| Author | Message | ||
     Vospertw |
All, Need some help from my fellow Buellers. I currently have an R1100GS that serves as my daily commuter and for occasional mountain rides, and an XB12Ss which is the primary bike for weekend mountain rides. I don't hit many track days due to time/distance, the GS isn't as nimble as the XB but it's plenty fun for weekend riding, so it makes sense to consolidate my riding to one street bike. The GS is obviously a swiss army knife bike - not the tool you would pick for any particular riding - but reasonably effective in most situations. I don't like the weight, some systems - like tranny and driveline - are huge PITA's when something goes wrong... as did last summer. On the good side, I have spare parts for the likely suspects, all the tools necessary to work on it, upgraded suspension, fresh cables, battery, clutch, bearings, rebuilt tranny (remember I mentioned last summer...) so the damn thing should be good for a while. I also have the BMW luggage and a top case - the top case I use every day going to and from work for my briefcase and gear. Did I mention the tranny rebuild? It will be a few years before I'd ever get my "money's worth". The XB is a hoot to ride and probably the most fun bike I've ever owned. If it were a Uly, I don't think I'd be posting this question. However, a few things working against it. First and probably most important, I was out of commission for three weeks waiting on a front muffler strap. Yeah, I could make one/find a substitute, but it's only six months old so dammit - I want the part. This makes me nervous. I realize HD says they'll make parts for 7 years, but I'm wondering if we'll have to be patient for many of them. I'm retired from the Marines, but I used to fly Harriers. We ran into the same problem when production of new airplanes stopped. We would often be out for a part for several months. It obviously costs money for a vendor to retool and man-up a production line so they would wait until there were enough hits in the supply system to make it economical to run a new batch (both for vendor and the Marines). So if the XB is going to be my only bike, I don't want to be out for weeks waiting on parts - I ride every day. Also, I would need some way to take my briefcase (I have to drag my laptop everywhere) and it's nice to have a lockable case where I can secure my helmet and riding pants while I attend meetings at other locations other than my office. I don't know of anyone who makes a tail rack that would accommodate a Givi or even a Buell top case. It would also help to have a better windscreen for longer distance runs as well, though that problem is solvable as long as I want to throw some money at it. So, I'm back and forth on keeping the GS, keeping the XB, or maybe finding something like an SV1000S and converting to a more upright bike with handlebar conversion. I was all set to sell the XB until I took a ride on it today - first ride since June 6th when I dropped it off for the muffler strap. It's a very cool bike, but the parts situation makes me nervous, and I'm not sure how to solve the top case problem. I know there are soft luggage options, but they aren't as secure, and they would have to take up some of the seat as well. Anyway, advice greatly appreciated. Otherwise, I'm afraid you'll be seeing a well-maintained, Cherry Bomb 09 in the classified section soon. | ||
| Greg_e |
Trade the Ss for a Uly with the luggage? Get a smaller laptop like a Fujitsu p1630 or u820? Both of the above? | ||
| Brumbear |
get a ULY or an XT | ||
| Vospertw |
Greg_e - I thought about getting a netbook, but the laptop is company issue, so then I have to start transferring files to a portable hard drive, etc. etc. This is when a big fat lottery win would come in handy... Brumbear, I kick myself all the time, I was this close (my fingers are very close together right now) to pulling the trigger on one of the last Uly's at my local dealer in November. Long story. Anyway, I'd probably think about it if I could find someone with an 09 or 10 - nice thing about my bike is that the warranty is good until Jan 12 - hate to go backwards. And that doesn't address the parts problem - which I'm not sure there really is but nervous about nonetheless. | ||
| Vospertw |
PS I'm pretty sure Froggy converted his Ss to a Uly - so I'm assuming it's possible to transplant the rear subframe and front end... I'm sure he'll be along shortly. But that still leaves the parts problem - anyone else have problems waiting for parts these days? I heard something about moving warehouses, but that seems a little suspect to me. | ||
| Froggy |
If you want to use the Uly sidecases and top case, you would need to change the tail section bridge, tail light, add the triple tail, and change the footpeg brackets. Then you can buy the bags and racks. It gets expensive fast. Cheaper would be to get a set of Hepco & Becker brackets for the XB, modify them so they fit the SS, then get some bags for that (even Uly ones). Top case I am not 100% sure who makes one for the SS, so that would require more research. Windscreen is easy. Palmer Products in the UK makes adjustable brackets that accept Uly windshields. Drill 4 holes in your flyscreen and bolt it on. You could still easily sell your SS and get an X or XT instead if thats what you really desire. | ||
| Vospertw |
