| Author | Message | ||
     Bigkuri |
Howdy All, Just back from a test ride on a 07 Uly, and what a great bike. Was intending to put a deposit down on a new 08, however the dealer told me that they will not be available in England until the New Year! Not sure if this is really true, but they said Uly's have been selling poorly in Europe this year, and so excess 07 stock is being shipped to England to be sold here? Now decision time - wait for the 08, or get a deal done on the 07. Advantages of the 08 are its good enhancements, however if I get a race can (like a drummer or something), re-mapped FI, and free flow air box then the advantages start to diminish? Guess the things that cannot be changed on an 07 are throttle response, bigger oil cooler, and steering lock? Hmmm, decisions... (although depends what they offer me on an 07). Was really set on putting order on nice new 08. Cheers all, BigKuri | ||
| Adrian_8 |
The improvements are nice but they are not a big deal. Steering lock, no biggie, oil pump, nah, oil cooler nada, quieter fan....maybe. If you can save some big Euros(?)and you cannot wait get the 07. In fact the slower throttle cam on the 08 seems like a "no-funner" to me, about like a "kiddie stop" on a dirt bike.."Don't you do any wheelies now", Johnnie | ||
| Miamiuly |
Don't forget improved fuel injection and no more TPS resets. But I bought an 07 anyway. | ||
| Bigkuri |
Maybe a silly question here - but if you get a remapped FI (to go with the new can and airbox) would the TPS reset thing still be an issue? That could be a show stopper on the 07, as I always maintain my own bikes. I like the analogy of kiddie-stop throttle  | ||
| Bertotti |
There is a free version of software out there to do your own tps resets and the cable you can build yourself. It is available for palm or pc. PC version has the ability to load new maps to the ecm. The steering lock on the 07 is 20 degrees total less then the 08 but you can put the 08 front on a 07 someone here is going to do it and I think it priced to around a grand. I love my 07 and will probably do the front end swap in the coming year. For me other then the increased steering lock I don't care about the rest of the changes and even the steering is turning out to be not that big a deal. | ||
| Karlsbad |
Wait, the 08 is much improved, the steering lock in itself should be enough to sway you over. I rode a 07 in the spring bought a 08 last week, huge difference, take one out and do a couple of circles you shall see what I mean. larger crank pin,better oil circulation,bigger oil cooler, somewhat improved heat displacement,20 degrees more steering lock-lock (Huge improvement) Do yourself a favor (Favour in UK) wait for the 08} karlsbad | ||
| Kieefer |
I'm in the same spot considering between the 06's, 07's and the 08's. IMO the $$$ difference is small if you are looking at new leftovers, plus the new improvements which make the bike basically maintenance free and easier to ride. Not to mention the new Blue AND being the 25th Anniversary. There's also this NEED for the latest model and makes me wonder what changes will be on the 09's? Besides better wheel bearings, lifetime drive belts, noise free fans, better lighting and footpegs, what else does it need........now there's a good thread starter. | ||
| Bigkuri |
Know what you mean Kieefer - I'm well and truly sitting on the fence on this one. On one hand the improvements, which no one would say are not improvements, even if a lot of them can be retro fitted to an old model. On the other is my built in resistance to "the new best thing" which is one of the reasons I like Buell so much - simple and pure. My old GS was a nightmare. Servo brakes? ABS? Christ what a bad idea on a bike (unless you can't ride). So clever I hated it and it rode like an utter dog, albeit a well trained sleepy one... My gut says to wait till 08's are here. Unbelievable that they will take so long (New Year) to be released in England. Maybe the dealer is having me on to get rid of old stock. However price is a factor, so if they sharpen their pencils.... Plus Buell have an insurance deal here - two years fixed price for about a 1/4 what I would pay normally. Ends September. The fence is a sharp place to sit!  | ||
| Adrian_8 |
I have only had my TPS set once in 32k miles and could not really tell any difference...The bike runs good stock...save your money and ride her like you bought her...she is faster than you off the showroom floor...betcha...If you can save about 2G you will pay less taxes and less insurance on the older bike...and have some left over for a few Guinness Stouts.... I Know..I Know..Newer is Better... | ||
| Kieefer |
