| Author | Message | ||
     Rumbles |
I was on the Buell web site and under the what's new heading they have a list of changes to the 06 XB lineup which include a new better shifting transmission, lighter clutch lever effort, stronger belt and more. I would like to know if anyone has ridden both an 05 and 06 XB and felt the differences they are claiming. It's important for me to know because our local dealer has one 05 left that I could probably do pretty good on right now otherwise it will be an 06 for more $$! | ||
| Kdan |
You will definitely notice the differences in the trans and the clutch. If that kind of thing is important to you. I have an 03 9S and haven't taken issue with any of those things. It's still a hoot to ride. My opinion, if it's not a significant amount of $$ difference, I would go ahead and get the 06. If the difference was like $1k, I would go ahead and get the 05. | ||
| Metalstorm |
You can put the '06 belt on an '05 bike or even an '04 bike since the pulleys are all the same. I have an '06 belt on my '05 bike. I havn't ridden an '06 bike but I think if I was going to buy a Firebolt (and money wasn't an issue) that I'd want the newer tranny. On the lightning however, I think the older tranny suits its character quite well. Are there any other dealers semi near you that has an '06 available for a demo ride? If there is you should definitely try one out first then decide. | ||
| Vaneo1 |
I bought an 06 firebolt, but test rode an 05 firebolt. The only reason why I went for the 06 is because the dealer wanted to sell me an 05 at the same price as the 06?!?! I didnt feel any major differences but then again I only rode the 05 for about an hour. Let us know what you decide. | ||
| Rumbles |
Thanks this information is great, I wish I could test ride an 06 but there are none expected in the local dealerships till about February, there is an 05 Lightening Demo available but the roads are still slushy from a snow storm and it's damn cold out. | ||
| Ralf |
I notice with the translucent cover the air filter is clearly visible. Does this mean there is no internal "Helmhotz" air box? | ||
| Lonexb |
during biketoberfest down in florida i got a real good chance to test ride the 06 firebolt. got to do 2 demo rides in a row. on the exact same bike. i purposely parked my 04 12r right by the demo tent. i literally jumped of the demo bike and right on my bike and followed the next demo group out. at the time i was considering trading in my bike for the 06. because of the changes that buell had made. and my warranty was just about up. my impression is this: on the 06 transmission i really could not feel a difference in the shifting. i don't know if it was because of the demo bike only having about 1300 miles on it, and it wasn't totally broken in or not. i couldn't feel a difference in the newly designed swing arm either. in fact the only difference i did notice was that the clutch lever was a little easier to pull than the one on my bike.(and not much at that.) in my opinion if you can get a smokin deal on an 05 vs.an 06 i would take the 05. i just don't think the 06 is worth the extra money you might have to pay. lone xb | ||
| Cataract2 |
Hey Lone, you going to be down for Bike Week this year? | ||
| Lonexb |
hey ryan how is it going? i will be down a couple of days earlier than bike week. this time i will be transporting some bikes down and back up. i'll probably be down for two weeks.hopefully i won't have to work this time down. brian | ||
| Cataract2 |
Cool, let me know. | ||
| Chadhargis |
The '06 bikes also have a redesigned swingarm that is supposed to be lighter. | ||
| Wesbone |
I had a 2004 XB12S and now I have a 2006 XB12Ss and I can definately tell a difference. The bike being 2in longer made it a whole lot more comfortable for me because I am 6'1. Smoother riding and even feels smoother shifting. Still has the pickup as the other one and longer times between refueling. The oil dipstick is also easier to reach. If you have a wife or girlfriend who likes to ride definately go with the XB12Ss. My wife says she feels better on the new one, the seat is wider and 100 times more comfortable. They also look so good, I have the sunset orange one! Good luck! | ||
| Rumbles |
Wesbone I read enough to convince me that I wanted an 06 and went ahead and ordered a 06 XB9SX in Kick Ash! | ||
| Opto |
I reckon the new tranny alone is worth paying US$800 for. It seemed a bit stiff at first on my bike but has since loosened up and not one missed shift or false neutral ever, even when being a bit lazy. |
