Might be converting back to "Sport touring" if all goes well

[boxjoint]

Some of you might remember when I sold a 2001 ZRX 1200R (great great bike which I do miss dearly) to get a 2007 HD superglide. As much as I tried to convince myself I made a wise decision, it just ain't working for me. The origonal reason to do this was because my wife and I did some extensive touring last year and the ZRX was a killer on her legs.

As a side note my thoughts on the HD is this- Great bike for the highway or wide sweepers. Great for two up. Boring as shiit by myself. I ride at a much more relaxed pace with her on the back so it worked for that circomstance. The bad was the aluminum on the wheels, rocker covers and tripple clamps corroded to such a point that it took steel wool to clean it. I recieved a set of HD heated grips as a gift which broke, then was replaced "under warrenty" with me paying an extra 150 for labor, just to get a set that were manufactured wrong and wait another 2 weeks for a set. That along with 700+ lbs in some cases just plain sucked (ie- gravel driveways with a steep slope)

Basically I am done with the "Harley Expierience" . It served it's purpose well but the wife and I are planning to start a family later this year so we talked and she said "Hey I'll barely be riding with you except for short jaunts on occasion so get what suits you "


Soooo  there is a strong chance that I will be getting an XB of some sort. I origonally was thinking ulysses but would love to convert an Xb12R into a psudo sport tourer. I like to tinker so it would be a cool project and when I do ride two up (even if it is short distances) the extra foward lean on that model could be an asset. I am also considering a Super TT model with the passenger kit.

Some might say "If the HD was such an issue why get a Buell? "
Well, the issues I did have with the HD would not be with a Buell. I actually do like the motor (I got into a lot of deep shit on the ZRX and having a high powered rocket is not in my interests) but miss the handling of the sportier ride.

I have allways wanted the Buell but for some god forsaken reason I got the HD. It ain't a bad bike, it is just a bad bike for me. It did suit it's purpose well for the year I owned it but definately time to get back to my roots.

[Brad1445]

Paging Mr Rouge...


fyi I can 400 mile days over and over one the Firebolt, comfy for big guys too I think.

[boxjoint]

I know I could too but the wife would be miserable on it. Although we talked about it and now that we plan on doing the kids thing this year the passenger ability is much less of an issue.

When Rouge comes in he'll tell ya. I have been a Buell defender since I joined this site back in 2002. I just never got one.

Like I said, the HD expierience has not all been negative, last year did Nova Scotia, NY several times, Michigan, Virginia. BUT- if the wife ain't on the back I want my naked sport bike back.  

[DogBoy]

Over at Buelletinboard.com there are some pics of a TT that has a Firebolt upper fairing and Ulysses subframe so it can carry the OEM cases. It came out really nice. (I can't find a link right now.) A similar project might be fun for someone who likes to mod as much as you.

[boxjoint]

What I had in mind was to thermoform my own seat pan out of 1/4" ABS and heat/bend a mini sub frame within the new seat pan to carry the passenger along with a rear rack. When she rides with me just change the stock seat to my setup. When solo or just ripping about throw the stocker back on. Changing out the whole rear sub frame would costs as much as just getting the Ulysses  when all is said and done.

[Rogue]

Did someone page me?  

What's up Boxjoint?  It's been a while.  Yeah I remember your ZRX and the custom work you did to it.  That was a sweet ride.

Regarding the XB12R Firebolt converted to sport-touring duty, it is a novel idea.  In fact, I did exactly that on my Firebolt.  But before you jump in with both feet, I think you need to be aware of what you will be getting yourself into.  Let me explain.  Kootenay, Brad, & Bueller please jump in anytime with your thoughts.

The Firebolt is a dedicated sportbike.  So the underlying foundation of this bike, its chassis, suspension, size, and ergonomics, are pretty focused to that end.  So even after you've made your modifications to make it more sport-tour friendly, you will still be working within the constraints of that sportbike focused bike.  For example, the Firebolt is small and compact.  It has a range of 120-140 miles.  You okay with that?  On some rides, I feel this is a PITA to deal with because at 120 miles, I start looking for a gas station.  The Firebolt is not ideal for carrying a passenger.  It is too compact for that, unless your passenger is a petite Asian girl and likes to cling to you.  For this same reason, big gigantic luggage will not work well with the bike either.  It has a fairly small "tank" and a small rear seat.  I personally have to be careful choosing luggage for it because of this.  Then there's the riding position--which is sporty.  Even after I installed the Lightning footpegs and Heli bars on mine, it is still sporty but much closer to that of a VFR riding position.  Can you handle that?  Finally, there's the suspension.  The Firebolt's suspension is sportbike firm.  It's not uncomfortable if you are used to sportbikes.  But it is as far from your H-D as the Earth is from Mars.  

