| Author | Message | ||
     Dynasport |
I took yesterday morning off to go to the funeral of a 49 year old woman. She looked to be the picture of health. But she had high blood pressure and died suddenly. There is a warning in that. Anyway, since I was off a buddy and I hopped on our bikes about noon and headed to Daytona. Two hours later we were having lunch and shortly after that we were at the Buell tent signing up for demo rides. I wanted to ride the XT and the 1125r, but the 1125 was booked for the rest of the day. I did manage to snag a ride on the XT, however, and my buddy took a ride on a Uly. Here are my impressions for what they are worth. I really like the height of the bike. I am an optimistic 5'10", and I am just not comfortable on the Uly. I know shorter riders ride it all the time, but I like to be able to get my feet down on both sides and be able to walk a bike backwards comfortably when needed. I can't do that on the Uly. I can, however on the XT. I am also not as flexible as I used to be and throwing my leg over the XT is much easier for me. So far so good. The bike started and ran great. I didn't feel any FI problems at all. No stumbles, no flat spots. I was totally pleased with fuel and power delivery. I was also loving the demo ride. The leader took off and rode at a brisk pace allowing us to test the bikes' acceleration and handling. They even managed to find a route that had some decent curves (for Florida) and I thought the bike handled very well thank you. I also believe the bike has plenty of power for me. I know it may not have the top end of a sport bike, but for my riding on the street I think it is fine. Sure I'd take the HP of the Rotax, but the old anvil of the 1203 motor is fine for me in this bike. We hit the interstate and I was curious to see how I'd like the wind protection. I am used to riding an FXDX with a cruiser size windshield. Here is my assesment. The air was actually cleaner on my helmet on the XT than on my FXDX. I did feel a good bit more wind pressure on my shoulders than I am used to, but it wasn't a bother at all. All in all I was very pleased with the windscreen. I think I could be happy with the windscreen just the way it is. That suprised me a bit because I have heard bad things about the tall windscreen. No complaints from me though. Well, I've got lots more to say, but I just got a call and have to run. Stay tuned for the rest of my riding impression. Dan | ||
| Dynasport |
Well, I'm back. I'll be briefer with the rest of this. Basically, I found the seat very comfortable. It really allowed me to move around and overall I found the riding position very comfortable. Different from what I am used to, but very comfortable nonetheless. So, why aren't I running to trade in my FXDX on one of these as soon as they are available? Well, to me the bike had one fatal flaw. It felt like a hairdryer set on its hottest setting was blowing on my right lower leg. I live in Florida and what I don't need is heat on my motorcycle. I am surprised the Buell engineers have not devised a way to direct the heat away from the rider more effectively. I wasn't the only one to notice this. I spoke to several other guys after the demo ride and they commented on it as well. It didn't seem to matter which XB they had been riding. Some also mentioned heat on their thighs, although I didn't really notice it myself. My buddy on the Ulysses made the comment that there has to be a bike out there as much fun and practical as the XT without the heat issue. My guess is he is right. Maybe the new Bandit, I don't know. I think I'd have to ride one myself to see. Finally, after I left the Buell tent I went to ride the BMW 1200GS. Unfortunately they were all booked up for the day. I managed to get a ride on the F800ST though. I doubt anyone is interested in my thoughts on that bike, but if anyone is let me know and I can share them. Dan | ||
| Ironhead1977 |
I too rode the demo XT at Daytona and agree with everything you said except the heat issue. I do ride a Buell now and maybe I am just use to it. I did like the XT so much that when they become available at the dealer I am trading in my roadking. I will be keeping the XB12Ss. | ||
| Mtg |
If the exhaust heat is the only issue, ceramic coating or header wrapping the pipes might get rid of the problem, or at least reduce it. Anybody have any experience as to how much of a difference it makes? | ||
| Mikef5000 |
