| Author | Message | ||
     Kmartin |
I've been lurking around here for a while, waiting for my chance to test a Uly. I just read a Motorcycle.com review from March '08 that claims that the XT handles better and rides smoother than the X. Is this true? I've been riding a Vstrom for the last 5 years, and am now looking at the Uly and the Stelvio. Being honest with myself, I know it'll never go off road, but I hadn't even considered the XT as it has the small forks and limited steering lock. Should I be? Thanks for the help. Keith | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Were the XT available when I bought my ULY, I would probably have bought the XT. The suspension is more "taught" than the X simply because it has less travel. Because the Uly is taller, it's a little more difficult to transition from side to side in heavy cornering than the XT. I don't know about smoother. The X will absorb bumps better because of the softer, longer travel suspension. You will get less brake dive from the XT than the X (even with the upgraded progressive springs). If you aren't planning to go off road, the XT would be better than the X (IMHO). | ||
| Florida_lime |
The XT has the same forks that the '06 and '07 have, so don't worry about the fork size. The tighter turning radius of the later forks are only more valuable if you spend a lot of time in parking lots, or in tight offroad conditions. The XT has slightly lighter wheels since they don't have to be as offroad durable, and lighter wheels combined with the slightly lower and more taught XT could give the XT a handling advantage over the X, but it isn't a huge difference. Just a slight advantage for an expert rider. | ||
| Itileman |
The XT is an insane machine on the street and pretty good off road - as in forest service, dirt and so-so on gravel. I changed out the Strada's for the Syncs and found them to be a substantially better tire both on and off road. Spent the week end riding forest service roads and some were under construction. The XT handled it well, but I will be doing the Xb9 primary swap. Doing the swap for street riding too, as I prefer the gear box to brakes and there isn't enough "slow down" for me when down shifting. It's a different kind of beast, but I like it. On the street, you're about in the same league with the Ducati's (IMHO). | ||
| Froggy |
The XT comes with 3 standard hard plastic parachutes for quicker stopping  | ||
| Itileman |
That's what your left foot is for.  | ||
| Kmartin |
Is the XT getting the same improvements for '10, such as wheel bearings and fan ducting? | ||
| Hughlysses |
Definitely yes on the scoop/fan, and I'd bet yes on the wheel bearings. The XT definitely has the new anodized rear axle. | ||
| Dynasport |
It may seem silly, but one of the main things that makes me hesitate on the XT is that I just don't like the standard bags. I like the Outdoorsman (I think that is what they are called) bags that are available. If I bought an XT I'd want to see if I could sell the standard bags and buy the Outdoorsman bags. But that's just me. | ||
| Itileman |
Pelican 1430 toploaders for under $150.00 using the stock mounting frame. The Journeys were the first thing to go. Also note the rear header pipe heat shield.  | ||
| Metalstorm |
Nice! Me likey the pelicans . I think what I like most about top loaders is that certain lack of stuff falling to the ground when you open them. (usually happens only when bag is positioned over puddles or oil) | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
+1 on the XT stock bags sucking. I'd buy the XT, immediately pull the bags and racks off the bike, put them in the classified section or on EBAY, use the money to buy the Outdoorsman bags. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I'd sell the bags, and use the money for a top shelf suspension custom designed for my weight and riding style. | ||
| Froggy |
Chad, care to share more info? My bike just happens to have two bent forks that need replacement | ||
| Treysmagna |
I am going to keep my 07 uly for two more years and then trade it in. Not sure what Buell will offer by then, but I would probably take the XT over the Uly for the lower seat height and standard luggage. Maybe by then there will be even more standard equipment. I do love my Uly though. I hit a 4x4 on the highway doing about 80 and it went right over it. Only damage was a flattened rim. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I hit a 4x4 on the highway doing about 80  That's one tough Uly!!!!! | ||
| Froggy |
Damn, I hit a Chrysler Seabring and it ruined majority of the stuff in front of the forks  | ||
| Treysmagna |
Ok guys, I didnt mean a 4wheel drive PU. I meant a 4x4 piece of wood. It was 0430 in the morning and in a dark curve in the freeway and I didnt see it until the last second. I just unloaded the front wheel and held my breath. Took a sharp blow, but kept going strait. The front rim was bent bad enough to make me slow way down, but I didnt loose all of the air. I straitened the thing out with a pair of ball peen hammers until I could get a new rim. It is a tough bike. | ||
| Maximum |
Hey Trey, I think everyone knew what you meant...it's just that some folks here never miss an opportunity to inject a little humor! Sounds like a scary story either way (4x4 or 4"x4"). | ||
| Treysmagna |
Yeah, I figured most knew what I meant and I know that we all dont miss a chance to have some fun. No big deal, just making sure that no body called bullshit. I am from Texas you know. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I think everyone knew what you meant  "The sarcasm runs deep with this one!" | ||
| Dride |
Pelican 1430 toploaders for under $150.00 using the stock mounting frame. I really dig the look of those Pelicans. How did you get them mounted to the stock frame? | ||
| Itileman |
Used some composite decking stair ballusters and routered the ends out to fit the frame. The vertical mounting of the ballusters and the way they are routered secures them firmly to the frame. The also fit in the grooves on the Pelicans. Added some stainless steel through bolts and had some pieces of aluminum handy to use as the securing latches. Rattle can flat black for a finish.  |
