Buell XB9/12s/r/x
By Enthusiasts for Enthusiasts
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Handling
The Buell XB series are amongst the best handling bikes available, with geometry similar to MotoGP bikes, chassis the size of a 125, and the power of a big V-twin engine.
Bike Magazine awarded the XB the award of 1st place in their best cornering bike awards for 2005. Click on the image to read the review,
or Download the whole article in pdf format. (Care 4.5Mb)
Suspension
Getting the suspension set right can be the difference between the best handling bike on the road, or potentially a dangerous vehicle!
Start with the factory settings, then maybe try Shaun Higbee's more aggressive set. test them both on a familiar piece of road, riding within your limits.
Once you have your base settings sorted, have a look at Sean Onipedes guide for fine tuning to suit you.
What is it about Sean/Shaun's and being able to setup bike suspension?
Factory Settings as per manual (2005 XB12s)
Please check your owners manual for factory settings, these may be different for other models.
| FRONT | REAR | ||||||
| Rider Weight lbs | Preload # lines | Compression | Rebound | Preload (Notch) | Compression | Rebound | |
| <150 | 7 | 2 | 1.75 | 1 | 2.5 | 2 | |
| 150-170 | 6.5 | 1.75 | 1.75 | 2 | 2.25 | 1.75 | |
| 170-190 | 5.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 4 | 1.75 | 1.5 | |
| 190-210 | 5 | 1.25 | 1.5 | 5 | 1.5 | 1.25 | |
| 210-230 | 4.5 | 1.25 | 1.5 | 6 | 1.25 | 1 | |
| 230 to GVWR | 4 | 1 | 1.25 | 7 | 1.25 | 1 |
Aggressive Suspension Settings
These are from Shaun Higbee, official tester for the Buell factory and ex works Buell rider in Pro Thunder.
| FRONT | REAR | ||||||
| Rider Weight lbs | Preload # lines | Compression | Rebound | Preload (Notch) | Compression | Rebound | |
| <150 | 6 | 2 | 1.75 | 2 | 1.75 | 1.5 | |
| 150-165 | 5.5 | 1.75 | 1.625 | 3 | 1.5 | 1.25 | |
| 165-180 | 5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 4 | 1.25 | 1.25 | |
| 180-195 | 4.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | |
| 195-210 | 4 | 1.25 | 1.25 | 6 | 0.75 | 0.75 | |
| 210-225 | 4 | 1 | 1.25 | 6 | 0.5 | 0.75 | |
| 225< | 3.5 | 1 | 1.25 | 7 | 0.5 | 0.5 | |
| 2 Up & GVWR | 3 | 0.75 | 1 | 7 | 0.25 | 0.5 |
To improve ride quality
Try this first: Reduce compression damping counterclockwise one quarter to one half turns
If more is desired: Reduce rebound damping counterclockwise one quarter to one half turns
If more is desired: Reduce rear shock preload one position.
To improve steering quickness & corner easier
First: Increase rear shock preload one position.
If more is desired: Reduce front preload (turn adjuster counterclockwise until additional line is visible).
If more is desired: Increase rear compression clockwise one quarter to half turn.
If more is desired: Increase front rebound clockwise one quarter turn.
A full guide on how to setup the suspension for yourself
Every expert has their own opinion on how to setup the suspension on a bike. The only honest answer is that it can only really be set right by working with the actual rider. Setting the suspension to suit you will take some time, but will be worth it in the long run. Sean Onipede of Go Star Racing has written an excellent guide on how to setup your suspension. Either check it out on their website here or download the PDF format from us here.
Tyres
Tyre choice is a very personal thing, strongly influenced by rider style and type of use intended. A soft tyre perfect for corners, is rarely the best tyre for motorway use. Then again, Buells' aren't usually bought for long distance motorway use ;-) Before choosing the best tyre for you, it is worth reading the following message from the forums. The Tyre Thread http://www.bike-pix.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6455
The XB range were originally supplied with Dunlop Sportmax Radial II tyres. 120/70 ZR17 D207FY on the front and 180/55/ZR17 D207V 's on the rear. There is a general consensus of opinion that these are not the best tyres for the bike. Many riders change to alternate brands when they first need replacing.
Pirelli Diablo's are often rated by enthusiasts as the best handling tyre for the XB range. Buell may have been listening as they have now replaced the Dunlops as the factory tyre 120/70 ZR17 on the front and 180/55 ZR17 on the rear
Other popular tyres for XB's would include;
Metzeler Roadtec Z6 good mileage and grip
Bridgestone 020
Conti Road Attacks to your list, excellent performance and mileage...
Tyre Pressure
Standard tyre pressures are recommended as 38psi front and rear. Some riders run softer pressures, but you should start with the factory settings, sort out your suspension, then maybe try different tyre pressures.
If you are not sure, stay at or near the factory settings.
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