| Author | Message | ||
     Dalurker |
Hello all, Is there any way to get a smaller turning radius on my 07 Uly? Anyone mess around with fitting newer model forks to pre-08 models? Thanks, Kyle | ||
| Hughlysses |
Several people have installed the 08-up triple clamps on 06/07 Ulys without changing the fork legs. Even though the fork legs on the 08-up X's are larger, they're the same diameter where they go into the triple clamps so the clamps are interchangeable. Installing these clamps without the 08-up fork legs (which have an offset axle attachment point) changes the steering geometry quite a bit (increases the trail), but those who have done it report no detrimental effects on handling. The only complication to the job is that a custom-made pin is required for the ignition fork lock. I think someone was actually selling them. Search the forum and you should be able to find the info. | ||
| Griffmeister |
Lock the front brake, spin the rear tire and lean slightly in the direction you want to turn.  | ||
| Uly_man |
I did hear someplace that you can "cut back" the steering stops a bit on a 06 bike to help this but I do not know if that is true or not. The turning radius is only an issue while not riding and you get used to it in the end. Or that is what I found with my 06 bike. Yes you can change the front end but it will, or could, cost a lot of money. In which case you may just as well sell the 06 bike and buy a latter version which will also have all the extra/better upgrades as well. | ||
| Motorfish |
The 08 triple trees are still available and cost around $200. The 07 springs are a good upgrade for the 06s, and are around $40, if I remember correctly. I hope to do this upgrade this winter. The fork lock pin is made by Tootal. I don`t know if they are still available. Just about everyone who has done this upgrade is real happy with it. Do a search for more info. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I have an '06, and never had any problems with the turning radius. I can U-turn on a 2 lane with room to spare when I'm actually 'turning', and when I can, I lean instead of turning and that always tightens the circle. The more you lean, the tighter the turn. Pushing it in and out of the garage....well, for those couple short incidents it just isn't worth a front end rebuild in my mind. | ||
| Ourdee |
In a slow turning situation. Sit on the outside of the bike in the turn leaning it into the turn an exaggerated amount. In Illinois it will get you the extra needed to do the U-turn box for your license. Better practice though. Not many extra inches there. | ||
| Uly_man |
"I have an '06, and never had any problems with the turning radius". Either did I apart from the first time I got on the 06 bike and near dropped it. It is not an issue once you know about it and I would not have re-built the front end either. Spend the money on gas, rubber, belts, a 10 rear wheel etc. Much more fun. | ||
| Buewulf |
I haven't hit the steering lock while riding on the street since I first got the bike. Like others have said, you get used to it. If you ride your Uly in the dirt often, the extra room is a welcome thing. It really diminishes the cool factor of roosting some fool on his GS into submission only to be tossed from the bike as the chassis rotates past what the steering stop has to offer offer. I had thought about doing the mod (it's cheap), but then I convinced myself that I shouldn't be riding the Uly in the dirt as much I had been doing, anyway. If you ride in the dirt, I say go for it. | ||
| Tootal |
Here's the thread I did when I changed the trees, fork springs etc. I use to ride Observed Trials and I do take the Uly off road so the extra radius is a wonderful thing. I use to hit the stops just pulling out of the driveway. Definitely a dirt bike background! http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/442538.html?1236474150 | ||
| Glenn |
I changed my triple trees a few years ago and was very pleased with the turn radius increase from moving around in my garage to back road U turns. Eventually I also changed to the 2008 forks since I was experiencing head shake especially as my rear tires were well worn. I also have a steering stabilizer but did that before changing the forks. It probably isn't necessary but I have no more stability issues. Making these changes were the best I've made to my Uly. | ||
| Shagg1970 |
Your head shake was likely tires not the forks. The 06/07 forks in the 08 tree increases rake and trail a little which will make the bike more stable. I too have the 08 trees with 06 forks and I always had head shake above 100mph, before and after replacing the trees. Until I went to Pirelli Scorpion trail tires now no wobble at all up to 125mph (as fast as I want to go). | ||
| Mbest |
