| Author | Message | ||
     Jphish |
Even though our Buells are now orphans, we have an obligation to make sure they don't feel unloved and adrift in a sea of HD apathy. I have decided to get my Uly a playmate - looking at an 05 silver Tiger next weekend. As I tried to rationalize this to my wife (the one that can just give that 'look', no words, and ya know this ain't gonna be an easy sell - anyway - I digress) I explained it's not a Uly replacement but rather to augment the Uly - when it decides to excercise it's independent nature and break down just before, or in the middle of an adventure. (Done it 2X now) I usually end up borrowing her ST1300, which is fine... until the dirt road part starts. Told her I didn't want to scratch the ST up (again) in my trout quest trips. (It hit a resonating note - I may have a wee bit of traction here) I've always liked Tigers - you can even fit dualsport tires on 'em. My riding Partner has a 1200 & 800 GS. Like 'em ok, but they just do not stir my soul. I need (not want) a spare adventure bike - cant afford any more aborted adventures at my age. The Uly will always be my 1st choice, most fun machine I've ever owned, and plan to keep it until my riding days are over. But also gotta recognize realities of the 'empty parts bin syndrome'. We're now at the mercy of a company that has NO interest in Buells or their riders, other than whatever residual limited legal obligations may be in play. j PS - So whatta ya all think about my closing argument to my attorney wife? Think she'll go for it ?? I'll let ya know the verdict. (I maybe doin some 'hard time' on this one) | ||
| Buellerxt |
You sound like a 'master' negotiator there Jphish! Attorney, or no attorney, if you can pull at her heart strings, and show a sincere, caring nature about 'her' interests, you'll have a better than average shot. From reading your post, I like your chances. I also understand your thoughts on the Uly, HD, parts, breakdowns, etc. It's kind of funny, and who knows what I'll do, but though I LOVE my new XT, and it is super equipped for touring, I've thought that I might continue to tour on my Sportster, which is set up great for touring. It's all about reliability (belts, bearings) and places to have it serviced if a problem occurs. I, too, have been stranded FAR from home on numerous occasions but it was always on an Electra Glide (cam bearings, cam chain tensioners, stator). My Sportster is rock solid!! Time will tell and I will reiterate, I LOVE this Uly so far. Back to your second bike. I think you're on the right tract and will prevail! Good luck. | ||
| Loves_to_ride |
i'm being tempted by the new Ducati multistrada, KTM adventure and SMT, and maybe BMW 800 GS, although not so much as there is no close dealer. tried the Tiger at a Barber demo ride, but didn't really like it. | ||
| Jphish |
Thanks for the words of encouragement XT. Yeah - I havent found anything that fits my style / interests like a Uly. I actually thought about buying a used (obviously) 08' so I'd always have one or the other as a parts bin. (like Dr Greg) But...what the hell... Life's short - gotta try new / different things. Those sportsters are pretty bullet proof...and ya CAN get parts for 'em. Nice to have a 'spare' bike aint it? Loves to ride - What year tiger did you test ride? | ||
| Eulysses |
I am thinking another Uly. Takes care of the problem. Two Ulys. See? Clever, eh? | ||
| Jphish |
Eulysses - Vewy cleaver indeed. But ya see part of the whole justification / rationalization (as per Buellerxt's sage council) is how this is also in my wifes interests. She loves 'her' ST1300 - but isn't necessarily a Uly lover - thinks the Tiger is a bit 'odd' with the hump and all - but ok with it. The KLR is a bit too dirtbikey for her, and going from a V4 125HP to 37HP thumper, is well...too reductionist - so the Tiger is an acceptable 'spare' bike for both of us. She's 5'10 with a 33" inseam - and much more anatomically pleasing & noticeable than me - Tigers like that. Life Is a compromise at times - and this is one I'm willing to make. And...If i can find an orange one - that should really scatter the road deer. Apparently doesnt have much effect on cariboo though. | ||
| Pnw_uly |
