with Steve in the discussion I may have to step out because trying to define the ulybolt could make my head explode
Well, the ulybolt is a jack of all trades, master of none. It's fairly comfy, handles better than a Uly(IMHO) with the STT suspension, while still having the storage space of a Uly. I've done a fire road or two, but that's really as far as my off roading will ever go. A Uly or GS is far more capable in that arena.
I think the Ulybolt is just what I wanted... A modern day S3T.
I may add a 1125R fairing in the near future to add a bit more wind protection.
Quit claiming the ST1300 is 600#. I weighed mine and it is 740#.
Yes, it is a pig to push into the garage but not when riding it. If you are outriding an ST maybe you should get to the track instead of riding on the street.
Ok lets re visit this. It quickly went way to rich for my blood. I own both an 1125r and a 99 X1....Both run well. If instead of trying to sell two and purchase another I just converted one of them into a touring sport bike. Which would make you convert? Let me add to that, I dont intend on keeping both of them. One of them will have to go.
I rode Gearhead's 1125r yesterday and felt it was smoother than my S3 was. My problem is that the tight riding position was hard on my knees and hands. If it fits you well than I would vote for the reliability edge the 1125 would have. Of course the X1 would probably be easier to fix on the road.
I rode my S3 to Phoenix (1,500mi.) with a guy riding a Harley. He was worried about routing near HD shops and not riding on sunday in case he broke down. I told him that I wasn't worried and that I was the one riding the Buell. Needless to say other than needing a new tire I had no problems.
I just did a demo of a 2010 concourse. What a awesome ride. So much so that I am very much considering trading in my FJR. That bike is ultra butter smooth. Also I rode it on a 90degree day and felt no heat at all.
I just finished a 7,000 mile ride on my Guzzi Norge. It was totally trouble free through everything. A tornado, 100° temps and 90+ MPH speeds for extended periods of time. It didn't really care for the strong cross winds in Nebraska; but I can't fault it for that. It's a damn good motorcycle.
Scott, I expect to have to face a similar decision. Doing CCRyder's mods on an 1125 is pretty tempting and seems the most likely. I need to get the old S3 in shape before I make that call. Wish there'd been a Ulybolt available for a test ride....
I've spent some midrange-distance days on both my S2, and my CR, in the last week. The CR is buttery smooth by comparison, and has gobs and gobs and gobs of power on tap, just about anywhere. If I were going to convert something in the Loki family, I'd probably do that since it already has "traditional" handlebars that are simpler to swap out compared to the clipons on the R. Yes, the gearing is shorter...but it is soooooo sweet, no matter what speed and what gear, you've always got power. The R, to me and my riding style, felt like it could get luggy pretty easily if I wasn't careful.
The S2...is a tuber. It shakes, it's noisy (both through the race can, and the valvetrain), its smelly (but I LOVE the smell of a warming bike on a choke!)...but it's like an old pair of shoes and it just fits. Perfectly. The noise and vibration, to me, aren't "problems" - they're personality. Character. Ambience, if you will
Can I carry more stuff as the S2 sits, versus the CR? Yup. Do I have better wind protection? Sure. I gotta give it to that fixed fairing - it REALLY works. But...if I was modifying a bike to make a sport-tour because I wasn't happy with either one?
1125.
Like I said, though - I'd start with a CR because the rider position would be easier to mod. Yes, there's more wind with only a flyscreen, but a little creativity can take care of that. Personally, I love mine with stock clubmans, Uly footpegs, and touring seat. It's a good thing it *doesn't* have bags...or my Uly and my S2 would get awfully lonely, I'm afraid
Ian: I see that kind of pattern every night when I dip my LT onto one of the local on-ramps here. I suddenly can't see more than fifteen feet in front of the bike and on this particular onramp that makes for a very herky-jerky and SLOW progress onto the highway. During the day I can easily smoke that turn dragging pegs and centerstand the whole time but at night it's a whole 'nother matter.
Also, remember they're comparing a "Conventional Headlight" to not only the Adaptive system, but to an HID powered light as well.
I also like those "Halo Lights" around the highbeams.
i want to buy one of these headlite assemblies and build a faring to mount it on my s2. only problem is it would likely cost more than the s2 is presently worth. oh well...
DD: I still remember the first time I had my XB12Ss on the Taconic Parkway at night (riding home from the Americade). That was SCARY even with the high beam on!! The 1125R is a whole lot better thank GOD.
The 1999-2004 K1200LT has a pretty lame high beam, so mine was augmented with a set of PIAA driving lights that come on with the high beam. Makes all the difference in the world, but suffers the same problem in turns...
