Customizing/Modifying XB12Ss

[RustyGutz]

Just purchased a 2006 Lightning XB12Ss and since I'm new to this bike I had a few questions that may or may not be possible with it. 1st question I have is lowering the bike. Can you adjust the spring that runs under the seat to lower this bike? 2nd question I have is can you stretch this bike any? 3rd question I was wondering if you can relocate the air filter from under the tank, to outside the tank, since this bike has no storage under the seat I figure if I can relocate the air filter I could use the new space under the tank as storage. Overall goal of this purchase is a winter project to modify this bike to turn it into a bobber/chopper. [confused][confused][confused]

Any information or input is appreciated

[thrstrmech]

I see that HD and others brands that make that style bike can't build or engineer a unique, bold motorcycle like Buell... so why destroy it to make a bobber/chopper...should have just bought a harley to start with or rolling chassis in that style, buy an engine from ebay or salvage company and go from there[mad] just chaps my a$$

oh, welcome to the forum:D

[netty2424]

^agree. Don't buy it just to tear it down. I'm all for bobbers/choppers, but as you probably know, Buell's aren't in production anymore. Don't destroy it just because. There are plenty of other motors and suspension to use in a custom project.

[freak2180]

Really?!?1st post is about destroying a peice of art to make somthing that can be built from a readly available kit online? Sorry I won't sugar coat it for ya, But I think you have been stairing at too much chrome.....

[06xbss]

Really have no idea why you would want to ruin that poor Buell, although I have seen a lot of ruined sport bikes. Buells were designed for playing in the canyons and any changes I make are for improving those characteristics.

As far as your questions:
1. To lower the bike you'd need the suspension off a SCG and that will only get you 1.5in-2in.
2. The Ss is the stretched Buell, to go any longer you'd have to look into getting your swing arm customized. (Can’t really do anything with the frame since it's your gas tank.)
3. Don't see any reason you can't make a custom intake tube with a cone filter on it.

All comes down to how much time/money you have or want to spend. For a custom bobber/chopper, I'd just get an old Honda CB or Yamaha XS for a 1000.00 or less and modify to your hearts content.

[onelogue]

I do not support the destruction of a rare and sought after Buell XB12Ss.

So.....

No you can not stretch it.
No you can not cut up a perfect frame/airbox cover just to put the filter to the side and make the bike look like a sportster.
No you can not use the airbox for storage as it s right above the motor [confused] and mostly cause that also may result in airbox cut up.

YES you can lower it, if you respect it for what it is and buy a Harley to turn into a bobber.

[RustyGutz]

Lol easy fellas, Just asking a question to see if its possible. Only reason I wanted to lower it, well lets just say i'm vertically challenged and I couldnt pass up such a great deal on this bike. Relocation of the air filter was just one of those thinking out of the box for storage purposes(without saddle bags):D
Thanks for the comments and warm welcome to the page :p Least we all can agree these are some bad little bikes:)

[thrstrmech]

was just about to say..."get a rope":D:D:D

ok, now that we've broken you in:D we are a visual group...pics or it didn't happen:D

[RustyGutz]

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/15433_20121104131546_L.jpg

Here it is. 2006 Buell XB12SS
P.S. This was not taken at my house lol

[thrstrmech]

yeap, i can see the hideous ones in the back ground:D

she's purdy, nice exhaust, what is it? can't make it out

[RustyGutz]

Its a Chrome Jardine exhaust. :D Right now its actually sitting up at my local harley shop. Working on it on my days off. Right now its running pretty fat. Just replaced the plugs and plug connectors, front tire was shot so replaced that. There is some wear on this bike but it is 6 yrs old. Only 11,500 miles on the motor and it runs and sounds great. Clear title and replacing oil and trans fluid. Its not a great pic. I'll have more soon.:D:D:D

[crawfo]

Good looking bike! Take these guys advice and don't hack it up. It will be worth WAY MORE if you don't. Just my 2 cents, it is YOUR BIKE though.

[expatriate00]

Well, now that you've run the gauntlet. LOL I knew it wasn't going to be pretty when you started ta;king about stretching and the like.
Advice, if this isn't your kind of bike, sell it, don't hack it up. These bikes are only going to diminish in numbers and hacking up a perfectly good one does chap more than a few asses around here, including mine. You can pick up a Buell XB engine on eBay for around $1500. Stretched out frames are available from Redneck Engineering, and you can even use S1 lightning wheels and front suspension on them. I may be wrong about this, but they used to sell a roller,ready to mount an engine. Check with them they may still do that. Their Buell/Sportster frame is called a Mutant, and I gotta warn ya it's a HARDTAIL. That could be accomplished for about what you could sell the bike you have for, minus paint.
www.redneckengineering.com

[netty2424]

Right now its actually sitting up at my local harley shop. Working on it on my days off.

Are you an HD mechanic?

BTW, good looking bike! You'll enjoy it! And don't take any of it personal! Those who ride them appreciate the parts when they come available, but usually those are from a bike that has been down, or has issues that will cost more than its worth to fix. Not necessarily because someone chops it up to make a bobber! Good luck with it!

There are a ton of smart dudes on this forum who are happy to help!

[d_adams]

Since you're vertically challenged, try changing out the seat first. Looks like you've got a taller version on there, find an scg (low) seat and see how it feels. Just a guess, that alone will lower the seating position by 3" or more.

[Theycallmecrash]

There are a ton of smart dudes on this forum who are happy to help!

As well as a few smart asses with no good input whatso ever, like me! :D

If you do hack it up, give me your spare parts. But seriously, dont hack it up. But still if you do, redeem yourself and give me your spare parts.

[06xbss]

Looks like you've got a taller version on there, find an scg (low) seat and see how it feels
you can't fit a SCG seat on a Ss, a touring seat will be a inch lower and that is your only option for the Ss.

[thrstrmech]

seat mod (http://diymotorcycleseat.com/)

[RustyGutz]

Thanks for the advice fellas. Netty, no I am not a HD Mechanic, but the HD mechanic is working with me on anything I may have questions on. It's nice to be able to use his lifts, tools, advice, input etc. It's a nice bike, runs pretty good. Since I am vertically challenged, maybe I'll let some air out of the tires, that should drop it a inch or so.(Only kidding) :D
Maybe one of you guys might know the answer to this question. Do you have to remap the bike since It has the Jardine exhaust on it. I've read some threads saying you do and some say you don't. And If you do, I really doubt the previous owner did.[confused]

[Big twin]

For the remap, if you have a standard(stock) air filter, don`t have to. Lots of people are going to say that you will have to remap if you have both a high perf air filter and exhaust.

Want your swingarm if you do a custom one .... :D