Firebolt Evolution

[SEXT9]

I'm still modding my bike. Even though it could get costly, I really enjoy it. So, I'm not tracking them. The last project I did was a few years ago when I dropped a Cummins Turbo Diesel in my Jeep. So, it was time for another project.

Last night I installed some 1" drop pegs. I'm 6'3 and feel like my legs fit better now. I also installed a smoked timing cover. I guess that's the about the last visible evidence it was a bolt. With all the parts inter-changing, it'll be anyones guess what model the bike is. It is still Buell though.

I ordered the SCG suspension. I'm really looking forward to seeing the stance after the installation. I'll post up pics then.

 

[SEXT9]

This morning I'm going ride down with my son while he takes the riders test to get his motorcycle endorsement.

I ordered a the SCG suspension from www.CyclePartsForLess.com and received them yesterday. Here's parts I ordered:

Rear Shock, XB9SL - K0410.1AE
Right Fork, Low, 41mm Complete - J0122.7AEZT
Left Fork, Low, 41mm Complete - J0121.7AEZT

Total Cost was 771.80

I didn't order the lower triple tree since my bike is an '04. And from what I've read, they didn't change to 43mm until '05. So I didn't have that cost. I didn't buy a kick stand either. I figure if I have to I'll just remove the inch from it and reweld. As it turns out I may not do that. Well see how it goes.

I couldn't wait to get them on so I got up early and installed them. It only took about an hour. Here's some pictures.

Before:

After:

I love the stance now. Everything seems to fit into place.

 

[SEXT9]

Oh yeah I forgot to add I found a new seat from one of the other members on the forum. Here's some pictures with it on.

Thanks again to this forum. It's amazing to have the wealth of resources and share them amongst each other.

 

[GAXB9R]

Sick[cool]

 

[SEXT9]

Thanks GAXB9R. It's midnight and I just got back from a day of riding. My son passed his skills test to get his endorsement on his license. So it's been a bit of a celebration.

I love the new suspension even though I've been trying to figure how I'm going to rework the license plate. And I've bumped the exhaust canister a few times today. So, I have a few adjustments to make yet.

 

[cgo]

Love it! That cr front looks killer on that XB!

 

[nikfleisch]

100% raw steel and sex appeal.

 

[SEXT9]

Thanks guys. I haven't been doing much to the bike lately except riding and some minor tweaks. I love the new SCG suspension. But, I do have to be more careful of bottoming out or hitting the exhaust on something.

With it sitting lower, and the select seat being a bit taller, the overall seat height seems near the original. But, my bony butt likes the select comfort so much more than the low. I can really tell the difference when I put the low back on.

 

[ASH]

Great looking ride!!

 

[SWATcltch]

I'm jealous dude. How much was that 1190 rotor?

 

[SEXT9]

I paid 180.00 for the rotor. I'd like to find a matching rear rotor.

 

[oh9bolt]

[up] On everything except the 55 series tire on the back.

It actually looks good on your setup, on a stock looking bike it looks like a off road tire imo.

I am going to ceramic coat my headers, I kinda know what it looks like on an all black bike now.

 

[SEXT9]

Thanks. I saw your rebuild thread after the accident. I'm glad you survived. The bike reminded me of the old Six Million Dollar Man intro. It's nice to see both of you recovered.

The tire is a matter of personal preference. In the end it's just a tire to me. I can have it changed out anytime. I am concerned about it rubbing on the license plate even after I've moved the plate under the undertray. Of course thats when I'm 2up. So that tire change may come sooner than later.

I agree with you on the ceramic coating. I'll probably have that done over the winter when I take the bike back apart and have it powder coated. I used grill paint and clear coat. It says 1500 degrees on the can for both. But, from the exhaust port to about 12" out the paint bubbled and came off some when washed. I think I'll just go for the professional stuff and have some peice of mind.

The bike is a lot of fun to ride. I'm 41 over almost the last 30 years I've had several different bikes from mopeds, to dirt bikes, choppers and crotch rockets. This isn't the fastest I've had. But it is definately the most fun to ride.

And, I love the engineering in these. It is to bad that division was shut down. I love the fact Buells are built differently.

 

[DustyXB]

I find your bike to be one of the nicest bikes I have ever seen. The CR headlight to the select seat and the scg suspension it all came together so perfectly in this bike. I could stare at it for hours and not find a single thing I didn't like.

 

[Rhino1]

Nice looking bike, and its refreshing to see someone "go there own way" with a bike like his this. [up]

 

[SEXT9]

The wife was away for the day. So, I got the opportunity to tinker with my bike some more. I haven't been happy with my dash set up since I put it together. But, it does keep getting better.

Here was my current setup. It's not bad. But, it had issues that bothered me.

1) The Magellan unit was better than the TomTom I had. However, it had a tilt sensor that changed orientation when I leaned. I also worried about getting it wet. The screen, wi-fi, and traffic was nice though.

2) The smaller unit was a Koso speedo/tach combo with idiot lights for Hi, Neutral, Signals, Oil. I didn't like how tall the gauge stood, the tach was for high reving bikes, and having to run an extra cable to the rear wheel for a speedo pickup.

3) Both units were not mounted straight on my test peice of carbon fiber.

I felt there was to much going on there between the gauges. I changed up GPS units again. I opted for a motorcycle unit this time. It is a Garmin zumo 660. It has features I believe needed for motorcycling plus it is waterproof. I plan to use the unit and mount six colored leds for for my instrumentation.

I wasn't about to use the same test peice of carbon fiber I've been using this time. I'm pretty certain I've got the setup I need. So I got out the balsa wood and hot glue gun to build the form for the new dash.

Here's what I came up with.

Test Fitted

Back Side

Front

It's all formed up ready to lay on some carbon fiber.

 

[ASH]

That looks awesome!!! I'm sure it will turn out to be exactly what you have visioned.[up]

 

[oh9bolt]

Your bike is awesome in person!!! I want to change my bolt completly, CR front and lightning tail which I already have. Even with a 55 series tire...

Your bike is my favorite XB right now, other than mine of course!

[up][up]

 

[05Bueller]

This bike is epic man. Looks really good and all of your hard work has really payed off. Keep up the good work! [up]

 

[xtreme]

I have thought about doing this many times. But really don't wanna have to rewire my entire bike. We will see what this winter brings!