| Author | Message | ||
     Clang |
It's been a long time since I've posted here, I just haven't had much time for riding (travel for work, then when home spending time with the family). I've got an '06 Uly and it looks like I will be taking on a decent road trip with some friends in about 5 weeks. My bike is pretty much stock and has 12,000 miles on it. I'm ready for new tires and while I am at it I was wondering if I should change the belt and keep the original one as a spare, or should I just buy a new belt and keep it as a spare for the road tip? Any help on suggesting new tires would be appreciated. I'm pretty much all road, very little dirt. I prefer a good tire that will last. I've been through 2 sets of the original Dunlops so far. It looks like there are options from Michelin, Avon and Pirelli now. I'd also appreciate any info on drive belts. I've read the newer HD/Buell belt G0500.1AFK is a lot stiffer than the original belt on my bike and may be the reason for rear wheel bearing failure. Is this true? Are there other options? Thanks, clang | ||
| Tootal |
I have had great experience with the Michelin Pilot Road 4's. They now have the PR5's out and they seem even better. My brother just got some for his Uly but hasn't put them on yet. I also had the PR2's and loved them too. Definitely go with the Michelin's, best of all the tires I've tried which includes Metzeler, Pirelli and Dunlop. I would also replace the belt and keep the old one for a spare. The belts fit tight when new and would be a real pain to change on the side of the road. The used belt will go on much easier. I would put a zip tie around the top of the rubber cover on your clutch cable adjuster. In heavy rain water can get in there and then into the primary causing a milk shake. Also check the wire cable holder on the front of the motor by the exhaust pipe. Getting an updated one would be good preventative maintenance as the wire ones tend to break. I would also recommend some fork socks to cover the lower fork tubes. It will save you from getting a fork seal leak. Have fun on your trip! | ||
| Dualsportdad |
The new belts are way too tight! I filed one of the holes in my tensioner to 1/2 inch and that seemed to do the trick. I have used pilot road 3's and they were great. I now use Shinko 009 Raven tires and for the price they have been great. | ||
| Motorfish |
+1 on both Tootal and Duals posts. I have PR4s and love them. I only have about 2K on them, so I can’t comment on mileage, but many say they last a long time. I would also suggest all the other things Tootal stated. I just drilled out the back hole of the tensioner pulley bracket today. I didn’t finish putting it back together, so I can’t comment on the results yet, but if you read my post about it you may agree it’s a good idea. Have a great, safe trip! | ||
| Clang |
Thanks for all the info Gents. I will take a look at the other recommendations too. There appears to be a couple of options for new belts - is the one from HD the way to go? | ||
| Tootal |
I would stick with the HD one. I also thought of another preventative thing you can do. The wiring harness that bends around the steering neck has a plastic cover on it that really bends the wires in there. There are splices in there that can break. I removed the plastic cover and used a couple of wire ties and loosely held the harness in place so it can float a little. So far I haven't had any of the splices break. | ||
| Clang |
Thanks Again. | ||
| Smorris |
the electrical connector for the regulator that is tucked back in behind the front sprocket cover tends to overheat and burn up electrical. the ground on the steering head . be sure to check the wheel bearing on the rear during the tire change. my 06 the 1st(of 3) rear bearing dissolved before the 1 st belt broke. use hd belt enjoy the trip | ||
| Ratbuell |
Road trip, the PR's are a great tire. I'm getting ready to pull them off mine though - worn out, and I miss playing in dirt and gravel. Going to switch to Avon Trailriders...I think. Most likely candidate at this point anyway. Dual compound, decent tread blocks, nice thick carcass for rougher surfaces... | ||
| Tempest766 |
It's kind of funny. My Uly usually ends up with PR2 or PR3s on it, while my FJR always seems to be wearing Pirellis. As a non-agressive rider I'm more about longevity and price than caring about perceived performance. |
