getting a firebolt

[stretch4201]

I seen a firebolt locally pretty cheap test rode it the only draw back is I felt like I was riding on my wrists if I put a lightning triple and bars on it does it help any or is something I'm going to have to get used to

[iman501]

Bars would help!, lots of people have done that!

[twoguns]

hey stretch... if you feel that the firebolt puts pressure on the wrist then i would hate to see how felt after riding a cbr1000 or r1.

you were simply a little lazy when riding the buell and honestly with the way the torque is delivered it is understandable as they are a smooth punchy ride. you probably didnt realise that you were being lazy.

harden up your core strength and use your ab and back muscles and have correct riding position and you will have no weight on your wrists and more riding fun.

[GOduc]

I seen a firebolt locally pretty cheap test rode it the only draw back is I felt like I was riding on my wrists if I put a lightning triple and bars on it does it help any or is something I'm going to have to get used to

you will get used to it, i had this same problem at first. adjust your hand position on the throttle so your wrist is in a straighter fashion with regards to your hand and elbow, don't bend at the wrist if possible. and yes its also very important to pay attention to your core. keep your spine competely straight which is accomplished by keeping your core tight. any sportbike will give you this feeling at first, the firebolt isn't as bad as some of the others though. after a while it will just feel completely natural[up][up]

[nativeXb12Rbuell]

I have a XB12R Firebolt and had to get use to making myself get in the proper riding position and using my core and not lean on my hands and wrists, of course I got the correct info on what to do from all the guys & girls on here, check out all the riding position threads , and also check out some of the pics from the Buellxb.com calendar and some of the people on here who have pics of them riding, and find some videos on youtube maybe too..
also it helps for long distance rides to switch position somewhat kinda move around your upper body some ..

when i first got it (it is my first bike) my hands would get sore from not being in a good riding position and not using my abbs(core). but I asked for how to keep from my hands from gettting sore and the best riding postions for riding the firebolt. for long rides, no matter what, i learned that you have to switch postions from using your abbs(core)& not to lean on hands and NOT to use your arms to support your self (at least not for very long ), and that tucking in and laying down on the airbox keeps me out of the wind (and thats lets me rest my abbs(core)too for long rides)also use your legs to help support to a degree , also ways use legs when turning but you know that. and being only 5'6" it helps me along with good gloves with padded in the palm below the fingers and along the bottom of the hand above the wrist. maybe it's me being short but i mostly sit close to the airbox when riding in upper(almost upright)position, & then sit further back sometimes when tucked in to stretch out my back and abbs.
i hope thats helps and my explaination is understandable. checkout some of the riding postion threads too i learned alot from them too.

here is just a few threads on riding position, but there are many more,

Firebolt-ergos (http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Buell-Firebolt-XB12-XB9/Firebolt-ergos)

Firebolt-handlebar-conversion (http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Buell-Lightning-XB12S-XB12Ss-CityX-XB12Scg/Firebolt-handlebar-conversion)



and

welcome to the best buell forum and to the buell family and your never ending addiction. here's some links to help you out with that addiction.

150-Helpful-Links-for-Buellers....and-Growing. (http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/General-Motorcycle-Chat/150-Helpful-Links-for-Buellers....and-Growing.)
Buell-Clothing--Parts-List---Foreign--Domestic (http://www.buellxb.com/Buells-for-Sale/Buell-Parts-for-Sale/Buell-Clothing--Parts-List---Foreign--Domestic)
pegasusraceteam.com racewear (http://www.pegasusraceteam.com/html/racewear.html)
EBR racing team Donate Page support crew (http://www.ebracingteam.com/index.html)
Erik Buell Racing .com (http://www.erikbuellracing.com/)
Erik Buell & EBR gear & merchandise (http://www.ratpakrecordsamerica.com/erikbuell)
Erik Buell Racing team & Geoff May..BuellXB thread (http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Buell-Articles/Geoff-May--Erik-Buell-Racing)

[Jobe Zeebuh]

1/3 legs, 1/3, abs, 1/3 upper body. Thats the easiest way I can describe it. After somebody told me that it changed everything. No more numb wrists. ;)

[Alfatango1]

Once you get used to not resting on your palms, it will get better. I also have a Vista Cruise throttle lock for distance rides.

[Sirius815]

Totally agree with native, although I haven't had my 12r very long (and it's my first bike). Longest I've been on her on a single stint is an hour on the interstate, but man that was a long hour. The way back was much better as I learned how to adjust my body much like native described. I'm 5'7".

@Alfatango - I was desperately craving a throttle lock!

[Alfatango1]

@Alfatango - I was desperately craving a throttle lock!
With a "lock" and an MP3 player I can ride for 8 hours easy now :D

[J_Undisputed]

Drop Pegs will also allow you to use your legs more and not predispose your body to tipping as far forward because your feet are back and up as much. Lightning pegs have a one inch drop and I think Knight Design has 2" drops.

Knight Design (http://www.knightdesignllc.com/index_files/Buell1.htm)

[stretch4201]

I'm going to need to get drop pegs anywho I'm 6'6 I rode a blast last season it was my first bike and got it cheap now its just akward to ride

[mheidemanjr]

Not poking fun but 6'6 on blast musta been one hell of a site......I have lighting bars and triple clamp if you wanna switch yours out just lmk we can work out a deal!

[claytucc3]

I'd ride a blast over a scooter any day....lol....can you imagine a California Freeway with nothing but Blast's.....lol

[Jobe Zeebuh]

I think Knight Design has 2" drops.

I have them and love them. Best $110.00 spent hands down. Quality product. Stock pegs are brittle like glass [down]

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/8587_20110225105718_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/8587_20110225105808_L.jpg

[stretch4201]

It is a site to see but its what I could afford at the time still have fun on it. It's like a gorilla on a bicycle lolz. Still tryin to get financed on the bolt my I don't have credit I'm thinking I'm going to put 20% down see what they say when I get a lil time off I really like the 2in drops that will b my first investment when I get the bike

[andymnelson]

The FireBolt has a pretty upright riding position for a sportbike!

I post this info every once in a while, I hope it helps you out:
I think that most people are uncomfortable not because of the seating position bu because of posture. I have a very messed up lower back from an accident in high school, and I can be comfortable on just about any bike as long as I remember a couple of things:
1) keep my shoulders down and back. Just like when working out, any time you let your shoulders rise you are putting pressure in odd areas.
2) try to sit with a natural curve to my back. Hips back, low back forward, shoulders back, relax. As soon as you hunch over there are both pressure and vulnerability added to your low back.

I would add to that this: the harder you grip the bars, the more issues you will have with your wrists. Keep a loose grip.