| Author | Message | ||
     Awolfe |
I’ve got a 97 s1 and I’ve been contemplating this conversion. I’ve done some research and seen different folks saying different things about it I’m just curious what the proper way to go about it is. Is it worth it? Seems like it gets kinda pricey and maybe a tad difficult. Thanks guys! | ||
| Awolfe |
Or any helpful links? | ||
| Red93stang |
www.engineeredvelocity.com I and several others have done this conversion. We have developed the steering stem that makes it super easy to do the front. | ||
| S1owner |
Easy conversion | ||
| Car_enthusiast |
I am new to this conversation, but what are the benefits or drawbacks of doing this? | ||
| Red93stang |
Looks, weight, perimeter front brake, superior front forks over some models. I did my first conversion to my S1W and it really changed the way that bike rode, for the better. The next one I did was my X1 with CR parts and again I was blown away with what it did for the bike, looks and the way it rides now. It’s an addiction and the thrill of moding these bikes with the option of being able to return them to stock for the purists is usually how I do mine. | ||
| Upthemaiden |
As far as drawbacks, the one thing I've heard pretty consistently is that they XB front end limits the turning radius of the bike. It doesn't affect normal riding, but makes things like moving your bike around the garage, and navigating tight parking lots harder. I haven't done the conversion, but that's what I've seen a few people on here say. | ||
| S1owner |
Yes it does limit steering | ||
| Upthemaiden |
If you're going to swap the front end, they also make spacers that let you use the rear XB wheel so it matches. I believe that also requires a switch to the XB rear pulley, and I would assume the matching front pulley and belt. Not sure about the rear brake compatibility. I don't know how much the rear spacers cost, not to mention the added cost of the rear wheel, pulleys, and belt, but if you really just want a better front suspension and brakes, you could also consider just getting a newer steering stem to fit something like a GSXR front end, which you can typically find complete for a reasonable price, and then you'd likely end up with another 3 spoke front wheel that matches the back one, so you only have to mess with one end of your bike. I also don't know how the measurements compare between top triples, but it's likely that a gsxr front end wouldn't be as tight, so you might not lose as much turning radius as you would with the XB stuff. If you want the XB stuff just because it's cool and you want to stick with Buell parts, then disregard my comment. Just thinking out loud. | ||
| Red93stang |
Link and prices are posted in the hyper link above. | ||
| Phelan |
Another drawback that most are forgetting, is that on 95-98 bikes, you can no longer use your stock, cable driven speedometer with this conversion. | ||
| S1owner |
Phelan Is that a draw back? Costs more but I dont know about drawback | ||
| Blks1l |
I would consider it a drawback if you weren't planning on changing your instruments out. | ||
| Upthemaiden |
Yeah, unless you plan to spend big money on something nice, and know what you're doing to wire everything in(or are skilled enough to upgrade your speedometer with the engine driven X1/M2 speedometer), you're gonna end up with a bicycle computer that you can't see at night mounted on your handlebars with a cheap plastic mount, a goofy shaped handlebar clamp with nothing attached to it, possibly no more indicator lights unless you find another way to mount them, and you'll have to either ditch your flyscreen or find a way to brace it so it's not flapping in the breeze. I'd like to replace my gauges with something smaller and digital someday, but it definitely adds a good amount of extra steps to an otherwise simple bolt-on conversion. | ||
| Lynrd |
The speedo drive on Veronica was broken for about a year. If you have a motorcycle GPS, it makes a dandy substitute to the speedo on the dash...and, it can keep you from getting lost. (I fixed the speedo drive, tho...) | ||
| Upthemaiden |
I used my phone as a speedometer for a while once, you can download speedometer apps that also track your miles. I'm not sure if it'll pass an inspection, but it's an option if you need one. |