The bottom line is, even after converting the Firebolt to a more sport-touring friendly ride, it is still a sportbike.  Thus, it will continue to have sportbike limitations.  The good news is, once you start hitting the twisties, it is a pleasure to behold.  Plus, it's a pretty good highway cruiser too.  It's highway comfort zone seems to be around 80-100 at those speeds, the engine is smooth and loafing along, the fairing is doing its job, the wind is easing up on the wrist pressure, etc.  Typical sportbike.

Here is mine set up for sport-touring:

 

Here's a list of mods I did to make it more sport-touring friendly.  Lower Lightning pegs.


Heli bar replacement triple clamps.


Ram Mount for Radar Detector/GPS and Zero Gravity ST Screen.



Completely stock Firebolt.


Completed updated Firebolt.  This one has the Buell tailbag.  Good only for a day trip and NOT for touring.

[Trapper]

I had ridden HDs for quite a few years as well as numerous other bikes previously. When the Uly came out and after a test ride I got rid of my ultra classic and bought the Uly which I promptly set up for long distance touring (heated grips, GPS, bags, trunk, tank bag, radar detector, CB, etc.). I even have an auxillary fuel tank I have set up with quick disconnects that I use on "Iron Butt" type rides. I love it and although my wife rarely rides with me however when she does she claims she is just as comfortable on it as she was on the back of the Ultra. What sometimes worries me is she's gets so comfortable that sometimes she has a tendancy to fall asleep on some longer highway type rides.

[Kootenanny]

I love my Firebolt and have no fear of riding longer distances on it (well, longer distances for me--I ain't no Iron-Butter...)  Like Rogue, I installed the Helibars triple and Lightning pegs, and keep in mind I'm a short bugger, so I really like the compact size of the 'Bolt.

I tour with soft bags and the tailbag (which is very handy, it lives on my bike all the time!).  I have a Buell tankbag as well, but I don't like it so much, so only use it when I need to.

It AIN'T a Harley.  Yeah, it's got that engine, but beyond that, it's a pretty sharp sportbike; I've surprised a few Gixxer-type riders on it in the twisties.  The handling is incredible--you can carry a ton of momentum through the corners, and get on the gas early for great drive out of 'em.  It is not a slow bike.

And as far as passengers are concerned...well, my wife has ridden pillion on it twice so far, and each time she's said, "Never again!"  And those were short rides.

[boxjoint]

It is for the few reasons you guys mention that I would consider the STT.

As far as comfort on the Harley it is basically this- plenty comfy standing still. Much more comfy that anything else. Hit a few bumps with that super upright position and your back screams for mercy. A slightly foward sporting position is better IMO because your waist takes the hit, not your back.

I would still strongly consider the Ulyssys as an option. We are sorting out finances over the next week or two so the move won't be made immediately.

I was thinking the firebolt for a few reasons- 1) the foward lean adds weight to the front end so with gear and passenger it will have a slight less tendency to wheelie

2) the firebolt uses a rear sub frame. Lotsomod options there

3) the newer frame desighns are 3.82 galllons vs. 4.4 of the ulyssys or lightning long. Will that extra 1/2 gallon kill me? Most likely not because I usually pull over to stretch every 2 hours anyway.

4) the firebolt is the cheapest of the XB series (not including the city cross) and has the best wind protection.

5) last but not least- that white with translucid blue wheels is just drop dead gorgous!

BTW- I had Buell Lightning pegs on my ZRX as one of my mods before I sold it.

[Rogue]

I think the STT is a much better option for sport-touring.  It has everything you are looking for.  The Lightning riding position is not quite so upright.  It does have a forward lean to it, just not as much as a Firebolt.

Having said that, I still prefer my Firebolt exactly the way I have it set up.  That's because I ride the bike 90% sport-riding so it suits my needs to a T.  I actually miss the almost limitless ground clearance of the original Firebolt footpegs.  But I do appreciate the extra legroom of the Lightning pegs.  The bike is perfect for my taste.  The only thing I don't like is that I think it makes me look like a gorilla on a monkey bike due to its small size.  Although I don't feel like that when I ride it!  

[Bueller]

Sport-Touring is my 2-wheel interest.  I think that the Firebolt is a very good sport-touring bike.

