08 XB12R - $6500 or TRADE

[BikerGirl27]

Location: Northern Virginia

I love my Firebolt but really think I want the more upright Lightning for riding in traffic.
I am selling my Buell to buy a Lightning XB12S, so I am willing to trade instead of sell.
No other Buell's will be considered (Sorry, but I really like the Lighting XB12S)

2008 Buell Firebolt XB12R - 25th Anniversary Edition
- Only 2,600 miles
- D&D Muffler (it definitely sounds like a bad ass Harley!)
- Eric Buell Racing ECM tuned specifically for the D&D muffler
- Engine and Transmission oil was just changed at 2,000 miles
- Title in hand
- 2 Keys

This bike had a very slow spill on gravel and has minor cosmetic damage.
The damage is on the right puck, (small scuffs) right rear swingarm (scratch) and small dents (only about 2 inch wide) on the rear header. I wanted to wrap the headers anyways because I like the way it looks and it cuts down on heat, so I didn't buy a new one since the damage was only cosmetic. I will be wrapping the other header by next week.

SALE INFO:
- $6500 Cash ONLY
- Test rides with cash in hand ONLY

TRADE INFO:
- Your trade should be similar in condition, mileage, age and upgrades
- You must have title in hand
- Please post your Lighting pictures and information below

Thanks for looking! :D

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/14842_20121006225539_L.jpg

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/14842_20121006225605_L.jpg

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/14842_20121006230558_L.jpg

[stellio78]

What about just fitting this kit or similar http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-prodshow/9077.html

[BikerGirl27]

@ stellio78 -
That's probably what I will end up doing if I don't see any Lightnings that I want.
I would really love to just get the Lightning flat out. The conversion kit is okay, but
I really like the styling of the front end of the Lightning (lights, mirrors etc.)

I think it would end up being way easier just to trade instead of buying and shipping
parts, spending time on labor and then hoping it looks good. lol

That isn't a bad price though! [up]

[CrazyTexan]

Man your bike is so clean and new...Have you looked into just changing the front out for a lightning? I've been buying up all the necessary parts to do so, and I even got an offer for someone to just trade me everything. Might not be a bad option like i said since your bike is so new and pretty. Plus Bolts looks Awesome with the lightnign front.



http://i884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/daponik/2009%20Buell%20XB12%20Lightning/Image00003.jpg

Link to original Pics. (http://www.buellxb.com/Buells-for-Sale/Buell-Lightnings-for-Sale/FS--2009-XB12-Lightning-Bolt)

[buellbradski]

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/9498_20120905151524_L.jpg
Try trading tails w/lightning and a handle bar conversion its easy bolt up stuff. Plus your gonna have a hard time finding a lightning as new and clean as your. I had. Luck finding someone willing to trade on craigslist , worth a shot anyway good luck.

[BikerGirl27]

@ CrazyTexan - Wow...that Lightning is sweet. It does look really nice with the Firebolt tail. Who woulda thought!

@ Buellbradski - That set up doesn't make the rider more upright does it? I thought the Lightning bars were higher than the bolt?

Thanks for the bike compliments! I really like my black and red Buell, it matches my red rose riding gear...and you guys know how girls like to match :) Especially Graphic Designers! lol

[freak2180]

That set up doesn't make the rider more upright does it? I thought the Lightning bars were higher than the bolt?

Depending on the bars you use. Stock are much higher, Lots of aftermarket that will be mid ways and then there is the crossroads and Cr clubmans that put you back at the firebolt position , but with better ethos on the wrist.

The scg (low) lightning seat will give you the allusion of a more upright position but that is because your butt is moved closer to the ground causing you to sit up a bit.

[buellbradski]

Its not a huge differance but you sit lower , less leaned forward and less weight on your hands. Even with a shorter seat my gf prefers the s tail because on the r she had to hold herself up with her hands on the tank. To get the full lightning effect you would want to go with a different bar setup.

[CrazyTexan]

Firebolts and lightnings, change the tails or the fronts from opposite models, and they look better than original in a lot of cases. And its not too bad to do. My Firebolt right now is an original lightning. Trading your front is my vote. Good luck. And its pretty forward work, just tucking in more wires in tighter spaces. [up]

[BikerGirl27]

Does anyone know where I can find more info on converting my Firebolt front end into a Lighting front end?
Step by step would be great. I want to see about how much it will set me back on cash.

