| Author | Message | ||
     Cirwin2010 |
What are some replacement options for the rear shock on a '06 XB12ss Lightning Long? The rear shock on these motorcycles not being serviceable unfortunately means they have a finite life span, assuming conventional knowledge applies. I don't know if there are any aftermarket options for replacing the shock or if I have to go for a direct replacement. Also, will an '08-09 shock fit on an '06 model? | ||
| Cvc |
the later shock will work but is the same length as an STT and will raise your bike about an inch if you go that route I'm interested in the old one as I want to have one rebuilt and a grove cut for the hydraulic tensioner from a Uly to fit to drop my XT an inch in the rear so if it does not work I am not out too much (sending It to rebuild if the mod works) | ||
| Cterry66 |
CVC, I just noticed yur post about suspension. Can I lower an XT with an SS rear shock? | ||
| Vortec57 |
Terry, when I bought my 06 Uly it had lightning long rear shock and forks. It does lower it. I put the Uly forks back on as it was too low for me. When I parked it next to my stock 09 Uly the tail light was about 3 inches lower. | ||
| Cvc |
Long time since I checked in here sorry for the late response Cterry, 06 SS shock lowers about 1.3” and with 1” bar risers you can slip the forks 1.2”. Vortec57, I am interested in the forks and short shock and I have an STT shock that will set the bike up to match your 09. I sent you contact info in a PM. | ||
| Tleighbell |
Try David Behrend of Fast Bike Industries https://www.fastbikeindustries.com/ He built the rear shock for the bike in the article below which is a fun read: http://www.kdfab.com/images/KDFabJanuary2011Motorc yclistMag.pdf I spoke to him a few years ago and he could supply a custom Nitron Shock from England for the later model (2010) Lighting SS. That bike sits about an inch higher than the 2006 model so might not suit you. But he might be able to supply one for teh 2006 as well. Good luck. | ||
| Cvc |
Hey thanks I will look into that. | ||
| Xbpete |
Wilbers USA makes an upgraded shock for your SS long. https://www.wilbers.de/shop/en/Motorcycle/Buell/XB 12SS-Lightning-Long-XB2-wilbers/?cur=3&year=2006 (Message edited by xbpete on December 14, 2021) | ||
| Leadenwinter |
I have a Wilbers 630 on my Uly great shock | ||
| Zacks |
Actually, I had Race Tech rebuild/revalve the one off my 12R. I was told it was the first one they had done which is why it wasn't on their website at the time. You may want to try them. | ||
| Cvc |
The Wilburs doesn’t accommodate the hydraulic tensioner but Racetech has all the parts to rebuild my stock one and shorten it by putting a plastic shim internally on the shaft so less travel to the extension stop. Now to figure out what spring will be 3/4” shorter at the same preload with the OE rate. I have a regular lightning shock disassembled to measure and determine if I wanted to try the rebuild my self. I am confident I can so after Christmas I’ll start looking for the spring. Any information to help is greatly appreciated. And Merry Christmas !!! | ||
| Cirwin2010 |
Well this is a very late reply. Honestly forgot I created this thread. So just to make sure I am understanding, the 08-09 xb12ss shock is actually longer/taller than the '06 model year shock? Did the dimensions of the frame change for those years? I'm assuming that the regular xb12s (not ss) version of the bike uses a shock that would be too short for the 06' xb12ss, yes? I know that non serviceable shocks should be replaced after some time and given the age of my bike, probably is getting to be about time to do so. From what I can tell, the original part can no longer be sourced from Twin Motorcycles or St. Paul HD. I don't want to change the geometry of the bike if it can be helped. Are these Wilber shocks the correct size, or can they be adjusted? Will the 631 fit with the reservoir? | ||
| Cvc |
The XB12s 9s 12r 9r are too long as the frames have different mounting points. Racetech can rebuild the original shock and after tearing down a damaged one I have there is not much to the rebuild just make sure to have it recharged (nitrogen) once you are done. | ||
| Cirwin2010 |
@Cvc Are the shocks filled with nitrogen? Maybe I am misunderstanding what is being "recharged." I thought these shocks were filled with oil which is why I was concerned with longevity since oil in shocks will break down over time (did my forks a few years ago). | ||
| _buelligan_ |
The rear shock has a remote reservoir for the oil to go into under heavy compression, that reservoir also has a nitrogen filled bladder that applies pressure on the oil to help push the oil back towards the piston on the rebound stroke decreasing the chances of cavitation. |
