| Author | Message | ||
     Friedduck |
Yeah, it's two questions in one. I figure I'll get the noob stuff out of the way in one thread. I'm looking at joining the Uly ranks and have a couple odd questions I haven't seen addressed elsewhere. I can get the three-bag set or just panniers and I'm wondering if the top bag is worth it. I think that Twistedthrottle sells the top bag and rack (looks to be identical to the OEM set-up) and so I'm wondering if there are any benefits to getting all three bags with the initial purchase. Do you guys find that you're using the top bag a lot or is it gathering dust in the garage? Also--what's the story with people switching to synthetic so early? I would've expected that people wait until ~10k miles before switching but I keep reading stories about switching to full synthetic after the first change. I'm just curious on this point--it's no big deal either way. Thanks for the help! Jeff | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I didn't want the top box because I hate top boxes. I haven't been able to fill both of the bags yet. Many keep so much crap in their bags just because they can. If you like to drag around a lot of stuff, get all three. If not, get just the panniers. I switched to Synthetic at 3,000 miles. I don't agree with swapping over at 1,000 miles, but the dealers usually suggest it. | ||
| Ratbuell |
One big advantage to all 3 bags is you can run just the top box, if you want a narrower profile but still have some luggage space (offroading between trees, or lane-splitting). Catch on the bags is, the top mounts to the sides, not to the frame...so you can't have a top without the sides. Working at a dealer, I know we switch about 90% of our bikes over to Syn3 at the first service (Buell and HD). No problems with it yet. | ||
| Lovehamr |
Jeff, I use my top case more than either of the other 2 just because it opens up rather than sideways. This makes it much more user friendly on a daily basis. The side cases hold more than the top case but trying to remove small stuff from them is a pain, it has a tendency to fall all over. I switched to synthetics at the first change and am glad I did. Steve | ||
| Hughlysses |
+1 on the topcase. I use the topcase alone about 90% of the time. It's handy for carrying stuff if commuting or making a quick run to the grocery store. Even for just riding backroads I usually keep a small airpump, tire repair kit, and a few tools in it, and it's nice to have to store your jacket liner, rain gear, etc. when the weather changes. IMHO synthetic is a very good idea for these engines, but I'd wait until maybe the second service. Most people say these engines don't feel like they're really completely broken in until 5000 miles or more. I figure changing to synthetic early is just going to prolong the break in period. I switched at ~6000 miles and I haven't regretted it (~8000 miles now). | ||
| Uly1080 |
Jeff, I too use the topcase much more than the other two. Its like having trunk. I use all three for trips. I also switched to full synthetic at 3000 miles and have no problems...all grins actually. | ||
| Supertoon |
If you have a girlfriend, get all three... | ||
| Davo |
I did not think I would use the top case either, but I used it 100% of the time. I hooked up the side cases only for longer trips. | ||
| Aeholton |
Get all three! Never know when you might need the extra space. Also as described above, the top case is pretty handy around town. I rarely ride with side bags but my top case is always on. Besides, it makes a nice high unobstructed mounting point for my XM radio antenna. (Message edited by aeholton on February 11, 2008) | ||
| Bertotti |
I fill all three routinely on my quick grocery runs. I have been thinking of ditching it because I just don't like the looks of the bike with the top case on. Very handy to have though and when on I use it first then move to the sides. I wish I could find a small tank bag but everyone I see is just way to tall and bulky for what I'm looking for. Time to stop buy the leather hobby shop and buy some stuff to make my own. I currently carry extra levers and pedals and oil in the top with some other dodads. | ||
| Steelshoe |
I agree with others that a topbox is handier than the sides for daily use, also you don't have to worry about balancing each side. The only reason not to use syn oil from the factory is its to expensive to throw away after only 1000 miles. Ducati uses syn at factory fill. | ||
| Msparks |
Don't know much about the top box since I don't have one. I just don't like top boxes, I guess for only reason as I don't like the look. I suppose they can be convenient for carrying some stuff like lap tops and such. I only ordered the panniers. As far as synthetics, I would recommend waiting at least until 2500-3000 miles. Just to make sure you get a good break in. I don't think it's necessary to wait 10,000 miles unless you have excessive oil usage due to unseated rings (Think BMW) otherwise the sooner the better when it comes to synthetics-especially for longevity on that fan  | ||
| Gotj |
"I think that Twistedthrottle sells the top bag and rack (looks to be identical to the OEM set-up)" From the Twisted Throttle description of the Givi rack: "Without modification, our Ulysses topcarrier cannot be used in conjunction with the Buell OEM sidecarriers for Hepco-Becker sidecases." | ||
| Michael1 |
I use my Top Case 100% of the time. I have it lined with velro and can attach all the stuff I carry so it doesn't rattle around. I'll remove the side bags for when I don't need a ton of space. I switched to Amsoil synthetic at 5k miles. Figured that would be a perfect time to switch. I wouldn't have switched any earlier as the Buell motor was still loosening up right to 5k miles. | ||
| Conchop |
Top case is very handy. Amsoil At 1k service. Seems to be a happy bike. Many OEM's start with synthetics. You can put it in at anytime, just do it. | ||
| Adrian_8 |
Yep...top case is on bike 100% of the time..would not want to be without it. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I have all three, but use the top case 99% by itself for secure storage. Only lock on the side bags when I go on trips. Once you get use to the utility of the top case it is then had to imagine going without. | ||
| Maximum |
I'm the opposite as EG. I use the sides all the time, and only the top case when on trips, or riding two-up and want additional storage space for helmets. Of course I have the larger HB top case that can fit and secure two helmets. One of the reasons I use the side cases all the time is for the potential leg protection if things go bad. | ||
| Etennuly |
I agree with the break in before switching to syn oils. I have 24,500 miles on dino and I am switching on my next change. The top bag is excellent. I usually keep a map and my day or night shield and extra gloves in there. I use it all of the time as a helmet locker. | ||
| Jb2607 |
I have all three cases and bought my ULY to travel long distance... coast to coast, etc. Switched to Mobil 1 fully synthetic at 1000 miles in both motor and tranny. | ||
| Friedduck |
Man - that has to be the best response to a question I've ever gotten--thanks! Ya know I'd completely forgotten about the tranny being separate on these things--it'll take a bit to get used to the differences. I've always tried to wait until the engine is completely broken in before going synthetic and it sounds like these don't take as long as BMWs. I've had it go both ways. I had a Duc that was broken in relatively quickly, and a Yamaha that I ended up going *back* to regular oil because it still wasn't done after 10k miles. I talked to the financing and insurance people today. I'm officially past the tire-kicking stage  (State Farm had the best rates in case you're shopping.) Jeff |
