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

[Rogue]

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

Thanks.  Yes they do:



Pricey though.  And as you can clearly see, very, very big!  

[bizarro]

I loved the one I had on my Triple. The nice thing is once you get the rack you can alternate bag sizes depending on how carrying capacity you need. Ventura is just up the highway from me, let me know and if you're interested in one I could find out if they have any clearance items and you might be able to get the bag, at least, for cheap(er).

[Rogue]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

Yeah.  The Ventura bag system for the 'Bolt is around $300.  Albeit it's a good system that is secure with several bag options and positions.

[2DFlyer]

Kinda messes with the lines though and goes against the whole mass centralization thing.

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

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



She's beautiful.      

Very cool looking.  

[PlayWithGravity]

I ride a black 'Bolt with Cortech soft bags across the back... granted, I bolted some Lightning pegs to my ride, but the 'Bolt make (IMHO) an excellent tourer!!

I don't know if I did the attachment right, but you'll notice the softbags on the wheelie!!  Yeeeaaahhh!!!

{Hopefuly the pics show up!}

[Rogue]

Can you make that picture smaller?  

[theroamr]

Does the Tourmaster Supermini Cortech tank bag still allow access to the fuel cap, or do you need to disconnect and remove the bag to re-fuel. The zero gravity sport touring screen seems to do well for you, how tall are you and what length inseam do you have for jeans. This will help me determine how high you sit in the seat for where the wind hits you. Thanks.

[Rogue]

Replied to your PM.

The XB tank uniquely shaped and is very functional.  It is basically the airbox AND the intake.  There is a small scoope with a mesh screen up front that allows fresh air into the airbox.  But the main issue I have with the XB's "tank" is its overall length, which is almost a third less than a normal fuel tank.  This, along with the airscoop up front severely limits the size of any tank bank you can put on the bike.  I have found that most aftermarket tank bags are too big on the XB's.

The Cortech Supermini Tankbag is very small.  It's possible to fit your wallet, cell phone, a camera, and a small bottled water in there plus some other small nick-nacks but that's it.  It works for the daily commute, barely, but on day long rides, forget it.  It's too small to put all the above plus your jacket lining or a pair of gloves.  This is why I use the CARGO tailbag as shown for any day long ride I do with my Firebolt.

Buell does sell a purpose built tank bag for the Firebolt/Lightning.  Note the installation--it uses the two front fasteners on the tank to mount the front.  Damn convenient if you ask me.  Pricey though at $109 and is available only from Buell dealers.  But this is big enough for a day long ride.

[Prubert]

I loved the one I had on my Triple. The nice thing is once you get the rack you can alternate bag sizes depending on how carrying capacity you need. Ventura is just up the highway from me, let me know and if you're interested in one I could find out if they have any clearance items and you might be able to get the bag, at least, for cheap(er).

Yea...they will NEVER get the screamin' deal you got on your ventura bag!

Woot!  

[naustin]

Here's what you do,

Buy a Lightning Long, and stick a firebolt fairing on it.  

[Rogue]

Here's what you do,

Buy a Lightning Long, and stick a firebolt fairing on it.  

Possible.

But you have to also replace the rear subframe then add the rear cowling.

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

I am lucky I got my sidebags and tankbag when I bought my bike.

[GS1100GK]

I am lucky I got my sidebags and tankbag when I bought my bike.

Sweet X1!

[naustin]

Possible.

But you have to also replace the rear subframe then add the rear cowling.

Well, he wouldn't HAVE to.  I saw a lighting with a firebolt nose only on it over at BWB and the combination of the fairing and the short tail looked awesome.

As long as Ventura makes a rack for the Lightning, I see no reason to switch rear subframes.  

PS - Rogue, you bike is sharp  

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

Sweet X1!

Thanks

[Rogue]

PS - Rogue, you bike is sharp  

Thanks.  I really like the XB's looks since its first inception in 2002.

[naustin]

Here's that pic I mentioned. I love the firebolt fairing and lightning tail combo...

Nick

[PlayWithGravity]

Here's that pic I mentioned. I love the firebolt fairing and lightning tail combo...

Nick

+1  

[PlayWithGravity]

 BTW, I'v got the TM Cortech Sport tail and saddle bags   They work great, stay stable and out of the way.

+1  

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

Here's that pic I mentioned. I love the firebolt fairing and lightning tail combo...

Nick

Nick that looks awesome.

