| Author | Message | ||
     Vanselus |
So...I bought a Uly XT because I knew I would spend 99% of my time on the road, and wanted the bags, and found a good price on an 08. I'm wondering however, how much can this bike take off the pavement? I've been on a fire road or two, but took it pretty careful. I know that the wheels are lighter weight, the suspension isn't as rugged and has less travel, and the tires aren't exactly dual sport... but anyone have any guidance on what's in the realm of ok? | ||
| Froggy |
CityXslicker will chime into this. Tires will be your biggest limit off road, but you should be fine as long as you don't hit any sand or deep mud. I have taken my Lightning Long off road a few times, I wouldn't say it was any worse than my old X, but than again the only difference between my X and SS is the suspension  | ||
| Ulyranger |
I agree, tires and front wheel size are the biggest limit to your adventures. The suspension is no less stout than an X, just different spring rates and 1.5" less travel. I have no problem taking my XT on a variety of roads and trail so long as the surface is not very loose and wet. Rough, broken surface is not an issue. All that said, it is certainly no dirt/trail/enduro bike.....it is a versatile sport touring bike............or something. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Gravel roads should be fine, as noted above just watch your tire limitations. Big rocks and potholes will be where the lighter-weight rims come into play...avoid them (and singletrack) whenever possible. Like anything else - use common sense. I know...a radical concept in today's world, lol. | ||
| Vanselus |
That's perfect everyone, I appreciate the answers. No singletrack plans, just fire roads in the rockies when it sounds like fun. I just wanted to make sure I wouldn't trash the XT, and common sense will abound  Well...when it has to... | ||
| Etennuly |
They are tough bikes. They will take some serious abuse, but like with all machines there is a cost. I could buy new pair of matching bikes, say XL 650's. I ride one on road only. The other I ride on and off road equally. I run both bikes to say thirty thousand miles. The one that has been on the dirt will likely require twice the maintenance and replacement of moving parts as the one that never hit the dirt. Also the street bike will still look newer much longer. That is how I see it. I know it can do a lot of things, but what am I willing to pay. | ||
| Vanselus |
Thanks Etennuly - that's a great way to look at it. There's a price for every adventure | ||
| Barker |
I pushed one about 120 feet. It could have been pushed farther, but I gave up. | ||
| Jammin_joules |
I've been on some pretty rough roads on my Uly only to see a FL Harley coming in the other direction. These bikes can all handle way more than most people give them. Back in the day they did hill climbs on bikes with floor boards. Why? Because that was all they had. My stance is these bikes, Uly, XT, the limit is the rider more often than any other factor. ~jammer | ||
| Chadhargis |
I'll agree with that. I've taken my Uly off road....and I was horrified that I'd drop it. I'm not an off road rider. Never ridden off road. Have no training. Now, if I'd have ridden dirt bikes since I was 4yo. Competed in motorcross events and been to a few off road schools, I'd venture to guess that I'd have ridden the same roads without a care in the world. It's the same thing on the racetrack. Guys show up with a Gixxer 1000, and I pass them on my little 600 because they don't know what the hell they are doing. Conversely, I've been passed by a vintage Triumph riding on skinny bias ply tires. It's not the arrow....it's the indian! | ||
| Cityxslicker |
strip the bags, get a set of MT60s on it and ride all winter long.... the scorps will do you ok for the occasional dirt ride. remember riding on dirt very different, do not lean into corner Danielson. | ||
| Florida_lime |
I've taken my Uly off road....and I was horrified that I'd drop it. I'm not an off road rider. Never ridden off road. Have no training. All of the skills shown in the following DVD are applicable to riding the Uly off-road. Excellent way to get started, or refresh your skills. No affiliation, just a customer. http://www.blackdogcw.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen= PROD&Store_Code=BDCWI&Product_Code=DSR_DVD1&Catego ry_Code=BD_Other | ||
| Vanselus |
Thanks for all the feedback - Definitely agree with Joules that it's the rider, but those guys that rode dirt with 'boards probably fixed a lot more broken parts than I want to as well! Thanks for the DVD suggestion Mr. Lime, I just might pick that up. I rode some dirt road this week to get a feel for things...pretty damn fun. | ||
| Sprintex |
I don't know how far I can push the Buell but I pushed a 550 Honda for about 5 Miles one night. |
