| Author | Message | ||
     Torco406 |
I just purchased a 2003 xb9s and its the low version. What is the difference in the suspension components from the regular version ? The ground clearance seems pretty low. Has anyone had bottoming / scraping problems on the low version ? Can it be converted to the "regular" version easily ? I know a lower seat was part of the conversion and fortunately I was able to get the thicker standard seat. Ouch. | ||
| Andymnelson |
forks, rear spring, kickstand and seat. pretty easy conversion, just went the other way on my fiance's 9 last winter. yes, it will bottom easily if not careful. | ||
| Torco406 |
Specifically what needs to be changed ? | ||
| Luxor |
As Andy said. Fork springs, rear spring, kickstand and seat are the only items that need to be changed. Be sure the fork springs are from 03-04 models, 05s are different. | ||
| Mpolans |
So the shock itself doesn't need to be changed? | ||
| Andymnelson |
sorry, meant to say rear shock not rear spring. you'll need to be sure to get the forks off of the right year, as some were different diameter. Or get the triple clamps with it and then it won't matter. | ||
| Mpolans |
So now do you need to swap out the whole fork tubes or just put XBS fork springs in XB Low fork tubes? | ||
| Andymnelson |
entire forks. just springs won't help you. | ||
| Torco406 |
I have shortened suspension on another bike that I have and basically it was a matter of putting a spacer in the shock and a spacer in the forks and shorter springs. Is it possible that's how they were shortened at the factory? I need to put fork seals in and I'm wondering if the suspension re-builder can just remove the spacers(if that's what the factory did)and convert them back. It seems kind of silly that they would produce whole new components just to lower the bike. | ||
| Froggy |
No, Buell actually lowered the bike correctly, and not the cheap way out. | ||
| Torco406 |
So,to convert I have to switch out the forks, triple trees and the shock ? Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!! | ||
| Froggy |
No, just the forks, rear shock, and kickstand. | ||
| Torco406 |
Anybody have a good source for these items ? Can you tell me the difference in lengths of the items ? The actual lengths would be useful. | ||
| Rah7777777 |
You can swap forks, sidestand and rear shock evenly from any 03 or 04 regular model. To switch to anything 05+ you need to swap the triple tree too. I have an 03 regular I'd swap with you. But shipping might hurt. | ||
| Rah7777777 |
Oh and I think the seat lowered is .75" and the suspension lowers it another .75" Totaling a 1.5" drop. | ||
| Andymnelson |
Yeah just find someone selling the parts used. I bought all the parts for like $300 shipped, and sold all my regular ones for more than that when I was done! After shipping and the cost to rebuild the forks, I came out about even. It's a far simpler instal to just swap out the forks than to tear the forks down and replace a spring. | ||
| Torco406 |
Rah7777777,how many miles on your 03 regular ? I would be interested in swapping out if you're OK with it. | ||
| Rah7777777 |
My bike has about 22K miles on it. I had the forks rebuilt (fluid and seals) about 2500 miles ago though. I think shipping would be high, but not a deal breaker. Whats the condition of your setup? After thinking about it, im not too sure it'll work out. I don't have too much time to tear mine down and Since you just bought yours I doubt if you know if the forks have been serviced, with that I really don't want to pay another 200 bucks for a service. But man o man.....I do really want the low suspension!! | ||
| Torco406 |
The forks are going to need seals. I have not looked at the shock. Maybe I could give you money towards a rebuild we could work out a deal. I also have a low seat if you are interested. | ||
| Rah7777777 |
Sending you a PM now... | ||
| Nillaice |
i got an 03 XB9S, and i'd be willing to swap suspensions with you. |