Let's get the apples on the table - EAST TROY, Wis. -- (Sunday, July 08, 2007) For 2008 the Thunderstorm 1203 redline is increased to 7100 rpm from 6800 rpm, giving this engine an even broader powerband, and riders the ability to accelerate longer and downshift at a higher rpm. The rpm redline of the Thunderstorm 984 remains 7500 rpm. we might can push the rev-limiter on this one, after all, it's only 300RPM  New Timing System The timer cover is eliminated, as the engine is now crank timed from a new crank position sensor, which eliminates the need for manual timing, reducing maintenance costs. The ECM actively monitors and adjusts timing based on driving environment. The new sensor makes 30 reads per revolution, compared to the previous two reads per revolution, for more precise control of fuel mapping and timing to conditions. I'll bet this would be a costly upgrade, what ya think?  More Robust Crankpins The size of the crankpins is increased to 1.50 inches from 1.25 inches. speaking of costly.....  Oiling System Upgraded A higher-output oil pump supports oiling to the new crankpin area. The new pump is driven off of the crank, a design based on the Buell XBRR production racing motorcycle. done checked on this one and nope, can't be a retrofit.  A new eight-row oil cooler offers enhanced cooling performance. All oil line ends are now equipped with Jiffy-tite fittings. hmmm, yea OK.  New DDFI 3 ECM (Engine Control Module) A new ECM with increased computing capacity. DDFI 3 actively controls and monitors the TPS (throttle position sensor), IAC (idle air control), and timing. DDFI 3 automatically zeros the TPS and adjusts fuel metering for smoother idle, eliminating service intervals and reducing the cost of ownership. A new progressive throttle cam and new throttle cables provide smoother throttle input from stops, and less rotation to full throttle. possibly but pricey I bet.  And that leaves us with the improved turning radius....don't know about you but replacing perfectly good 06 or 07 fork assembly doesn't make a lot of sense to me but to each his own.  so now we have a new and improved 08 bike priced about the same as last years bike, $11,495....hmmmmm. and no, I'm not a salesman.  | ||
| Karlsbad |
Keifer you nailed it right on. Until I heard about the possible upgrades on the 08 the Uly was not even on my short list. (Sorry Guys) But after reading, seeing ,and riding the 08 it was clear to me I made the right choice. My biggest issue was should I wait for the 09 with the possibility of a new Rotax designed engine or own possibly the last model year air/oil cooled V45 Buell twin I figured I will keep this at least 1-2 years depending on development of new liquid cooled engine, cuz let's face it The Rotax/Harley designed engine is coming it's just a matter of time. Until then I will enjoy every bloody mile with a big a$$ grin. P.S. Any input as to Pre load, Rebound, & Damping set up, any suggestions would be great Karlsbad | ||
| Kieefer |
suspension setup is something I could use some training on, I think I've been lucky with the trial and error method. the July 07 issue of MCN has a good article on suspension tuning. for the folks in Clubs, wouldn't that be a good meeting with a host from the vending or racing circuit? | ||
| Johnny_uly |
So whats the deal with the slow throttle cam on the 08? What is it and how does it affect the bikes performance? Not that I would ever do them but... it won't take my wheelies away will it?  | ||
| Kieefer |
the slow throttle cam update is something that actually increases the motor speed and velocity, the slower you turn the throttle the faster is goes, of course if you whack the throttle open quickly, warp speed will result.  See new warning labels on the tank.  Something new on the 08's, makes them faster than the older models, especially with the BLUE ones.  | ||
| Bigkuri |
Found out that the throttle on the 08 is actually less total draw (twist); just slower in the low end range (a flatter cam on the initial pull). So, more feel and control down low, and less twist getting to full juice. Sounds ideal... PS - got sick of sitting on the fence and will now wait until the 08 comes to the UK. Cannot believe it will take until New Year - surely the dealers will just knock off 07 prices and sell the 08 immediately. Already been offered £1400 off retail at Slough H-D. | ||
| Karlsbad |
Bigkuri So if a new Uly is sugg. retail 11,495.00 usd.,what is sugg. retail in the UK Just curios to see how the markets differ in various parts of the world. Karlsbad | ||
| Johnny_uly |
Faster than light speed on a motorcycle, sweet! | ||
| Bigkuri |
List is £8,195 GBP. No change from 07 to 08 retail. where we really get stung is the price of accessories, which generally if are $100 would be £100. Twice as much! I probably should buy an 07 based on the current discounts, but then again what part of biking is ever about doing what you should do! | ||
| Tootal |
Does anybody know if the progressive throttle cam can retro fit to an 06? I would love to have some more control at lower speeds, makes the off road stuff a lot easier! |
