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Travisl
| Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 10:56 am: |
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Yes, I've done a fair amount of reading and have come to the conclusion that the Uly does have perhaps more than its fair share of quirks. However, I consider myself to be handy(I'm maintenance mech. by trade), and for the most part it seems the issues are fairly minor(grounds, connectors, wheel bearings). What I do gather though is that the update in 2008 is likely one worth persuing, I'd like others input on this as I hope to buy one in cash when possible and the 08's are obviously going to cost more than an 06's. Either way, I'm excited to have learned so much about this bike as it really sounds like it would deliver what I'm looking for. Something that is sport bike fun in the twisties, practical day in and day out, good reasonable two up touring bike all rolled into what nice looking, modern package. As long as I can touch the ground I could see this machine making motorcycle bare garage a much much happier place to walk into |
Jphish
| Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 11:39 am: |
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Welcome! At this juncture there isnt a HUGE difference in price between 06-07 & later 08' models. I think the 08 improvements are worth it - downside is, cant fiddle much with the later year ECMs with a spy cable & laptop. And you're right - generally easy fixes or preemptive options for most issues. A few spare parts for the 'likely suspects' prudent to have on hand (belt included) but unless ya get a 'lemon' - no more problems than any other beasts out there. Fun machines! good luck. j |
Travisl
| Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 11:43 am: |
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I've seen it posted a time or two about carrying a spare belt, seems crazy to me as I always heard these were supposed to be 50-60k mile belts from what I have heard. I suppose the added power of the buell may shorten that a great deal? |
Babired
| Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 11:51 am: |
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I carry spare parts when I travel. One hazard of owning a Buell is the dealer always has to order the part, but if you have one handy then there is hardly weekly wait to get your bike back. I have never carried a belt but will order one when I start seeing the edges chip and wear. K |
Jphish
| Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 11:56 am: |
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Well...some do get significant mileage but they are a 'wear item'. Lifetime ? On HDs maybe - but not on a Buell. The other issue is availability. Ya dont want to be 'down' a month (or more) waiting for a belt or in BFE without one. Put the new one on and use the old as spare - easier to install on roadside - about 30 mins. Alot cheaper than a tow... and which would you rather have?? BTW - there are many of us 30" inseam challenged folks with X models. I wear Danner Acadia boots and can get both toes down just fine. |
Hughlysses
| Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 11:57 am: |
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Travis- it's not that the belts are that likely to fail, it's that if it DOES fail virtually no dealers have one in stock and you're just going to be stranded. The belts have been upgraded on a regular basis (08 belt better than 07, etc.) and they're very reliable at this point. I've seen reports of over 40k miles on an 06 belt. You can be prudent by visually inspecting the belt for obvious problems (missing teeth, cracks, fraying). Several people have reported that they noticed a marked decrease in tension right before their belts failed. Check that by pushing up on the lower belt between the idler pulley and rear sprocket. If you notice it getting noticeably looser, get ready to change the belt. All that said, the belts do occasionally fail with no warning. A spare belt for ~$150 is cheap insurance. |
Andymnelson
| Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 12:01 pm: |
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quote:downside is, cant fiddle much with the later year ECMs with a spy cable & laptop.
No longer true, 08+ are just as tunable today with Tuner Pro. Price was a no-brainer for me- I have less than $5000 invested in my '06 with Drummer SS, bags and all. An '08 would have been much more $$, and I don't have any issues with mine. Just keep an eye on this board, and you will know what to potentially look for. |
Jphish
| Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 12:20 pm: |
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Good to know Andy - Didnt know tunerpro had progressed. Thanks for correction. |
Andymnelson
| Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 12:25 pm: |
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Yeah, the problem for me is that it's still not a huge draw for me- I KNOW ECMSpy from using it on my X1, XB9S and Uly...and I don't really care to learn a new software! But for someone who hasn't' already learned ECMSpy, and has to learn something anyway....not a bad deal. |
Tocramed
| Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 01:00 pm: |
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Travisl, if eastern Wisconsin isn't too far of a drive for you, I have a 2007 Uly for sale... PM me if you are interested. |
Matchanu
| Posted on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 02:00 pm: |
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Mine's an 06. I've had it since last November, 3rd owner, good records. No issues at all other than changing a burned out fuse. |
Whisperstealth
| Posted on Monday, August 02, 2010 - 07:14 am: |
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Hey, I'd love a pic of that badass 96' huffy |
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