New Member!!! Introductions and aspirations

[Wanderlust]

Hello!

I cant tell you how excited I am to become a part of this community. I am coming from the sport bike world and looking to purchase my first Buell in the next few months. I've done a great deal of research about what my next bike will be and I am certain the Buell has the performance and personality that I am looking for. American muscle has always drawn me.

What I know so far: I want an xb12s. I love the naked bike style and I need the extra displacement at 5"10 230lbs. I'd like newer than an 05 for the thicker front forks because I will spend a lot of time on the back tire and don't want constant seal leaks. Otherwise, I'm not sure what advantages the other years offer.

My problem: I am head over heals for the 09 xb12scg in hero blue. Not just because the blue is beautiful but everything else is blacked out. However, at my height and weight I believe the scg will be too short and suspension will be an issue. I know the solution becomes getting an SS long but I'm just not as wild about the way they sit.

My 1st forum question: Can I swap the rear suspension on an scg with that of an older s model to give it some height? Also, I think it would look really good with the shorter front scg forks because it would raise just the back end and give it a more aggressive stance. I've researched the forum and haven't found this anywhere so I don't know how extensive that project would be or if it's even possible. What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[user_deleted]

I'd like newer than an 05 for the thicker front forks because I will spend a lot of time on the back tire and don't want constant seal leaks.

CHICAGO....you at it again??????????????????????

 

[BuellyBagger]

My 1st forum question: Can I swap the rear suspension on an scg with that of an older s model to give it some height? Also, I think it would look really good with the shorter front scg forks because it would raise just the back end and give it a more aggressive stance. I've researched the forum and haven't found this anywhere so I don't know how extensive that project would be or if it's even possible. What are your thoughts?

I would bet it would be the most sketchy handling buell ever. Why don't you try and find a S. Same wheel base as the scg. Just a bit taller.


For once I think you might be right John. Who the hell other than Chicago could come up with jacking up the rear of an scg?

 

[Wanderlust]

Haha ... I'm not sure who Chicago is but it sounds like we share the same mindset.

Do you really think it would drastically affect the handling?

 

[djs2k2]

Huummmmmmm I'm not buying it! Now on to a serious note.... Go Falcons..... Rise up.....

 

[BuellyBagger]

Haha ... I'm not sure who Chicago is but it sounds like we share the same mindset.

Do you really think it would drastically affect the handling?

Well I'm no chassis engineer, but it stands to reason that lifting the rear would further reduce the rake/positive caster of the front. And since buells are already set up pretty steep and turn in super easy, even have a bit of a name for being unstable, would be even worse if you reduced the rake further. Like I said, I'm not a chassis guy or engineer or even a bike mechanic, I juse paint cars, but I think that should all make sense, right?

 

[Gloomshadow]

I'd like newer than an 05 for the thicker front forks because I will spend a lot of time on the back tire and don't want constant seal leaks.

CHICAGO....you at it again??????????????????????

damn.. he back at it again?

 

[Simplymichaeljr]

I have to agree with buellybagger that raising the rear will give it less angle......and I don't think that is worth sacrificing, when you could just get an S model.

 

[Wanderlust]

It does make sense, Bagger ... I didn't think about that. I appreciate the insight! Also, I agree with Michael. My best bet is to get an S if I know that's the perfect fit and just pull everything off and send it to get black powder coated for the same look. So, I'm looking for an 06-08 xb12s.

Question, did the updated fuel map in 08 make a huge difference?

 

[BuellyBagger]

It does make sense, Bagger ... I didn't think about that. I appreciate the insight! Also, I agree with Michael. My best bet is to get an S if I know that's the perfect fit and just pull everything off and send it to get black powder coated for the same look. So, I'm looking for an 06-08 xb12s.

Question, did the updated fuel map in 08 make a huge difference?

08 changed generations of engine management. went from ddfi2 to 3. Added (I'm getting this close to right) an IAC, different TPS that can be reset with no special cable or software, can have new fan control logic added. A few other "improvements" too, but someone smarter than me would have to explain those .

