Reply With QuoteWhy the Ss? Are you a bigger guy or just like a more open cockpit?
Speaking of cockpits... hey 34:19, got something in the garage for this guy?
I've decided I don't have enough stress in my life and therefore am going to try and race in the Super Hooligan class of MotoAmerica. I'd like to do so on a Buell, with a hope of making the COTA round in September. To do so, I have to commit to an entry by the end of August, which means I don't have much time to source, prep, and test a bike. Before I find a street machine to molest, any race bikes looking for a 2nd chance at life hiding out on the east coast? (I'm in Maine.) The one stipulation, that will likely make my life difficult finding such a machine, SH rules require that it shipped with regular bars so XBRs (Firebolts) are out. By the numbers, an XB12Ss seems like the ideal target but right now I'm not super picky.
Why the Ss? Are you a bigger guy or just like a more open cockpit?
Speaking of cockpits... hey 34:19, got something in the garage for this guy?
Most suspension guys look at the XB's factory VERY steep rake and lack of trail and immediately start wanting to re-engineer the bike to 'safer' numbers. The Ss has numbers that more resemble other bikes I've raced and felt good on. (They resemble an R6, and other than more trail are close to a TZ250, good place to be.) I'm comfortable turning wrenches and getting my hands dirty on the mechanical and electrical side of things, but I've not had much luck on the suspension side of the house so I lean on the pros. Added fun, my local guy who I trust has retired, so I'll be having to ship stuff and do a lot of this remote so my hope is by starting with something closer to everything else we spend less time learning and more time going fast.
For the record, I'm 5'10, 150lbs so not big at all, and I actually don't mind being folded up on a bike. I started on pitbikes, including a CRF70 I put way WAY too much time and money into... at the end I was doing regular track days at Loudon with it to give you an idea... I'm at home in a full tuck with my knees in my chest, elbows out to the side to make room for them as my chin is on the tank, so I don't need the extra ergo room. Still, going from a 52in wheelbase to 54in still makes the bike the same as my old FZR400RR SP, it's not like the Ss is massive on paper.I've not sat on any XB in real life though, my paper stats only count, on paper.
This is a race bike project located in Michigan.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/175787152063
This guy is in Maine and I think is motivated to sell.
https://www.buellxb.com/forum/showth...CG-Maine-4-000
I've looked at that machine before... With my current read of the rules it's not class legal, it was initially stamped as an XBR (shipped with clipon'esqe style bars) and now doesn't have a valid VIN so fails on a couple points unfortunately.Originally Posted by Tollywood
I've seen the XSCG in Maine posted in a few spots and it's on my radar.
I would love to see what you get and what you do to it. I would also love to follow your racing adventures. Please keep us posted.
All good points! They didn't make nearly as many, but I have a soft spot for them too.Most suspension guys look at the XB's factory VERY steep rake and lack of trail and immediately start wanting to re-engineer the bike to 'safer' numbers. The Ss has numbers that more resemble other bikes I've raced and felt good on. (They resemble an R6, and other than more trail are close to a TZ250, good place to be.) I'm comfortable turning wrenches and getting my hands dirty on the mechanical and electrical side of things, but I've not had much luck on the suspension side of the house so I lean on the pros. Added fun, my local guy who I trust has retired, so I'll be having to ship stuff and do a lot of this remote so my hope is by starting with something closer to everything else we spend less time learning and more time going fast.
For the record, I'm 5'10, 150lbs so not big at all, and I actually don't mind being folded up on a bike. I started on pitbikes, including a CRF70 I put way WAY too much time and money into... at the end I was doing regular track days at Loudon with it to give you an idea... I'm at home in a full tuck with my knees in my chest, elbows out to the side to make room for them as my chin is on the tank, so I don't need the extra ergo room. Still, going from a 52in wheelbase to 54in still makes the bike the same as my old FZR400RR SP, it's not like the Ss is massive on paper.
You really need to do this first. I think the IRL XB fit is much different than on paper. XB's fit weirdly different than any other bike out there. I'm 5'10 also and have owned both Ss and short models (current bike is a Scg). I prefer the long models too, but I'd think you'd fit either well.
If someone lied to you and told you an Ss was actually S, you probably wouldnt notice. But, there is a difference, especially if you try them back to back, its not a huge difference, but it is there.
Same here. I'll be critical and snarky commenting about it, but will enjoy every post you make.
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