Any links would be welcome.
Thanks!

[03Firebolt9R]

XB to CR (http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Do-It-Yourself-Buell-Mods/XB-to-CR-Headlight-Conversion)

You could also do the 1125CR headlight conversion. I know in the linked thread he is going from a Lightning to CR, but it could also be done on a Firebolt. Just giving you another option. Good luck.

[03Firebolt9R]

Another option (http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Buell-Firebolt-XB12-XB9/Firebolt-Handlebar-Conversion)

Here is another option for a more upright riding position on a Firebolt.

[CrazyTexan]

null (http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Do-It-Yourself-Buell-Mods/How-to-Put-a-lightning-front-end-on-a-Firebolt.)

There's a write up, but not many pics. I'll search some more tonight as id like to see more pictures as well.

As far as costs...I'm at 275$ for everything except handle bars.

But you can more than likely trade fair across with another member if you post up a link. And then it would be a simple "un bolt this bike" and place it just like so on the other one...

[buellbradski]

Now unless you trade triple trees and handlebars it wont effect the ride. If you just want to change the apperance the lightning front will require fitting alot of wires into a tight area . The ecm is in your fering , some have swaped wiring harnesses aswell witch would simplify the process.

[xtreme]

I would recommend doing a lightning tail swap and American Sport Bike has a set of Firebolt handle bars that raise them up an inch! I am going to eventually get these. I often thought about swapping to a Lightning front end, but I'm so anal retentive that I would want to swap the entire wire harness and just can't justify it.
Here is mine!
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/9209_20120921153444_L.jpg

[BikerGirl27]

Thanks for the help guys! I think I want to just do a lighting conversion...still not sure on what part though.

Here are some pics I found online of bolts with lightning tails/fronts:
(Sorry they are pixelated, they are low resolution pics from the web)

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/14842_20121011024449_L.jpg

[xtreme]

The easiest and cheapest switch would be to swap the tail to the Lightning. You said you want a more of an upright riding position, then the first thing that must go is the tail. Use these handle bars with your current Firebolt front end. http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-prodshow/A16503.html. I have seen people shove all fuse's and what not behinf the Lightning windescreen, but to do the front end swap correctly you need a new wire harness, which is about $300.00. I vote tail swap[up][up]

[BikerGirl27]

Also, I came across this post if anyone was looking for instructions on how to switch out the bolt front for a lighting...
http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Do-It-Yourself-Buell-Mods/How-to-Put-a-lightning-front-end-on-a-Firebolt.

[BikerGirl27]

@ xtreme- Your bike is sexy! My hubby votes for the tail swap too

[CrazyTexan]

I vote Firebolt tail, lightning front. Less common, [up]
-but seems more involved, but still very possible.

[BikerGirl27]

Anyone know if there are different tails on the lightings? Some look slightly more tilted than others or is that my imagination?

[xtreme]

Awesome. Thanks for the compliment. Keep an eye on eBay for a set of rails and then just have them powder coated. I bought everything else new from Harley and had a used seat reworked. Some people say you have to use the lightning lock cable but you don't just loop it over as pictured below. Oh yeah always check surduke hd and lshd1 before buying from your local Harley a bit cheaper!http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/9209_20110902032528_L.jpg

[freak2180]

The lightning swap for the front is not hard and as long as you relocate the horn it posable to fit all the relays/fuses inside that small windscreen. I've done it myself and had no issues. In the end it all comes found to how anal you are.

[raz65man]

I might be interested in a trade if you are still entertaining that idea. Mine is a 09Ss though and you specifically mentioned you would like a S model. Lots of pics in my profile. Coming up to ride Skyline drive this weekend if you are interested is seeing it in person.
DMV Ride this weekend 10/14 (http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Group-Buell-Motorcycle-Meetings/DMV-Buellers-meet-up-and-rides/32/)
Raz

[CrazyTexan]

? Some look slightly more tilted than others or is that my imagination?

Some people do a Tail lift. Makes it stick up alot higher. But there is a "Low" seat which has a lower rider section and taller rear section. The low seats look really nice IMO.

tai lift
http://www.aluminum.nu/web/img/XB040107_650.jpg

Lightning low seat
http://technomotortrend.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/2006-buell-lightningxb12scgb-small.jpg

[BikerGirl27]

@ raz65man - Sorry raz, I think I'm going to keep her and convert to a partial Lightning. I really love my Buells color scheme. Thanks for the offer though :)

@ CrazyTexan - The tail lift looks really good!

