| Author | Message | ||
     Woodreaux |
Since I bought the 08 XT I have been riding down gravel roads that I would not have traveled on with my Electra Glide. I don't plan on blazing trails but would like to explore more non-paved roads such as gravel and may be dirt. How aggressive of a road can the XT deal with before the differences between the 12X and XT are apparent and required? Thanks. | ||
| Froggy |
The extra height of the X will allow it to cross over rocks and logs easier. Other than that, throw on better off road tires like the Dunflop D616 or the Pirelli Scoropion Sync and you will have some more grip. I did some offroading on my SS with a shiny Micron pipe with the XT's Diablo Strada tires. I was fine till I got stuck in the mud. (Not that the Dunlops would of helped) | ||
| Ulynut |
Froggy, I know how much you hate the Dunlops, but they would have helped a lot.  Woodreaux, You can take just about any bike off road if you're willing work hard enough. I took my old KZ1000 up some pretty nasty trails before. The X is no dirt bike, and the XT isn't either, but you can get much farther into the woods (or into trouble - depends on how you look at things) than people will lead you to believe. The hard part is turning around when things get too rough. These things are heavy and hate to turn around in tight quarters. | ||
| Froggy |
Not this time, I sunk fast, the rear wheel was under to right below the bearings. I bent part of the Micron tip yanking her out. | ||
| 407guy |
Aren't the wheels (rims) different on the X? In that, they are suited more for off-road than the XT? | ||
| 4dwuds |
X wheels are a little stronger(read Heavier) for the extra abuse of off road adventuring. | ||
| Froggy |
Just don't hit any titanium squirrels.... | ||
| Woodreaux |
From what I am reading it seems it won't be necessary to change the forks, trees and rear shock to do some off roading. Off roading to me would be riding on gravel and dirt roads and not paths through the forrest. | ||
| Ulyranger |
The only real difference that makes difference for most riders is the tires. The ground clearance might be an issue, but I don't see an X jumping logs either with 17" hoops. Might save a ding or two off the pipe. I guess the stiffer suspension on the XT might be a bit harsh with road settings, but thats easily fixed. I ride my XT on any road/trail I would take an X on, but that's me. Neither one is a "trail" bike, both will do un/semi-improved road surface. The X will do it slightly better, especially with higher loads. Being that I'm 160, rarely carry more than another 80 or so lbs it's not an issue. Lighter rims (XT) could be a problem with extended use on harsh terrain. The Stradas really do suck in loose gravel and sand, may try out the Syncs next. My opinion, ride it and forget about what it was "intended" to do. YMMV | ||
| Itileman |
The Syncs make a big difference off the pavement, especially on gravel. Just changed mine out from the Stradas and like them better on the street too. | ||
| Someday |
I recently bought a leftover '08 Uly "X" and am amazed at the street performance of the Pirelli "Syncs"! They stick like glue in the twisties. Had them down some dirt/gravel roads and they felt OK, not knobbies mind you but was surprised how well they did. In the mud they just load up and I was on my a$$ in a blink. The Uly is a bear to pick up when you weigh 160lbs! My 2$. | ||
| Ratbuell |
It's up to your comfort level. The bike will tell you when you're getting close to its limits. The heavier X rims help out with larger rocks, logs, and curbs/stairs. If it's gravel road size gravel...either wheel should be OK. You really only need to worry when the impact item is big enough to transmit the impact *through* the tire, to the rim. Small stuff, the tire soaks up. | ||
| Court |
>>>Had them down some dirt/gravel roads I knew you knew where some dirt roads were! The day I left your house I ended up wandering on down your road, got to the end, turned around and did it again. I haven't ridden dirt bikes in years but it'd be fun to load one up and find a place our your direction with some trails. That is . . . if summer ever arrives. I'm planning on trying to do something Friday . . maybe just go wandering through the Catskills. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
The bike will handle it DAMHIK.  Oh and its a cityX, you still have an inch of travel over me. I got in and got out | ||
| Froggy |
Oh yea I meant to post this pic in one of my previous posts, but either I was retarded or the posting hamster ate it:   | ||
| Cesaragcastro |
Ulys are definitely better than CityXs in the dirty...  | ||
| Kimberley |
You guys are my heros!!!!!  | ||
| Signal4 |
I rode around yesterday for an HOUR trying to find a dirt road... now I've decided the county highway department is clearly over funded and needs their budget slashed!  | ||
| Tootal |
On my way to the Rockies I stopped in Colorado Springs and had a new set of synchs put on to replace the original Dunlops. Then I broke them in here:  Early in the morning there was no traffic and the synchs stuck to the pavement and the dirt. One helluva thrill ride for sure! | ||
| 99savage |
Just in time: LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Some Michigan counties have turned a few once-paved rural roads back to gravel to save money. More than 20 of the state's 83 counties have reverted deteriorating paved roads to gravel in the last few years, according to the County Road Association of Michigan. The counties are struggling with their budgets because tax revenues have declined in the lingering recession. Montcalm County converted nearly 10 miles of primary road to gravel this spring. The county estimates it takes about $10,000 to grind up a mile of pavement and put down gravel. It takes more than $100,000 to repave a mile of road. Reverting to gravel has happened in a few other states but it is most typical in Michigan. At least 50 miles have been reverted in the state in the past three years. |
