How to choose between a Firebolt and Lightning?

[garyphantom222]

I chose my firebolt over the lightning by doing the sit on test,also the bolts looked better to me,but it really matters to each person what they like.

 

[sak1782]

Lets meet up some time next week when it warms back up a bit, and you can sit on mine. My STT has the same overall seating position as an xb12SS with the seat I have on it, but it sits just alittle bit higher i think.

And its easy enough to ride aggressive on, without always being in an aggressive "tucked" type position.

I rode a firebolt that they had at Donahue HD out in St Cloud, and did not personally like it. Ive owned a few hayabusa's and it was more cramped than those, and Im only 5'10".

 

[RyanExtra]

Get both. Thats what I plan on doing. They seem cheap enough. I picked up a 07 Lightning with 4k miles for 4500.

 

[Burton]

@sak, that would be awesome. let me know when you're thinking it would work best for you.

@maronz, i would be happy to meet up with your friend if you want to set that up.

I appreciate all the info and opinions. Keep em coming!

 

[njdevils1990]

I had a firebolt and with It being so compact the ergonomics of it weren't that bad for me and it was a very comfortable bike. I have now a cr (not sure how it is compared to the lightning) and it is a very neutral ridin position compared to the firebolt but you can still get yourself down in a position to carve up some trusty roads. I think the firebolt felt a little more flickable and was about an inch and a half lower but they both handle well and I do miss my firebolt tho, maybe a lightning or an x1 in the future

 

[J_Undisputed]

They seem like opposites for having so much in common. I got my firebolt and the aggressive posture meant I had to learn to relax before I could ride comfortably. On the take off your stooped forward, arms bracing you with white knuckles holding on tight. It was only after a while, that you learn to keep your abs tight to take the pressure off your arms and wrists... and arms straight/or elbows flared becomes arms coiled/elbows back and tucked. You eventually relax a little and feel kind of like a lizard laying on a rock as you drape yourself over the top of the airbox cover in a tuck... which makes longer rides easier.
I only sat on a lightning after I had been riding the bolt for a while and found myself subconsciously leaning forward, I would imagine that would happen even more if I got the bike up to speed and leaned into turns even if not really necessary. So it seems like learning to relax when forced into an aggressive posture vs. leaning more aggressively while allowed to sit in a relaxed posture. The latter is probably easier, especially if you want to just kick back, take a hand off the clutch and cruise a little bit, victory-lap style. On the bolt, I will lean my left forearm across the airbox cover for a break on long stretches of empty road (not very common in NYC)

I split the difference and got drop pegs for my bolt. It aides in the relaxation for me in that I can use my legs more in absorbing shocks, push my butt further back on the seat (so you don't have to go full hunchback-- probably even better on a lightning with more seat) and press my legs against the side of the tank when turning or leaning.

 

[wolfo68]

If you're up for the trip I'm down by omaha Nebraska. Ill have a 12r and a 9r. Yhe 12 has a lightning seat 9 bolt seat. I think my lightning seat feels a bit more like the blast. But I know you have a lot less pressure on the wrists with a lightning

 

[Midnight82]

Midnight you're disgusting!

My job here is done.

 

[MAGIC]

Front and rear are interchangeable between lightning and firebolt. Whichever you get it's possible to convert it to another if you ever wanna do it.
IMO get the the Lightning - they are much cooler

 

[TJN72]

My choice was easy XB12SCG. I have SLS - short leg syndrome

 

[TJN72]

Question Is the insurance cost higher on a firebolt since it has a R in model#? compared to lightning? When i was looking the 1125R was about three times more than my lightning

 

[wolfo68]

Get the lightning and buy the firebolt stuff to convert. Its much easier to find the firebolt stuff

 

[TJN72]

What parts are needed to give the firebolt look to lightning?

 

[wolfo68]

Subframe rider seat passenger seat latch cable and rear fairing
front fair fairing stay and fairing. Headlight unit.

 

[mowgoli84]

get a lightning and put some cr clubmans on it ;P

 

[wolfo68]

For the electronics they are located in the front for the bolt. A lightning harness wouldn't be hard to make work

 

[njdevils1990]

i only got base insurance on both bikes
my 03 9R was like $35 a month
same coverage on the 1125cr and cost went to $44
next season im switching to full coverage on the cr probably be upwards of $150-ish

 

[buellbradski]

you sould get a lightning and trade tails with loki

 

[wolfo68]

Id buy the bolt tail and just have both... oh wait

 

[cpatt]

my insurance for my bolt xb12r is only 153$ a year that is just the most basic.. and doesn't cover the bike at all. just me hitting some one els.