Firebolt vs Lightning

[MustangGuy]

I've read that the Lightning has a more comfortable seating position than the Firebolt. I've also read posts from many 'bolt owners that say they find their bikes very comfortable. Lately it seems every time I ride the 'bolt for more than an hour my neck is killing me. Of course, I'm sure it has nothing to do with my age - LOL! Anybody on here go from a 'bolt to a Lightning? Is there really that much of a difference in ride position and comfort? My Ninja 650 has a more upright position than most other sport bikes but I can easily tuck when I want to. It's comfortable for what it is. I am wondering if the Lightning is like that. I'm starting to think I might want to sell the 'bolt and get a Lightning instead.

 

[Renegade]

I have a Firebolt with Lightning handlebars....Much more comfortable riding postion.

 

[Tork]

This might help with a comparison: Online Ergo Tool

 

[MustangGuy]

I played with that ergo tool before... It's good for relative comparison. Renegade, did you swap to the Lightning bars yourself? No issues with clearance? I know that some people have converted their Firebolts to Lightning tails.

 

[Zeroflat24]

I have an 05 Bolt with lightning pegs and a lightning tail with the street fighter seat. I find it to be far more tolerable than my old Firebolt tail. Plus it looks bad ass

 

[thrstrmech]

just do a front end swap to a Lightning. did the S to R conversion earlier this year, was pretty cool for a bit then changed it back to original set up

 

[Banshee77]

I have a bolt and a lightning, I can ride the lightning for hours, the firebolt...about 30 mins before my hips and wrists start to hurt. And I'm only 35.

 

[Renegade]

Renegade, did you swap to the Lightning bars yourself? No issues with clearance?

No issues at all.

 

[StarWolve]

I have a Bolt and a Uly, and I will agree that the Bolt isn't as comfortable as the upright seating of the Uly, and presumably, the Lightning. If I'm riding tucked in for a long time, my neck does ache a little, and my arms are a little sore afterwards.

But that's why I love the Bolt. It's not something you just sit on and go, you're constantly moving on the bike. Of course, I'll pick the Uly (or the Harley) for longer trips, but the Bolt is still the most fun to ride of those 3.

 

[Xb9sXBUELLXb9sX]

Maybe I'm different, but I find the firebolt setup a bit more comfortable. Mine might not be exactly a firebolt "setup" but I find the tucked position a bit easier on the body, especially at highway speeds.

Mines unique though, clip-ons on a lightning.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m165/atvfrk10/DSCF0197_zps1825a4b0.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m165/atvfrk10/DSCF0196_zps00a803e0.jpg

sorry, the direct image thing isnt working right now

 

[MustangGuy]

Thanks guys! Your input gives me some options to think about. At this point I'm favoring just a handlebar swap. I actually like the look of the Lightning more but right now I have too many things that I need to do on the bike so I probably won't do the front end swap. One last question for Renegade: Did you use stock Lightning handlebars or something aftermarket? I did some quick looking on the internet and it seems like aftermarket would be easier to get but I don't know what to get in terms of "rise" or "pullback". Thanks again!

 

[Renegade]

I have stock bars on mine.

 

[MustangGuy]

OK - so I came across these on American Sport Bike:

http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-prodshow/A16503.html

They only move the position up 1.1" and back 0.43" but I think it's good compromise... I would get a little more comfort without a lot of work and the look and feel of the 'bolt would be close to original but (hopefully) a bit more comfortable. What do you guys think?

 

[anrkizm95]

Lightning is faster than fire

 

[mnbuellrider]

I don't know about the bolt for sure, but I can ride my 1125 CR for about an hour before a break is needed and my lightning I ride til the gas runs out.

 

[thrstrmech]

call Al at ASB , he may give you some insight on those bars...he's like a Buell encyclopedia

 

[lawdog]

I made risers for my Firebolt. Before I could only ride about an hour. Now I can ride out a full tank of gas! Best comfort mod to date. Made a huge difference and I can still tuck when I want to.

 

[MustangGuy]

I'm going with the ASB bars. Seems like a straightforward deal. According to the product description, the only other thing I'll need is a Lightning clutch cable and new grips (prob have to cut off the current ones). Seems like a good time to replace the throttle and idle cables too for peace of mind. I've bought quite a few things from ASB and emailed Al too. He always takes the time to give personalized service and advice.

 

[50dro]

If you do decide to try the Lightning setup, I'd recommend the Renthal Ultralow or Streetfighter bars. They have a better riding position than stock IMO but still upright and comfortable...and only around $60! [up] I have the Streetfighter bars on mine and love them!