| Author | Message | ||
     Sunnie1 |
I am looking for a new ride, and like what I have read about the Uly's. I need opinions on the following two bikes: a 2007 XB12X with 17,500 miles ( http://www.roadtrackandtrail.com/new_vehicle_detai l.asp?veh=38764&pov=3837896 ) or a 2008 XB12XT with 30,000 miles ( http://www.roadtrackandtrail.com/new_vehicle_detai l.asp?veh=70523&pov=3858772 ) I have not seen either bike in person yet. My current bike is a 1985 BMW K100RT, well beyond its prime. It's been pretty good to me, but after breaking down one too many times on me OK, twice) on the way to work, I decided to start looking. | ||
| Sunnie1 |
I decided to test ride a 2006 Sportster XL1200R today. Nice machine, but with the stock controls, I couldn't believe how uncomfortable it was for me (I am 6'2"). Maybe I have been too spoiled by the K bike's riding position? I suppose that's a topic for another thread. =) | ||
| Hughlysses |
No question- the 2008. Better crankshaft and oiling system. Several 2007's have suffered crank failures at around 30k miles, which has been blamed on a bad run of crankshafts in 2007. The XT is more of a pavement machine than the X,which may suit you better, depending on what you're looking for. | ||
| Sunnie1 |
What should I look for or watch out for on a 2008 with 30k miles? I found out that they do not allow test rides. This is how they responded when I asked to come check out the bikes: "we would do a purchase contract subject to a test ride. Basically, go through the process of you buying the bike then give you 30 minutes to ride it and make sure it fits your needs. If not, we reverse the deal and take the bike back." Guessing it saves them loads on insurance, but also a good way to get stuck with a lemon! | ||
| Poppinsexz |
The xt should have factory heated grips a taller windscreen and 1.5 in lower ride height. By the pictures it appears to have the rider comfort kit installed. It is the street sport/ tour where the x is supposed to be more on/off road. | ||
| Sunnie1 |
Sorry...I mean, are there any indicators I should look for that signal--run far, far away from this machine! | ||
| Court |
>>>Basically, go through the process of you buying the bike then give you 30 minutes to ride it and make sure it fits your needs. If not, we reverse the deal and take the bike back." Smart idea. The liability is huge, the abuses and horror stories are legend. | ||
| Sunnie1 |
For you long-haul Ulysses owners, does 30,000 miles seem like high mileage? I have read conflicting opinions on different web pages. | ||
| 86129squids |
Ask Vern (etennuly) about his sweet '06 with over 60K on the ticker- I sold it to him back in the day! The observations on the better features of the '08 are correct. Lots of stuff got sorted out better by then. DANG I wish I could swing at getting one myself, but I'll settle for a little "limey love" on my Triumph for now. Compression check/voltage check, etc. I'd have a qualified Buell wrench look at it for a case of beer or something.  | ||
| Sifo |
I've got 57K on the clock of my XB12Ss with only minor problems along the way. Still runs great and oil consumption is minimal. | ||
| Steveford |
I've got close to 90,000 on my 2006 and in my case 30,000 miles is when problems started popping up. Just lots of little stupid stuff to drive me crazy. Oil consumption didn't really go up until the bike hit around 70 - 75,000 miles and now it's guzzling it as I nurse the old pile towards 100,000 and then it comes apart. I'd avoid the 2007 due to the possibility of crankshaft failure, that would really suck. | ||
| Sunnie1 |
Thanks for all the input--and by all means, keep it coming! | ||
| Tootal |
My 06 is just under 30,000 and all the issues I had were taken care of a long time ago. The new parts were all better than the original. I think quality control suffered due to deadlines for production of the original bikes. Since then it's run great! The 08's do have a better crank and oiling system but I wouldn't be afraid of an 06 if the price was right. I see you're in Madison. I was just up there for the "Great Taste" beer fest. That's a fun town. | ||
| Etennuly |
My '06..... with half hour of pre ride checks, I would ride it anywhere. Only has 61,000 so far. Had a bunch of silly wiring problems that if HD had changed out the wiring harness when I pointed out it's failures and had asked, would have never come to fruition. Once each of the problems have been fixed they have never come back. Mechanically it is still very solid. Quiet, tight, fast, and smooth, that is how I like it. I do need fork oil level adjustments and a front tire though. The original front brake rotor was a real wanker, and I have needed a front engine isolator every 10,000 miles or less, and the cooling fan was a problem for a couple of years. It will still go 2,000 miles on a half pint of oil and very consistently do better than 50 MPG. When washed it still looks fairly new.....which is funny because I still get complements on my "new" eight year old Uly that has never been waxed or polished beyond a soapy wash job. One thing that means a lot to me is when asked to go riding with my fellow Buellers or others my Uly is always at the ready. | ||
| Bienhoabob |
I have bought several bikes from RT and trail. Always had a test drive. If fact the last time, he said take it for as long of a ride as you'd like. All their bikes are pre-owned, so whats another 20-50 miles? I put 55K on my '06 Uly in two years before I sold it. Stinkin wiring headaches. Go for the latest model or keep looking around until something better turns up. | ||
| Dtaylor |
The '08 XT looks kind of nice. if I were looking at it, I'd be pondering the following: - Has the ECM been relocated? Even if it has, hold the seat skinny side up, pan towards you. Look at the round vent/drain hole on the pan. If there is a wear mark (likely triangle-shaped) at the drain/vent's 11 o'clock, it has been pressing on the ECM at some point. Bring that to their attention. - While you have the seat off, peer through the frame at the rear rocker cover. Look for any signs of oil leakage/weepage. Do the same for the front rocker. If the rear rocker has been leaking long, odds are good the fan will need replacing. Run your finger along the rounded bit of the frame where the top of the rear shock goes. If it is an oily mess in there, the fan will definitely need replacing. Bring that to their attention. - With the key on and dash lit up, turn the bars side to side fully several times. Do this with the each side of the blinkers going, as well. If the bike is experiencing the (seemingly) inevitable broken wires at the headstock, it might make things flicker or die. - Does it have the updated 2010 rear wheel? If it doesn't, ask them if they will install new rear wheel bearings, or warranty the current setup. - Ask them if they are going to sell the bike with new, proper sized tires on it. If not, ask them if they're comfortable selling you a bike with a rear tire fitted to the front, and the wrong size on the back. If they are, ask them if they'll put that in writing. Those Heidenau K60's look pretty cool, but they don't come in Uly sizes. I'd rather start a new bike with the proper rubber. | ||
| Sunnie1 |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=4062&post=2435613#POST2435613 Thanks, Dtaylor; great info--although now I am really not sure about this bike. And I haven't seen it yet! Was going to maybe run over there tomorrow. (Message edited by Sunnie1 on August 25, 2014) | ||
| Sunnie1 |
Update...saw the bike today; decided to keep looking. Definitely the wrong size tires on it causing wear and tear on the bike from insufficient clearance. The ECM set up is stock, and definitely hit by the seat. Also a fair amount of dust/dirt under the seat. Guess this one wasn't meant for me! |
