| Author | Message | ||
     Xaman |
Looking at 2 Uly's: 06 with 30k miles, $3500. Factory side bags, new fork seals and tires, spare belt, madstad shield and brackets, drummer muffler, race ecm. Black color which I like best. Recent service including TPS Reset. 09 with 12k miles. $5500. No bags, blue color with extra orange plastics. Madstad shield and brackets, Jardine exhaust. Race ecm. (I've got soft bags already, so would need to order soft bag brackets like Happy trails SL, about $150). Little about me: In south Texas (Houston area), so it gets and stays hot. I've got other bikes for local duty around town, this one will be for highway and two-up. My guess is that I'd put 7-8k per year on a "third" bike like this. But if it ended up replacing my triumph scrambler, I'd guess 10-12k per year. I've got long legs so I don't want the XT, looking for plush suspension and travel. $3500 is easy, $5500 is a bit of a stretch, but I know the 09 is a better bike. What I don't know is how risky it is to run the 06 in extreme hot weather like we have here, nor do I know how much a pain in the butt the TPS reset and timing issues will be on the 06. I'm not a mechanic but can follow YouTube instructions pretty good. I also have heard the 06 suspension is harsh? That's the primary reason for wanting something other than the triumph scrambler -- the suspension beats me up on rough roads and fire roads. I spent a few miles on an 09 before, and remember it fondly, but never rode it in summertime. Any advice or strong opinions? THANKS for taking time to read my thread  | ||
| Tempest766 |
Honestly, I would not recommend buying a Buell at this point. If you are dead set on it for the nostalgia and possible collector value then that's awesome and I wish you well, but I feel that from a rider's perspective they aren't worth the investment any more. And yeah, that 5500 seems steep, but at least with the 09 you are getting a model that has had some of the major bugs worked out of it. | ||
| Sagehawk |
Xaman, which side of town are you on? Curious, as im in angleton. Im running an 07 x and having a good time with it. Yep, temps suck here and more times than not, you dont want to get caught in heavy traffic on a buell. If you are very mechanical, you might enjoy such a machine. The 09 definitely would be a better choice as far as more improvements go. Just a lot of preemptive maintenance and being aware of all the possible failures that can happen. | ||
| Skinstains |
I have several XB's 03,04,05, and one 09 (uly) the 09 is no where near as good as the others. I don't have an 06 so I can't say if they're good or not but all the stainless on my 09 is rusted to death. All the hardware is junk and it never seemed to run as well as all my others. Buy the 06 and put later model trees on it... | ||
| Buellerxt |
Another Houston area rider here and I love the weather. Cold sucks, to me, and warm to hot is nice. I ride an 08 XT with the tall seat and love the bike. No heat issues whatsoever. 30,000+ trouble free miles. I hope whatever you get you enjoy it. | ||
| Steveford |
The 06 suspension is NOT harsh. In 07 they changed the triple tree for a decreased turning radius and they changed the fork springs for decreased initial dive when you slam on the front brakes. If you get the 06 be sure to replace the throttle butterfly shaft as it will break soon. A machinist here on Badweb sells an improved version. Timing should be set once and done for good, TPS isn't difficult: get maximum slop in the cables, back out the adjuster cable until the voltage goes as low as possible, back out 1 additional turn, snap throttle 3X, hold throttle shut and hit RESET TPS, RESET AFV, screw in adjuster cable until it reads 5.6, take out slop in cables, start bike, run up to temperature in manual, repeat in 10,000 miles. People here say to do the reset when the bike is warm, Buell Tech Training had us do it cold so that's how I do it. (Message edited by SteveFord on January 20, 2015) | ||
| Hughlysses |
In 07 they changed the triple tree for a decreased turning radius and they changed the fork springs for decreased initial dive when you slam on the front brakes. Buell changed to progressive fork springs in 07, but the triple trees and forks weren't changed to increase the steering lock until 08. The 07 springs can easily be installed in 06 forks. Some people have installed the 08 triple clamps on 06 or 07 bikes while retaining the original forks. This changes the steering geometry significantly, but they report no ill effects. | ||
| Steveford |
I stand corrected! I'd say buy the 06 for $3500 and ride it into the ground like I'm doing. Relocate the ECM, too. The connections get crunched when the seat hits it. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Id say both are reasonably priced. The 09 will be the "get on and ride and no worries" bike for a long time. The 06 may blow up tomorrow, or may go for 100k miles (many have). But $2000 (the difference) is the cost of an engine rebuild, so even if you did rebuild, you are still ahead (because of the hard luggage). But breaking and fixing has a "headache factor" to it. That's assuming there isn't already an issue with the 06 leading the seller to sell. Either one would be a good call. | ||
| Etennuly |
