| Author | Message | ||
     Fireballsocal |
I was at the cycleworld's long beach Ca. cycle show today and sat on an xb12R and S. Due to rain, I was unable to test ride the bikes but I was able to feel the difference between the two. The lightning is the bike for me in every way but commuting, 70% of my ride time. I love the wide bars, the upright riding posture so similiar to my CR500 dirtbike. I love everything about the bike but wish it had more wind protection at freeway speeds. What can be done if anything to provide more protection without sacrificing the upright riding position? I've seen longer flyscreens. Do these help? How about the 1200R fairing on the lightning chassis? Is this doable without giving up the wide and high bars? Any other ideas? | ||
| Evil_twin  |
If I'm not mistaken, someone makes supercross bars for the R's. Not sure who though. Somebody here surely could guide you. Rich  | ||
| Matty7092 |
I've seen supercross bars on the Trojan horse web site. (not sure how the exchange rate is though) | ||
| Trenchtractor  |
I'm using Pro Taper 7/8th moto X bars and I'm working on a screen... I will post pic's of it when I'm done... | ||
| Ethanr  |
Commuting on my XB12S (32 miles each way) hasn't proven a problem. I find the riding posture a good balance. I'm 5'10" and 200 lb. Leaning forward a bit, the headwind is just about right to keep my weight off my wrists without feeling like I'm fighting to hang on. YMMV, of course, depending on your height/weight and how you prefer to sit. | ||
| Bigeasy |
I also have heard that having the tank bag on really helps with the wind. I never seemed to mind the wind, not bad at 70 at all. | ||
| Fireballsocal |
Unfortunately, the 15 freeway here likes to move at 80-85. The rigs travel 70 and to keep from getting ran over, I have to stay in the slow lane, pothole city. In the reviews I've read, the lightning gets unbearable past 80mph, other than short blasts (No pun intended). I am 5'8, 150lbs. At the moment, if there is no good cure for wind buffeting with the lightning, I would go with the firebolt. Good bike, just doesn't move me like the lightning. The bent over posture is also uncomfortable due to compression fractures in my back several years ago. Trench, I'll be interested in how your new screen works out. | ||
| Tsmith4378  |
Check these out, I have been pestering Bitz for Buells for 3 months now, and they are still Not available, and they keep telling me they will be soon, I wish the dollar wasnt worthless, alot of these UK sites have some great stuff. http://www.bitz4buells.co.uk/products/JP_graphics.htm | ||
| Bigeasy |
Tsmith I like the flyscreen alot, did they say how much? I called and talked to the people at american sport bike who will be making a extended flyscreen available in 3 to 4 weeks. I gave them my number and email they said they would call when they had them ready. I have a red xb12s and asked them if they could make this new flyscreen in red carbon fiber. Now that would be cool but I would have to see it. What do you guys think?  (Message edited by bigeasy on December 06, 2004) | ||
| Evil_twin |
The guys over at Ironmachine.com (stateside dealer for Hillbilly stuff) can get that stuff as soon as it's available. Pricey because of the conversion rate. I don't even recall the prices that I was given, just remember that it was up there. The flyscreen they show on the bike is the one I called them about. I think it looks pimp and it would look great on the "SLR". Rich | ||
| Bcordb3  |
I have been looking at that wind screen for some time now. I am surprised that some U.S. manufacturer hasn't down some thing like that. If there is one. I will be high on their list to get one. | ||
| Bcordb3 |
This is what I am talking about  | ||
| Captjim |
I am considering a new bike as well. Wind protection seems like a good idea. Can't really decide between the S and R. Also can't decide between a 9 or 12 but that's another story. You can fix the riding position of an R. Here is the Helibar top tree for an R. (1" up, 1.5" back) http://www.helibars.com/pics/buell/firebolt-big.jpg Here is the LSL superbike bar for an R. (3.5" up, 3" back) http://www.spieglerusa.com/prodimg/120BU04-mont.jpg Both are available at americansportbike.com Add a taller windscreen and I think you would be set. This is what I was thinking of doing. But that CityX sure is cool looking  | ||
| Fullpower  |
}In the reviews I've read, the lightning gets unbearable past 80mph, other than short blasts Pansies like these should be ridiculed,not published. for wind protection on my Lightning I rely on a Shoei R-1000. If you are uncomfortable at 85 mph on the Lightning, perhaps you would find a Gold Wing more suitable. or a Buick. | ||
| Reepicheep  |
Agreed. My 9sx is fine at 80 mph. No wind on hands, stomach, legs, feet. Nice big pocket. Good smooth (no turbulance) airflow that starts about mid forearm and mid torso. Every time I have ridden a faired bike, I hated it. All it would do is beat me about the face and neck with choppy air. Maybe if I had a gold wing, with monster fairing, I would be completely inside the pocket, but if that were my Goal, I have a perfectly good Saturn in the driveway, and it has a better radio. Get good gear. The handguards on the 9sx do make a huge improvement though. | ||
| Bigeasy |
bet those handguards are nice on cold days  | ||
| Aydenxb9 |
Ditto, run that fast more than I care to admit and wind control is good on the S. We were coming back from VIR on 264 between Raleigh and Greenville run 80-90 mph almost the whole way and I was fine, comfortable dare I say. I'm 5'9", 235lb so I'm kind of a big boy. It's not like riding a cruiser, when I'm on the Sportster('05 883 Custom) at 60mph you start to contemplate the advantage of a gawd ugly piece of lexan in front of you. | ||
| Brucelee |
I have seen the American Sport Bike prototypes. They will be worth a try! | ||
| Macbuell  |
I have no problem with wind on my S with speeds over 80MPH, especially since I bought a more aerodynamic helmet. The aerodynamic helmet helped to eliminate neck fatigue caused by the wind. | ||
| Glitch  |
Pansies like these should be ridiculed,not published. Good one. StealthXB has the buell tank bag and he says it helps a lot. I ride 30+ miles to work in all kinds of weather (rain this morning), I don't have any problems. I guess it helps I'm no pansy  | ||
| Fireballsocal |
[img]http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/87470.jpg[/img] Forcebuell claims this extended flyscreen from trojan horse should do the trick. Looks great also. Brucelee, that American Sport Bike screen looks very similiar. I'll have to check that one out a bit more. Thanks for the comments and ideas guys. |
