Firebolt For Touring

[Rogue]

Check it out guys.

I recently fitted my '06 Firebolt with a Zero Gravity Sport-Touring screen.  I had my doubts with the brand and its effectiveness, which I derived from prior experience with their products in my '01 Bandit.  However, I am smitten with this screen.

The quality is top notch.  The holes lined up beautifully.  The screen is thick & clear and actually doesn't look cheap.  Most importantly, the little sucker works at reducing wind blast all the way up to helmet level without increasing buffeting nor adding wind noise.  Had a chance to ride the bike up to 100 I never felt the need to tuck down.  Wow!  Zero Gravity=

[Rogue]

Thanks.  Here's another shameless whoring shot    Shown with Tourmaster Supermini Cortech tank bag.  All I need now is the matching TM Cortech Sport Tailbag and I'm set to tour on her.  

[Beach Boy]

That's a great looking bike!  BTW, I'v got the TM Cortech Sport tail and saddle bags (and the mini mag tank bag) and I love them.  They work great, stay stable and out of the way.

[Kootenanny]

I'm gonna assume you're taller than I am, Rogue, since I find the stock windshield all I need--in fact, I could do with a bit less wind protection!  I like to lean into the wind, letting it support my upper body--on the 'Bolt, I have to support myself with my wrists (not good) or my torso (much preferred).  I don't get enough wind to really support my shoulders until I'm well into "arrest me" speeds...

[2DFlyer]

ZG did a nice job on that screen.  Too many of them look tacky.  Not here.  

[Hickey]

I've kinda got this urge to get a Buell.  I'm back and forth between the Firebolt and the Lightning Long.  I like the 'Long" for it more humane ergos and bigger fuel tank.  But I like the Firebolt for its appearance, especially the tail, and occassional track day capabillity.

I know there would be a difference in comfort between the two, but I'm wondering from those who have them how comfortable the Firebolt can be.  The reach to the bars doesn't look extreme to me, compared to other supersports on the market.  The seat looks wide and supportive, if somewhat thin.  And it does have some wind protection compared the the total absence of that on the Lightning.

I don't and don't plan to ride across the country.  A really long day for me would be 600-700 miles.  And a long trip would be two or three days of that at the very most.  That is only possible for me on a comfortable bike with a supportive seat.  For example, 600+ miles was doable on my (now gone) Ducati Monster, although the wind blast would wear out my upper body.  I could barely manage 200 miles on my (long gone) Yamaha R1, mostly due to the thin and useless excuse for a seat it had, although the reach to the clip ons would get painfull too.

Think the Firebolt can be pressed into that kinda of duty?  Or do you think the Lighning is better suited and acceptable for an occassional track day?  The Ulysses is out.  It is just too tall and clumbersome for me, even with the new seat design.

[2DFlyer]

I've kinda got this urge to get a Buell.  I'm back and forth between the Firebolt and the Lightning Long.  I like the 'Long" for it more humane ergos and bigger fuel tank.  But I like the Firebolt for its appearance, especially the tail, and occassional track day capabillity.

I know there would be a difference in comfort between the two, but I'm wondering from those who have them how comfortable the Firebolt can be.  The reach to the bars doesn't look extreme to me, compared to other supersports on the market.  The seat looks wide and supportive, if somewhat thin.  And it does have some wind protection compared the the total absence of that on the Lightning.

I don't and don't plan to ride across the country.  A really long day for me would be 600-700 miles.  And a long trip would be two or three days of that at the very most.  That is only possible for me on a comfortable bike with a supportive seat.  For example, 600+ miles was doable on my (now gone) Ducati Monster, although the wind blast would wear out my upper body.  I could barely manage 200 miles on my (long gone) Yamaha R1, mostly due to the thin and useless excuse for a seat it had, although the reach to the clip ons would get painfull too.

Think the Firebolt can be pressed into that kinda of duty?  Or do you think the Lighning is better suited and acceptable for an occassional track day?  The Ulysses is out.  It is just too tall and clumbersome for me, even with the new seat design.

  Sorry but I haven't put enough miles on either to provide much help but have you posted to the all knowing Bad Web?  When comparing notes relative comfort probably has as much to do with inseam, arm length, physical condition etc.

