| Author | Message | ||
     Murdoch |
I`m in the the market for an XB but I`m stuck in making the decision between the Lightning (s) or the Firebolt (r). I originally preferred the Firebolt but I`ve been advised that I may not like the seating position ie; stretched out over the tank (esp since I`ve been used to riding Harley's in the past) It was also suggested that I`d prob prefer the Lightnings seating position as you sit up more similar to a sporty. Anyone give further info on this &/or pros & cons of the 2 models. I`d hate to buy one to find out I should have got the other. All replies much appreciated Murdoch Australia | ||
| Xb9dan |
I got a city x and it's damned comfy  | ||
| Bake |
I am over 50 and love the seat position of the Firebolt, have done some 1000 kilometer days (12hrs) You can buy some bars that are slightly higher and a little back towards the rider but I don't feel I need them. I'd say try some test rides if you can. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I would say it depends on your age, size and intended use. If I were still a young man of 150 pounds who lived for the twisties, and used my bike often for track days and for racing, the choice would be obvious: a Firebolt. Alas, as I am no longer any of those, I ride a Lightning. That being said, many brothers are able to ride their Lightnings in a very spirited manner indeed, having paid special attention to tires, suspension settings, and often selecting a handlebar offering a somewhat more sporting posture without totally sacrificing all comfort on longer rides. Some good old mountain boys have been known to give the riders of imported in line fours positive fits, or so I am told:-). Clear? | ||
| Elff |
The great thing is the core of the bikes is the same. So you really need to decide what you think is more comfortable. The Firebolt does have better wind protection so if you think you will be up or near triple digit speed that could be a factor. I would say go sit on both and see what feels better, then, take both out for a spin. Gentleman Jon, I am a relatively young man [36] weighing in at 140lbs and only 5'5" tall and I chose a lightning. For me it was a matter of armlength. I just didnt feel as comfortable on a firebolt. If I was only 2" taller,  So then I sat on an XB12s and a CityX and even tho they were very similar, I chose the CityX once again due to the handlebars as well as the Ipod-ish airbox cover. I've customized mine a bit to make the rear half more Firebolt-ish with a Trogan Eurofighter seat, replaced the lolipops with trojan mirrors and removed the hand guards. I was going to put them back on for the winter, but due to a knee injury I wont be riding piglet until it is warm again anyhow. I love both the looks and the layout of my bike as is. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Dave, Real nice looking scooter you got there. Love the seat:-) Hope your knee is a-ok by spring. Scott, As this thread develops, you may decide that a couple of test rides will be the only thing that can help you decide which model will be best for YOU:-) (Message edited by gentleman_jon on December 26, 2005) | ||
| Madbandito |
If you ride long distance on a better than average basis, I would choose the Firebolt for the extra wind protection it provides, though bigger screens are avialable for either model. Two up riding? The Firebolt again is the better choice. Just want a commuter for in town and occasional backroad bombing missons? The Lightning gets the nod for ergos and better low speed handling with the bars over the clip-on's. FWIW, I bought the R for the 90% highway commuting I do but I just think the Lightning is the cat's behind for outright cool. Just my opinion....  | ||
| Elff |
In my case, I think 80mph is where the wind becomes highly annoying with the stock screen on the lightning. Madbandito described my use perfectly and I have to agree that the lightning is really good for that. Thanks Jon. Just a matter of time and patience now. The damage has been repaired. Timing couldnt be better. | ||
| Murdoch |
Thanks for the replies, some good info there. Unfortunately where I am there is only traveling test rides available they come around every 6 months or so & I just missed the last one so it will be a while before I have the chance again. There is a 04 Lightning available for a test ride so I can organize that but not for the Firebolt. So any more opinions/replies will be greatly appreciated Thanks Murdoch | ||
| Elff |
It would be helpful if we knew your height and weight. Smaller people fit the lightnings and the lightnings have lowered versions. The firebolts fit taller people better up to a point and then there is the new long version of the lightning that was designed for the 6' and taller crowd | ||
