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Posted:  28 Dec 2009 05:00 [?]  
Has anyone done any real distance driving with there XB?  If so what modifications do you recommend such as extended windscreen and saddlebags.  Is it worth it on the XB.  I have a XB12SS and have only done maybe 2 hours at a time but wonder if it is comfortable enough for a week long trip?
Posted:  28 Dec 2009 05:08 [?]  
Don't know any mods, but I am planning on getting the saddle, trunk and tank bags for my trip. Where are you located and where are you going and when? I might be interested in joining.
Posted:  28 Dec 2009 18:01 [?]  
Gel padded bike shorts. Spec Ops under seat heat shield.
I've done up to 500 miles in a single day.
Posted:  28 Dec 2009 18:25 [?]  
I've had several rides over 1000 km in one day and find my XB12S to be one of the most comfortable bikes I've ever ridden. I always wake the next day wanting more of the same.
Cheers
Posted:  29 Dec 2009 00:13 [?]  
I do 160 miles at a time, I'd go longer if I didn't have to stop for gasahol... The Ss is a nice bike to ride for a distance, the only thing it could really use is a cruise control.
Posted:  29 Dec 2009 00:40 [?]  
I live for motorcycle road-tripping, and the XB is pretty comfortable as is. I don't think the tall windscreen is a necessity unless you're going to be driving someplace windy or cold.

For space, I would invest in the rear seat bag thingy and a tank-bag for sure (Make sure you don't get a magnetic one though ) Haven't heard much yay or nay about saddlebags.  I usually roll with a backpack which rests comfortably on the seat tail-bag thingy as long as I'm sitting upright, instead.

I'm sure saddlebags would be fine too though.  It really depends how much stuff you want to bring and how light you pack.
Posted:  29 Dec 2009 01:24 [?]  
the axle sliders & roll cage make for some great stretching out on long rides,,,

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LynIWXzyFOQ/Szk9vj_3hCI/AAAAAAAABI8/Bdj31fkjDy0/s640/Ruben_Dominguez_XB9R.jpg
Posted:  29 Dec 2009 05:50 [?]  
Xb Long Trips.
Tank bag rain gear and one change of clothes put the rest in a box and UPS it.
ridden twice michigan to North carolina last summer.
Diy home depot heat shield factory touring seat for bolt tail or tall city x seat for lightening.
Hey 07 Bolt those polished wheels? or dipped and who makes the crash bars?
Posted:  29 Dec 2009 06:46 [?]  
Do you guys know can the Spec Ops under seat heat shield be ordered online or is only by phone? I don't see how to order on the website.
Posted:  29 Dec 2009 07:03 [?]  
RT Perf; thats a users bike. the crash cage says "crash cage" on the side. along with "cage it" & "_____ powers" or something.

they look polished. inside the hub looks plain.
Posted:  29 Dec 2009 09:03 [?]  
I live in Calgary and have a friend wanting to go to Oregon in the spring.  We think 1-1/2weeks will be enough for a round trip.  I appreciate everyone's advice. I have been looking at the Buell tank bag and tail bag but not overly impressed with the saddle bags. The Lightning Long Touring Seat is a must.
I thought i saw a post with a picture of a set of bags with a support bar mounted on the back of a lightning but can't seem to find it again. Anyone have any ideas or other brands they have used.  I thought I might modify a set that I would find on ebay?!?
Posted:  29 Dec 2009 09:18 [?]  
Quote:
Do you guys know can the Spec Ops under seat heat shield be ordered online or is only by phone? I don't see how to order on the website.


Use the contact page. he has email and phone listed there.  I have the heat barriers and they are awesome. but I fold the seat one back on the cold days to reactivate the heated seat option built into my bike.
Posted:  29 Dec 2009 18:48 [?]  
I ride my bike on one 2500+ mile trip each year now.  2008 I rode from St. Louis, MO to Jacksonville, FL in 1 day!  It was 15.5hrs on it and 990 miles for me.  That was stopping every 150-160 miles for gas or food. 

In 2009 I rode from Columbia, MO to Berthoud, CO in 1 day again and it took about 12hrs and was right at 800miles.  This trip I had the crossroads bars instead of the stock bar and it didn't stress my neck and back nearly as much but my ass wasn't in shape for it lol.

I plan on either going to San Diego or Canada this year on it. When I travel all I have is a Camelbak camping backpack and I can fit all my things into it and also has the watering system of the camelbak.  The bag is comfortable to wear even if heavy and doesn't whip around in the wind like some.  I plan on getting a set of saddlebags tho for the upcoming trips.
Posted:  30 Dec 2009 04:34 [?]  
Delta
You can order by email. He will send you the paypal info and send an email when it ships.
Posted:  30 Dec 2009 04:39 [?]  
does anyone have the link to the special ops website?
Posted:  30 Dec 2009 04:55 [?]  
Dont get your hopes up, if I remember right he got a new job that fills his time to much so he cant make any of his Special O.P.S. Products. But email him just incase.