My '06 has been pretty solid on any of the major issues. It initially had a lot of little pesky problems, however once fixed they stayed fixed. At 62,000 miles now and I would still ride it anywhere that time and my ability will allow. I have done many 750+ mile days on it and will do it again. It seems that '07 was the only year that had problems with some of their crank shafts. I like my long travel suspension soft for my bad back issues. Changing the fork trees and springs were not something I wanted to do to mine. I rode multiple '06 Ulys both ways, and saw so little difference that the cost seemed like wasted money......but some people just gotta change stuff to feel good. A bigger deal would be to change the front brake rotor and keep a set of rear wheel bearings and a belt on hand. Lots of little wiring problems are possible, but just chase them down and fix them if you got them. I replaced my front engine isolator about every 10,000 miles, I have run two up a lot with heavy loads. I reset my TPS two times since new, first at 10,000 and checked it again at about 30,000, I have not looked at it in 32,000 miles. It runs very smooth, and I don't like to disturb what works that well. I do clean the throttle plate with carb cleaner any time I have the air box off, they tend to build up carbon on them, which is what I believe can make the throttle shaft fail. So far my original is good. I do irridum plugs at about 25,000 miles as long as it never gets gas flooded. Change the oil and filter at 2500 to 3000 running Rotella diesel oil 15W40, with a pint of STP or Lucas in the hot summer months. It still gets 49 to 56 MPG. I keep my Uly fairly clean and well lubricated. It has been one of the '06 Ulys with a cooling fan problem that I did a simple manual override that works excellently. I installed a $30 set of bar heaters and a socket and switch for my heated gear. I run it with the hard bags on all of the time. The comfort kit works well at moving the heat down and out the bottom. Hot days were not comfortable below 50 mph before that. My point is if you can fix and maintain little problems I'd recommend that you buy the '06 for the lesser $ and have a ball riding the crap out of it. In the first year you will easily get $3000 worth of use out of it as long as there are no major issues from the previous owner. | ||
| Woodnbow |
Etenully makes a pretty good case for that 06. If you can afford the 06 without a stretch I'd say go that way... The hard bags are very nice. Uly's have HUGE carrying capacity, more volume and weight than the HD touring bikes if you have all three bags. Fully loaded with the wife, all our (her) gear for a ten day road trip and we don't look like the Beverly Hillbillies going down the road. Uly's do have known issues but honestly I still think they're one of the most undervalued mc's on the road and BadWeb and Americansportbike.com are invaluable resources for keeping them there. | ||
| Xaman |
Thanks for all the advice fellas, that's especially helpful to hear that the Houston heat isn't going to necessarily grenade the 06. I'm on the north side of town, actually in Huntsville. I'm leaving town for the next 3 days so I can chew in this, assuming they don't sell while I'm gone. THANK YOU all very much. | ||
| Jstav2012 |
I've got an '06 Uly here in Houston, and once I got the tuning fixed up a bit, it ran cooler because the fan did not come on as much. The right side scoop helps with the heat as well. In any case, if you are riding a Buell XB here in S. Texas in the summer, expect some heat no matter what! There are some tips/tricks to deflecting that heat away from the front of the seat and right side of the frame, which seems to be what gives people the most grief. | ||
| Buewulf |
I am also in the Houston area and have a '06 you can have cheap right now! If money wasn't an issue, I'd go with the '09. If the $5500 is a stretch, I wouldn't sweat getting the '06 as it can be a good bike, too, and the $2000 saved goes a long way. The suspension is sporty, but definitely not harsh. I've ridden a Scrambler and know exactly what you mean. As far as heat goes, my bike doesn't like getting stuck in stop-and-go traffic during the summer and will ping under acceleration a bit following a standstill until it has had a chance to get some air flowing over the cylinders. A lot of heat will come off those cylinders, too, but it is not bothersome with the comfort kit in place so long as you aren't stuck in the aforementioned traffic jam. | ||
| Xaman |
Buewulf, how many miles and how cheap? :-D | ||
| Tootal |
The suspension is adjustable and if it's still too harsh just change to lighter fork oil and readjust. Find out from the PO if they have changed anything yet. Some of the things I've changed over the years has been: Stator/Voltage Regulator 07 fork springs 08 triple trees XB9 primary gearing Comfort kit Better front brake rotor Different pads 2010 rear wheel It's taken me from city streets to interstates to jeep trails. A great Swiss army knife of a machine. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I've got about 50,000 miles on my stellar 06' ULY. It's been on a whole lot of long trips and finished them all without stranding me ever. Just because they made some changes as the years past'd by doesn't mean they were changes that make the 06 a bad bike. I'd take a low miles 06 over an 09 any day. The price is the reason and the 06 will be faster off the line too. That's a whole lot of bike for 3500 bucks. | ||
| Buewulf |
"Buewulf, how many miles and how cheap? :-D" Well, I don't technically have it for sale, but I certainly would sell it. At least I think I would - never can seem to make up my mind about that. I'd have to check the mileage, but it has less than 20K. Maybe 18K or so. I was hoping to get $3K for mine, but I don't have any of the goodies as listed on the '06 you mentioned, though. Mine is a stock bike (except for the EBR ECM) without bags. At the moment, it needs an ignition switch which I hope to remedy this weekend. Sounds like you are on a shorter time frame, but you would be welcome to come and check out the bike to see if the '06 is for you even if you weren't interested in buying mine. We could go for an extended ride through the Sam Houston Forest or something. Of course, I'd have to get the bike running first. | ||
