| Author | Message | ||
     Tankhead |
I am reading quite a bit about fouled plugs, stuttering, poor running bikes, way less gas mileage than 2006-07 models. My question is since I might be pulling the trigger on a 2008 after I get my taxes done how many of you that have 2008 models are having no problems and are really just enjoying the bike? I have a 2006 city x that from the time I bought it till now it has not given me ONE PROBLEM. If it wasn't for the lack of utility like that of the ULY I would be keeping it. I have a big x-country planned for late June and early July. I need more room, more storage than the regular XB bags and the ability to go off road with more clearance. There are a few 2007 models that are set up with full bags for much less than the new 2008. I am scared to get the 2008 but I really want the heated grips, turning radius, thrust blue, less maintenance, larger oil pump and all the other improvements but just do not want any major headaches. Give me the OK to buy.....sell me the goods. | ||
| Bigkuri |
I'm behind some of the "bad 08" comments so I'll jump in and say right out that I've no regrets at all. I love the improvements that they made. If faced with the same bike buying decision with the benefit of hindsight, I'd still go for the 2008 without a seconds hesitation. Really there is just one thing that is getting to me - which is the constant fouling of plugs and stuttering when warming up. In my mind there is something obviously wrong in the 2008 ECM, especially the European models with the thin wee headers, and catalytic converter in the can. This would make sense for reports of poor mileage too, although all new Buells have poor mileage to begin with? Also without doubt, this will be easy to fix - eventually. It's just frustrating waiting for either a) factory fix, b) ECM Spy version 2 (for 2008 models), or c) even a new factory race ECM. In the mean time I'm getting big (remus) headers, and exhaust & will see what that's like and report back. But like I said, I'd "re-buy" the 2008 (Uly) in a second as the improvements are brilliant, and my troubles are just annoying, but not the end of the world. It still goes like snot, and is a huge amount of fun. | ||
| Bigkuri |
PS - there are at least two 2008 Uly's here in the UK that have reported absolutely no problems at all, with about the same mileage as me (3,000). Maybe they are prefect bikes, or maybe their riding habits plays a part - I am pretty aggressive in riding style. | ||
| Nav18tor |
I have got an 08 Ulysses, no fouled plugs, not stuttering, so far it has been perfect Love the heated grips and turning circle Get an 08, I paid a lot more for mine over the cheap 06/07 models available in the UK Picked the faster orange colour  I wanted way may well be the last of the aircooled motors, with all the updates that it came with So far I have not regreted spending the extra | ||
| Rwcfrank |
My 08 runs perfectly, I have had zero issues and it is a blast. I have never ridden the 06-07 model but everything I read says that performance mods do little at best. Part of the reason I bought the Uly was it needs nothing out of the box. The cool factor was built in by Eric. I say do it and you'll never regret it. | ||
| Tankhead |
What are you guys getting for MPG. | ||
| Jwnsc |
I've only got 1450 miles on mine, but so far no problems. Mileage is in the mid 40s but almost all of it was slab blitz with loaded bags. (70 mph+). | ||
| Mark_weiss |
Short distance commuting (10mi to work)yields 38+ mpg. Road days (only a few) have been 46 - 48 mpg. I fouled plugs once, but I did it. I pressed the starter button and the bike did not immediately fire. I pressed again and let off at the first big chuff and then pressed again, flooding the bike. If I'd just pressed the starter button and let the bike start, all would have been fine. Mark in Arizona | ||
| Nav18tor |
50+ (bigger UK gallons) MPG Surprisingly good for my style of riding | ||
| Tankhead |
Anyone else want to chime in???? How has your experience been with the new Thunderstorm engine? tanks | ||
| Bikesquatch |
My 08 has the fouled plug problem, but it really isn't the bikes fault. The dealer I bought it from started it numerous times for me when I was looking at it for under 30 seconds revving it up and turning it off. I am assuming they did this for others who were looking as well. Salesmen just didn't know. I was pretty sure it would need new plugs so I had them write it in to my contract when I purchased the bike. | ||
| Rekrab |
I've got 11,500 mi. on my 08 . Dealer did 10,000. I did not have the forks done as I might lower mine. MPG high 40's. First rear tire 7500. Front is new at 11k+. I have had sputters, happens more when wet. no plug issues, changed at 11k+ It has been a great bike, winter din'nt seem as long when I was riding a roadking. The Uly makes you want to just get out and ride!! | ||
