your next tire change try going 190/55 on rear , it fits . The new Dual compound GPA Dunlops are even better than the pirelli corsa IIIs...Jon the XB12 buells ( and the 1125 models for that matter ) are like a rider testing tool . if the guy takes a test ride and comes back with good reviews , hes a good rider . if he comes back saying the bike is horrible and twitchy he has a few things to learn lol. jake | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Thanks Jake. You might think about posting a picture of your bike, I am sure it would be interesting. I am getting on a bit, and my track days are over. so I have gone the other way in tires, switching to Michelin Pilot Road 2's. I hesitated to go to a "sport touring " tire for years, but I really like these tires: they handle great in wet or dry and don't have to be changed every five minutes like the "sticky buns" do. I know you don't need any advice from me on motors, but may I caution you to not over do it. These old vee twins are about at the end of their development and once 90 or 100 hp is reached, reliability starts to be a real problem. Of course they DO make Ohlins suspension for the 1125, which is perhaps even a better handling bike than the XB's. | ||
| Toomanyhobbies |
2 Gs for the front forks alone is too much for me to go for. Which they had ohlins standard. Why make such great handling bikes and slap on nyeh suspension? | ||
| Speedfreaks101 |
Jake, a few questions. What was you reason for the 2 degree head bearing setup? How much difference did you notice between the traxxion forks & penske rear shock vs stock. thanks, Bart | ||
| Oddalloy |
The purpose of the +2 degree head bearing change is to increase trail and make the bike less "twitchy". | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Funny hearing you guys rave about the Ohlins front. Dan Bilansky actually found he ran FASTER with the stock Showa units(stock valving, good fork oil, and springs to match his weight). | ||
| Mikef5000 |
2 Gs for the front forks alone is too much for me to go for. Which they had ohlins standard. Why make such great handling bikes and slap on nyeh suspension? You answered this question yourself! Why throw on an extra $2000 worth of suspension if it handles great without it? The factory suspension works fantastic for 99.5% of the riders. WE DON'T NEED NO STINKING OHLINS! | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Let's keep our pants on fellows.  While it is possible for one rider on stock forks, (like Hammer), to go a whole lot faster than an old guy using Ohlins, ( uh-that would be me:-), there simply is no comparison between the two forks, and that is why the pros use them, (Or Ohlins internals) when ever they can. The difference is immediately apparent, but never more so over bumps that are frequently encountered at the entrance of a corner. With properly adjusted Ohlins, the bumps simply disappear, and the bike feels more planted and composed all through the corner and at the all important exit, all that with the springs and damping on a pretty firm setting that reduces brake dive. I hear that the Showa big piston forks are very good too, and I would like to see them as standard on the 1125. | ||
| Greg_e |
Don't the 03 XB9 and 12 have Ohlins (front and rear) as the stock part? I seem to recall seeing that on a spec sheet somewhere on the web but have no idea if it is correct. If they do how do these stockers compare to the units that were installed? | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Greg - Sorry to say, but you are not entirely correct in your recollection. The 03 XB9, ( the twelve came out the next year) did not have Ohlins. They had the Showa forks which were updated later to larger diameter units. The rear shock was also Showa. Good units for the money. I had mine resprung, for my above average weight, and revalved for better performance. | ||
| Greg_e |
I thought the source might be wrong, that's why I wasn't sure. And I keep forgetting that the 12 did not come until 04, not sure how that is happening. | ||
| Speedfreaks101 |
Funny hearing you guys rave about the Ohlins front. Dan Bilansky actually found he ran FASTER with the stock Showa units(stock valving, good fork oil, and springs to match his weight). Steve, What rear shock did he use? | ||
| New12r |
I have rode Ohlins, and let me tell ya, there is a difference. Jake, I am drooling over your bike. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Not entirely comfortable saying what's ON his bike(I do a bunch of custom one off machining for him & his race bikes). I do know he's run both Ohlins and Penske. Not 100% sure what is on there right now. Bilanksy is a wealth on info on Buells. We even got to use him as our private riding coach the last 2 track days  | ||
| Speedfreaks101 |
