| Author | Message | ||
     Ccryder |
Not being very familiar with the XB series (specifically "r") I was wondering what upgrades/ changes have occuried during the years 2003-2006. I am thinking about purchasing an 04' but, there is an 05' or two also under consideration. I'd like to target mechanical differences versus cosmetic. Yes there is hope for this rider who went over to the darkside ;+} Thanks Neil S. | ||
| Manofthefield |
I'm also curious as to whether there is a compiled list of year by year XB changes (though I'm more interested in an S). It would be good to have in the Tech section (assuming I didn't miss it and it's not already there) | ||
| Ccryder |
I'm of a similar mind but I guess I'll have compile one myself from the archives. Time2Work Neil S. | ||
| Diablobrian |
the 04 received an upgrade to a stronger belt, the 03 belts are notorious for breaking at the worst possible time. The o4 models also eliminated the kickstand switch and have a different kickstand. 05 saw an upgrade to 43mm forks (from 41mm) except on the Scg models. 06 got a transmission and clutch upgrade for smoother shifting and lighter clutch pull, along with a new swingarm. Many of the changes can be retro-fit to older models. These bikes are like grown-up legos. Many of us on the BadWeB have done some mixing and matching of parts to make our bikes fit us. I have Scg suspension on my firebolt for instance, and there are loads of "lightning-bolts" running around with the front of one and the rear end of the other. There is also Steve_Mackay's Uly-bolt which is an XB12STT with a Uly tail and a firebolt nose. So don't feel too constrained by what models the factory produced, try to see the potential to be the perfect bike for you. The S saw the same changes as the R | ||
| Hughlysses |
06 also got the higher output, 3-phase alternator. 07's got new inner airbox cover and an improved oil pump. 08 upgrades are listed several places here. | ||
| Jwhite601 |
Try this. Go drive one of each and get the one that "feels" mechanically best. Colors and stuff can be changed more readily. Bumpus in Murfreesboro has a few in stock. They have an XBRR there too  (Message edited by jwhite601 on July 16, 2007) | ||
| Jackelfox |
06 had some airbox and frame changes. The side scoop no longer cuts through the frame as ram-air. And the cover has an inlet around the fuel filler. Hypothetically the 06 has increased fuel capacity because of this. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
06 also has an improved gear box, results in smoother shifting. That being said, the differences between models are small, and with the possible exception of the 03 belt, don't really change the Buell experience to a significant degree. Many 03 owners have converted to chain using the Saintly chain conversion which cost little more than a new belt, and is available from Saintly, one of our Bad Web brothers. | ||
| Ccryder |
Thanks all. I went ot Bumpus on Saturday and rode a XBs. It was lot of fun but I don't like the feeling of being out there over the front wheel. I have ridden an XBr but it's been a few years. With a set of Heli-bars and XBs pegs I think I'll be just fine. I've got Josh going to test ride an 04' XBr and give it a once/ twice look over. That's the XBr I'll be riding soon, (right Mike), it already has the bars, pegs and a few other goodies. TIme2Work Neil S. |
