I sold my SV and I'm setting up my 03 XB9S for the track. I don't have time to get aftermarket suspension for it. I'm looking for input on how far I can tune the stock suspension. I weigh 220# . Can I run thicker fork oil or put in a few extra cc's to get it a little stiffer? I am also looking for an LSL steering damper that goes from the engine vibration isolator to the fork tube. It looks like it tucks neatly in front of the motor without sticking out like a joust. Is there any danger of hitting the front fender under hard braking w/ this damper on the XB9S? (I don't know if the "R" model is setup differently. Also, I'm having fork/swingarm sliders made, any specific length? 1 1/2"-2"....? I also need a fairing stay off of a Firebolt and a clear windshield. I also Can the belt tensioner be loosened up a little to free up some h.p. without having the belt slip? If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it. I'll be @ Blackhawk Tuesday evening for the wed track day and will be there for the weekend races as well. 

Thanks to anyone w/ info or parts for me to buy,

Brian Liebe
CCS195AM
920-619-7625

Brian, there's a Buell spring kit for the suspension.  Front and rear springs.  I do not know if it is available for the '03 model though.

I am using the front springs and not the rear.  If my rear would fit on yours, I'd sell it way cheap. 

Can't give you an answer on the steering damper today.  I'm buying a used one though.  Should have it for next weekend.

Hopefully when I get to BHF I'll walk around the buell camp and find some extras to buy. Thanks for your reply. I had read on racetechs' website that the stock spring is set for a 220# rider, if so, I'm close on that. Did you mention that you have a whole rear shock assembly or just the spring?

Brian.

Hey, Brian, I did only have a spring, and it's going to my Buell ECM guy, Mike.

I bought a simple chain conversion kit, no replacement swingarm required, but I think I'm going to go another route.  I would be interested in selling that.  I can bring it to Blackhawk, or PM me, etc.


I think some of the stock rates for the Buells are a little light for hard racing at my weight, 175#. 

Brian, you need stiffer springs front and rear to get the right set up for your XB.

The Buell Pro Series Suspension kit fits 05 and later XBs. That's the year the XBs went from 41mm to 43mm forks.

Best bet is to contact Randy at Trackside Engineering and he'll set you up with the correct springs as well as revalve your forks/shock. Call him at 262-339-0615.

Thanks for the info Paul. I have contacted Randy and he's gonna get me dialed in...All i did for now was get a set of 1.0 springs and put in fresh 10wt oil in the front. I am on the hunt for a different Buell. Don't know if you saw prev posts, but my bike is not the right one. Apparently I have a "low" version so the forks are too small. Iv'e been watching e-bay for the correct size forks. At the previous BHF track day / race weekend, I was bottoming them out with compression pretty stiff and the 1.0 fork springs. I need the extra travel.
I'll be keeping my eye out for a good aftermarket rear shock as well.

Thanks again for your input-

Brian Liebe
American Marine and Motorsports
Shawano,Wi.
CCS195AM

No problem. Good luck in your search.

You could modify the XB9S into a decent race bike, but you might be better off trading it for a Firebolt model.

Feel free to ping me if you have more questions...