Soooo. . . Is the Tiger for her as a replacement for the ST, or for you as a replacement for the Uly? If you can get her buy-in as a "new" bike for her, should be an easy sell. . . Dx the ST, keep the KLR and have two adventure bikes in the stable. Paul | ||
| Loves_to_ride |
jphish i guess it was a 2009 as it was at the last barber vintage days. much prefer the feel of the Uly motor. have an '06 since new w/abt 28k. was looking fwd to an 1125 Uly. | ||
| Jphish |
Paul - As we discussed this morning at B'fast - it is a spare for both of us. My Uly will always be my 1st choice - the ST probably hers. But both on occasion decide to take a day or week or month off - now we have options, other than an aborted trip. Trying to talk her into So Utah ride late spring, when I get back from 4 corners. I'm takin the Uly - she can pick from the rest of the litter. Good seein ya again - wind was down to about 30MPH by the time I got to Oly. Loves to Ride - yeah, I don't care much for the post 06 model years. They 'modernized' the 1050 too much for my taste - the 955 I think is also more dirt road worthy. But none of them are as beautiful as Uly's. Chow, j | ||
| Armymedic |
That triple engine is really nice but due to the fact that it would make my hands go numb from the vibration, the Triumph had to go. | ||
| Jphish |
Oh? That must be why this one has 10# bar ends and 2 tubes of silicone in the handle bars. Thats why I'm riding it first. I get NO vibes from the uly until I get over triple digits - but that could be tire balance though. Thanks - something to keep in mind during test ride. | ||
| Buellerxt |
Keep us posted, Jphish. Ah, strategies and new bikes! Hard to beat.  | ||
| Eulysses |
They ALL have issues. I date bikes (because I can't date women anymore...I am married for life) because I can get away with that. They all have issues. Getting to where when I have the girl...I mean bike...figured out...gonna ride her for a long while. They all have issues. Grass always looks greener. | ||
| Jphish |
"They all have issues"...boy ain't that true of people, motorcycles, and even my psycho cat. At least with Uly came with a manual. Wife & cat didn't. | ||
| Eulysses |
Yeah...love that manual! Really helps to know the girl. Just got a dvd called Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage. Pretty good! Like a manual but more fun. Actually having friends over to see it. Tears rolling down faces... Everything has issues. Been reducing my interests as the clock winds down...simplifying. | ||
| Jphish |
Going to ride a Tiger Sunday...if NOAA promised weather break materializes. This 06' is not for sale but the nice gentleman in Gig Harbor PM'd me and is willing to let me (a complete stranger) ride it - how nice is that?! He'll get a chance to ride my Uly and we can compare impressions. Hope he'll give my Uly back...mines not for sale either. | ||
| Dmmblaze |
HAHAHA, you better bring something to pry his hands off the Uly's handlebar, he might not want to go back to the tiger after riding the beast... hehehe | ||
| Pnw_uly |
Survey says . . . ? How was it? I'm thinking it must not be too good, no posts yet. . . Or maybe you're not home yet. . . | ||
| Eulysses |
Jfish...did you ride into the sunset? Er...rainset? Not too bad today to ride. | ||
| Jphish |
Other than the unsightly hump (tank is kinda oddly shaped) The 955 triple does have some nice qualities. Lots of grunt and pretty fine sound - though this one had an aftermarket pipe. The seat adjusted down to a manageable 33.1" - could get the last 3" of toes down, just like on the Uly. Had to remember I had a 6th gear - though didn't get alot of freeway miles to explore it's capabilities. Lots of LEO's out yesterday. The seat was plenty comfortable, front brake dive no worse than my KLR & performance on par with the Uly. I think the Ergo's & stock Uly suspension is superior to almost any thing else out there - so not many can compare to what Eric built in that dept. The Uly still my first choice in every respect, but Tiger is well worth consideration. Chain drive - but I prefer that to a telelever final drive - you can see exactly how things are wearing. This 06' had 18K and chain/sprocket still has lots of life. I'm still thinkn it would be a good stable mate - my wife not necessarily in agreement. But fortunately the 2 are not mutually exclusive, so I'm going to look at the Tiger in Seattle next week. Keep you posted |
