| Author | Message | ||
     Tank_bueller |
dealer gave me a "good deal"(whatever) on a new 03' xb9sl. just had to have it. everything about the bike just sucked me in when they first introduced the crazy lookin' bike with the fuel in the frame and the oil in the swingarm. I was doomed from the first sight, but waited until i couldn't stand it anymore(read: had the funds). I didn't play with the suspension until about 300 miles(450 now) and I'm glad I did! the rear was set to spec for my weight but the front was waaaaay too heavy(beatin me to death). now the preload is set to my weight and the comp and rebound i have a little tighter than spec to suit me and it rides like a dream!!!!! I lurked here for a while and with all the friendly folks and info, I just had to join-up. buells rule!!!!! tank | ||
| Vegasbueller |
Welcome to the sickness, Tank! Be careful out there and have fun! | ||
| Ingemar |
Welcome to the mad house!  | ||
| Kowpow225 |
BWA! HA! HA! ENJOY FRANK!! | ||
| Tank_bueller |
Thanks everyone!! Definitely being careful. This is not my first bike, but is my first sport bike. Every time I'm feelin' a little frisky, and try to push my own limit going into a corner; the bike does a "very" little bobble as if to say: "Calm Down Man, We're Still In The Break-in period!!" Thanks again, and I'm likin' this site more and more! tank | ||
| Fullpower |
keep a close watch on tire pressures. 36 front 38 rear. critical on these bikes. enjoy... dean | ||
| Daves |
Welcome! Dave | ||
| Slaughter |
And to add - almost regardless of ANY bike you have ridden in the past, these XB-types require a VERY LIGHT touch on the bars. Start horsing it around and your front end will start talking back to you! | ||
| Tank_bueller |
Fullpower: I have noticed that slight changes in tire pressure make a big difference in the handling! That's the first thing I check when something just doesn't feel quite right.(culprit every time) Start horsing it around and your front end will start talking back to you! Loud And Clear..... more confidence and skill before more speed!!!!! Actually it's pretty agreeable most of the time. I may have the preload set too soft though(still searchin' for the sweet spot) thanks, tank | ||
| S2pengy |
If you run Dunlops check out their website they give higher pressure recommendations for the Buell than the factory does... I asked about it and their rep said their recommendations are for optimuim tire wear..... | ||
| Tank_bueller |
S2: Runnin' factory rubber, and I can say that I have no "flat center" wear pattern(500mi).  It does seem like I am fighting a fine line with the recommended 36/38 pressures between too soft/too hard. Any recommendations for more/less agressive(sp) riding?? I *may* be taking a trip in a week which may require adjustments to the soft side(mostly straight roads, minimal cornering) thanks tank | ||
| Alstroker |
I agree with the tire pressure notes. I had been running with lower pressures at around 32psi and just didn't feel comfortable. I set them according to the manual and I was amazed at the difference. I was able to turn much quicker and smoother with more confidence. The difference was more noticeable than the suspension adjustments that I had made. | ||
| Xbolt12 |
Tank_Bueller, You might want to read Nick Ienatch's Sportriding Techniques if you are new to sportbikes (like I was). Lots of good info an tips on technique and survival. xbolt12 | ||
| Curveswerver |
CAN'T WAIT TO TEST RIDE AN 03 XB9S I'M EYING. IT'S BEEN RAINING HERE ON AND OFF SINCE SUNDAY. RESCHEDULED TO TEST RIDE IT THURSDAY. ONE MORE DAY AND MAYBE IT MIGHT BE IN MY GARAGE. THIS THING HAS SOME AD ON'S AS WELL, CARBON FIBER FRAME SLIDERS FOR ONE. | ||
| Glitch |
Caps lock dude, yer screamin' | ||
| Curveswerver |
Nice bike Glitch. The one I'm looking at has some carbon fiber as well. It's yellow looks sweet, also. | ||
| Glitch |
Yellow with carbon fiber...oooo...nice. The new XB9R? That's what Shred is getting, asap. |
