BUELL RACERS-HELP

[bobby_r]

Just wondering if anyone out there was running a Buell xb and if they had any set-up tips,and how did they safety wire the oil lines? do you have to safety wire oil lines on that model or can you just silicone them?Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

thanks,rob ruggiero lrrs jr.#828 xb9r

[PJ]

I have never had to safety wire the oil lines (used silicone sealant instead). Only wired the oil drain plugs and fill caps.

Roadracing World ran a series of articles on racing an XB9R in the F-USA National GT Lights Team Challenge series (won the championship). Latest issue has part 4 in the series. You should be able to buy back issues to catch up. Part 3 was March 2004. Part 2 was February 2004. Part 1 (with the most set up info) was December 2003.

Henry Duga, the race manager at Buell, is also a very good resource.

Email me if you have more questions. pauljames47@hotmail.com

[bobby_r]

Paul, thanks for the info. I read those articles in RRW, they were good and had some good info. did you do alot of modifactions to your bike? How do you like racing the bike? I ran a Honda Rs250 last year and I'm curious to see how different the 2 bikes are. From what I've read and heard the bike handles pretty close to a gp bike on the track. Can you compare the Buell to other bikes you've raced?

Thanks, Rob Ruggiero LRRS#828 Buell xb9r

[PJ]

Not much in the way of mods. Buell race kit (exhaust pipe, chip and filter) and Hal's chain drive swingarm conversion kit. I've seen guys race with the stock belt drive, and it works fine. In fact, it's lighter than chain drive. But you can't change gear ratios.

The bike handles great. Stock suspension works well. Heavier springs helped get me back in good suspension adjustability range (I'm 200lbs.) and I recently tried an Ohlins shock.

I've never ridden a GP bike, so I can't tell you how it would compare to that. I've raced an FZR400, Hawk 650 , SV 650, S1 1200, etc. I think it's the best handling bike I've raced. Good luck and keep in touch.