XB Fork / Wheel conversion
I figured I would put this page together to help others out. I get emails and PM's weekly asking questions about many of the mods I have done to my Buell, with the XB wheel conversion being the most asked about "how to"
Using X1 Triples with XB forks
There are a couple ways to go about the XB wheel conversion. If you have an S1 or X1 with factory inverted forks, these are 41mm forks - (please conform this if you do in-fact have an S1). These are the same diameter as 2003-2004 XB forks and ALL year Scg forks (but remember, the Scg are "lowered" forks). This means that these year XB forks will slide right into X1 and im pretty sure S1 triple trees. The newer the buell the larger the diameter of the forks. The problem with this is, the XB triple stem is longer and spaces the XB triples further apart. The XB forks are tapered in the middle and therefore ONLY have one spot that they can be clamped to. This means for the X1 triple trees to be safely clamped to the XB forks, the XB forks needs to be "slide" about 2" up into the the triples causing the forks to stick out the top of the triples. This is fine if you want the front of your bike lowered and use clip-ons, BUT If you want your bike to sit at the correct height and be able to use handle bars, you are going to have to go a different route. You could try a set of 2"+ bar raisers but i didnt want to do this.
Using XB triples
I chose to go another route. I used XB triple trees. By doing so, this allows the XB forks to be clamped in the factory location and lets the bike sit at the correct height. You do lose some of the turning radius by doing this modification, but its a motorcycle.. who cares!
I did need to modify the XB triples to make them work. XB triple trees are thicker then my X1 triples. To get around this issue, i machined a counter-bore on the underside of the lower triple. I also machined a counter-bore on the upper triple as well, the reasoning for the upper is described below. Since the XB stem is to long, the X1/S1 stem will need to be used. By counter-boring the lower and making it the "same" thickness as the X1 lower, and the X1 stem pressed into the XB lower, making the stem the correct length.
I did need to modify the XB triples to make them work. XB triple trees are thicker then my X1 triples. To get around this issue, i machined a counter-bore on the underside of the lower triple. I also machined a counter-bore on the upper triple as well, the reasoning for the upper is described below. Since the XB stem is to long, the X1/S1 stem will need to be used. By counter-boring the lower and making it the "same" thickness as the X1 lower, and the X1 stem pressed into the XB lower, making the stem the correct length.
I counter-bored the top triple to accept the factory X1 stem bolt. You could get around this by using a large allen headed bolt, but I wanted to keep the factory hardware. REMEMBER - make a mark or mental note on the "clocking" of the X1 stem before pressing it out..... if you do not "clock" when you press it into the XB triple, your neck lock will NOT
Once this is completed, the XB triples and forks bolt on like factory.
This allows the XB wheel and brakes to also bolt on.
I have also read of others machining a bracket to mount the XB ZTL caliper to the X1 / S1 forks. This would allow you to keep factory triples and forks. Spacers MAY be needed for the XB wheels when using X1 / S1 triples, but i am not sure. You will need to verify.
This allows the XB wheel and brakes to also bolt on.
I have also read of others machining a bracket to mount the XB ZTL caliper to the X1 / S1 forks. This would allow you to keep factory triples and forks. Spacers MAY be needed for the XB wheels when using X1 / S1 triples, but i am not sure. You will need to verify.
Front Wheel
Since XB forks are being used, the XB ZTL and ZTL2 calipers will bolt directly on as well as the front wheel.
IF you are attemping to keep the factory X1/S1 forks, and using an XB wheel, you will need to machine some type of adapter bracket to allow the XB caliper to bolt on. Spacers MAY also be needed for the XB wheels when using X1 / S1 triples, but i am not sure. You will need to verify.
IF you are attemping to keep the factory X1/S1 forks, and using an XB wheel, you will need to machine some type of adapter bracket to allow the XB caliper to bolt on. Spacers MAY also be needed for the XB wheels when using X1 / S1 triples, but i am not sure. You will need to verify.
Rear Wheel
If your sticking with the factory X1 aluminum swingarm, rear spacer / reducers will need to be made. The X1 uses a 25mm diameter rear axle and the XB uses a 30mm diameter rear axle. The spacer / reducers will center the wheel along with reducing the 30mm XB bearing down to 25mm. Material will also need to be machined off the factory X1 rear brake caliper bracket to allow the wheel to be centered. If you need help with your conversion let me know. I also offer the services needed to help you make a painless conversion possible. Click here to find out more.
