| Author | Message | ||
     Novice_bueller |
I bought a stock 2008 Uly XT with 5000 miles last month and absolutely love it! After looking through Big, Bad,& Dirty posts there seems to be a list of modifications most seem to agree upon. 1. Comfort kit - necessary for a 2008? now fan only runs when going over 15 mph. 2. Replace/Relocate ECM - mine may already have started cracking at the connection. Can I seal it with either epoxy or silicone and relocate it? Will HD replace this under the EPA mandated warranty? If I have to buy it, would the EBR ECM for the 'stock' 2008 be best? Can I still use ECMSPY with a EBR ECM? 3. Clean ground points and use star locking washer. 4. Rear wheel bearings - Replace when tire is replaced? Are there any additional common issues that I can address to keep the Uly running well(& good)! This is one of the most knowledgeable & enthusiastic forums I've dealt with. looking forward to being part of it! | ||
| Classicprozac |
1. Not necessary, but if you need to control the heat this is the best way to do it. 2. Possible to fix, but Harley will replace under the 5 year warranty associated with that part. 3. Yes 4. Check for a notchy feeling when turning them by hand. If nothing, mount with the correct torque spec. If so, replace before something happens. Other than that, ride it until the wheels fall off. I can't really add much more because I have only had my '06 for two months, but I think I found the perfect bike for the wife and I. Good luck. | ||
| Novice_bueller |
Thanks! Any idea how long it takes to get the replacement ECM from HD? Have put 1600 mile on in the last month and think that the Uly is great, and the wife thinks so too which makes all the difference! Another question, how long do the tires last? | ||
| Bikelit |
If you don't want to move your ECM - The ECM has a block protecting it from the seat. It's too short. I put a 1/4" spacer under mine 4 years ago and it hasn't touched since. Also - sneak up on the mounting bolts or be prepared to search the ECM nut thread! | ||
| 7873jake |
it took me the better part of a month to get a replacement ecm. if you don't notice a notchiness in the rear wheel, also try listening when riding at low speeds for sounds from the rear axle. I didn't have the notchy grinding sound so many describe when on the stand but it did get noisy when the weight of the bike + rider was on the rear wheel. do a fastener sweep on it just to make sure all the bits are tight and stay attached. keep an eye on your battery. Its approaching 4-5 yrs old, depending on date of mfg. If the PO didn't keep it on a tender, it might be worth setting up a battery fund. | ||
| Buewulf |
1) If the heat doesn't bother you, you don't need the comfort kit. It doesn't reduce the operating temperature as far as I can tell, just helps keep more of it away from you. 2) I don't know if they will replace it unless it is faulty, but it is worth a shot. However, the EBR ECM is cheap, and I hear it works wonders for the '08+ bikes. So I would get an EBR ECM and keep the old one as a spare. You would order the "stock" ECM if your bike has the stock exhaust. If you want to get one of the aftermarket exhausts listed there now or in the future, I would wait and get the exhaust and compatible ECM at the same time to save the you the trouble and expense of sending the ECM back in for a reflash. 3. I haven't installed star washers, but I should. So should you. 4. My experience with bearings is that you will want to change them as seldom as possible to avoid deforming / over-rounding the insert space, the wheel in this case. Check for smoothness whenever you have the wheel off, and pop the seal to check the condition and regrease if necessary. If it is suspect, replace it. If not, leave it be. Carry spare bearings if you go on a long trip. I don't, but I should. The 2010 Uly has a new wheel and bearing design. Only time will tell if they hold up better, but the design is so much better and the bearings so much beefier that I have to believe the failure rate will go down significantly. It may be worth the investment for you to consider getting the 2010 wheel. Tire life depends on the tire and the rider. I don't know what you are running, and I don't know how you ride. I have Dunlop D616's, and the rear is toast at 5000 - 6000 miles due to the center wearing out (it is very flat and straight here). The front will go more than twice that. Unscientific observation on the forum tells me that most people running single compound tires have tire life of +-1000 miles of that figure. Dual-compound sport touring radials seem to double that number for many. Welcome! | ||
| Novice_bueller |
Thanks for all the advice! Didn't know about the ECM nut issue Will keep an eye on the battery | ||
| Arry |
If your ECM is already cracked, and it isn't having running problems, you should relocate or add support (for seat). Lots of ideas if you search ECM relocate. The flexxing of the connector (with the ECM solidly mounted breaks soldered points inside the ECM). If you wait till you have problems you'll have to buy a replacement. Tires wear out pretty quickly, if you're not used to cycles. If yours weren't new when you bought the bike, they will need to be replaced soon (probably). | ||
| Kag |
I also got an 08 Uly with 5k on it. Lots of good advise here on a bike I do not know much about. Glad you asked the questions... I ordered grips, risers, windshield, throttle assist, tour master gell gloves, a full face helmet, exhaust wrap, and fixed the ECM issue. Oh and a service manual. My fan comes on all the time but I could care less about the noise, just not a factor for me but my right leg gets hot and that's why I ordered the wrap for the pipe to help. No idea about grounding points as this means electrical items to me but I assume its just hardware fasteners in this context, but I did put a wrench on all the bolts I could find. I have ridden Harleys for almost 30yrs so checking the bolts on a routine basis is normal for me. I plan to ride it and learn it this year and replace the rear wheel with the 2010 wheel before my Alaska ride next summer. (Message edited by kag on June 30, 2012) | ||
| Wheelybueller |
Miles,do not forget to add some miles to it... If under 30000K or 18300 miles should follow the "E.M.S" warranty for the ecm. | ||
| Uly_man |
If you can buy a spare belt or at least have "road recovery" for the bike. And yes you will need one or the other sometime. | ||
| Tootal |
If you ride in the city much or on fire roads, the XB9 primary swap makes riding a lot less work, especially off the beaten path. If you ride mostly highway and back roads then leave it stock. As far as tires, if riding any fire roads etc. then the Pirelli Trails are a dual compound tire that will work well. If you're strictly pavement riding then the Michelin Road Pilot 2's and 3's handle well and wear really well as they are a dual compound too. | ||
| Swampy |
I might add HID on the low beam with the "onn all the time" modification. I made the HID upgrade and I am seriously happy with it. The ground issue I had problems with was the engine to frame ground that is located under the air box. That is one you need to include when doing the grounds around the fuse box. | ||
| Buelldualsport |
Thanks Swampy. That is next on our list to look at /clean up. Regards | ||
| Conchop |
Just a few thoughts. All the above recommendations are great. Try this too Thermotech under the seat. HVMP handlebar weights Trojan spring loaded pulley Amsoil in both holes - 60 wt in the tranny I'd study up on the Baker 24 tooth pulley - should be easier than the xb9 swap. Anytime any electrical connection is loose - slop on the dialectric grease re route the breather 6mm front rotor W/ the mounting kit LLyndal Gold pads driving lights The neat thing about a ULY is they are easy. | ||
| Uly_man |
"The neat thing about a ULY is they are easy." They are, more or less, apart from the electronics/some of the wiring which can be a REAL nightmare. I would bet that there are still many XBs around that do not run right because of it. |