 

[WhiskeyFox]

I can't really say whether or not the SCG is too short, but I did find some factory specs for both bikes in regards to seat height.

SS:
Seat Height, Laden3 30.6 in. (777 mm)
Seat Height, Unladen 33.2 in. (843 mm)

SCG:
Seat Height, Laden3 28.6 in. (726 mm)
Seat Height, Unladen 29.9 in. (759 mm)

S/SX:
Seat Height, Laden3 30.1 in. (765 mm)
Seat Height, Unladen 32 in. (813 mm)

I'm 6'0" with a 34" inseam and weigh 220-ish pounds, I own an SS, I can flatfoot it but just barely. The laden seat height of the SCG is only 2 inches shorter than my SS, so it might very well be a good fit for you.
Only way to find out is to go and toss a leg over one...

I wouldn't worry about your weight so much, the suspension setups are so adjustable you can tune the ride to fit. Height is more of a concern.

 

[Dellinger]

I have an 08 SCG, if you get a S or R and want to swap suspension let me know. I have black lower triple and would prefer the black front tubes so get the 09 or 10.

Seriously...

 

[Wanderlust]

Bagger, thanks for the information. I'm still curious what kind of difference those changes make and if they're worth holding off for an 08 model.

 

[Wanderlust]

Whisky, thank you for the measurements. I'll bet if you're 6" then I wouldn't feel too tall for an scg. You're right. I need to just sit on one and see.

 

[Wanderlust]

Dellinger, I too prefer the black suspension tubes. That's my issue with getting a taller s model. I love the blacked out everything on the newer scg models. Which got me thinking. How much effort would it be to get those tubes painted? Or even wrapped with black decal? I owned a RZR and we wrapped bodywork instead of paint because it wouldn't hold up after a few rides. I would think a good decal shop should be able to without even removing them.

 

[Phelan]

Get an SS and put 1125CR forks on it. Black anodized tubes, same length, but 47mm sliders instead of 43mm. I did that on my Uly build (which is nothing like a Uly anymore).

 

[Gloomshadow]

thats a nice Buell

 

[submax]

That is one sweet looking ride, Phelan! The yellow accents really go well with the black. :up: Where did you get the fairing? Very cool. Did you enter a photo into the calendar this year? If not, you definitely should have!

 

[submax]

Welcome, Wanderlust! Others around here who know more than me can chime in, but there are quite a few updates that happened in 08 that makes it worthwhile looking for the newer model...particularly the upgraded crankpins and oiling as well as the DDFI 3.

This is from a post about the upgrades to the Uly for '08, which I assume are the same for the other XB12 models:

The timer cover is eliminated, as the engine is now crank timed from a new crank position sensor, which eliminates the need for manual timing, reducing maintenance costs. The ECM actively monitors and adjusts timing based on driving environment. The new sensor makes 30 reads per revolution, compared to the previous two reads per revolution, for more precise control of fuel mapping and timing to conditions.

More Robust Crankpins-
* The size of the crankpins is increased to 1.50 inches from 1.25 inches.
Oiling System Upgraded
* A higher-output oil pump supports oiling to the new crankpin area. The new pump is driven off of the crank, a design based on the Buell XBRR production racing motorcycle.
* A new eight-row oil cooler offers enhanced cooling performance.
* All oil line ends are now equipped with Jiffy-tite fittings.

New DDFI 3 ECM (Engine Control Module)
* A new ECM with increased computing capacity.
* DDFI 3 actively controls and monitors the TPS (throttle position sensor), IAC (idle air control), and timing. DDFI 3 automatically zeros the TPS and adjusts fuel metering for smoother idle, eliminating service intervals and reducing the cost of ownership.
* A new progressive throttle cam and new throttle cables provide smoother throttle input from stops, and less rotation to full throttle

 

[Phelan]

I did enter it in the calendar. The headlight/fairing setup is modified and derived from a KTM Duke II. The whole bike is one-off more or less.