| Author | Message | ||
     Ryderpryde |
I'm kind of on the fence as the prices are just about equal as is their condition and mile. The 09 has givi hard bags the 07 has soft. My real concerns are issue related and reliability. Any help is much appreciated. I'm 5'8" | ||
| Griffmeister |
Scroll down through the other posts in this category. You'll see that the 09 is the way to go as long as it's in one piece. | ||
| Phelan |
07s were prone to crank failure due to bad rod bearings. Avoid them. 08-10 is much improved and more reliable in comparison to the older bikes, due to a number of changes. | ||
| Hughlysses |
No question- get the 09. A significant number of 07's have suffered from defective crankshafts. The 08-up models have a stronger crank and improved oiling system and an updated fuel injection system. The 08-up XB12X model (not the XB12XT) has a different front fork arrangement that allows increased turning lock. Since the 09 you're looking at has hard bags, it sounds like a no-brained. | ||
| Ourdee |
At 5'8" you need to throw a leg over the X to see if you may need an XT. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I have an 07 in the garage, and as much as I hate to condemn the whole years production, I probably would advise anyone getting one to price in a replacement crank as part of the deal. Not entirely fair, as many have made it fine to 100k miles without a problem. But too many, including mine, apparently lost the crank at about 30k. A new crank should fix it. | ||
| Teeps |
At 5'8" with 30" inseam, low seat option, I can touch the balls of both feet on level ground, when stopped. Not ideal but I get by with careful planning of slow speed maneuvers. Just don't tip over as you'll likely need help getting the bike righted... don't ask how I know. '09 would be my choice between the two. | ||
| Ramman4x4 |
+1 more for the '09. I love my '07, but that year was prone to issues as mentioned and the increased steering angle of the '08+ will cost you $200+ and a custom steering lock pin to do the conversion. My '07 may well have a crank problem in the future, but I split my time between 4 bikes, so it takes me quite a while to rack up miles. By the time I get there, I should have my money's worth of fun out of the bike! | ||
| Ourdee |
09 | ||
| Tempest766 |
As others have stated, I've also heard that the 08 and 09 models fixed some problems that were present in earlier model years. | ||
| Vman858 |
In addition to the above, 09 has heated grips. I have a 07 and wish I had the grips, steering, and the crank would be peace of mind. | ||
| Portero72 |
At the risk of being a stick in the mud, I present a differing thought. The 07 and earlier bikes were much rowdier. I had an 06 Uly prior to my 09, and the low end response on the older bike was much beefier. Power wheelies in 1st were a stone simple roll on affair. On my 09, I had to clutch it up. Even with the addition of a race ECM on my 08SS, the older bikes still feel ballsier right off idle. No idea what changed between 07 and 08, but it was a noticeable difference for me. That said, the later bikes were a much more refined riding experience; smoother off the bat, more of a linear power build to 7100rpm, and more reliable, it seems. For a touring bike, this may be what you are after. | ||
| Tootal |
The reason for the low end feel was just the throttle actuator. The 06 and 07 were just round and since the bikes were so lean they were a little herky jerky at small throttle openings. However it allowed quicker throttle response. The 08 and later had a cam shaped actuator that caused the initial opening to be slower eliminating the herky jerky feel. Definitely an improvement for wet and off road circumstances. | ||
| Portero72 |
Tootal- I have heard that before. Do you suppose a quick turn throttle on the later bikes would be a step towards the early bike throttle response? | ||
| Mark_weiss |
I think that the pulley at the throttle body is what would need to be changed. | ||
| Portero72 |
Mark, At the risk of hijacking, can you explain a bit more, please? | ||
| Drhach |
Ok, guys, what does "prone to failure" mean. I'm looking at an 07 that is decked out with about 10k on the odometer. Seriously, is this internet talk or a real thing? | ||
| Teeps |
There were a number of '07s that experienced early crank shaft failure. I think there is a spread sheet somewhere here on badweb. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/search.cgi Will it happen to the one you're looking at, only mileage will tell. (Message edited by teeps on April 21, 2017) | ||
| Sagehawk |
Drhach said : what does prone to failure mean: I thought I knew about buells when I bought my 07x in February 08. I did not know about badweb even at that time. But , I learned. steel belted radial tires, bronze oil pump gears, failing belts, failing cranks, etc. well, my 07x is still kicking. I keep monitoring and being observant of operating said 12 x. When Uellymae is on, that bitch is on. There is never a more fun ride that I've ever had. Erik and elves have done really good. Yes, I am in middle of vin numbers in spreadsheet of crank failures. If it happens , it happens. I'll rebuild and move on. The main question right now is what is my wife or kids gonna do with Uellymae after I'm gone? Can they handle such a machine? Now ponder that for a moment! Hey Tootal! Hows retirement! | ||
| Drhach |
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I read the spreadsheet . Given the small dataset, it seems inconclusive. Of course there are other forces at play here. The bike is overpriced, but has many options and he's willing to deliver it. My wife doesn't get why I would want two Buells. I tried to explain that a 98 S3 and Ulysses are not the same animals. I find myself thinking about having a crank grenade on me and seeing that "you're a moron look on my wife's face". But I also think of Ulysses S. McGill when he said "consider the godamned lilies of the field." I may be over complicating this | ||
| Tootal |
The actuator I speak of is the cable pulley. I do not know the official title of said part, just that the round ones open the throttle quicker. Yes, replacing the 08+ with a 06/07 pulley would indeed give you a different feel. All is well oh Sage one. My shop is up and running but between my stupid Harley and yard work I haven't done much in there yet! | ||
| Njloco |
I now have the ss mentioned above, and a 2008 ully, not to mention a 2013 Triumph explorer xc with 3 miles on it ! but that's for a different post. You can never have enough bikes. | ||
| Teeps |
Njloco Posted on Monday, April 24, 2017 - You can never have enough bikes. True true; or guns. But for many that is dependent on their spousal governor or whether it's adjustable or fixed. | ||
| Etennuly |
'08 up had a noticeable drop in gas mileage compared to '06/07 FI setups. Wiring issues seemed fixed in later units. I would definitely do the '09 given that particular choice. If for no other reason than to not hear about that '07 stigma every time an '07 is mentioned! |
