looking to make alil more power out of my 09 nightster. ive heard of guys running the buell lightning heads and cams in their bikes. anyone else running these? is it worth the swap?

 

The Thunderstorm Pistons and Heads (which I think are the parts you're referring to) are a great swap. I did a 1200 conversion using the Thunderstorm Pistons but went with 1200S heads because I got them for cheap. I had Dan over at NRHS modify the heads some so the cylindars didn't have super high compression. They ran well but I was told the matching heads are even better.

Talk to Dan over at NRHS and he can tell you all the pros and cons with the different head options for your bike. Rather than spend a bunch of money on heads you may want to ask him about doing head work to the ones you have. I bet you for less money Dan could get those to make more power than the Thunderstorm heads.

 

Hammer Performance has an article on their web site telling all about the different heads for Sportsters http://www.hammerperf.com/ttxlheads.shtml If I understand it correctly the heads you already have are much better than the Buell Lightning or even Thunderstorm heads. Those are really old heads made for the rigid mount bikes and the new 1200 heads and Buell XB heads are much better.