| Author | Message | ||
     Stellaglide |
Probably not what most are thinking from the title! Have been seriously considered adding a Uly and was looking for a used 08-later but found a great deal on an 06. Has just over 12K miles with factory extended warranty until spring of 2013, all original with new OEM tires. Bike is on Ebay and ends tonight around midnight est. I talked to the owner/seller and he is the original owner and only rode it on a "dirt road, once or twice". His reserve price is only $5K - that's about $250 less than KBB trade-in value. So I'm thinking for $5K I could get the 06 and retrofit it with most of the 08-later OEM accessories, plus it still got 3.5 years of warranty. I admit I have never ridden a Uly but EVERYTHING I read about these things was very positive regarding comfort and fun. So before dropping $5K, I figured I'd better ride one of these things so went to my local dealer this morning and test rode an 09 XT. I am bummed because as much as I want a Uly for what it can do, I didn't find it all that comfortable. So much so that I thought after a few hours in the saddle my back and shoulders would be killing me. Probably that fact that I'm only 5'7" with short arms but I felt like I was leaning down to reach the bars and my feet were back more so than I thought when just sitting on the bike in the dealer showroom as I had done several times. Oh well, guess I'll just keep riding the Street Glide. I'm putting longer handlebars on it so I don't have to reach so far on it as well. Damn it sucks to be short! (Message edited by stellaglide on August 09, 2009) (Message edited by stellaglide on August 09, 2009) | ||
| Paralegalpete |
Well the 06 would have been an XB12X which is even taller than the T. There are some things you could do to lower it but at 5.7 even that would be a stretch. | ||
| Metalstorm |
Risers such as these might help get the bars in a better place for you http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-p rodshow/16108.html But of course you wouldn't know until you had them and the bike and then it would be too late to turn back. I'm bummed that you were bummed. At least you did the right and smart thing test riding one first.  | ||
| Crusty |
Stellaglide; I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam. I put 1" risers on my bike and have the '06 Low seat, and I have done several 700+ mile days in comfort. If you have short arms, Rox makes 2" risers, and a few people have tried them and like them. The '06 Low seat also positions the rider a little more forward. My XT is one of the most enjoyable motorcycles I've ever owned; I think that if it could be set up to fit you, you'd enjoy it as much as I like mine. | ||
| Trevd |
I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam as well, and I haven't done any comfort mods on my '08 XT and it's just fine the way it is for me. I've done a few 650 + mile days on it so far. I think it might have something to do with what you're used to - My dad recently took my Uly for a spin, and complained that he was leaning too forward on it. He's been riding an Electra Glide for a couple of years, so I could see that yes, compared to that he was leaning forward. Could be just something that you'd get used to. When I had my Honda ST1100, every spring the first few rides my wrists would get sore. After my wrists got used to the position though, it was super comfortable - good for a few 1,000 mile days. | ||
| Stellaglide |
Yes the 06 is an X and that is what I was considering rather than the XT. I really thought the height would be a problem and didn't really consider the reach to the bars an issue. I ruptured a cervical disk in early June and I'm just getting back to where I can ride and I noticed how much I'm stretching to reach the bars on my HD which causes cervical strain. Before the injury I really didn't notice it that much. Anyway I'm changing the bars and have had a Corbin Close Solo seat on it after the first 500 miles. The sales guy said they could raise the bar but then would longer cables be needed? I'm having to swap out my throttle, clutch and brake lines on the HD already. | ||
| Stellaglide |
Trevd - Yep that is my situation exactly. My Street Glide is just a stripped down Electra Glide. You guys may very well be right about it being something I have to get use to. Does anyone rent Uly's? Maybe I need to rent one and spend a few days on it rather than just 20 minutes. (Message edited by stellaglide on August 09, 2009) | ||
| Dio |
I have the Rox risers on my '06 and highly recommend them. They make a huge difference in the reach for the bars. I also have the stock '07 and later seat which helped the tip-toe syndrome. I'm considering the Palmer cruiser peg mounts for more comfort on longer rides. 5k with warranty will allow for a lot of accessories! I don't know that I'd write that one off yet! | ||
| Mithrageist |
You need to at least sit on an XT. I am 5/9 and had to tiptoe the X. The XT I can almost flatfoot. Plus trying to sling your leg over the saddle is much easier on the XT. The salesman noticed this too. We didn't measure the bikes but I am not sure the specs for seat height are correct. | ||
| Itileman |
Comments from someone who traded their 03 Road King with Wild1 Chubbie bars for an 09 XT after an hour's test ride. I'm 5'9" with 30" inseam and 64 years old. It's unlikely that I would ever go back to a bagger. I just did a trip to Colorada and rode mostly 2 lane through the Rockies with a nearly 800 mile/14 hour first day and suffered no pain. Rode a lot of places there that the King could never go. I added the Precision Engineering 1" risers and that made a huge difference in long distance comfort. They are two completely different bikes and I equate the difference to driving a Porsche instead of a Buick. Nothing wrong with Buicks, however, the King was great on the road, but that was it. The Uly XT with the Scorpion Syncs I put on is insane fun. I think a lot of your discomfort with the Uly is due to your back problem and the Street Glide is apparently easier on it. Get better & heal, then go have some serious fun on a Uly. | ||
| Kansas |
