| Author | Message | ||
     Coalminer |
Thinking about trading my Electra Glide for a Uly. Need lighter bike that is more useful for everyday riding/transportation than the big FLH. No previous Buell experience but like the idea of the Uly for what I intend. Local dealer has a 2007. Might reduce price. (Buell luggage promotion on new 07 is plus.) Would probably order a 2008 if I requested. Likely small difference in price not really an issue. Any opinions; go for the 07 or order an 08. Question likely asked before...sorry. | ||
| Froggy |
The thing is, 2008 had alot of major changes, so you need to factor that into the decision. Both have there pros and cons, but personally i would get the 08. "New 47mm front forks replace the previous 43 mm forks. Secured with a new triple clamp design, this new front end improves the torsional rigidity of the entire chassis. Fork flex is reduced during hard braking for improved stability and feedback. Steering sweep lock-to-lock is increased to 74 degrees from 54 degrees to reduce the turning radius in off-road low-speed maneuvers. New off-set triple clamps maintain the 23.5 degree rake and 4.8 inch trail. Heated hand grips are now standard equipment on the 2008 Ulysses. The grips are rated at 18 watts per side on the High setting and 11 watts per side on the Low setting. New air guides positioned on the tail section of the Ulysses deflect engine heat away from the rider’s legs. Modifications to the 1203 Thunderstorm V-Twin engine enhance performance, reduce maintenance, and allow a new redline of 7100 rpm (see separate Thunderstorm release for details)." "EAST TROY, Wis. -- (Sunday, July 08, 2007) Buell continues to develop its Thunderstorm V-Twin powertrain in 2008, with significant enhancements that boost engine performance and reduce required maintenance. The Buell Thunderstorm is a modern air/oil/fan-cooled V-Twin powertrain utilized in the Buell XB motorcycle platform that includes the Firebolt, Lightning and Ulysses model families. Two versions of the engine are offered. The Thunderstorm 1203 displaces 1203cc and produces 103 horsepower at 6800 rpm and 84 ft. lbs. of torque at 6000 rpm. The Thunderstorm 984 displaces 984cc and produces 92 horsepower at 7500 rpm and 70 ft. lbs. of torque at 6000 rpm. Both are tuned to deliver a broad, flat torque curve that makes abundant power available to the rider at almost any speed, reducing the need for downshifting and providing strong acceleration in any situation. Both engines feature electronic fuel injection and dry-sump oiling. The Thunderstorm 1203 is equipped with the Buell InterActive Exhaust system, which utilizes a valve in the dual-chamber muffler that is controlled by the ECM and adjusts exhaust flow according to riding conditions to smooth torque delivery and optimize engine power. For 2008 the Thunderstorm 1203 redline is increased to 7100 rpm from 6800 rpm, giving this engine an even broader powerband, and riders the ability to accelerate longer and downshift at a higher rpm. The rpm redline of the Thunderstorm 984 remains 7500 rpm. For 2008, the following changes have been made to both the Thunderstorm 1203 and the Thunderstorm 984: New Timing System The timer cover is eliminated, as the engine is now crank timed from a new crank position sensor, which eliminates the need for manual timing, reducing maintenance costs. The ECM actively monitors and adjusts timing based on driving environment. The new sensor makes 30 reads per revolution, compared to the previous two reads per revolution, for more precise control of fuel mapping and timing to conditions. More Robust Crankpins The size of the crankpins is increased to 1.50 inches from 1.25 inches. Oiling System Upgraded A higher-output oil pump supports oiling to the new crankpin area. The new pump is driven off of the crank, a design based on the Buell XBRR production racing motorcycle. A new eight-row oil cooler offers enhanced cooling performance. All oil line ends are now equipped with Jiffy-tite fittings. New DDFI 3 ECM (Engine Control Module) A new ECM with increased computing capacity. DDFI 3 actively controls and monitors the TPS (throttle position sensor), IAC (idle air control), and timing. DDFI 3 automatically zeros the TPS and adjusts fuel metering for smoother idle, eliminating service intervals and reducing the cost of ownership. A new progressive throttle cam and new throttle cables provide smoother throttle input from stops, and less rotation to full throttle." | ||
| Froggy |
Biggest cons of the 2008 are a lower output charging system, and they seem to get lower fuel economy than previous years, but I believe that it’s a fuel map issue. | ||
| Rwcfrank |
I think they reduced the charging system output to alleviate the cooked regulators/stators that were being overcharged by the higher rev's the Uly sees as opposed to a Sportser. The mpg is clearly reduced from the 06/07 | ||
| Chas1969 |
08's do get less MPG, about 13% less or 6 mpg less than 06-07's. http://www.njdot.us/buell/ The 08 has some bugs in the FI which with a 4.4 gal tank 0r 3.6 gal till low light the low mileage sucks (esp for the XT- 'X-touring') One can convert the 08 triple clamps and have the bene's of the turning radious in a 07-06'. Chas | ||
| Rahbert |
Anyone know why the 08 mpg is less? EFI changes? | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
It is a different EFI. It has its own servo-controlled idle speed circuit. You can't adjust it by a screw like the old ones. Also, DO NOT TOUCH the throttle when starting the bike. The computer will get all confused. The computer resets the TPS automatically now. Mine has been pretty thirsty compared to my old X1 but I think it will improve with enough miles and perhaps a loud pipe. (I took the X1 to work today. I forgot how brutal the power output was  | ||
| Towjam |
New air guides positioned on the tail section of the Ulysses deflect engine heat away from the rider’s legs... ...which seems to increase the amount of hot-as-hell heat radiating from the gap between the right-side frame and airbox cover. | ||
| M_singer |
The choice between an '07 & '08 has been beat to death here and opinions go both ways. No doubt the '08 Ulys have some nice improvements but you are going to pay more up front for one and pay more at the pump too. | ||
| Crusty |
I had an '06 Uly that I put over 34,000 miles on, and I traded it in for an '08 XT. The '06 was the most reliable bike I've owned in 39 years of riding. I like the changes in the '08 enough that I put my money where my mouth is. I'm happy with my decision. | ||
| Jettdawg |
"Anyone know why the 08 mpg is less? EFI changes?" Anyone have a good answer for that? They updated the EFI and ignition systems... shouldn't it be MORE efficient and result in better mpg? I'd choose an '08 over an '07 for the overall upgrades, but the lower mpg has me wondering.... | ||
| Froggy |
People bitch and moan about the low speed drivablilty, so they fatten up the fuel map now people bitch about poor MPG.... You can't win them all..... Perhaps the 09's will have another map that is more balanced. | ||
| Froggy |
And about the stators, I wish there was one even more powerfull than the 06/07 system. Mine is maxed out as it is, i would be afraid to try the new lower output system without a jumper battery strapped on the back. |