Here is the link.
http://www.specialops-online.com/

Original seat barrier-
S's and R's-$25 each

Uly's/Ss's/TT's-$30each         
Uly side pieces- $10 each

Airbox Barrier- $25 each

New seat barriers- S/R/Ss/TT- $45 each

Uly maximum seat barrier (2-piece) $65 each


http://www.specialops-online.com/mediac/400_0/media/DSC00909b.jpg
http://www.specialops-online.com/mediac/400_0/media/catmat~029.jpg
Posted:  30 Dec 2009 05:56 [?]  
my extended windscreen doesn't do jack or s#!t.
Posted:  30 Dec 2009 06:38 [?]  
Quote:
Gel padded bike shorts


I am going to try this on my trip to FL in July.
Posted:  30 Dec 2009 07:06 [?]  
As far as I know he is still making the stuff it just takes a bit longer. I just got my airbox and new seat barriers in late Aug I think?

In any case he is friendly and easy to do business with (I can honestly say this about every smaller Buell dedicated operation I have dealt with up to this point). I am sure that he will try his best to hook you up with what you need.

thanks fish; but I already got mine ,
but if he had any more products I would probably order them too.
Posted:  30 Dec 2009 08:12 [?]  
Gel padded bike shorts and heat barriers are things that I never would of thought about.  Good info! Will
special Ops ship to Canada?
Posted:  30 Dec 2009 13:27 [?]  
I don't see why not, hell I ship to Canada and I am just one guy selling bits and pieces, not even trying to pull a profit.
Posted:  30 Dec 2009 17:44 [?]  
The longest run I've done on my bike is just over 700 Miles in one day.  The only mods I have on my bike for comfort are a taller windscreen (negligible value, maybe a few less bugs on my jacket) and the lower seat (stock on the 08+ Uly).  My biggest recommendation would be to make sure you have comfortable riding gear. You are wearing full gear, RIGHT?  Also, I have found that some kind of powder is invaluable on the backside.  I use the "anti-monkey butt" stuff, but I imagine gold bond or even baby powder would go a long way to prevent chafing.
Posted:  31 Dec 2009 03:36 [?]  
Anybody who is is considering a long trip should check out the Iron Butt Rally's web site. They have an excellent checklist on everything you'll ever need to make a long trip. I also read recently ( on here maybe?) that Tylenol in the morning before you start out works wonders. Keeps the muscle cramps at bay before they start. Oh ya, a throttle lock is mandatory. Good luck, Wayne
Posted:  31 Dec 2009 18:03 [?]  
Wow, lots to consider.  I looked into a seat and have seen some on ebay.  As for the throttle lock? Is this something I can get at any bike shop?
Posted:  04 Jan 2010 01:23   Last Edited By: Regular Guy[?]  
I don't know that a throttle lock is an absolute necessity.  While nice for preventing wrist fatigue,  they can be dangerous if you're not familiar with them, especially on long trips when you become complacent after riding for hours.

If you want a throttle lock, make sure you get one with an easy release (or automatic release if you can find it) and practice with it first before you take it on any long trips. 

I don't use one myself so I couldn't recommend you any particularly good ones. Any bike shop you ask should either have some, have the ability to order one, or at the very least suggest some good brands etc. to look for online.

Edit: Just did a quick search and it sounds like http://www.throttlemeister.com/ have gotten some very favorable reviews and feedback from all types of riders.

Good Luck!
Posted:  04 Jan 2010 02:07 [?]  
Thanks Regular Guy, I really appreciate all your help.
The Throttlemeiser actually looks really good on the bike.  Not sure about the price but I have been on my bike for a couple hlf day trips and wondered about a cruize control.  It may be worth it.
Posted:  04 Jan 2010 04:21 [?]  
I did a 7 day trip on a Triumph Thruxton with my buddy on his VFR800.  Was I comfy?  Not really but we stayed off the HWY's and stuck to the twisty stuff.  Good work out!  Going to do about 300 miles on my XB12R on Tuesday again on all twistys.
Posted:  04 Jan 2010 06:31 [?]  
jd if you are looking for the rear bag setup on a metal tubular frame, I think you may have seen the Ventura luggage - they have a web site, and it is available also from Al at American Sportsbike.
Posted:  04 Jan 2010 23:39 [?]  
I tried bike shorts on my ZX10...and it absolutely killed my @ss. I was walking funny for days. Granted, it's not the XB, but I'll never go down that route again. The gel pads were in the wrong spots to help. YMMV.
Posted:  05 Jan 2010 05:55 [?]  
done some 600 to 700 mile day trips and would suggest this: comfortable jacket and wore in gloves, The tailbag and saddlebags are nice but too much starts to take away from the ride with so much weight high and rear. A throttle lock is handy with the straiter runs, but as regular guy said practice is suggested.

Finally some good stretching before are during breaks does wonders. Stretch a bit after too if going the next day.

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