Suspension setup. I've done 6000 in 8 days on my XT, and a out and back from Kansas City to Mt. Rushmore, with a nap in the middle. It has taken me a long time to get the suspension just right, but it is now. I've ridden other Ulys, and thought they were set up too harsh, with a lot of feedback in the bars and seat. It is possible to get the thing to ride on the road like its freaking floating on pudding that is floating on air - and still feel the road and corner like an AMA Superbike. FULLY LOADED!! Ah yes.. Chasing a vintage Maserati on my loaded-down Uly on the moss-covered twisties in southern Oregon. Good times. No pictures. Too busy. If you rode a Uly, and it wasn't comfortable, the suspension was not set for you. I'm 6'0" with a 30" inseam, so the bars are maybe low for me, but geez, you ride a while, and you adapt. Or, you buy some risers. | ||
| Kimberley |
Hmmm......being female and unable to make up my mind about motorcycles, I had an '06 Street Glide. Hurt my back and figured I should go with something smaller, so I got a Buell Lightning. Didn't agree with my back (but an awesome ride) so I got a Nightster. Too rough a ride......went with a very nice custom Fat Boy. But then, FINALLY, I tried an '09 Uly. When they first came out, I couldn't touch the ground. The '09 fit me fairly well......while not flatfooted, I never put both feet down when stopped anyway. Plus the seat offers me at least 3 different seating positions. I'm 5'6" with a 31" inseam. I absolutely love this bike and for the first time, don't see myself riding anything else. | ||
| Conchop |
When I was a dealer, I always tried to spend time with my customers at delivery. We would adjust the controls to their reach. Change the bars and risers if we had to. Adjust the suspension to their weight and riding style. IMHO the Uly is a good starting point but fickle. Mine has always vibrated too much but after 10K miles, things are coming into better focus. The handlebars need raised at least 2 inches, mine are at 1 inch and not enough. The suspension adjustment is crucial on a Uly. The new comfort kit is a "must have". The BS that comes with all the heat is solved. The primary chain must always be monitored as it is a source of transmission drivability issues - [ vibrations and finding neutral ] not to mention easy shifting. The seat thing is a can of worms = my 08 seat is OK but it leans me too far forward and my knees are bent too much. My 06 seat is higher and my legs are more comfortable, but I need the 2 inch risers PLUS somebody used a railroad tie for padding. I am going to find an upholstery shop to install some gel padding and get some 2 inch rubber risers. Like I say, the Uly is a good place to start - But after that - it is the relentless pursuit of perfection. | ||
| Steve046 |
+1 on the Rox Risers. They made a huge difference for me. One thing no one mentioned is that the risers can be set up to let you sit further back on the seat and that lets you straighten out your knees. | ||
| Carbonsteel |
I'm 5'8" on an 06 X. I,ve had more than one 1000+ mile day and I've never felt uncomfortable. In fact I would go so far as to say it is the most comfortable motorcycle I've ever had and the biggest reason I still have it. | ||
| Conchop |
One other mod for me is the xb9 primary drive. The Uly is way over-geared for some of the outback places I go. MO$$$$$$!!!! Welcome to the WV Buell rally. | ||
| Dcc46 |
i have a streetglide myself and just sold my 06 uly a couple of months ago.i thought the uly was alot more comfortable than the glide .i'm 5-8 with a 30 inch inseam. the pegs took a little getting use | ||
| Dcc46 |
used to but were no way uncomfortable. the flhx gives me a cramp in the center of my back.anyway having had both bikes i'm now looking for another uly. so much more fun to ride and so much cheaper to | ||
| Dcc46 |
cheaper to own. sorry my cell phone limits the size of my messages. | ||
| Stellaglide |
You guys and gals have all made some very valid points. Conchop - your description of the seat is exactly what I felt, seemed like it was leaning me forward and I was using my arms and shoulders to hold myself back from that sliding forward feeling. I didn't want to mention the heat issue because I felt that was a sore spot which could be addressed with the "comfort kit", BUT after riding about 20 minutes my right leg and surprisingly my foot and ankle were very hot. Now I admit I had on just jeans with ankle high hiking shoes and short ankle socks which ARE NOT my typical riding attire, BUT on occasion I have jumped on the HT dressed similar to run to the store and NEVER felt that kind of heat. No doubt the bike can be set up to be comfortable. What I was looking for, and in hindsight I admit my naivety, was a sort of plug and play bike wherein I buy it and ride it as is with little or no modifications. I think with seat changes, bar/riser changes, comfort kit, etc. I could set it up to be perfectly comfortable but at what cost? If it was my only bike it wouldn't matter but it would have been a 3rd one with mine and my wife's already in the garage. I still would like to find someplace that has rentals and spend some more time in the saddle. I'm not shying away completely, just slowing down and gathering more information. (Message edited by stellaglide on August 10, 2009) | ||
| Stellaglide |
Doc I put a Corbin Close Solo seat on the Street Glide when it was new and I'm in the process of swapping the handlebars (after 25K miles) which requires changing all the cables. Not what I want to do right now on another bike. | ||
| Conchop |
Stellaglide - one way to look at it is the Uly can be modified to your personal taste and size. Despite the lack of shop support, there is a lot of support here and with the vendors on this site. You can buy used, but if you're financially capable, it looks like the 2010 model will be the one to own. The bearing bugs and heat issues are now solved. The modifications you can make then would boil down to risers and possibly a seat. From what I hear, there will be some seat options, too. Other than that, there is the Beemers, Ducatis and Triumphs. All good bikes but for more money. The Jap bikes are there too, but they haven't got the soul. |