| Xaman |
Bro that would be amazing and VERY much appreciated. I don't have to be in hurry really, just tend to get trigger happy sometimes... If you get her up and running, could you let me know? No pressure of course. (Message edited by Xaman on January 21, 2015) | ||
| Buewulf |
No problem. I can't promise I'll get it going this weekend, but I'll try. I sent you a private message through the forum so that you would have my contact info. | ||
| Dualsportdad |
I have a 06 that is stock with the comfort kit. The bike does fine in the south Florida heat as long as I keep the damn race kit off the bike. Pit the race KKT on and she pings like crazy. I bought it with about 11,000 moles on it a little less than a year ago and have a little over 19,000 miles on it now. A couple things I have done to my uly that seem to smooth her out and act nice is a heated o2 sensor and a 07 air filter housing lid and 07 fuel maps. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Dualsportdad, How does that heated Oxygen sensor work? I was under the impression that the rear head temp sensor was the deciding factor of when the bike went over to 02 sensor control. How did you get those pesky moles to vacate your bike? Mole-be-gone spray? | ||
| Sagehawk |
Buewulf, I cant believe that you would stoop that low. You're uly is the only one that left the factory with ABS and that is something you waited a long time for!!!!!! Just saying! | ||
| Buewulf |
Sagehawk, if Xaman had run into me that day it left me stranded, he could have bought the Uly off of me for $500 and a ride home. Timing is everything! | ||
| Sagehawk |
I know thats right! | ||
| Dualsportdad |
Glider it works very well. I'm not sure how the whole system works but ecmspy does show the bike in closed loop right at start up. All I can say is there is no coughs through the intake anymore and the bike starts so much better and idle great. | ||
| Arcticktm |
For Texas heat, I would absolutely want the 2010 comfort kit (underseat heat deflector is the most important part). My '06 was first used in Florida, and the seat heat and heat blowing on my legs was almost painful before the comfort kit install. Now it's fine. A $35 cable from Amazon and a copy of the old ECMSpy software will reset your TPS cheaply if you are willing to learn a little (not much). Truth is, you really need to WANT a Buell though, or you might be better off with spending the same money on a more mainstream, liquid cooled bike. That said, I like being different, adn have the garage and moderate ability to work on it myself, so it works for me for the past 8+ years on my Uly. Any major problem/failure on mine, and I will pull the trigger on something else, not another Buell, though. The truth hurts sometimes, even when it's my own writing... | ||
| Xaman |
Hey Arctic, Thanks for the insight, and everyone else for that matter. I know he has the scoop on the 06 bike already, not sure about the under seat shield, I'll have to ask about that. As far as wanting the Buell, I actually do like that it's different, but mainly it boils down to this: Highway capable Two up comfort Torque Fun factor Cheap Entry point. At $3500 I can keep my pretty triumph scrambler. If I was willing to sell the scrambler, I'd probably go with a Tiger800 (obviously forgoing the Torque fun factor). I've considered KTMs, especially the SMT but the maintenance schedule turns me off and pushes me right back to the Buell for less than half price. | ||
| Arcticktm |
I hear you. I really want a KTM1190 Adventure, but that kind of huge cash will keep me in the Buell and saving money until there is a major issue not worth fixing. the Uly has been generally pretty good to me, so I don't want to offend her either. She might be checking this forum... | ||
| Xaman |
I got the 06 today and rode it for 120 miles or so. Seems to be in real good shape. The steering lock is definitely noticeable, multiple times already. Oh well, I think I'll just need to put a foot down when doing uturns for caution. The built in seat heater was fantastic today, not sure how I'll feel about that this summer, lol. But it was noticeably different when I slid back on the seat, so it shouldn't be terrible in summer. 2 things to sort: 1.) either lower pegs or highway pegs or both. My old man knees don't like the bend for long trips. 2.) wider bars. I'm about to run a search, but if anyone knows how much wider and taller the stock cables can go, I'd appreciate that. Thanks again for all the help. Looking forward to doing a few short trips real soon on my new bike. | ||
| Sagehawk |
Congrats to you on new bike Xaman! Dont know of pegs but rox risers (2") work really well with minor mods for cables . Thats what i ben running for several years. That and grip puppies make for some mileage covered. Was the 06 out of houston? | ||
| Sagehawk |
Congrats to you on new bike Xaman! Dont know of pegs but rox risers (2") work really well with minor mods for cables . Thats what i ben running for several years. That and grip puppies make for some mileage covered. Was the 06 out of houston? | ||
| Xaman |
Thanks! It was from Dallas. Btw, took the Mrs for a short ride today and she's in love! She says it's the roomiest seat and best backrest of any of the bikes we've tried so far. I took her down one of our roughest local logging roads for some suspension testing and it was ultra smooth and comfortable. Looking forward to planning a short trip real soon. |