The thigh heat doesn't necessarily come from the exhaust, so coating it will make no difference. The heat comes from the fan cooling the rear cylinder. Some have fabricated ducting to direct the heat out the back, instead of the side by you thigh. I thought the thigh heat was much less of an issue now with new 08 heat shield under the seat of the Uly's. Odie makes blankets to help this heat. | ||
| Ustorque |
also a good pair of riding pants will help with the heat issue. | ||
| Dynasport |
The heat I experienced was from the fan I suppose or at least from air coming off the cylinder whether the fan was on or not. I would just think there could be a fix at the factory. They have to know the heat dumps out on the right leg. I just don't understand why they can't fix it. I am very confident that the people working at Buell are capable. Do they think this doesn't put potential buyers off? Also, I am sure riding pants would be better than jeans for the heat. That might be the easiest solution. I use my bike to go lots of places I don't really want to be wearing riding pants at. I guess I could put them on and off, but that seems like it would be a pain. I'd rather just not have the heat in the first place. Maybe it wouldn't concern me as much if I didn't live in Florida where I can cook pretty bad in the ambient air without heated air being blown on me. Come on, the bike is tons of fun and seems practical too. I know no bike is perfect, but this problem just seems like it is one the factory could fix with a bit of effort. | ||
| Towjam |
Dan, I'm trading in an '08 FXDL on an XT (it's supposed to be shipping the end of next week) and I'm VERY relieved to hear that you didn't have a problem with helmet buffeting. I put the deposit down sight-unseen on the XT and didn't even think about the possibility of buffeting until later. I've owned 6 Harleys (including various Dyna models and two Road Glides). I have yet to find a windshield for them that wouldn't induce double-vision at highway speeds. (Ironically, the stock Road Glide windshield was the worst.) | ||
| Towjam |
Come on, the bike is tons of fun and seems practical too. I know no bike is perfect, but this problem just seems like it is one the factory could fix with a bit of effort. Not that I disagree that the heat is a problem, but I've owned three XBs previously and in Texas summer stop & go traffic, the heat radiating from the exhaust crossover on my Road Glide was far more uncomfortable than the fan heat from the XBs. | ||
| Dynasport |
Maybe I am spoiled, but I've never had any heat issues on my FXDX. As far as the helmet buffeting, I have read many on here do have a problem with it, but I did not. We rode a bit on the interstate and I got up to 80 mph with no buffeting at all. Just some pressure on my shoulders that I don't think will be a problem at all. Some have also complained of it being loud (the wind noise I mean). I didn't experience that either. Congrats on the XT. I hope you enjoy it when you get it. Dan | ||
| Ftd |
I also live in central Fl and own a ULY. I did 3 mods which drasticly reduced the heat. An American Sport Bike Direct Link map, right side scoop, and shielding (AL tape on seat pan and a AL tape covered cardbd deflector for under the seat). For all but the most extreme conditions the heat is now a non issue. I would not let it be a deal killer if you rally like the XT. Frank | ||
| Towjam |
Maybe I am spoiled, but I've never had any heat issues on my FXDX. And you won't. Keep in mind that compared to the baggers, Dynas won't have much heat coming up from under the seat because the Dynas don't have the exhaust crossover behind the rear cylinder. However, the 96" engine runs leaner and hotter so you'll definitely feel the difference between your FXDX and my FXDL. But, it only becomes a problem when you're sitting in stop and go traffic. (Unfortunately for me, my daily commute is heavy stop/go traffic so in the summer, I usually take the cage into work.) My first Harley was an '04 FXDX and to this day I kick myself for selling it. As far as the helmet buffeting, I have read many on here do have a problem with it, but I did not. We rode a bit on the interstate and I got up to 80 mph with no buffeting at all. Just some pressure on my shoulders that I don't think will be a problem at all. Some have also complained of it being loud (the wind noise I mean). I didn't experience that either. "Clean" air pressure is not a problem for me - I get this on my Dyna and on my previous XBs. It's the turbulent buffeting that I can' deal with - the kind that gives you double vision and headaches. I think one reason more Harley riders don't have an issue with it is because they're typically don't wear full face helmets and I think that FF helmets may exacerbate* the problem. Thanks for your ride report. *I've been wanting to use this word in a sentence for almost 3 days now. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity | ||
