| Author | Message | ||
     Homegrown |
So I have been out of the saddle for 10 years now, but it is time to climb back on the ironhorse. I am an Engineer/IT person so I dig research…actually by the time I buy something I pretty much know everything about it. With that said I have decided the Uly is the bike for me (the versatility got me), but I am hung on the X vs XT thing and pre 08 vs post. X vs XT – My primary use will be commuting and getting around town, the secondary use will be touring (3-4 weekend warrior trips and 1 week long trip per year, these trips will include my wife), and the bonus is some off-road. The question is how does the XT do off the pavement? Moto-X is in my blood from my youth and I am an avid mountain biker…love the single track. I am 5’11” with a 32 inseam, so I am boarder line both seem to fit. Let me know your thoughts on the X vs XT for me. X Pre 08 vs Post – it appears the 08+ models have some improvements over 06 & 07. The question is: do the improvements make a BIG difference? The reason why I ask is it seems like there are more 06s available than any other years. Currently I have been leaning toward a 08+ X and throwing the luggage on it. Thoughts? Thanks in advance! -Spencer | ||
| Badrap |
Since your primary use is street and touring and you are of shorter stature (under 6'), I'd go with the XT. I would opt for a 2010 model, if you can find one, since it comes with the most refinements including the comfort kit. | ||
| Bosh |
If you're 5'11" I'd say get the one and only REAL Uly, the XB12X. The other ones are for the little fellas. | ||
| Bosh |
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| Union_man |
It's a personal decision. All Ulys are good bikes. I went with the '07 X over other model(s)/ years. As for seat hight... Touching the ground with both feet at one time is over rated. Even though I can touch both feet (on my toes, I'm 6'0 ft tall) I don't do it. I put down my left foot mostly. Another advantage... ECM Spy can be used on this model year. With it you can tune the bike, do a TPS reset, and check engine codes. It's fun and saves $$$. This is a real plus if you are going to do some performance MODS!!! My $.02 | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I think either will work for you. As far as XT off road... tires are the limiting factor for either. So the XT can do just about as well as the X. The X allows you to choose whatever luggage you want (although the selection is limited). I like the 08+'s. You get a bigger oil cooling system, a higher rev limiter, and no more TPS resets. | ||
| Xbeau12s |
oh man - I just went through the same thing. I left the XT out just because to me there is only one ulysses. The big one. I am 5'11" with 32" inseem and the 07 and up seat fits me perfect. I touch on the balls of my feet, not flat on my feet but it seems a whole lot better than the 06 seat. To me the versatility of the the X model did it to. I won't be blasting through fire trails but there is plenty of gravel and the X model is pretty amazing on gravel and that's coming from riding my 04 XB12S on dirt and it wasn't that bad either! I am in the engineering/design field and I to over analyzed the hell out of it and multiple message boards. I don't think much of the differences in the 08 are that noticeable. I'm sure you'll enjoy whichever one you get! I'm going with an 07. Picking it up this weekend. | ||
| Union_man |
No TPS reset on '08?  I don't want to argue but after researching I found this to be true... 2008+ Buells do not use Direct Link to reset the TPS. The function can be done upon bike startup with no external program. Resetting the TPS on 08+ Buells Resetting the TPS on 08+ Buells does not require external Software to perform a TPS reset, but DirectLink can be used to confirm that it is set correctly. The 08+ Buells are equipped with Idle Air Control logic, and the idle air and speed is under ECM control. The fully closed butterfly position is set by a stop that is cast into the throttle body, and there is no external throttle position stop screw. To reset an 08+ Buell, do the following: 1. Turn on the key. 2. Set the kill switch to the run position. 3. Don’t start the engine. Rotate the throttle from fully closed (gently forced closed) to fully open (gently held open), and then back again to closed (gently forced closed). 4. Repeat 3 times. Hold each position (fully open, fully closed) for 1 full second. 5. Turn the key off and on. 6. If you connect to Directlink, a fully closed throttle should indicate 3.7 to 4.2 degrees. If it doesn’t, repeat the above steps. I don't think ECm spy can be used on'08 and up. | ||
| Itileman |
For 2-up, the XT would be a better option because you can get your feet planted. I have no problems off road with my XT running Syncs. Got rid of the Journey cases in favor of Gobi's. Find an XP and you'd be in heaven. | ||
| Froggy |
There is a TPS reset on the 2008+ models, it is done automatically and also can be done using the steps above. It takes only a minute to do, so I do mine during the oil changes just for the hell of it. Either way, the 2008+ models are superior in every way. | ||
| Badrap |
Uh Oh, Here it comes. Battle of the Ulys. Which is better? Obviously they each have their pros and cons. To each their own. Bosh, I ride an XT but at 6'3", I am not a little fella. I sit on the bike with both feet flat on the ground with my knees bent. I like the XT for what it is, a nice sport touring machine with hard bags and good handling. I didn’t buy it thinking I was buying an off road machine. It does just what I want it to. Of course, everyone has their own idea of what they want their machine to do. That’s why they have different models to choose from. | ||
