1) Am I correct in thinking the Uly has a slipper clutch? I notice that when I shift down on the KLX the rear wheel sometimes catches, whereas I never have that problem on the Uly. I suppose I could do my own research, but I figured I'd ask on here instead.
2) Has anyone noticed that the bags can be locked without the key? I just realized it recently, that I can unlock my saddlebags and topcase, take the key out, and then use my finger to turn the lock to lock them back up. It's quite handy, and I hope it's supposed to be like that, and my bags aren't broken.
Hmm, ok. Well, it's a heck of a lot nicer to not have the rear wheel lock up when I downshift on the Uly - I think I'd freak if it started doing that every time I downshifted. Then again, I don't ride the KLX as hard, so when the wheel does slide, it's not like I'm all leaned over or anything. Hell, usually in the dirt I like to lock my rear brakes anyway because it's fun - reminds me of when I was a kid riding my BMX bike and doing cool powerslides.
And that's odd about the bags, because all three of them do it. It's actually become quite convenient. When I get to my destination I can open all three bags, take off my suit and helmet and all that stuff, pack it into the bags and close them with the key in my pocket. And when I leave I can open the bags, start warming the bike up, pack the bags and close them without the key.
(Message edited by seanp on March 05, 2009 - said BMW, meant BMX)
Thanks for making me go out in the cold garage to confirm this. (or not) I'd have to call this one Busted.
On my standard bags ('06 Uly), the key will not come out of the lock cylinder in the unlocked position. It wouldn't matter on mine even if it did, because once you turn the key to the unlock position the latch springs open. I have no idea why yours don't behave that way too... Sounds like it works for you though, so no worries... unless your cases pop open like mine do when unlocked and your goodies spill out into traffic!
I guess I have special bags then, because mine work different from yours. Maybe I just open and close them so much that the lock is worn out or something. Anyway, I took a study break and shot this video. You can hear a distinct click when the lock engages, so I know when they're locked.
And I think I'll keep it that way! Every once in a while I'll do something that makes my butt pucker just a little bit and mentally slap myself upside the head telling myself that I don't need to be doing whatever it was that I just did...
So I guess it's just a matter of using the bags a lot. I ride to school every day and store my suit or jacket in the sidecase and my helmet in the topcase, so I'm in and out of the bags at least twice a day. I'm glad I'm not going crazy though, and other folks have the same thing going on with their bags!
Ft-bstrd, I find you need to worry more about that female when you do your first wheelie with her on the back. I think there is a hand print on the back of my helmet from the slap.
I can't believe I walked out to the garage to try this lock thing! Thank "GOD" mine aren't broke yet, I hate bothering my dealer over warranty issues!!!
I wouldn't consider the locks "broken" - they still only unlock with the key, and I certainly don't feel less secure with my stuff locked in there. If anything, they're more convenient now because I can take the key out, opening all the bags up, and put the key away while I load the bags. Then I can lock them all without they key. If this had happened day one, I would not have tried to get it fixed as a warranty issue.
I had to go check .. my outdoorsman bags won't turn w/o the key. I think the outdoorsman bags are different in that, if there unlocked you don't need a key at all to open/close them.
The rear wheel will break lose if one was to say, be over aggressive in down shifting. I found this one out first hand.
Because my riding skill is nowhere near FB's level, I have the chicken strips to prove it, I am always looking for ways to practice.
There is a clover leaf near my house that I was doing some loops around. about the 3rd time through I was feeling more confidant and I was coming down a small straight toward the last turn hard on the front brake and went from 3rd down to first.
When Troy Bayliss get's a little crossed up going into a turn it looks great .. on TV. When I did it unexpectedly .. I'm just glad my riding pants are dark because stains won't show.
Holy crap, last night was my first time on a real Uly in over a year, got into second gear pulling away from a toll booth, twisted the grip and she pulled up till I couldn't see the road anymore. God I miss that!