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Britchri10
Posted on Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 04:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

This may be a little long!
They say that there is, "No fool like an old fool".
Well, I'm old(ish) & just found out how foolish I can be.
Back story: Bad back forces sale of X1.
To replace the X1 I purchase a XB12XP from a fellow Badwebber.
Do I check anything (other than oil & tire pressures)? NO!
I ride the bike c460 miles to BTF. No problem!
Going to supper I fall off of it & lose any confidence I had.
The guys @ BTF (You know who you are - but I specifically want to thank Chris, Steve, Buellish, Mike, Bryce & two guys whose names I can't remember-sorry- ) help me get the bike sorted a little & offer much good advice
I ride on the Saturday & only hold everyone up a lot!
Sunday I slab it back to Jacksonville (w/Bryce accompanying/leading me)
What happened next, you ask?
Well, I put two new tires (Pirelli Scorpion Cync's) on the bike & I take the time to dial in the suspension. I also replace the front disc (original was warped & chattering) & brake pads (Lyndall Gold's).
Guess what?
It's a totally different machine!
Before I did any of this I was a little unsure about riding it. (to say the least).
Now: What a machine & what a difference.
I am currently heat cycling the tires.
I have no more front end dive under braking and the ride is much more linear & just feels "planted".
After BTF I thought I was going to hate this bike.
However, an old fool learning some new tricks (thanks to fellow badwebbers) means that I am much, much happier & about to fall in serious like with the Uly.
Sorry if I bored y'all but I had to tell someone.
Once again, thanks to everyone who contributed @ BTF
Chris C
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Calamari_kid
Posted on Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 04:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It's funny how big of an effect you can get with a little tweaking. My first few months with the Uly were quite a learning experience, bigger bike, bigger engine, more adjustable. I rode for awhile at the factory settings then just adjusted the rear preload, and it was a whole new bike. Sharp as hell, and a serious increase in the grin factor. I really need to get with someone who knows how to do proper suspension setup.
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Britchri10
Posted on Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 05:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Well, don't ask me!
I went with what the factory recommended in the service manual. Once I get the tires & front brake broken in I think I will be playing with the settings a bit to see if I can "dial it in" a bit more.
Chris C
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Tastroman
Posted on Saturday, October 29, 2011 - 10:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My biggest adjustment was the tall 1st gear.
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Pontlee77
Posted on Sunday, October 30, 2011 - 10:23 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The manual has a small reference guide on setting suspensions depending on what you feel, or what you're looking for, just find the road that gives you all the riding specs and go adjusting suspension, once at a time until you feel the bike as you desire, remember that fuel level influences, so try to have the tank full every time you re adjust suspension.
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Road_kill
Posted on Sunday, October 30, 2011 - 10:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Chris
Glad to hear things continue to get better! I look forward to riding with you again. The north Georgia mountains are fun at any speed: ) Great times, great camaraderie, great camping ... Buelltoberfest rocks!!
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Uly_man
Posted on Monday, October 31, 2011 - 02:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

One of the things that is VERY important to know, about this bike is the effect good rubber and the right suspension setup has on it. Many people look on the bike as a big lumbering heap but it is something of a Wolf in a Bear skin.

With the right set up and rubber a Uly, in the right hands will out handle any bike on the road. Its not a serious off road bike, like the GS or KTM but more a very good tourer with very, VERY good sports handling for us taller people.

The Scorps need more scrubbing in, than some so run them to the edge to clean them off before u need to use them. Still good rubber but PR2s are better if u are using lots of bends.

No not "old fool" more know what your talking about and a rare thing today.

The Uly is a rare and special bike. Nothing else made is like it and I think it was just, as these things happen that it was just luck it came about with Buell/HD. I have had two so whats that make me?
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Britchri10
Posted on Monday, October 31, 2011 - 02:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm the fool for not sorting it prior to riding to BTF.
bends? I live in Florida - No bends anywhere near me!
I put Sync's on it' cause I had them on my X1 & I like them a lot and have confidence in them. I think I'll try PR2's next time.
I'm taking my time scrubbing in the tires & bedding in the Front brake rotor & pads.
All stuff I should have done before taking the Uly on a 1000 mile round trip to BTF.
I am really beginning to enjoy the bike.
Chris C
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