Froggy, Appreciate the info. Your HB recommendation reminded me that Ventura might have something - forgot all about them. Sure enough, they make a bracket for the Ss. I'm not sure I like the style of their packs, but wondering if I couldn't fab something up with a universal Givi mount on their sport rack... I've thought about going with an X but there is only one left in Cali and I'm sure I'll take a bit of a hit selling one brand new bike for another - gotta think it would be cheaper to add a windscreen, some Buell heated grips, and a tail rack and call it a day. Now - what's your crystal ball say about parts availability? | ||
| Froggy |
Hard to say if you would take a hit doing a swap, you may be able to find someone who is interested in a trade. Aeholton traded his 06 Uly for an 08 12R last fall right before the closing. Post around and see. I've only seen soft bags on the Ventura racks, but I am sure if you had machine shop access it wouldn't be hard to rig something up. Parts availability is a mixed bag right now. I've ordered all kinds of stuff including bodywork, shift linkages, and consumables. Only thing I had an unusual wait for was a stator on my 09 1125CR. Everything else came in at normal times like last summer before the closing. HD did screw up the part supplier system a bit as they have to renegotiate contracts for smaller batches now, so some things are seeing longer lead times, but AFAIK no OEM part other than the frame parts are obsolete. | ||
| Vospertw |
Ventura bags - there are some advantages to their system in that the weight isn't hanging off the back end of the bike. I don't have machine shop access - which certainly limits my fabbing... Parts - maybe I shouldn't get wrapped up about one part. Funny, I shied away from the 1125 models thinking parts would be tougher in the long run for the new bike - with Erik Buell Racing up and running I'm not sure that's going to be true. Thanks again for the info, Froggy. | ||
| 1324 |
I know this is useless w/o a picture, but I have the Ventura setup on my XBS. I use the standard rack (high) with the large bag for commuting and most trips. For longer rides, I flip the rack around (rack portion hanging off the bike) and bolt my Givi-style hard trunk plate to it. Between the two pieces, I have ample room to carry cargo, and if packed correctly, the weight doesn't affect handling too much. Ventura stuff is pricey, so I'm happy I found a good deal on a used setup. Knowing how much I use it (never comes off the bike now), I'd highly consider using this on ANY bike. Really nice that the luggage is kept completely OFF the bike, and everything removes in less than a minute and you're ready for the track. No complaints here! | ||
| Vospertw |
1324 - what Givi plate did you use and how much fiddling was required? Is it as simple as drilling some holes in the rack tubing and bolting on the plate? Since I have the Givi case already, I'd like to keep using it if possible - hate to spend $$ for no reason. I think I would combine it with the sport (small) rack; that would give me my hard case for the commute and use their 10L sport bag for weekend rides. That probably beats the Harbor Freight tool bag currently bungeed to the seat... | ||
| 1324 |
I didn't use a Givi-branded plate. I bought a JC Whitney/Sears top case about two years ago on sale and that came with the adapter plate. This looks different that a real Givi plate, but the mounting mechanism is identical from what I remember (though I don't have a Givi to compare to). Basically, I used four bolts/washers/nuts to secure two metal plates which sandwiches the rack. I left it removable, because I typically ride with the rack facing me (over the rear seat) to keep the mass as far forward as possible. With the short seat on the XBS, I'm unable to leave the Givi plate on while it's flipped in this position. I only mount the hard case when I need to make a longer trip or need something locking. Otherwise, I use the Aero Delta bag for daily use. The snap buckles are good for easy on/off and the bag carries nicely into the office. I've thought about using the hard case more often, but I'm not ready to commit to a permanently mounted case on the rack. If my S had a longer seat and would allow me to leave the plate installed, I'd do that. You might be able to do this with the SS or X tail... If you're going to buy the Ventura setup, I'd definitely recommend the sport rack. The tall rack I have works great for the larger bags, but because it is so tall, my top case won't open fully when it's bolted to it. My kit came with the tall rack, hence why I still have it. If I can figure out if the Aero Delta bag will be sufficiently supported by the shorter sport rack, I'll pick one up. Plus, it looks less like a sissy bar when there is no bag on it. I get some looks...but considering its amazing functionality, I don't care. The bike is so much more 'useful' now than ever. | ||
| Vospertw |