| Ralf |
I bought an R, I wanted the more sportbike riding position, I intend to go fast enough to appreciate the extra wind protection as often as possible, and I have a superglide for when I am cruising or riding 2-up. But this is not the most comfortable position, not for everybody. If I had only one bike, it would be a Lightning SS. I have seen others comment that they think the Lightning handles better because they are more comfortable on it. My suggestion to you is to find a Yamaha R6. I rode a friends, that was what made me want a sportbike. To me the R6 feels and sits a lot like the Firebolt, except for the obvious difference in power delivery. It should be a lot easier to find an R6 to test ride or at least test sit. If you like it, get the Firebolt, if you aren't comfortable in that position get a Lightning. | ||
| Fullpower |
For me it had to be the Lightning. just right for a ride to the grocery store, a ride to work, or ( with corbin saddle) a thousand mile day. I like 'em NAKED | ||
| Tpoppa |
I prefer the looks of the Lightning, and wish I had the wind protection of a Firebolt. The riding position on the Firebolt will be a bigger adjustment for someone used to riding Harleys. Test ride both. | ||
| Cosmo751 |
I own an XB12R and have ridden a 12S and a 12Scg. Love my 'Bolt, wouldn't think of replacing it. I'm now saving up to add a 12Scg to the stable. Just the ticket for hooliganning my way around town. So it's -R for the twisties, -Scg for general hooligan work. Oh - I'm short, so the cg had merit in that area over the straight -S Both are so fun it really is just a matter of YOUR preference ! | ||
| Metalstorm |
I'm the opposite of Cosmo. I really love the looks of the Firebolt & I want one bad but when I was finally able to get an XB I went with the 12Scg cause I can only afford one bike & the cg was the most versatile. Great in the twisties & comfty on the rare occasions that I'm stuck in a town. I also like having good footing when I'm maneuvering around the the few gravel roads & lots that I frequent. One day there will be a 9R or 12R in the garage but I'm in no hurry. My 12Scg keeps me very content. | ||
| Fullpower |
alien vs predator. | ||
| Diablobrian |
compared to most sport bikes the bars on the firebolt are actually quite close and high. Personal preference is the key. Whatever feels best to you is what you should go with. Considering your past riding experience you would probably be most comfortable and happiest with the lightning. | ||
| Cataract2 |
I choose the XB9SX over the XB12R mostly due to insurance difference between the 9 and 12. I can tell you though I am glad I choose the 9SX because that is a comfy comfy bike to ride. Only thing better would be the XB12X. | ||
| Metalstorm |
Good point about the insurance. I forgot about that. That too was a major factor for me. Out where I live it's about $500 cheaper to insure a 12S (full coverage) than a 9R. I didn't even ask about a 12R. | ||
| Elff |
My insurance company wouldnt insure my CBR600RR so I ended up getting a favor from a friend to insure that with State Farm. When I traded that in and got the XB9SX my insurance company had no problems and treats the bike like a standard. Translation....CHEAP | ||
| Vonsliek |
my ins. was cool as long they were certain it wasn't a harley (they photographed vin stamps, state farm btw). i don't get it .. my xb12r is comfortable enough .. a little cramped on legs (5'10") after a couple of hours on hwy .. but i test sat on the xbs for a couple of years - regularly - to see what i felt & they always felt the same to me .. the *r* model is in NO way windproof .. if anything it directs wind at yr throat - which sucks. i will be getting an endurance racing double bubble screen to fix that. get what u like the look of most. | ||
| Twintour |
The only problem with the lighting is the wind. Problem fixed, I have 06 xb12ss with a just released laminar speed shield. Better wind protection then firebolt. The shield fits all lightings. | ||
| Twintour |
I know I forgot my n's | ||
| Elff |
That speed shield is pretty interesting, I wonder if they can make it match the Blue CityX shield | ||
| Twintour |
They would probably make it for you. I asks them to make one for the lightning, they e-mailed me three weeks later to order one,hot off the press. The guy to talk to is Leo. I can't remember the web address, search laminar lips. | ||
| Elff |
I found it via google Here is the link for anyone who wants it http://www.laminarlip.com/speed3.htm |
