| Author | Message | ||
     Gopher |
I found tons of information on how to switch an S to a R rear but didn't have any success on finding info on a Ss swap. I'm leaning toward racing my bike next year but would like to go the full fairing route with clip-ons..... Should I bother or should I just go out and get a R? | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
It depends..............  Personally, I have never been a big fan of the 52 inch wheelbase, and I have never gotten a satisfactory explanation from any official Buell source as to why it was selected. And not for want of trying. Many people who ride Buells really fast, such as the Buell Factory supported XBRR teams, Hals and other teams that use the Hals chain conversion swing arm, and Trojan's race team, all use a longer wheelbase, to increase the stability of the bike at high speeds. So does the Buell 1125R. And the Uly. And the XB12Ss Personally, I like the handling of the long better than the short models, and I use a Hal's chain conversion myself, just to get the stability of the longer wheelbase. Matt of Trojan also uses a greater steering angle, as does the XB12Ss I suspect that because of the short wheelbase, steep steering angle and short trail of the R models, that the location of the center of gravity of these bikes is critical. As a heavy rider, like myself, can weigh 50% ,(or more), as much as the bike, I suspect that larger riders can not get the center of gravity where it needs to be on these bikes to achieve acceptable stability. That being said, one must remember that many Buell racers, do just fine with the R models, and one of the fastest Buell riders I have ever seen on the street, the dreaded Hammer, uses the short wheel base. So if you are over 170 lbs or so, I would recommend the XB12Ss, just ad some R model foot pegs, a forward handle bar, and you are good to go. The seat is not a big problem. Perhaps Anonymous will break his long silence on this matter and take the time to elucidate this continually puzzling question. Got your ears on, Anony? | ||
| Gopher |
I do prefer the longer wheelbase as well and I'm 6'1" and about 190lbs. I had considered doing the pegs and the Crossroads bars but after some track days this year I think I'd like to have a fairing to hide behind (hence the urge to swap the rear to a R version). But then again I'm pretty flexible for good ideas  | ||
| Jaimec |
I'm VERY surprised they never released a "Firebolt Long" model XB12Rs. It seemed like such a logical extension to the model line. One of the guys in my club LOVES the Firebolt but it's too damned tiny for him. He waited to see if they'd release such a model for 2007, and when they didn't he went out and got a Honda CBR1000RR instead. | ||
| Ccryder |
Guess I'll have to go on a BIG time diet or sell the "r". Wait a second I just bought this bike and if it handles any better then I'll be out of tire. Granted I don't spend much time over 120 but, who does, on the street. In the 70-90mph range it's rock steady even with 18's blowing my ample torso around. Hmm, which model are we talking about, I seemed to have missed something, again?? Just color me portly with a BIG Grin! Neil S. | ||
| Xl1200r |
I can see the lure of longer bike - there's a reason why drag bikes and LSR bike are so looooooooong. If you're going to be sticking to slower tracks, then I see no reason to be shy about a shorter bike. If you're going to do faster tracks, then you might want the longer wheelbase, but as jon pointed out, it's probalby personal preference at that point. | ||
| Gopher |
I think I will be sticking with the Long bike, it suits the tracks around here nicely. Any input on putting the R tail on her? | ||
| New12r |
The rear subframe from an R will not fit an ss easily(it will but has to be cut and welded or bent ever so carefully). PM a guy on here named Silverbullet, he has done the conversion. You will have to do a LOT of mods to get the ECM and Fuse box to fit in the firebolt tail section as well. | ||
| New12r |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/boar d-profile.cgi?action=view_profile&profile=silverbu llet-users | ||
| Dre99gsx |
I am attempting that conversion tomorrow. Actually, an SS to an S. The R tail has more room, but things are organized differently. I had heard that the rails need to be raised slightly. I will find out the details. I might as well create a nive VFAQ on the process. I have all the parts minus a seat. | ||
| Diablobrian |
Matt at Trojan should also have info on it since their race bike last season started as a Uly (same frame) and ended up with full firebolt fairing and bodywork. It is not like most Buell part swaps, no lego this time. | ||
| Donatello |
Gopher, Is the sub frame on the SLong longer than the regular S? I know for sure the swingarm was longer but wasn't sure about the seat/sub-frame. The best thing to do is just swap out the whole wiring harness for an R harness, usually around $300. Then with the clip ons you might need the shorter brake/clutch cables as well. Maybe you can find some one who wants to trade... I did see an R subframe and seat on ebay. | ||
| Gopher |
Cool thanks for all the info guys I love this board for that!.....I will send a message to Silverbullet although it looks like the last time he logged in was April...... Dre99gsx let me know how it goes...... | ||
| Diablobrian |
try trojan. Matt is a good guy and should have great info for you. He's on all the time. | ||
| Dre99gsx |
Well, its done. To some, this may be old news, but it was news to me. Converted my SS to an S tail section. I had to lift the tail about 1" to allow the seat to mesh properly (Select seat) and so the bolts would line up to a 1" bracket I fabricated (easy stuff). Took about 3 hours for the complete conversion. No suprises, just swapping over components and trying to make room. 1st ride, I noticed I'm sitting a bit higher and more forward than with my stock long tail. My rear view mirrors needed upward adjustment. Also, since I'm sitting slightly higher, I had to relearn how to ride the bike. Everything felt different. Much more twitchy in low speeds. Bike felt more like it wanted to situp straight when turning in. Interesting. Anyway, I get tons of rocks/pebbles in my back seat (sliced grater). But DAMN it looks cool like this! This thing looks very unique. If I could drop it a few inches, it would be perfect. | ||
| Dre99gsx |
Alright, right to work this morning, noticed more. I am sitting much closer to the tank. My knees rub more on the frame area. I'm also closer to the bars, which is not comfortable. Since the bars are angled, my wrists are at an awkward bend. At this point, I can't see any of my bike when riding. I have to look down to see the dials or my mirrors. This is all very interesting to me, don't know if this is what most expect when doing the conversion. Also, because of the seating position, I do feel a bit more cramped, even though I am sitting slightly higher. I am going to try an SCG seat tonight and see how that feels. Whats nice is this modification is 100% reversible. As far as handling, I noticed that I have to put more effort into the bars to make lane changes at slow speeds. At 80mph, the bike feels a bit more unstable. If I just twitch the bars lightly, the entire bike wiggles. Amazing what a change in seating position can do! But it looks like I chopped the back end of the bike. Real neat. I'll have photos later. | ||
| Jaimec |
NONE of those results sound good to me. I think I'll leave my XB12Ss alone and assume the Elves knew what they were doing when they designed it the way they did.  | ||
| Xl1200r |
If I just twitch the bars lightly, the entire bike wiggles. I've never ridden a bike that didn't do that. |