Sorry, I saw "Givi" and not "Givi-style". Givi does have a universal plate though, and your mounting scheme sounds pretty good. If someone wants to take your top case by unbolting pieces, there's not much stopping them with any system. I need a system that I can leave on the bike - I don't want to start hauling my briefcase plus bag full of gear into other meetings; no problem if I'm just at my office but that's not always the case. I saw something on the Ventura site about having D-rings on the bags so that the zippers could be locked, and I'm assuming you could lock the bag to the rack with a bicycle cable or something if necessary. Again, if someone really wants your stuff, they'll get it. I'm more interested in deterring the guy walking by who wants to make an easy score. Maybe I'll give them a call and ask about support for the Delta bag on the sport rack. That's the bag I would probably get as well. | ||
| 1324 |
Agreed. If a thief really wants my stuff, it's theirs for the taking. I hope and pray that day never comes... I've been planning on adding the d-rings and straps to my setup, but I haven't done it yet. Keep us posted on Ventura's answer on the sport rack. If that works out well with the Aero Delta bag, I too, may permanently install my top case. It would be convenient. | ||
| Vospertw |
Thieves - yep. I lost a tool bag with quite a bit of stuff from my KLR650... didn't take long - only secured with bungie cords. From Ventura customer service - the Delta (and Spada and Euro...) bag "requires" the use of the pack rack. I told them I wasn't keen on the size, to which they responded - "you can always take it off and replace with sport rack/grab rail!" I don't mean that in a bad way, they were very nice, but we already knew that answer... Givi has a universal rack with brackets; I think it ends up about the same price though; in either case you have to buy the Givi brackets and a separate plate, or buy the Ventura brackets and pack rack. One advantage for Ventura is their brackets are made for the bike. Downside for Ventura is that it would require their L-brackets, one of their racks, and a Givi universal mounting plate to use my Givi top case. Like most things with motorcycles... you can solve any problem ...if you keep throwing dollars at it. | ||
| 1324 |
Thanks for doing the leg work on that one. Looks like I'll eventually need to pony up the cash for the sport rack and a sport bag. I'd imagine you could add some support inside the bag's rack sleeve (plastic, aluminum, etc.) to increase the rigidity when used with the sport rack. Should be relatively straight forward... Definitely get the grab handle. With the grab handle in place, the bike looks pretty much normal and passes tech at the track since there are no open tubes. I'd imagine the open L brackets wouldn't pass. Plus, it makes for a nice handle to wheel the bike around the garage. I looked into the Givi stuff a while ago and came up with your same conclusions. In the end, I decided the Ventura setup would be better suited to 'odd' cargo. With the rack in place, you could essentially bungee anything you wanted to it. But you're right...endless fiscal input will fix your woes! | ||
| Vospertw |
1324 - can you get a full-size helmet in that Delta bag? Ventura didn't say it wouldn't fit, but they only mention the other two larger bags as recommended for carrying a helmet. Like to stick with the smallest bag that works. "Windscreen is easy. Palmer Products in the UK makes adjustable brackets that accept Uly windshields. Drill 4 holes in your flyscreen and bolt it on." Froggy - are you referring to the universal bracket? Thanks again. | ||
| Froggy |
He makes an XB specific one.  | ||
| Vospertw |
Ok, got it. Use the XB bracket with a Uly shield or one of their shields. 4 holes in my fly screen to mount. | ||
| 1324 |
1324 - can you get a full-size helmet in that Delta bag? Ventura didn't say it wouldn't fit, but they only mention the other two larger bags as recommended for carrying a helmet. Like to stick with the smallest bag that works. Yes, I can fit my XL Scorpion EXO-1000 and a pair of gloves on top of the helmet. There isn't much room left, but it's great for short errands in the absence of a true helmet lock. | ||
| Froggy |
I found this about making a trunk case: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?32777/562456 | ||
| Vospertw |
Looks like that worked just fine. | ||
| Vospertw |
Appreciate all the info guys. I'm still on the fence, primarily because I see quite a few recent posts about parts and lack of availability. Also, the cheap side of me realizes the GS is already set-up with everything. On the other hand, had a nice 180 mile ride in the mountains and this is definitely the most fun bike I've ever ridden. Not sure what I'll do just yet. | ||
| Greg_e |
When drilling the plastic use a special plastic drill bit or make one from an old bit. Keep the rpms down so you don't melt through. | ||
| Vospertw |
Great point. I was thinking of finding a used flyscreen for the windshield mount - just to have the stocker remain, well... stock. | ||
| Fahren |
Unless space and/or financial concerns dictate otherwise, I would keep both bikes. There will be no more xb's made, so if you love it and want to ride it for fun, for longer, keep it, use it, enjoy it, and put the commuting miles on your other bike with its practical luggage. | ||
| Vospertw |
Fahren, I may do that for a while. But I miss being in the dirt, and with both my bikes being similar - I don't do enough track days to favor the XB nor enough long distance riding to favor the GS - seems like one of them could fill both roles. As you've hinted, I've got a space limitation of two bikes and would like to add something like a DRZ to get me back down to Baja. |
