| Author | Message | ||
     Crazyhawk99 |
I got some great feedback regarding my XT/X post and have decided to focus on the X. I had originally thought I wanted a 08+ model, assuming it would have some of the 06-07 issues addresses, but I read some replies that indicated the earlier years may be better in some respects. I know that the last revisions had improved steering lock and heated grips and I thought I read in reviews that they had addresses some of the heating issues as well. From those that have first-hand experience with both, your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Anything you can think of in the pro-con department. Thanks! G | ||
| Panhead_dan |
I'm perfectly happy with my '06. There are no issues. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I think the 06 and 07 years were the best. We've got one of each. Both run great. Heating issues are easily fixed but increase with low seat height. Tall seat is much easier to get away from heat. Can't go wrong with an 06 or 07 especially since the cost is so low for the great bike you'll end up with. Kick stand on the 08 through 10 is better for sure but can be put on the 06/07. | ||
| Druelly |
I Have only had experience with my 08x, but that experience has been great. I probably should have bought the xt, based on my inseam being only 30" but I can tip toe the x. I do have some issues going very very slow with the bike at full lock and hitting the front break, as it sometimes sends me and the uly down. It does not cause any damage except to my pride due to the frame pucks, and foot pegs. I dropped her only once this year vs about 12 last year, I just have learned to be more careful when parking. No mods as of yet, but will probably get a set of brackets for the wind screen next year. Good luck and enjoy whichever year you get. Awesome Bikes! Oh yeah, this forum is fantastic for any questions you may have. Druelly | ||
| Crazyhawk99 |
Good stuff guys keep it coming. I will say, I am not worried about how tall the X is. One of my primary bikes is a R1200GS and I have no problems with it at slow speeds/stops and I am only 5'9". Druelly, I don't meant to preach, so take this constructively: When at slow, parking lot speeds, don't touch the front brake. Use the rear brake only in these situations. As you can attest, the front brake will put you down quickly, particularly if the bars aren't square to your direction of travel. The front brake is THE primary brake when you are moving on down the road, but slow speed/tight maneuvering the rear brake is your friend. You are correct, this forum rocks. I also have a 1125CR and love it. The 1125 forum has a lot of great info, but you have to weed thru/tolerate the attitude. Granted, sometimes attitude is ok and I am not putting my fellow 1125ers down. It's just a more relaxing ride over here. G | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Druelly, I teach motorcycle training and I always instruct students to only use the rear brake when doing u-turns and other parking lot low speed maneuvers. Just use throttle, clutch, rear brake, counterweighting and head turn. No reason to use the front brake as it will do more harm than good. Counterweighting is nothing more than leaning opposite the lean of the bike so that your body counter balances the weight of the bike so you don't fall over. | ||
| Rfp52 |
I just purchased an 08 X last month and after 2000 miles I love it. I wanted the 08+ X because, for me, the turning radius was a big deal. There are also several improvements in the oil system and inside the engine. I recently installed an XT rear shock and dropped the front forks lowering the bike about an inch. The ride is slightly firmer but the difference in overall handling is not noticeable. I also have the low seat and plan on having a gel pad put in over the winter but it isn't uncomfortable and you can always stand up on the pegs or even slip up onto the passenger seat a while to give your butt a rest. Mine has the comfort kit installed and heat doesn't bother me. Coming from a Harley maybe I am just used to a hot seat. Mine had the Outdoorsmen bags and top case which was another plus. I wanted the outdoorsmen racks so I could install the Hepco & Becker Xplorer aluminum cases. I made several other changes but, again, coming from a Harley doing custom work seems normal to me. I installed a button on the hand controls to operate the trip odometer/clock because reaching the dash button was almost impossible, did the wire swap so both headlights work on high beam, added a higher mounting bar for my GPS and to brace the tall windscreen, a voltage light in the dash, Driving lights, laminar lip, One complaint I have is the small fuel tank. I am only getting 140-150 miles before the light comes on. That isn't much for a touring or off-road bike. I would like to get at least 250 miles before I have to think about stopping for gas. I am sure if Buell had stayed in production some inventive company would have come out with a new air box cover / aux tank that would have held a couple more gallons. I would also like a larger profile foot peg, my arches seem to get sore after a long ride. I think some larger ones are available. Another minor issue is that there are two allen head bolts above the shift lever holding the bracket. The toe of my boot frequently gets hung up on the bolts when I want to downshift. That should be a minor fix by replacing them with a couple button heads or making a bumper to go over them. All in all it is becoming the most enjoyable motorcycle I have ever owned. | ||
| Druelly |
Crazy and Electra, I appreciate any feedback to make my riding, (or parking) experience better. Thanks. My only concern with using the back brake is that my foot is not on the ground. I guess I am just a little gun shy, but I will certainly give you suggestions a try! Druelly | ||
| Crazyhawk99 |
Druelly, I can totally understand your apprehension. I am sure everyone here has been there. Practice using the rear brake as much as possibly when doing slow maneuvers and you will find that it stabilizes the bike so much. It is hard to explain, but when you do it a few times, you will feel it and understand. FWIW, I also normally only use the rear brake when approaching cars backed up at a stop light. Again, the front brake is your money maker when you are faster than a brisk walk though, no doubt about that. Find an empty parking lot and practice on your terms to gain confidence in the rear brake technique. | ||
| Slaughter |
08 was the first year that the heavier bottom end was put in (a bit more durable) - and ignition timing was taken directly off the flywheels, not off the cam position. On the older models, you could still advance/retard the timing by rotating the plate under the timing cover... not always a good thing! 2008 also used the upgraded oiling system as developed on the XBRR. | ||
| 996dl |
The long travel forks on the 08 and up XB12X, were upgraded to 47mm vs 43mm on the XT. Only model in the XB range to feature this, if memory serves correctly... 996DL | ||
| Idaho_buelly |
09X w/15,000 miles and it has been awesome!! I have a buddy that has an 07X and it seems to be fine too..When I bought mine,I went w/the idea that improvements/upgrades were made for the better after the first 2 years..Probably can't go wrong either way tho..  | ||
| Froggy |
1125Board - Squiddish assholes. Big Bad & Dirty - Cheap nitpicking wannabe BMW riders. Old School Buell - Whats an ECM? Xboard - Squiddish riders that usually have more sense than 1125 riders, so they don't bitch and whine when something minor needs fixing. Quickboard - Politics and other BS that dosen't belong elsewhere.  | ||
| Buewulf |
Big Bad & Dirty - Cheap nitpicking wannabe BMW riders. I vote for "Unsquiddish Pseudo-ADV Riders", though it probably means the same thing. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Big Bad & Dirty - Cheap nitpicking wannabe BMW riders. Now now Froggy...don't make Beemer Boy here bring up the Dragon again!  |