| Crusty |
My wife has a 2008 XB12Ss that we got last October. So far, it's been trouble free. I like the new engine enough that I'm seriously thinking about trading my '06 Uly (which has been fairly trouble free) for an '08 XT. | ||
| Court |
>>>So far, it's been trouble free. Wife or bike? Shhhhhhhh . .. don't you dare tell Terry I said that! | ||
| Gsilvernale |
08 Uly, 1200 miles. No problems. Plugs have never fouled. I let mine warm up for about 2 minutes when I pull it out of the garage and start it. Starts immediately. I do not give it any gas until its warm and I am ready to ride. Just press the starter for about 2 seconds, it starts, and I let it warm up. Once its warm, I can start and stop it and not worry about the plugs. Gas Mileage is right about 40 MPG. I was hoping for a little better, but it is definetly not a reason to not buy the 08. Low RPM driveability is good. I can lug it down to 2000 RPMs in 1st gear (15 mph) without using the clutch. Would I buy the bike again - in a heart beat. I thought about buying a used/new 07 instead. Glad I did not. It will do a roll on wheelie in first gear. Did it once just to show that I can do it with my 230 pounds up near the tank. I grin everytime I ride this bike. (Message edited by gsilvernale on March 11, 2008) | ||
| Bigkuri |
MPG over the last two months is this: US MPG UK MPG 32.12 38.58 30.11 36.16 30.47 36.60 26.10 31.34 24.97 29.99 28.44 34.15 31.88 38.28 33.10 39.75 32.44 38.96 31.36 37.66 30.87 37.07 31.50 37.83 31.63 37.99 33.99 40.82 29.16 35.02 28.88 34.69 Not sure how anything better is possible if you ride aggressively. I've made an effort for some of the above tanks to go easy on the gas (no big accelerations, and nothing above 80mph). | ||
| Karlsbad |
My only complaint is off idle stumble, does'nt always do it but is bothersome when it does. I love the bike | ||
| Conchop |
I've had some issues with my 08 - vibration - fouled plug - blown fuses. Since I'm in the MC biz, I have the blessing/curse - I can feel everything and I know what it is. Now, everything seems very reliable. Nonetheless the bike is brilliant and it is way better with 1500 miles on it than it was with 15 miles. I've fiddled with HD since the 70's so there is a certain amount of experience I come to the table with, and as time goes on, I'll have it all sorted out and perfected. I can only get in the high 30 mpg range - BUT - I'm a 3xl kind of guy and riding in lower gears in mountainous terrain. My personal observation - too high of gearing on a big V twin that has been starved of low end fuel to meet emmisions. The motor needs counterbalancers plus the elastomers and a 6 speed tranny. Now I just ride it like a rocket bike - never go under 3k rpm - keep it piped up. I recently re-adjusted the suspension and fattened up the tires and it changed everything for the better. There is some more drivability lurking in the Sportster mill and I'll get it out. The more the bike is ridden and the harder it is ridden - the better life is. All I want to do is RIDE her. My real modifications will happen soon. I'll keep in touch. | ||
| Tstone |
Just for the record, my dealer warned me about fouling plugs when I bought my '06 model. They didn't make a big deal out of it, but service manager said to be careful not to stall the bike when the engine is cold. He said something to the effect of, "these things have been known to foul if you stall them on a cold engine. Be careful. Just start the bike without throttle and let it warm up on its own for about thirty seconds before you ride". I've followed those directions and never had any issues - other than having a better bike than anybody else.  | ||
| Gsilvernale |
I am wondering if the plug fouling is something that could be related to the altitude. My bike is ridden at or near sea level and runs very cleanly - no stumbles, or fouling. For those of you that are having fouling issues, are you up in the mountains? | ||
| Bross |
I thought it was well known, "No blipping". I know it's hard for an ex harley rider to NOT blip, but I thought that was the main reason for plug fouling on the Buells. I've been riding fuel injected bikes long enough now that I just wait for the fuel pump, hit the button and that's it. Man I hate trying to start my cold blooded carb'd DR. | ||
| Bikesquatch |
I live at sea level and my plugs were fouled on delivery. Start and stalling while cold or a quick start and stop while cold seem to foul it the best. | ||
| Conchop |
Remember the 08 heated handgrips - luxury dirt bagger in lalaland! Life is nice. I think the 08 is the Ulyssimus Maximus. | ||
| Thunderbox |
06 with 23000+kms never had even a miss let alone a fouled plug. Runs near purfect. |
