New Buell Rookie..

[elturo]

I'm new to the forum and to Buell. I recently acquired this 2003 with 3500 miles on it. I don't have any big plans for it. I expect I'll pretty much just keep it stock and have fun riding it.

 

[Cooter]

Welcome to the Forum! Lots of good help and good stories here:up:

 

[elturo]

Since I didn't get a manual, and I don't know anything about the bike- I'm sure I'll have several questions.
I've managed to remove the reflectors off the forks and rear blinkers. Attempted to remove the big ol mirrors but that left me with holes to plug. I figured I would just use a BHCS but was unsure of the size or if "they" offer a specific cap or plug. (3/8-24 or M10x1.25 ?) Are the fastners standard or metric ?

 

[user_deleted]

the SX-cityX airbox cover looks good on there. very nice looking super clean lightning. welcome aboard. if you're removing the stock mirrors just go to any quality hardware store or napa and buy a pair of trim fastener retaininer plugs. see pic. few cents each and covers the hole nicely.

 

[SX3]

I'm new to this site too, and I've been having some trouble figuring out how to post. I sent a message to Admin. but have yet to receive a reply. I'm looking to pick up another Firebolt and i wanted to post some pics of my old one. Is the only way to post is by relying to posts?

 

[elturo]

Thank you Everyone for the welcomes and the kind words. Lunatic- I had thought of those plugs. Just thought someone may have offered something specific for that application. What's the air box? And does that big rubber X thing come off the gas tank? I have no idea what's stock and what's not. I just thought the reflectors and mirrors had to go.

 

[vicenzajay]

Wow - just wow....3,500 miles and 13 years old? It's not even broken in yet....

I'm with Chicago...keep that baby pristine....but ride the heck out of it....

 

[neilrl79]

Thank you Everyone for the welcomes and the kind words. Lunatic- I had thought of those plugs. Just thought someone may have offered something specific for that application. What's the air box? And does that big rubber X thing come off the gas tank? I have no idea what's stock and what's not. I just thought the reflectors and mirrors had to go.

The Airbox is the Blue thing with the Black X you referred to as a gas tank.

 

[elturo]

Thanks neilr79. I obviously need to do more research.

 

[user_deleted]

The Airbox is the Blue thing with the Black X you referred to as a gas tank.

what neil said. a model called an XB9-SX aka cityX aka city-cross first appeared in 2005. had transluscent airbox cover in ash, blue, cherry. had large rubber X atop airbox cover. that is what's installed on your 2003 with matching flyscreen. IMO very attractive parts and good fodder for trade if you want to return to stock. persoally i would leave as-is.

 

[elturo]

Lunaticfringe- Thank you for clarifying. The blue is one of the reason I was attracted to the bike. I plan to keep it for sure. So, the airbox cover and flyscreen was / is not stock to my bike. What would have come stock ?

 

[neilrl79]

Lunaticfringe- Thank you for clarifying. The blue is one of the reason I was attracted to the bike. I plan to keep it for sure. So, the airbox cover and flyscreen was / is not stock to my bike. What would have come stock ?

My 03 XB9S came with a black Airbox and flyscreen.

The black brake and clutch levers on your bike are also not stock, the 03's came with silver/aluminum levers.

 

[elturo]

neilrl79 - Hmmm - black would have been cool. Black transparent? Do you have a picture of the bike with the airbox off ? The only thing I don't like about the brake/clutch levers are the length. I usually only use two or three fingers. They're good enough for now, I don't see any reason to change them.

 

[UMDterp13]

Google image 2003 xb9s & 9sl

It would come black solid or yellow in 2003.
The F bolt would have been light blue or white.
All would have silver wheels until 2004.

 

[UMDterp13]

08 & 03 xb9s/sx many updates, same power & dimensions

 

[user_deleted]

Lunaticfringe- Thank you for clarifying. The blue is one of the reason I was attracted to the bike. I plan to keep it for sure. So, the airbox cover and flyscreen was / is not stock to my bike. What would have come stock ?

here is a detailed pic of your 2003 lightning as new. also detailed pic of first year edition 2005 lightning SX cityX. should help.

 

[elturo]

UMDterp13 - good info. thanks. Yellow would have been a no go for me.

What else are the cool kids updating or changing on this bike ? (Simple stuff - nothing crazy.)

Looks like I need new fork seals? I rode 75 miles this weekend. Noticed front rim and front of bike had oil all over. Looks like the oil is dripping down the forks.

 

[elturo]

Thank you guys for the pictures. The stock black is pretty nice!
Looks like my wheels where updated too.

@wickedchop Not sure what I'm looking at? Some type of caps to fill in mirror holes ?

 

[wickedchop]

Yeah sorry man, just realized you had a lightning. My fault. Ill delete the post. They are block off plates for the firebolt mirror mounting holes.

 

[elturo]

?Stock exhaust ?