I don't want to step on any toes nor cause you an issue, I am just trying to learn as much as I can about suspension setup and design. I was really curious to find out if he or anyone else had stuck with the stock rear. No harm meant, Bart | ||
| Jake318 |
Thanks NEWR /all You should see the 2nd race bike .. eeven hotter engine set up withcarbon fiber body . Duel air intakes in airbox cover 13.5 compression factory race fueling 1487cc roller rockers ect ect . ... As for the Ohlins VS penske .. Both handle so well im not a good enogh of a rider to distinguish the differance . The Ohlins ride bumps better mid corner and transision a bit better . but when my rider gives his input ill reffer it back if you like . The Buells handle so much better than the zx10 and gixxer 1000 ive had the stock bike was an upgrade . | ||
| Speedfreaks101 |
Jake I'm not sure if you were talking to me but I would appreciate all input on suspension comparison. | ||
| Thespive |
I am seriously considering a Penske twin-clicker rear shock for my '06 CityX. However, I am an average rider and don't know if I could take advantage of cartridges like the AK-20s, or if I should go the cost effective route and just have my stock stuff resprung and valved. I don't do track days, but I do love a good twisty road. Any insight for me? --Sean | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Spive, In my opinion, one gets the most bang for the buck with a re-spring and re-valve of the stock units. That's what I did on my first XB9S and it helped a lot, especially as I am a bit on the heavy side, so I needed springs anyway. A good time to do the work is after you have gotten to know the bike a bit, and need a front fork oil change, which requires taking the fork apart,anyway. The reason I have Ohlins on my current bike is that I got a great deal on a used pair of forks, and I just don't seem to be able to stop fooling around with my bike. Anyone else have that problem? The best thing is if you live near a track with a lot of motorcycle action, like Willow Springs, and you can do a track day with the guy who did the rebuild, like Dave Moss used to do at Willow, and perhaps still does. You might find that a day or two of instruction at a track, with a pro who can talk you through suspension set up, will completely change the way you ride, all for the better. To the large majority of riders, suspension is, and remains a great mystery. It certainly was to me. Actually, with a little effort, it isn't that difficult to make big gains in handling without spending a ton of money. That is especially true with the Buell, which is a great handling bike to begin with, and is rather sensitive to suspension set up due to it's short wheelbase and steep fork angle, among other things. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
One of the things that makes motorcycling ever fascinating is the unique and incredibly complex interaction between man and machine. If one has ever seen Mat Mladin and Ben Spies racing, one has seen very clearly how two riders use essentially the same machine in an entirely different manner to achieve essentially the same result. Similarly, watching Stoner ride the Ducati MotoGP bike to great effect, whilst other riders struggle with it, shows that it is the combination of man and machine that spells the difference between victory and defeat. What does this mean to the average rider who probably would be lapped every other lap by these centauri? Most of us can not even imagine how fast these guys are going. If you have ever been at a track day, and got passed by a journey man pro like you were standing still, just remember that the top guys would be passing that pro just as swiftly! So even though we will never be working our chassis, suspension and tires anything like as hard the supermen in the sport, it is still interesting to note that even for them, the goal of the perfect set up remains as elusive as it is for us. Even at the very top level, there is no perfect setup that applies to every rider. Jes' sayin' | ||
| Sticks |
Cool beans. I like the fact that 'mericans make the Penske and Traxxion. Not that I'm a racer or anything but how is the trackside support with the Ohlins stuff compared to the American guys? Just curious | ||
| Jake318 |
Speed I was talking to everyone . Both set ups are great . Actually the stock units arnt shabby being Showas. I am a Bit biased . To me you can never go wrong with a good suspension set up.Buell owners are usually guys that had a jap sportbike , took a test ride on a Buell and where hooked on its quick steering and responsiveness.BTW if your going to upgrade the suspension dont forget the tires . The new Dunlop GPA dual compound radials are fantastic (and on sale 299$ a pair)and thats comparing them to Pirelli corsa III radials which is saying something |
