XB Lightnings at high speed?

[axman789]

I've read in alot of reviews of the xb lightnings that basically say "unstable at high speeds". What do you guys have to say about that? Do they mean unstable at 75mph or unstable at 120mph. Let me know guys. Thanks.

 

[09XB12Ss]

The reason I bough my bike was because I loved the stability. Granted I have the Ss, which has a longer wheelbase. Can't speak for the shorter models.

 

[oxygen151]

Never had a "stability" problem at higher speeds. Obviously you will get more wind turbulence than on a bike with full fairings, but nothing to worry about.

 

[Buellysses]

120+ mine got a little hairy, but cruising 80 MPH doesn't feel any different then cruising at 50. Just a little bit more windy, and the bugs make bigger splatter marks.

 

[Five1]

I love my xb but it is no fun riding at high speeds. Even at 80mph on the highway, I get a beating from the wind. At 120, it feels like you're going to get sucked off the bike!

 

[Five1]

To add to my above post. I don't think the bike itself is unstable. The bike just doens't offer any wind protection compared to a full fairing sport bike. When I lay down on the tank, it seems like my body actually creates some lift and the front end gets a little light at high speeds. If I stay upright, the wind blasts me so hard it feels like I'm going to fall off the back.

 

[leadfoot955]

i've experienced a shimmy at close to top speed when i crossed over an irrigation canal. it made me think that it could use a steering dampener like the one on my old H-1 kawi 3cyl 2stroke. it was similar to letting the front tire back down after a higher speed wheelie. other than that, i'm wanting to know how much more top speed is obtainable with the aftermarket ecm/exaust. what kind of selection is there for drive spocket changes? there is more than enough torque for another gear. maybe i'm just crazy, but my better half loves to red-line the top gear too,& we've never experienced any instability when cruising over 100. we love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ADAMLEE]

When I hit 185mph on my stock XB12Ss it was fine, no problem.

I'm a big guy so it might be different for me but the bike is fine, even when it's pegg'd out. I've riden other bikes that scare the crap out of me due to shaking. this bike is pretty stable.

 

[NOMORE4s4ME]

185? You must have mistaken your R1 for a Buell.

I've never had stability problems at any speed on mine.

 

[XBear9S]

I've ridden my '03 XB9S Lightning @ 135 on several occasions.
I've taken her to a steady 120 fully loaded with gear twice for long periods of time out on dessert roads here in Texas.
Never had a stability issue.

In hard wind, my bike barely notices.
As compared to my CBR919 which pitches in the wind.
Ride position is key to enjoying high speeds on a Lightning.
But I've never seen the front get light.
Never a wobble...

Special K

 

[ROJO]

Dido on everybody above. You get over 100mph and it get real windy, but with no windshield or fairing to channel the wind away it is to be expected. As far as the bike itself goes, its fine.

 

[CBREDXB12s]

ADAMLEE, was that a joke, or do you mistake 3's for 8's?? I cant see a stock Buell doing 185...

To the OP, I have experenced a little wobble from wind gusts and bumps in the road, but only at 100+. Crusing at 80 or 90 is normally fine for me![up]

 

[GatorBuell]

ADAMLEE, was that a joke, or do you mistake 3's for 8's?? I cant see a stock Buell doing 185...

I was thinking the same thing. I guarantee my Ss will not to that stock or otherwise.

 

[NOMORE4s4ME]

I believe he meant it as a joke. Either that or he was deprived oxygen through the birthing process.

 

[climberfreak]

it really depends on the wind sometimes its smooth at 135ish other times its a little sketchy

 

[leadfoot955]

185!W.O.W.! i guess my throttle still has the adult control limiter! i am hoping to get more top end but i dont anticipate that much. what are the improvement numbers with a pipe & ecm mapping, or aftermarket ecm?

 

[GatorBuell]

i am hoping to get more top end but i dont anticipate that much. what are the improvement numbers with a pipe & ecm mapping, or aftermarket ecm?

Your not going to get much in gains, most change things for the exhaust note. Aftermarket stuff adds a few more HP and foot lbs but mostly moves the horse power or/and torque curve around to a more usable spot in the rpm range.
American Sport Bike did a exhaust shoot out click on XB exhaust shoot out.

 

[Trill]

maybe he meant 185 km/h or it was just a joke

All I know is that I get neck pain going fast on the buell lol.

 

[Roccodart440]

I've had mine to 130MPH. It seems plenty stable but don't sit up out of a tuck too soon. The wind is crazy.

 

[wokor2wheel]

You can get 185... just hold in the turn signal and passing light switches at the same time. I then puts it into "Warp Drive". LOL!