[BikerGirl27]

I did some photoshop work to a Buell photo, similar to my Buell so I could see what it would look like...Here it is!
What do you guys think? Your vote?

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/14842_20121011074028_L.jpg

[xtreme]

Well the biggest thing you initially stated is that you want more of an upright riding position and the only real way to do that is go with the lightning tail!!!!

[BikerGirl27]

But I could go with a Lightning front with higher bars as well right? Would it do basically the same thing?
(I'm going for less stress on my wrists)

[xtreme]

Yes it would release some stress on the wrist but the firebolt tail sits higher and angles you toward the airbox more than the lightning which sits flatter and lower if you use an scg seat. Which equals less weist pressure. Check out the link I posted earlier on here for the firebolt bars. I noticed significant less stress on my wrist when I did my tail swap and will be getting those firebolt bars this winter.

[Kuntreeboy]

Yeah Lightning tail is great but unless you can shell out the cash to do it correct and with Newer parts you will run into the issues I did with my swap! My bike hasnt been on the road in over a year and now that it's back together I gotta replace the fuel pump (Un-related issue) however the tail swap was the best thing I ever did for the looks and ride of my bolt!!! I have the Heli-Bar (No longer made and high dollar if you find it) Upper tripple tree on mine and it sits you up higher and farther back, which doesnt work good for taller riders like myself!
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/9895_20120219055404_L.jpg

[freak2180]

(I'm going for less stress on my wrists)

Do the front swap. Your reason was the exact same as mine was and the reason for my change. I went from a full Firebolt and swapped to a Lightning body (still retained the R harness) with stock Lightning bars. I soon figured out that the stock bars While sitting me up more and taking the pressue off my wrist now put my wrist in a position that agrivated my Tunnel Carpal. I swapped the stock Bars to a semi agressive Renthal Ultra Low bar and it was like a whole new bike. There was no Presure on my wrist and the Down angle/pull back on the bars releaved the numb feeling in my right hand. As of Now Im using CR Clubman bars. Some will argue that im back to where I started, But thats not the case. Even Though Im back to my aggressive seating position the CR Clubman bars are a diffrent pull back and down angle than the stock Firebolt.......Thus making me and my wrist very happy.

Few pics of my bike and its transormation over the last couple of years.......

Day I bought it.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/freak2180/buellxb12r2.jpg

Color change
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/freak2180/100_1402.jpg

Body swap progress...
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/freak2180/3012a95c.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/freak2180/0a251cb3.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/freak2180/1bee4e4b.jpg

After swap with stock bars
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/freak2180/00117f88.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/freak2180/f08a3616.jpg

Rental Ultra Low bars.....notice they are slightly lower and not pulled bac as far on the ends
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/freak2180/fcd263e7.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/freak2180/70d086d9.jpg

CR Clubman bars...
Palces you just a bit further fowards than the Firebolt but the egros on the wrist are way better.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/freak2180/344d8f97.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/freak2180/f697c6ac.jpg
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o196/freak2180/e6efd252.jpg

I know its alot of pics.....im just trying to show as best I can the diffrent changes I went through. As my bike sits now Im Happy.

[BikerGirl27]

Thanks for all the help guys!

I now have a better idea on what options I have. I will prob swap the bars first and see what that does for me. I won't be doing the major swap until I move to my new place, so I have some time to think it over. I'll prob be back once I get to that point! :)

[CrazyTexan]

Cool photoshops, I cant even use MS paint.

I still vote Front swap. But which ever you prefer is the determining factor. I think the lightning front offers alot more styles of posture/grip when it comes to bars as freak was saying above.

good luck.

[Route0766]

Here are my last 2 XBs with the Sub-frame spacers. Those looks awesome!!

:)

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/11735_20120901124740_L.jpg

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/11735_20120803134959_L.jpg

[Route0766]

I recommend you just the front swap and the rear low suspension. It will give you more handle.
Thanks,
:)

[thrstrmech]

posted this and got a couple of bites...then nothing but crickets...front end swap (http://www.buellxb.com/Buells-for-Sale/Buell-Parts-for-Sale/WTT-9S-to-9R-front-end) so now I'm getting the parts to do the swap