| Coops53233 |
Hey guys, I think Buell did figure this out. http://www.buell.com/en_us/gear/accessories/Produc t.asp?Menu_ID=2&ProductLineID=2&CategoryID=5&Produ ctID=4139 Though the RSS and insulation blankets help too, no doubt. | ||
| Dynasport |
Coops, the link says that is stock on the 08 XT. Which would mean it was on the bike I rode. But hey, enough griping from me. You guys have obviously learned to deal with the heat or weren't bothered by it in the first place. I think some people are more sensitive to some issues than others. For example the vibration of a Dyna (or a Buell) bothers some people, but doesn't bother me in the least. And Towjam, I am the only Harley rider I know who wears a full face helmet. I actually find it more comfortable on the highway. When I close my shield and don't have the wind beating on my sunglasses, I find the ride much less tiring. I started wearing the full face when I did an Iron Butt Saddle Sore 1000 ride. It is hotter of course, so unless I am on the highway I usually ride with my shield up. Dan | ||
| Jaimec |
Not to hijack the thread, but I wanted to comment on the very first posting. Two years ago, when I was just barely 48 years old, I'd been waking up with a pounding headache every morning. I'd take two aspirin and just head in to work. At work, I'd feel like I was in a fog, and always felt "Spacey." After a couple of weeks like this, I figured there was something wrong and made an appointment to see my doctor. I got an appointment almost a month later. By the time I got to the doctor's office, my vision was starting to blur as well. The nurse took me into the examination room, measured my height, took my weight, and then my blood pressure. Then she took my blood pressure again. And THEN she ran out of the office. The doctor came strolling in and ALSO took my blood pressure. While I saw there wondering what was going on, he leaned back against the wall and started writing in his prescription pad. I'll never forget his words: "We need to get that blood pressure down. And the only way we're going to do that is with medication. And the only place you're going to get that medication is at the Emergency Room at Winthrop Hospital. Now you're going to take this prescription, drive over there RIGHT NOW, park in the designated ER parking lot, and hand this to the attending nurse." The prescription had these words on it: "BP 220/175. Need att STAT." I dodged a bullet, my blood pressure is now under control with medication, my vision has cleared up and although my kidneys suffered some damage they've also recovered though they'll never be at 100% anymore. Watch your blood pressure! I was lucky, I could've easily popped a blood vessel at that pressure and I wouldn't be here anymore! | ||
| Towjam |
And Towjam, I am the only Harley rider I know who wears a full face helmet. I actually find it more comfortable on the highway. When I close my shield and don't have the wind beating on my sunglasses, I find the ride much less tiring. I started wearing the full face when I did an Iron Butt Saddle Sore 1000 ride. It is hotter of course, so unless I am on the highway I usually ride with my shield up. You're not alone - the only helmets I wear of full face - even when riding my Low Rider or bagger. | ||
| Dynasport |
Jaime, glad you got it checked out in time - barely it sounds like. Blood pressure - the silent killer. | ||
| Jaimec |
My doctor made it quite clear I dodged a bullet. There but for the grace of God... | ||
| Cyclonedon |
the first time I test rode a Uly, I also noticed the heat on the right leg but I have since purchased a 2006 Uly and the heat no longer bothers me, in fact I kinda like the extra heat it produces since I ride at night when the temperature is cooler out. Even when moving down the highway I never feel any air only when I slow down. My prior motorcycle was a 1998 M2 Cyclone with the header wrapped outside the frame. I found that in the evenings I usually rode with my right leg against the header for the extra warmth that it gave off. I have to say that riding in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, mostly in the evening hours, its not overly hot out but maybe if I lived in Florida or Arizona I might have a totally different feeling about the heat. |
