| Author | Message | ||
     Johnnylunchbox |
So I took my ’04 Firebolt XB12 out today, after not riding it for about 10 months. I have been mostly riding my Uly lately and just finished a 2500 mile ride this weekend. I find the Uly to handle much better. By that I mean I am much more confident in leaning the Uly over and almost dragging pegs. I am much faster on the Uly. I don’t know why but the Firebolt is not a confidence inspiring ride. Frankly it scares me. I find it twitchy and easily unsettled by imperfections in the road surface. I find it less forgiving and very sensitive to throttle modulation when leaned over. I set the suspension according to my weight as the manual dictates, but I still find it scary. The 12 R feels like it is fighting me in the turns, whereas the Uly falls right in effortlessly and keeps its line. I have no problem hanging off the Uly, but find this difficult on the 12R. I have the stock Dunlop tires on the Firebolt. It is due for new tires so I am going to go with Pilot Roads. I hope this changes the feel somewhat. Is it the wide bars of the Uly that gives more leverage for holding the bike steady in the curves? Does the Uly have an advantage with its longer travel suspension? I am at a loss. Does anybody else have experience riding these two bikes? I really want to like the 12R, but I do not find myself enjoying it as much. | ||
| Unibear12r |
Although I ride my Uly more than my Firebolt I'm the exact opposite to you. When you change the tires the Firebolt will come alive with a big difference. For me just reverse your story even to the point of the Uly being a bit twitchy while the 'Bolt is quick over to the peg and stable there even in triple digits. But then I have long distance tires on the Uly and a good set of Metzlers on the 'Bolt for handling. The 'bolt is my love and the Uly is my work-a-day. It does feel easier to roll the Uly because of the bars but the 'Bolt feels faster if that makes any sense. Comparing the two really displays EB's trilogy of tech thing as with all things being (nearly) the same the taller, higher cg Uly feels easier to roll side to side but the Firebolt, with just a little bit more effort, does it a lot faster imho. Confidence, practice and tires will mean a lot to you. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
Unibear, you are right, the Firebolt transitions from side to side quicker. I will have the new tires soon, and hopefully that will make a difference. Confidence and practice will help. | ||
| Diablobrian |
The tires will make a night and day difference in how your 'bolt behaves in the corners. Add the difference in your level of confidence in the bike due to the amount of time you've spent on the Uly and any problem at all will feel amplified, so with fresh shoes be sure to give the bike another shot! | ||
| Cavi |
I own a SV650 in addition to my Uly and I am amazed at how much better I ride the SV after riding the uly for 6 months or so, the SV now feels very light and nimble. Do not get me wrong, I love riding the Uly, it does handle great |