[Hickey]

I've lurked there.  But I'll post and see what comes up.

[roadrailer]

Looks good Rogue!   Can't wait to see it with the tailbag.

[Rogue]

I've kinda got this urge to get a Buell.  I'm back and forth between the Firebolt and the Lightning Long.  I like the 'Long" for it more humane ergos and bigger fuel tank.  But I like the Firebolt for its appearance, especially the tail, and occassional track day capabillity.

For all intents and purposes, the Ullysses is THE BEST sport-tourer of the XB lineup.  It has it all to make it very good at that.  But it is an acquired taste--you gotta like the adventure-tourer look.

All the the other models are compromises as a sport-touring mount.  However, of all them, the Lightning Long is THE closest you can get to the Ullysses without going the full boat look of the adventure-tourer.  It has the long wheelbase with more seat room and rear tailbag room.  It has the longer range.  It has the comfortable riding position.  It just doesn't have the windprotection.  You will have to look in the aftermarket for that.

The Firebolt is not well suited for touring.  Yes of course you can tour on it.  But it is not the best model for it.  Is it comfy?  Depends.  It's not as extreme as other sportbikes but it IS a sportbike.  Mine will do 120-140 miles before reserve.  Not great for a sport-tourer.  The Lightning Long and Ully will do over 150 miles before reserve.  

Honestly, if you can tour on a Monster, you can easily with the Firebolt.  I think the Firebolt is better than the Monster at touring.  At least you never have to worry about adjusting/oiling a chain.

[tankead]

My sport tourer is a 2006 City-X with the Buell Saddlebags and trunk bag (very similar to the courtech tourmaster set in design).  I just finshed an 800 mile tour in two days on my street fighter City-X.  From Atlantic City at 6:30 am up to Harpers Ferry. Down to Petersburg west Virginia by 4:30. Next morning down to Fredrick back over to Harrisonburg  up 81 across 66 around 495 to 95 over the Delaware Mem Bridge and back to AC by 7:00 pm the next night.  I wrote about it here on Region 6.  It was a long post about Smoke hole road in West Virginia.  This past summer I rode my City -x with a brken collarbone to Lake Placid NY.  8.5 hours on the bike with the collarbone and all in one day.  A very comfortable ride, very agile, very sporty, upright seating position, and very able to take the twisties with the best of them.  I am very happy I bought a Buell and for $1000.00 off MSRP I can't complain.  

[DogBoy]

What kind of mpg/tank range do you get on the CityX? Does fuel consumption change dramatically between long stretches of highway and lots abuse in the twisites?

[tankead]

130 miles in spirited city like driving before the low fuel light fires.
140 on the highway before the fuel light goes on.
.78 gallons left after that.
I have gone up to 162 miles total before getting gas.  I was very afraid.

[DogBoy]

Thanks.

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

Awesome looking bike.

[rauchman]

Very cool bike.  Once they put the larger frame from the Lightening Long/Ulysses on the Firebolt, I'll own a Buell.  

[1KPerDay]

Guess the effectiveness of ZG's ST screen depends on the bike/rider... I have one on my GPz and it raises windblast just enough that it hits me right in the faceshield. I get a lot less noise and buffeting running the stock screen.

That's a good-looking bike.

[Rogue]

Here's another shameless whoring pic...with tailbag this time.



She's beautiful.      

[bizarro]

Nice. I wonder if Ventura makes a rack'n'pack for that bike?

[lonestarbueller]

I bought my Lightning Long in March 2006 and put 7000 on it in the first six months.  It is every bit a sport tourer as the Ulysses is an adventure tourer.  I get 145-150 miles on the tank before the low fuel light comes on, continually turning 52-54 MPG (if I tried to go easy on the throttle I am sure it would get over 55+).  I have a complete set of soft luggage that straps on very nicely and a Laminar shield for better wind management, 400 mile days are a breeze with the stock seat.  I am also running the Buell race kit and find that exhaust to be mellow compared to others on the market, nice sound no where near obnoxious.  However, if I were to do it over again I would not do the race kit.

Rick