[naustin]

Yeah, I think so too.  Too bad I don't have room for more than one bike.  I'll stick with my S3T for now though.

[desperado buell]

Hi guys. I tour pretty extensively on an 03 XB9 using Buell luggage both tank bag and saddlebags with attached trunk. This works really well for myself. I use a spider net to hold a tent and collapsible cooler (got to have the end of day beverages). If I did the conversion right  (I'm Canadian eh) I am getting about 160 miles (230 KM) to the tank  with a 20 mile reserve. I put about 16000 mile on a year. Prior to buying the XB I had a 2000 FLH and to tell the truth I like the Buell a lot better, a lot more fun all round. I have it piped along with the K&N filter, The only other thing I have done is i added a City X seat this year. The stock seat from 03 was like riding on a 2X4 and after market was a little pricey for my liking so buying a new stock seat fit the bill. I have been thinking about a taller touring shield but haven't decided yet. Any suggestion on tires, I am going to try a Metzler roadtec Z6 on the rear, almost a $150 difference between it and a Dunlope.

[PlayWithGravity]

I just pulled the stock Dunlops off my 06 12R and put on Michelin Pilot Powers.  Not a touring tire because of the expected life, but I'm extremely happy with these in the twisties.  Stick like glue.

On a previous bike (Super Hawk) I rode Pirelli Diablo Strada's.  I got more life out of them (8000 miles maybe) and they were plenty sticky.  They're a nice sport-touring compromise.

[Rogue]

So here is my Sport-Touring set up on my Firebolt.

I used the Tourmaster Cortech Deluxe Duffle Bag on the rear seat.  The duffle bag puts most of its capacity to the sides (due to its tube shape).  So, it didn't crowd my big ass by taking up precious seat room for the rider.  Unfortunately, the Firebolt doesn't have any bungie knobs to tie the bungie chords to.  I had to run the bungie lines to the passenger footpegs and the rear license frame.  This had the lines rubbing up against the bodywork.  The rearmost part of the duffle bag also rested on the bodywork.  I ended up fitting the areas of the bodywork with those clear sheets of body protectors that I cut to fit the rear cowl.  This protected the finish from getting scratched/stained from the rubbing contact of the bungie lines and duffle bag.

The Tourmaster Cortech Super-Mini tank bag didn't work quite so well.  It tended to shift to the right during riding.  I think the Buell tank bag's mounting arrangement works better as it fits tighter against the "tank" and should prevent shifting.  In addition, the Super-mini tank bag is very small.  All I could fit in there is a camera, wallet, a small bottle of water, and small knick-knacks.  It can't even fit a map that is folded up.

I've done a 450 mile day on my Firebolt so I know distance isn't a factor with its riding position--surprisingly enough.  I did spend 11 hours on it at one point, with a lunch break.  It really surprised me how I was able to do that and NOT felt like a pretzel afterwards.  I didn't even cramp up.  I even rode the bike in light rain for hours and the front fairing provided pretty good protection considering its size.  

Overall, I was surprisingly impressed with its long distance capability.  I mean, it's a dedicated sportbike afterall!  Among its strong points:

Great suspension - it's not soft but because it's high quality, it has compliance AND control. Not once did it ever felt harsh and we encountered some big bumps and dips during some portions of our tour.

Relaxed Engine - we did some major slabbing.  Having lots of torque and low engine speed at cruise makes a big difference in feeling very relaxed.

Belt Drive - 1,200 miles and I never touched the chain, oops I mean belt!  

Light Weight - At the end of a long day, the last thing I want to do is to have to wrestle a heavy bike.  Even just moving it around after parking it is easy.  This reduced the amount of energy I needed to excert to ride the bike over long periods.  This probably explains why it didn't get me overly tired even after 12 hours of riding.

Shortcomings:

120-130 mile range to reserve - Sometimes it's a pain to have to look for fuel in the most desolate of places.  Ideally, 150 miles is better.  But the bike was consistent even under varying riding conditions.  So at 100 miles, it's time to start thinking about gas.

No Bungie Knobs - trickier to attach luggage to.

Plastic "Tank" - small too so limits bag choices.

[Asphalt_Carver]

Nice write up Rogue, but I did the same ride on a Lightning Long with less wind protection!  

[Rogue]

In the rain no less!  

[CBRXXBLACKBIRD]

I am surprised how comfortable these bikes are before I bought mine I was thinking how cramped it would be.

[rauchman]

Beautiful bike Rogue.....