| Bttrthnwrk |
I went with an '09 X. I'm 5'10" with a 31" inseam. I misspent most of my 20's on enduros, so, like others, my feeling is that having both feet on the ground at the same time is overrated. When carting around a pillion, the suspension sits lower, anyway, making it even easier to get both feet down flatter. my foot preference on road is to put my left foot down. Off pavement, whichever foot will find the ground first goes down. I've found that the Uly isn't an enduro, but it's perfectly adequate off the pavement. Of course, that can be said for my Suzuki cruiser, too. But where the 'zuki bottoms out in dips (with REALLY loud "thunks") and gets too squirrelly over about 35 mph in sand and gravel, my Uly 'X hasn't reached it limits, even though I have, or nearly have several times (not the bike, but the rider, I'm afraid). From what I've seen of the model differences, the ones that go from year to year aren't deal breakers, unless you've got specific hot-buttons. They seem to be incremental, with the each year being juat a little better than the year before. overall, the increased oil flow, increased lock-to-lock movement, lower seat, different seat, bearings (maybe) all seem to add up, but only if you're really looking at an '08 or '09 or even a '10 against the first '06s or maybe even the '07s. Good luck, whichever way you go. The only way they'll get my Uly away from me is if they pry it away from my warm living fingers with a whole crapload of cash. | ||
| Union_man |
Froggy, What do you do to the ECM when adding performance parts (Fuel/Air/Exhaust) on your '08. Can you check engine codes on '08+? I will probably wear out my bike before I am sick of Buells!! | ||
| Froggy |
http://www.ebracing.com/shop/product31.html
Yes, either follow the instructions in your service manual to pull the codes using a the diagnostic plug, or you can use ECM spy to read and clear them. | ||
| Union_man |
Thanks! | ||
| Union_man |
'07 are still better!  | ||
| Froggy |
If by better you mean slower, have stone age fuel injection, crappy headlights, crappy VR connectors, crappy bearings, cold grips, no handle bar clutch cable holder, crappy paperclip clutch cable holder mounted to the crappy isolator, crappy color selection, crappy footpegs and crappy belts, then yes the 07 is better  | ||
| Union_man |
Where is the LOVE? | ||
| Cityxslicker |
You can run the xT off road.... Just change your belt every 9K, your rear bearings every 17K (or third tire change) and get a set of knobbies....  They will not however do single track or catch air well. DAMHIK The biatch is back ... Ginger is out of the shop! | ||
| Tocino |
I just got an 09 X, and have a 32 inseam. Can't get both feet down totally flat but almost (how close depends on what boots I'm wearing). It's not a problem, probably because the Buell has a low center of gravity. Full disclosure: I haven't taken a passenger yet nor run loaded down with bags / gear. | ||
| Xbeau12s |
In my findings over the last two months gathering info from 07 and 08 owners there were more problems associated with the 08 than the 07 bikes. A lot of it is how you take care of your bike to. | ||
| Froggy |
The 08's had a ton of significant changes, as result many of those changes will bring new problems, but they all have been sorted. | ||
| Xbeau12s |
so maybe your saying the years from 06-10 it really doesn't matter what you get  They are all great motorcycles! (Message edited by xbeau12s on March 09, 2010) | ||
| Two_buells |
Orange is faster....  | ||
| Tootal |
If you find an 06 cheap enough you can change a lot of things to make it better if you like to wrench on your machines. I bought an 06 just because of the tall seat. Since then I've put the 07 progressive springs in the forks, changed the triple trees to the 08's. Added heated grips and better headlight bulbs. I just got my 2010 rear wheel and I've installed the Comfort Kit. I even got good enough with ECMSPY to dial the fuel injection in real nice. I also have the latest stator, voltage regulator and the latest connection for all of the above. What Froggy says is true in stock form but you can upgrade most of the improvements over the years pretty reasonably. You see, other than a better oil pump, larger crank and a higher rev limiter the only thing Froggy has on me is a CR!  | ||
| Jphish |
5'8" - 30" inseam with 08' Uly X. I cant get both feet down on my KLR or 06 Tiger either - whats the big deal ? You tall guys worry too much about what us short guys never even consider in our dreams...both feet down is nice, but unecessary. I think the XT is fine, but for 2 up & bad roads you may appreciate the Xtra suspension travel, heavier duty rims and bigger front forks on the X. Other improvements on 08+ have already been covered adequately. Though if you pre-empt the 77 connector and a few other gremlins - the 06 & 07 seem to be just as reliable in the long run. | ||
| Dio |
I have an '06 and pre-emptively addressed the known issues. No problems otherwise. Either way is cool! Get one and get going. The new '10's are all gone, though not surprising since so few were made before the ax fell. | ||
| Mnrider |
Ginger is out of the shop.  Ginger is on the left. | ||
| Desert_uly |
Mnrider- artificial christmas trees are allowed in Minnesota? Homegrown- the X is a good choice, add the bags of choice. Seems to be a slightly better choice for occasional fire roads that must be explored. | ||
| Xbeau12s |
Mnrider - Fake trees are a good idea with cats. Little bastards end up inside it getting needles all over the place anyway. I to use the fake tree.  Back to the original post - I've found the most widely used answer is "JUST GET ONE" |
