| Author | Message | ||
     Steppnout |
New to the Buell arena. However, I do ride a Vrod but looking for a Buell. Looking at either a Firebolt or Lighting. What are your thoughts on the two bikes? Thanks | ||
| Indy_bueller |
The only real difference is the seating position. The Lightning has a more upright posture, while the Firebolt is a more aggressive sport posture. | ||
| 86129squids |
Answer: Yeah. From where you're coming from, a Lightning will be better... I recommend a bar riser set to boot, pretty good for me... | ||
| Americanmadexb |
ONLY way you will ever know is to ride them both. To me there isn't many differences besides the way they look. | ||
| Dynasport |
Really, you do need to test ride them yourself. The difference in feel to me is substantial. I remember the first time I rode a Firebolt. Coming off a cruiser the riding position was totally foreign and pretty uncomfortable. But the thing that really stuck out to me was how the thing handled. It was amazing. I just thought about turning and it turned. Not that the Lightening handles poorly, but I found the Firebolt much more responsive. I am sure that is largely because of the riding position. If I had been looking for a sportbike to ride short distances, I would have bought the Firebolt. I wanted something I could ride all day, so I bought the Uly XT. It really depends on what you are looking for. | ||
| Nukeblue |
well said. and also if you might ever consider a track day get the bolt. also the firebolt is more stable going down the road at speeds over 70, due to the riding position. heck you have a v-rod, i'd go for the firebolt! (Message edited by nuke-blue on July 29, 2011) | ||
| Ratbuell |
Lightning also has lower pegs...you get more lean angle out of a 'bolt. +1,000 on RIDE ONE FIRST. That will seal the deal, one way or the other. Ergos are completely different, but other than that they're pretty much the same bike. Unless you go with an Ss, or an STT - the long wheelbase makes turn-in a little more relaxed, not quite as "twitchy". | ||
| Reepicheep |
Don't write off a Uly or XT either. When I went from my XB9SX to my Uly, I figured I was giving up a lot of the edge in order to be able to carry a passenger and luggage. A year later, I'm not sure I gave up much of anything. I wouldn't hesitate to do a track day on my Uly. It would be a hoot! | ||
| Doz |
The R is more stable at higher speeds, the S is more flickable. I own both and prefer the S for everyday riding. The differece between the two is VERY noticable in terms of comfort and handling | ||
| Drkside79 |
Out of the two i prefer the Lightning. As previously stated the S's fave a more upright riding position and IMO are more comfortable. | ||
| Fast1075 |
I ride a Lightning and it is great as long as the riding speed is reasonable...go fast for very long and the wind blast will beat you to death...I am considering either a "R" fairing conversion or a Uly front conversion... | ||
| Steppnout |
Appreciate all the comments and suggestions. Never been on a Buell, so I am sure it will be much different then the Vrod!! | ||
| Froggy |
Get a 1125R. Power like your Vrod, comfortable like a goldwing, and just a fantastic all around bike.  | ||
| Drkside79 |
Froggy's just biased because he couldn't keep XBs right side up. JJ Froggy  1125s are nice (if you can get past the goofy pods) and if you go that rout i prefer the CR  | ||
| 86129squids |
Joe makes a good point- the 2nd generation XB frames (SS, STT, Uly) have an extra 2" longer wheelbase, so there will be noticeable differences between models, especially going from a 1st gen bike to a 2nd. Wow- kinda weird to think about it, but the days really ARE gone that one could just swing a leg over most any given XB to judge the differences... now you'd have to come to something like a BW get-together and get chummy with everyone to just swing a leg over, much less a "test ride"...  | ||
| Froggy |
My CR has taken a nap 4 times so far. All 4 times on the right side, I should add some wheel weights to the left pod. | ||
| D_adams |
Umm, not unless it's a built Vrod. An 1125 has more power stock than a Vrod, add a pipe/ecm to it and it's even worse for comparison. 10-15 hp in stock trim, as much as 30 or more with the right pipe and tune. Throw in some engine work and it could be even more. I've heard of/seen 1125's hitting over 150 hp at the wheel, where a stock Vrod puts down 110-115. It's probably a lot easier to launch a Vrod in a straight line drag, but it's got a lot more weight and longer wheel base to keep it from flipping over like an 1125 would if launched the same way. | ||
| Froggy |
I said power like your Vrod, not the XB he is looking at. You lose quite a few ponies with the air cooled mills. |