I have made some of the mods mentioned above, like Helibars and ST screen.  

I also have a Throttlemeister bar end cruise control, Hyperpro progressive fork springs and the Buell Pegasus seat. The seat has thicker higher density foam and get about 50 km further before becoming uncomfortable. I find that the bike tracks better on the highway and dives less under brakes with the progressive springs

You can also get two thicknesses of Buell pillion seat (can't use the tail cap or tail bag with them).  The thicker pillion seat has a good rise at the end that gives more support.  For the pillion you can also run the drop riders pegs at the rear.  Just bend the detent plates so the pegs stay put without the spring and ball.  That 1.25" drop gives a taller pillion a more relaxed riding position and stops pins and needles caused by constriction at the knees.

Here's my 'bolt.  I find it a good touring bike.

[Rogue]

Nice.  I like those Carbon Fibre pieces you have on your Firebolt.

[Bueller]

Thanks Rogue

They were part of the deal with the bike.  Like a value pack where I paid a bit more and got 4 times in value.  These are the OEM and the fit and quality are good except perhaps for the oil filter cover.  Biggest problem overall is that the original passenger heel plates were never meant to come off.

Your tank pack looks a good size.  I always thought that the Buell packs looked too big in the promo but yours looks good.

[Rogue]

Your tank pack looks a good size.  I always thought that the Buell packs looked too big in the promo but yours looks good.

The tank bag is Tourmasters Super Mini tank bag.

I do NOT recommend it.  It uses a strap for the front that goes under and around the steering head.  It is part of a "3-point" mounting system.  My problem with this is that it really is only a TWO POINT system, with the front using the wrap-around as I described above.  What happens is this system allows the bag to slide sideways during riding.  If there is a crosswind, it gets worse.  Also, the bag is very small.  It is good for a wallet, a pair of gloves, and a cell phone.  That's it!  The Buell tank bag mounting system is ideal.  It is a true 3-Point mounting system as it uses the two forward fasteners on the faux tank.  This prevents the bag from moving sideways.  Plus, it has real world usable space.  It's not as pretty as the TM Super Mini though.

[boxjoint]

Just went to give a second look and it would definately be the STT. They have a leftover 2007 and they said being a leftover they could toy the numbers enough to work out well for me and them. (Fact is a decked out superglide will sell quicker than the Buell)  

Don't get me wrong, I will loose some money in it but not as bad if I was to trade on another Harley or a super popular model like the Ulyssys or 1125.

BTW-this was my first time seeing the 1125 in person and people ain't kidding- it looks really really good in person. Definately more of a sporting riding position.

I will post if I do the deed.

[Rogue]

I thought you were looking for the Ullysses XT.  You know, this one:




I now realize you are looking at this one.  You know the STT has no provisions to carry a passenger right?

[Bueller]

Dealers here were converting STTs to look like this.  Maybe more than half of the '07s sold went out like this.  The buyers got the ice cream lids and the original mudguard and I think a different seat so they could swap between XB12X ish and XB12Ss ish.  This pic was taken by Aussie XB12Ss.

[Bueller]

The tank bag is Tourmasters Super Mini tank bag.

Its a shame that it doesn't work well.  It does look good.  I just need a glove box sometimes.  The aftermarket ones I've tried all do the same thing as you say, and the Buell bags just look too big for me.

One friend built a strap that went along the frame and under the seat to hold his and that seemed to work OK.

[boxjoint]

Dealers here were converting STTs to look like this.  Maybe more than half of the '07s sold went out like this.  The buyers got the ice cream lids and the original mudguard and I think a different seat so they could swap between XB12X ish and XB12Ss ish.  This pic was taken by Aussie XB12Ss.

Exactly. Corbin makes a really nice seat (Same model I had on the ZRX but for lightnings) and I am sure I can e-bay footpeg brackets. I can break out my torch and bend up some steel tubing to bolt between the footpeg bracket and frame and run to the back for a rack. That would also drop the rear peg around an inch or so.

I love the Ulyssys but converting a leftover TT would be at least 1200 cheaper. The TT also has a slightly lower seat height  and slightly stiffer suspension because I would be on tarmac 99.9% of the time anyway.

[BlueRidgeKat]

What's up Boxjoint?  It's been a while.  Yeah I remember your ZRX and the custom work you did to it.  That was a sweet ride.

Everytime I see a ZRX, no matter what color it is I think of boxjoint.

Good to see you man. Reminds me of years back when STN was booming.