| Author | Message | ||
     Bmonnig |
I sold my S3T back in 2012 or 2013. I always wanted a Uly, but never picked one up. Now that the kids are a bit older my wife is encouraging me to pick up another bike. I'd like to finally get the Uly I always wanted. When they were new, I remember several changes in the (I think) 08 model year, which made me want an '08 or newer. I was speaking with a friend of mine about this (he was a Buell / Harley tech), and he suggested that the pre-08 may be a better way to go at this point. While the 08+ are technically superior, he stated the pre-08 bikes have much more in common with the other early XB's. He stated I'll have a much larger used-parts pool available, to keep the early Ulys on the road, vs the 08+. I'm curious what input you guys may have on this. | ||
| Tootal |
Good question. Here's some thoughts. I have an 06 and my brother has an 09. 06 gets better mileage, larger turning radius, a less smooth throttle, possible stator problem, voltage regulator connector issue, rear wheel bearing issue and I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Oh, Throttle body butterfly shafts, Duh! 08+ gets smoother low end throttle, less fuel mileage, better turning radius and most other issues were at a lesser degree. There has been many improvements that will fit the earlier bikes which I have installed, like the three bearing rear wheel even though my original wheel bearings never failed. Stay away from 07's. Many had crank issues so it's a gamble. Price will probably be the biggest difference with the 06 being less money. If you can maintain your bikes yourself then an 06 would be fine IMO. If not so much then I'd try and find the newest one you can afford. Somebody else will be along to fill in the blanks!  | ||
| Hughlysses |
I’d definitely go for an 08-up. There are a lot of significant improvements to the engine over the earlier models. That said, if you find a pristine 06 for a deal, that’s a fine bike. A significant number of 07’s had crankshaft problems (DAMHIK), so I’d void an 07 unless you can find one that’s already been repaired. | ||
| Bmonnig |
Self maintenance isn't an issue, but at the same time I'd prefer to minimize the potential wrenching. Didn't know about the 07 crank issue, so that's good to know. | ||
| Froggy |
There are many quality of life improvements with the newer bikes. Things like the wiring harnesses hold up better, less grounding issues, and things like that. The newer bikes are less likely to give you a headache in the first place. | ||
| Ourdee |
10, 09, 08, 06 in that order. For me the 06 is out because I only fit the XT. | ||
| Sagehawk |
hey, yall quit banging on the 07's. Uellymae is gonna hear that all the way out in the garage! LOL! | ||
| Ourdee |
LOL | ||
| Falloutnl |
I'd say the 06 is actually the one to have. Yes the 08 and 09 bikes are said to be more durable, but the engine (on the new bikes) is quite simply not as much fun as the earlier XB engines. Doesn't feel as torquey either. Owned both so am speaking from experience (still own the 06 Uly, have sold an 09 Scg because it kinda sucked). Though someone more technically inclined than myself is probably better suited to explaining what's different about the engines. (Message edited by falloutnl on May 27, 2020) | ||
| Roostre |
I would venture that any '07 that is still in service is ok. My '06 (bought new in '06) did have the crank fail at about 18k miles. Local dealer repaired it under warranty with new block. No issues until it was stolen. My current Uly is an '08 with the EBR race ECM. It is different than the '06. Much more peaky feeling on top, less mpg. Overall more fun to ride IMHO. | ||
| Froggy |
The 08+ have smoother and more precise fuel injection and a different cam on the throttle body which also smooths out the throttle input. These combined make the 08+ bikes feel more sedate, as the older bikes were jerkier, and the jerkiness can be felt as more power. Same way a engine with a turbo or v-tec can feel more powerful than a motor with a linear powerband despite having the same numbers. | ||
| Tootal |
 The 06 was jerky at low rpms but using ECM SPY I was able to smooth mine out a lot! But Froggy's right, the actuator on the throttlebody is round on the 06 but in 08 they made it a cam shape that made the throttle plate open slower giving you better control. | ||
| Simond |
2010 would be my choice! | ||
| Swanthog |
I ride my '06 HARD off-road. The low-end torque it provides helps with low speed technical sections. Low RPM "Jerkiness" is countered with clutch and throttle control. The only problem I've had is a blown RH fork from traversing logs a bit too hard. I've been down a couple times in the mud ... no harm done. BTW: I have a chain and engine guard. https://www.instagram.com/p/CAQ06-zg7p3/?utm_sourc e=ig_web_copy_link | ||
| Falloutnl |
Yeah, I have to say I don't really experience much jerkiness either. Quite the opposite, it feels almost creamy - allowing me to brush in broad strokes the pavement with big dabs of full fat torque. I'll try to describe the difference I felt: The combustion I feel in the '06 has an almost cavernous quality to it, where between each 'potatoe' there is a small eternity where the engine kinda leisurely takes it time to fill it lungs back up for the next big exhale. Nearly all of the power seems to be delivered between 1.5 / 2 and 3.5k - there's hardly ever a need (or a real use) in going much further than that. The 08/09 engine on the other hand feels a bit more high strung as the 'potatoe' 'potatoe' sound/pattern is replaced with a more 'put put put put' like character. When riding it, to me, it actually feels more like the liquid cooled 8 valve 916 I once had. Not exactly of course, but it feels a lot more like that than my other (older) Buells do. Similarly (to the 916) you had to wind it up more to get to where the power was. Is all of that really down to the differences in the throttle body? | ||
| Tootal |
Between 5000 and redline the 06 will really run. It's like riding a two stroke. It really is like having two bikes. You can short shift and just use the low end torque or crank it up and hang on, but be ready to bang the rev limiter! They both have the same cams so the fuel injection programming is different along with the cable actuator or throttle shaft cam. Also the crank diameter is larger on the 08+ which allows for a few more rpm's on top. | ||
| Buellish |
Greg,I just bought my second '06.I haven't done more than a test ride in the city,as I'm lowering it,painting the plastics,doing some powder coat and waiting on parts. | ||
| Tootal |
Hopefully you'll have it ready for Buelltoberfest! Sounds like a fun project. It will be fun to chase you down 60 again!! | ||
| Ourdee |
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