| Author | Message | ||
     Missin44 |
This is going to be my first Buell. Leaning toward the '09 ULY X vs. XT. I plan on adding luggage on the X. The dealer is giving me a great price on either. He is offering the XT at $1000 more than the X, so the XT is a bit of a better deal. However I think the the X will fit me a bit better and a really want to explore bad roads of Colorado with the wife. Plus I'm guessing I'll be able to find the luggage on Ebay at some point for close to a $1000. Demo riding both I really like both, but based on what I've read it seems the X would be a better fit. Any thoughts? Thanks | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
If the X is the right height for you (you aren't needing the XT due to inseam issues), I would recommend buying the X and adding the Outdoorsman bags rather than buying the XT. It'll cost a little more, but the bags are MUCH better. The Journeyman bags, in my opinion, are poorly designed, built, and executed. The latches on the Journeyman bags SUCK. | ||
| Jphish |
You might want to also consider the Pelican option. Top loaders and alot cheaper than what Buell offers. I agree with Ftbstrd - I have the Journey's and those latches ARE crap. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
The only problem with the Pelican cases or some of the aluminum variants is that they look like refrigerators on the side of the bike. At least the Outdoorsman bags look halfway decent. Also keep in mind that the hoops for the Journeyman bags are orients such that NONE of the other H&B bag options will fit on them. The hoop system on the Outdoorsman bags will allow for other H&B bags to be used. As they come up with new designs, you'll be able to upgrade. Saves money down the road. | ||
| Thetable |
Add another for no Journey bags. With all the other options out there, the Journey would be very low on my list. I haven't broken any latches yet, but they are so freaking big, you really have to think about whether the bike will fit between stuff. | ||
| Carbonsteel |
I like my X for exploring back roads and if you like that sort of thing, I highly recommend it. The Buell handles much better off road then I ever thought it would. As far as bags go, the Journey bags are nice and hold lots of stuff, but they are shaped like egg shells and they break like egg shells, so if you go that route, remove them before going off road. | ||
| Hughlysses |
I've read lots of accounts of dropped Ulys (and I've dropped my own at least twice) and I haven't heard of a Journey bag that broke, much less broke like an egg shell, yet. Latches and cost are legitimate complaints. | ||
| Carbonsteel |
Well, mine sure did and in the mud no less, so if there is any chance the bike may end up on its side, remove your side cases. That is my advice for whatever it's worth. | ||
| Itileman |
Ortlieb's nap well. +1 on the Journey cases suck - got rid of them ASAP when I got the XT.  And Pelicans can be used to keep your beverages cold. http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb108/itileman/ Ulypelicans5.jpg (Message edited by itileman on August 30, 2009) | ||
| Skinstains |
X | ||
| Kansas |
BAS testing? | ||
| Missin44 |
I take the Journeyman bags are the factory/Buell bags? | ||
| Palladin |
I personally think the Journeymen bags though look stupid and the latch system sucks, they hold a ton of stuff is sure, deceiving is sure. As for taking them off to ride off road, I disagree with that..I have had my very fast black uly down a couple times, and was glad for the bags on. They saved alot of the bike from scuffs and such. Great fall protection. I would like to explore the pelicans, like the look but not sure on space, and guess would have to buy new cage to hang them on as well.. Oh, I have the XT, this is not an offroad machine, but sure does nice out there..have had no issues with the odd trail and gravel haul road. Love this thing.. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
If you are going to ride down icy roads then you'd better screw studs into your tires or expect to end up like that bike in Itileman's photo. I've only had one latch break on my Journeyman bags and the cost is only 20 bucks so I wouldn't call that a deal breaker. They pretty much will only break if you over stuff them. No matter what bags you get they all will suffer damage in a crash and the the size of the Journeyman bags will probably save your legs and bike better than Ortliebs or other smaller bags. Most of us probably don't ride our ULY's as if we are on a Paris to Dakar race. If you are a lone rider than the Journeyman bags are probably overkill size-wise. If the wife is coming along then they are fantastic. I ride without the side bags unless I'm on a trip where I use them. The top case is on my bike always because I use it constantly. I can see where the Outdoorsman top case would be even nicer to have than the smaller Journeyman top case BUT I seem to get by just nicely with the Journeyman. Think it through and get what seems best for you because the price difference can't be that great. The X is a great bike and I'd go for that 2010 since in my opinion the longer a bike is made the more well sorted out it will probably be though my bike has been pretty much trouble free and it is the 06' model made in Oct 05'. | ||
| Jphish |
Palladin - Look @ the 'jesse bags on a Uly' thread. Itileman indicates you can use the stock Journeyman side case brackets - you adapt the bag to the frame, instead of the other way around. The 1430's are pretty small for touring - the 1440's are 31 L and since you can 'stuff' toploaders, maybe almost the same usable capacity as the 42L Journeyman. I've only broken 1 latch and thus learned NOT to use the latch to lever the bag closed. | ||
| Aceldama |
One of the main reasons I bought an XT over an X is because it came with the Journey bags and racks. I've been on two trips with all 3 bags so far (in a few weeks of ownership) and I love them. They hold a ton of stuff and are quick and easy to remove from the bike. I don't think they're worth $1200 on their own but since I got my brand new 08 XT for $9500 OTD I think they were very worth it. the only gripe I have so far is if you over-stuff the side bags it can be a pain to get the latch to open. | ||
| Danger_dave |
Depends on intended use. The XT has removed much of what I bought the X for. The long travel suspension, stronger wheels, near-nakedness and height of the vehicle were some of the the main attractions to me originally. I've used the luggage three times in four years. That proved one of my most expensive follies so far. (Message edited by danger_dave on August 31, 2009) | ||
| Itileman |
Luggage, like bikes, is a personal choice. I ride solo, don't like the looks of the Journeys and prefer to pack in a different way. YMMV. | ||
| Etennuly |
I don't care what one's you get, what ever fits your needs. I have the Journey bags and they stay on all of the time. 41,000 miles, over three years. The only problem was learning when others did, that you cannot lever the bags shut with the latches....well sure you can, but maybe only once per latch. The only time I have seen leakage is if the seals get out of their groove or a string or strap gets closed in the gap. I have tipped the bike to the right, and tipped it to the left, sitting still each time. The bags were undamaged, given a small scuff, and they saved the bike from damage no doubt. Heck, if I did a track day, I would probably leave them on as a skid plate and crush zone in case of a major dump. | ||
| Metalstorm |
I just got an image in my head of a race prepped Uly sporting sliders on the side bags  |
