New Owner - Firebolt Aesthetics/Fairing Replacement Help!!??

[DCvious]

Hey all, I just picked up a mint 2003 XB9R as my very first bike ever (34 yrs old...it's about time).
My question is this; I love the 'Streetfighter' aesthetics on a bike like this, what I don't like on this particular bike is the (excuse my ignorance if I label this wrong) bug shield/fairing. I much prefer the look of the 'S' series bikes, the flyshield...just a little panel in front.
Now, can I get that piece? Where?...and what's it called?
Anyone have a pic of it on their Firebolt?
Thanks a bunch...,

Happy new member of the Buell family

 

[netty2424]

There are plenty of people on this forum who will gladly trade you for their S front. Just sit tight and the offers should start coming in!

 

[snrusnak]

^ yep many people convert from the "R" (firebolt) to the "S" (lightning). Many convert the other way too. You shouldn't have much difficulty finding someone to swap with.

 

[redbolt04]

The major work with this swap is that under the firebolt fairing lies your ecm and many other electronics, where as in a lightning they are in the tail, allowing the smaller fairing. This poses an issue when swapping as these electronics would need to be moved, and there is very little space in the tail of a firebolt. Lightning to firebolt front swap = easy, but, firebolt to lightning swap = more difficult. I'll try and find some links to some swap threads for you.



Firebolt to Lightning DIY Link

 

[CrazyTexan]

I now squidbuellie has a lot of extra parts. Mby he can get u hooked up with the front end.

 

[DCvious]

What a great new family I adopted myself into! Very helpful guys, I appreciate all the assistance and feedback I can get!

 

[Crescent1101]

What color are your plastics?

 

[DCvious]

I've put pics of my bike in my profile!
However, here is the tricky part. It's a custom paint job. To answer your question, the colour is 'smoke grey'.

 

[twoguns]

mate... first welcome!

second... MORE PICS PLEASE.

third... my opinion, cause hte art looks schweet.
is i would keep the front. i agree... i am not a fan of the large front on such a neat small bike. i have trimmed mine before, and i would suggest doing that and some more clear. love the custom paint job.

eg...

\

 

[DCvious]

Thanks man, you're right, separating from the custom paint IS a big decision that I should think out...but I REALLY believe less is better on my bike...
That being said, this paint job was 5K and I should respect it for what it is. I didn't choose it, so it's hard to love it like I should.
If someone put a blacked out bike in front of me to trade...I's likely be all over it. I am in love with this styling overall though...and so glad I finally decided on the Buell (over a Ducati even!)

 

[ArmyMP09]

You can always try to sell those plastics. And get some other ones instead of painting over it.

 

[snrusnak]

^that paint is awesome, don't swap!!!

 

[Kuntreeboy]

I would chop the front Fairing thats was my plan (Before the wife took the Buell over)! Look at xtremelow's warhorse build, the way he and twoguns have cut there fairings down makes it look allot better and goes with the rest of the bike! Good looking scoot welcome to the board allot of good folks round here!!

 

[Loki]

If anything man. Chop just the windscreen. Thats not painted and cutting that does also give it a smaller look. Plus you can always get another windscreen if you dont like the look.

 

[twoguns]

a mate of mine has done jsut what loki said. that even made the look sweeter.