I need help. Convince me to purchase crossroad bars...

[JohnnyD]

I'm about 93.4% ready to purchase the crossroad bars for my XB9SX. I really like the looks of them and I'm hoping that the riding position would be better for highway speeds.

From what I gathered from searching, this is the case. I'm leaning more towards the 7 degree ones. I did price out from the dealership the parts needs to use a firebolt clipons - close to $200. I like the looks of that conversion too.

Where I live, there isn't many Buells that I can look at to see if I would like this. I've owned other bikes with clipons, so I like the style.

So, I need help... Better yet, if someone has a set they want to get rid of - send them to me [up]

Pic of the bike in question:

Sorry about the ramblings, just don't want to spend money on something that I might not like or need...

 

[upthemaiden]

If you look around you can find a top triple/bars from a firebolt for about $100 or so sometimes, but then you've gotta cut up your flyscreen brackets. I should have a pair coming in the mail myself, but the guy is taking fooorrrever so hopefully he comes through on it. I like the upright bars, but my last bike had clipons too and I kinda want to try them again because I love how stable the bike feels with them, not to mention how much easier it is to ride on the highway.

Crossroads sound like a much easier install, so I say go for it! People always want them, so if you don't like them it shouldn't be too hard to resell them.

 

[rideboarder589]

Youll like em...i just put mine on two weeks ago...super easy (only took a few hrs)..looks great...and handles better than stock in my opinion, drop the $270 and get them trust me

stock

 

[JohnnyD]

Thanks for the replies. I'm inching closer to pulling the trigger on these. I guess I need to decide on 0 or 7 degree...

I want to get them in black, but the 7 degree ones have silver clipons.. Guess I can always powder coat them.

Just when I thought I was done with the bike

 

[rideboarder589]

personally i would go with the 0 degree...i got them and change your position alot...i feel like 7's would be too much on the lightning, but not my bike

 

[JohnnyD]

Your argument is swaying me towards the 0 degree ones.

Might need to give ASB a quick call. They've been very helpful in the past when I called them.

I wonder if they will let me purchase both and send back the one I don't like?

 

[wiznut]

Get the 0 degrees. I have heard multiple reports of the 7 degrees hurting peoples wrists more than the 0

 

[Miami78]

Never ridden with the 0 degree, only have experience with my -7's. If I do a lot of riding in stop & go traffic my wrists do get a little sore, but nothing too bad. Rode 160 miles this past Sunday, most of it highway, and no wrist problems at all. Average about 300-350 miles per week year round and love my crossroads.

 

[Loki]

If you are asking for help to convince yourself you want something, you already know you want it. So buy it. Remember you only live once!

 

[frostedflakejake]

I say buy them. People but them so often that if you end up NOT liking them you can probably sell them and loose only around $30 in the process.

 

[lvn2wheels]

I got the 0 degree black ones and I love them. They are a little wide, but I definetly like the ride position better, and they look awsome. I did not have to drop the forks like the directions said. I hung the bike up from the rafters but saw no need to drop them. You will want to run the cables through the bezel as recomended.

 

[JohnnyD]

Well, talked to Al today. Ordered the -7's. Can't wait.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and to make me spend more money.

 

[Nuage420b]

My only recommendation when you get your -7's is to cut an inch off the end of each bar. They have a ridiculous wing span. I never did mine because I have the no rare traction grips and I didn't want to risk f*cking them up.
i'll be selling mine though soon. just ordered some of the clubmans.

 

[JohnnyD]

Well, emailed Al this morning to check status. Not in stock for the -7's. They're a couple of weeks out. He does have the 0's, but I keep on leaning towards the -7's...

Nuage420b, you should make me a sweet deal on yours

 

[JohnnyD]

Update! Order the 0's and some other stuff since I was talking to Al.

Thanks again for your suggestions and help [up]

 

[Nuage420b]

Johnny you have two people ahead of you in that line. It'll be a long while before I can get back to the states to remove them. shittiest part is i'll be parting with my traction grips. i kinda went over kill with the grip glue so i'm gonna risk removing it for fear of damage. i'd rather pass it on to another than nobody get them at all.

 

[JohnnyD]

Well, got these puppies on. They sure look great! I'm having an issue reinstalling my Oberon bar ends, but hopefully I'll get that solved today.

Sure cleans up the front end. I left the hand guard/wind deflectors on. Will post up some pics once I have the bar ends back on...

 

[Miami78]

We need the 17mm collet's for the oberon barends to fit in the crossroads...figured I'd post it here as well in case anyone else is having trouble with getting them to fit...

 

[JohnnyD]

Thanks Miami78 for the info. I did get them installed by using some silicone hose, but will be ordering the 17mm collet's.

Here's a pic of them installed:

Opinions on the deflectors? I like them so far.

 

[Trill]

Just my personal opinion.. I'm no expert but decided to look all fancy with a graph.

This is how I feel about my personal experience. Just for reference.

I do not regret getting them and they add good cornering performance and looks but take a bit off of comfort.