The '08 clamps move the fork tubes forward to allow more clearance at the frame so you can turn more to full lock. The axel on the '08 is moved back the exact same amount so the geometry stays exactly the same as the '07 bike. On the showroom floor, the steering geometry (except for the steering sweep) is identical between the '07 and'08 bikes. If you put the only '08 clamps on your '07 bike, in addition to having more steering sweep for parking lot and garage maneuvering it will decrease the trail and increase your wheel base by the same amount as the new offset of the clamps. The rake stays the same. If you put '08 forks on '07 clamps, it will increase the trail and shorten the wheelbase by the same amount as the rearward offset of the axel. Again the rake does not change. Putting the '08 forks AND '08 clamps on an '07 only provides for more lock to lock, (just like a factory'08 bike) the bikes on road geometry/handling stays exactly the same. As far as headshake, wobble, turn in etc etc, always confirm that your tires are in premium condition and properly inflated prior to making any suspension adjustments. Just for conversation, on my '08 Uly, I replaced the lower axel mounts on my fork lowers with ones from 1125R. (same 47mm dia) This reduced the trail on my bike and it better suits my riding style. I have no headshake or "weirdness" at high speed. mike | ||
| Zac4mac |
I have an 09 Uly. One day when I was employed at a dealership - I almost dropped an 06 Uly in the parking lot because it had 1/3 the turn radius on MY Uly... That's one of her advantages over her stablemate, Loretta the 1125R. Z | ||
| Glenn |
Hi, This is the old thread I started on this a few years ago. Try the trees first and if you're not happy with the stability, you may want to go to the 2008 forks too but more $$$s! http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/567514.html The current 2008 trees and forks work great for me. YMMV :-) | ||
| Thumper1203 |
Does anyone have the correct part numbers for the upper and lower 08' "X" trees? I only have the parts and service manual for my 06' ..thinking of doing this myself, soon. | ||
| Mbest |
For an '08 Uly.. Upper Triple Clamp: J0105.3AKYBD Lower Triple Clamp w/Stem: J0106.3AKYBD | ||
| Thumper1203 |
Thanks Mike.. most appreciated | ||
| Jomartijr |
I installed 2008 XT forks and rear shock/spring on my 2007 soon after purchased in 2008 to lower the bike. No change to the triple clamps. Since ( and I've posted about this before) the bike exhibits understeer as in medium high effort to initiate and keep the bike in a turn. If this increased trail then would that explain this understeer tendency? Opinions or experience appreciated. | ||
| Mbest |
The '08 XT forks and clamps are not the same as the "X" forks and clamps. They keep the same geometry (and reduced lock to lock) as the '07 bikes, so you haven't changed the trail like using the XB12X parts. The '08 and newer XB12X bike (not the XT) received the improved turning radius because of it's implied offroad usage where the limited lock to lock of the earlier bikes was more of a handicap. Most every magazine review of the earlier bikes in comparison with the BMW's, KTM's and the like all commented on the lack of lock to lock for dirt use. It wasn't an issue for a strictly street ride and wasn't upgraded for the other bikes. The "offroad" durability on the XB12X bikes were upgraded at the same time to 47mm lower fork tubes, and are the only ones that have the improved turning radius. All the other XB models retained the 43mm fork lowers and the "short" lock to lock. As for your bikes perceived pushiness, 1st confirm premium tire condition and air pressure front AND back. Then ballpark your new components with the Buell advertised recommended compression and rebound settings for the model you got the parts from. If you haven't done it yourself before, you might find a local shop or fellow rider to help set your preload and sag front and back. Moving your front fork tubes up and down in the clamps effects feel and performance as well, and after everything else is set correctly you can further fine tune thing by moving them. It's very likely that in your attempt to lower the bike, you've set it up with the back lower than the front causing your grief. Keep us posted mike | ||
| Mbest |
In addition, if you current setup turns out to be exactly where you want it and you don't make any ride height or sag changes to the bike, swapping your '07 triple clamps out for the '08 XB12X ones will reduce the trail on your bike and with no other changes, it will lighten your steering input and mid corner feel. The Uly's have a generous amount of Trail as delivered and when driven aggressively (Leading Throttle) the front doesn't feel too bad. But if yer just slow poking along (Trailing throttle or coasting) thru the turns, the weight of the bike has more leverage thru the longer trail and you feel it more at the bars. mike | ||
| Jomartijr |
That's the best info I've seen and much appreciated. Sag has been set f and r and other suspension adjust I'll research for 08 XT specs. Tires are new Michelin Pilot Road 3s with 36 front and 40 rear pressure. And apparently I was confused with 08 X and 08 XT forks referenced info. Thanks again and I'll post results soon as adjusted and further test ridden. (Message edited by jomartijr on November 07, 2013) |
