Firebolt vs. Lightning Ss on the track

[rockerphotographer]

My current bike is an 07 Ss I picked up locally this past summer. I mostly ride extremely twisty back roads here in Arkansas with a group, or the race track on occasion.

To the point, I've been playing with the idea of trading my Ss for a 12R. I understand the R has a more aggressive position and fairing along with shorter wheel base. I'm not big on top speed, but I love to tear up the backroads. I don't do much interstate riding unless I take the bike to work.

Does anybody think I will notice much difference in cornering performance between the two? Should I just keep the Ss?

 

[fakameanrepresent]

i am sure the shorter wheel base of the R will help make the bike turn in faster.

 

[nitto12ss]

I'm sure the difference between the two is negligible. Its 90% rider, 10% bike so ride what you like. I'm not just rambling BTW, I have a 06 SS and a 09 1125R.

 

[xtremelow]

Key note is the Ss has a better fork angle for the track. I would just bolt up a front fairing and bars and give that a whirl.

The 2" shorter wheel base could help but I am doubting it will do much, if you go that route you will deftly want to swap the susp to R/S susp too. Otherwise you will be sitting up high with a shorter wheel base. Also to get the R/S height in the back on your bike you will need to use an Scg shock/spring since the Ss shock is the same length as the R/S

Ss on top R/S on bottom.

 

[freak2180]

I will trade my 04 "R" and im in North East Tx.

 

[netty2424]

Freak, where you at? I'm in Sherman.

 

[freak2180]

Quinlan......Just east of Rockwall about 30 miniutes.

 

[unionthug]

What nitto said. I love the R but for the way you are riding you won't see a difference in performance. Is the style what you want, if so by all means go for it. Or just buy a second Buell. [up]

 

[dave_xb12r]

The Ss has a more stable rake angle that helps stability when dropping into a turn. But it's a little longer wheelbase. There is an adapter for the R that would give you the SS rake angle, while keeping the short wheel base.

 

[xtremelow]

This is what the Ss has over the R/S and what Dave and I mentioned.

http://www.trojan-horse.co.uk/prods/148.html

$164 + $110 security deposit for renting the instal tool.

Most Buell riders will have experienced a feeling off lightness or a 'twitchy' front end feeling when driving into a fast corner, especially with the S model. After many hours of road tests and experimentation (at first using steering dampers) we realised the problem was the trail of the bike, so we built an affordable solution for this problem. The new XB Trail Kit solves the problem by giving the steering neck an extra 2 degree rake bringing it to 23 degree (The same as the XB12SS & XB12X). The kit contains a complete set of bearings and raked cup that can be mounted without any modification straight into the original steering neck. Please note: This kit requires the use of a special installation tool that will be provided on loan to customers on purchasing this bearing kit. A security deposit of £70 will be charged for the fitting kit, and this will be refunded upon safe return of the fitting kit in working order. This kit should be installed by a competent mechanic and neither Free Spirits or Adrenalin-Moto will accept responsibility for damages arising from negligent or incorrect fitting.

 

[rockerphotographer]

This is great info guys, thanks. Other than the ride height, does the suspension react the same on both models?

The modified rake on the R sounds interesting

@freak, I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, but I'll get in touch if I decide to trade.

 

[freak2180]

Food for thought....

 

[xtremelow]

I would assume the Ss susp. is built to accommodate for the added length with a taller stance, and by shortening the bike you will get some what of a top heavy effect unless you lower the stance.

The Ss shock doesn't have any more useable susp in the rear since the upper mount is different it just allows for a taller stance. I am not positive on what the actual height would be if you were to swap to a shorter swing arm since the lower mounts are different, you may need to modify something to accommodate the swap. I have never actually seen or heard of anyone doing this swap.

You would possibly have to cut the frame to make the upper mount to work since the upper is mounted as shown in the picture, upper circle is where the R/S mount goes, but the bracing for the Ss lower section mount isnt on the R/S frame.

 

[freak2180]

extremlow.......I think he is wanting thinking about trading bikes not the suspension. <------ At least thats the way Ive understood it. Will just have to see what he says. The SS lightnings have grown on me and would actually fit my needs beter......guess I will just have to wait and see.

 

[rockerphotographer]

It's still good info though. Never thought of doing all of that to an Ss. Seems more trouble than it's worth though.

About the Trail Kit bearings for the R, would increasing the rake also increase the wheelbase?

 

[nitto12ss]

About the Trail Kit bearings for the R, would increasing the rake also increase the wheelbase?

Slightly