| Author | Message | ||
     Longdog_cymru |
I'd like some constructive opinions between the pre 2007 XB12X and the 2008 onwards bikes with regards to handling with the newer forks, (progressive springs etc.) and increased lock and also the performance/maintainance/reliability aspects of the latest, (last???), version of the Thunderstorm motor. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
We own an 06' an an 07'. Considering that I can easily do U-turns within the 20ft BRC u-turn box, I just haven't felt a great desire to change the triple clamps. My son has the progressive springs in his 07 ULY and mine has the other springs. When I finally change the fork oil, maybe I'll install the new springs. As for reliability, nothing wrong with the 06/07 bikes we have. Seem to be very reliable and plenty of bikes here with high mileage are proof of that. I wouldn't not trade my bike for an 08/09 but wouldn't mind having the 2010 but fat chance of that happening since they are pretty non existent. | ||
| Etennuly |
I changed the springs and triple clamps for a buddy of mine on his '06. I test rode it, for me that is a non issue. On my '06 I like the long soft springs and I ride in a way that dive is not a problem for me. The steering lock really does not bother me either after seeing the difference. The only reason I would get the newer bike is that stuff wears out, new is new. | ||
| Pso |
I do not intend to swap out the steering or springs on my 06. there have been a few (veryfew) times that I have had to back peddle to turn around. I like having the first year model, seems like now that we have collectors items it is neat to have the first year model, instead of all the later immitations. I think a first year Norton would be better than the 2,3,4,or 5th year. DeNile is more than a river in N. Africa | ||
| Longdog_cymru |
Ah! I should explain myself here..... I had a 2006 Uly until a few months ago. I won't go into the reasons that I let it go, but I really loved that bike. Now I have an opportunity to buy my bike back from the dealer I sold it to, (they didn't sell it), but I also have the opportunity to buy a 2009 bike with just 2,000 miles on it, 2 bag luggage and a few nice Touratech parts fitted for just £400.00 ($650.00) more, hence the reason for asking about the later bikes. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
First year 1969 Honda SOHC CB750 Fours were the fastest ones. After that they detuned them. I remember getting creamed by a Triumph Bonneville with my 1973 CB750. | ||
| Longdog_cymru |
First year 1969 Honda SOHC CB750 Fours were the fastest ones. After that they detuned them. I remember getting creamed by a Triumph Bonneville with my 1973 CB750.  } | ||
| Maximum |
I'd buy both...you can never have too many Uly's, no matter what the year! Now here is the strategy...Buy the 2009 first, cause that sounds like a great deal...then after your previously 2006 sits a while longer, and they are ready to just about give that one away, snatch it back!  | ||
| Longdog_cymru |
I like your strategy Maximum  | ||
| Etennuly |
 Maximum has the correct answer! Ding Ding! | ||
| Froggy |
+1 to Maximum. You know the deal with the 06's, and the 09's have resolved most of the issues of previous years, and they run sooo much smoother. | ||
| Mnrider |
For only $650 more I might be tempted to take the 09. Heated grips Bigger forks Engine improvements Nothing wrong with my 06 though! | ||
| Nadz |
Duh- 2009 man! 2000mi is nothing. When you look close you can see all kinds of engineering tweaks. I never had an '06, but virtually everything is improved in some small way over my '04 Bolt. This is evidence of continuous improvement. Plus the 2009 engine is evil black and that makes it faster! | ||
| Ratbuell |
Never had an issue with my 06. I like being able to set my own idle speed - I have it a little higher than spec right now because weather has been in the teens lately. I did change to the '07 springs. WOW, what a difference (and cheap!). I used to run nearly 2 weight ranges heavier to combat brake dive; now I have it dead-on my weight range and it's like a new bike. Steering lock to lock has never been an issue. Don't steer - LEAN  Oh, and I did add the heated grip kit and comfort kit from Buell...so it's "nearly" an 07, lol. (Message edited by ratbuell on January 11, 2010) | ||
| Skifastbadly |
Rat, I have an 07 and had to add the heated grips. I think you mean it's now nearly an 08. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Actually, with the comfort kit...it's nearly a '10. But I'm stickin' with my D616s, dammit!! | ||
| Froggy |
My Blast automatically raised its idle, I'm not sure what it is at right now, but I have to park it against a curb to stop it from running (and I mean running) away from me during warmup. My 1125's saw it was cold and raised the idle too. My stupid 06 XB doesn't know how to raise its idle and refuses to start. Oh well. | ||
| Buewulf |
I'd get the 2009. I doubt the 2006 will ever be significantly more or less valuable than the 2009 30 years from now. But the 2009 is more valuable right now in terms of incremental improvements and newer components and the near-term resale market. If you intend to ride the bike like it was meant to be ridden, newness is goodness. | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
You can bring an 06 up but you can't bring the 09 up to the 06 if that makes any sense to those that have had an 06. Can't EcmSpy the 09'. We got my son an 07 because of the quirky problems reported in the 08's. I just don't see where they improved on the 07' other than the kickstand and I suppose the steering lock. Both can be updated to the 07. | ||
| Two_buells |
Steering lock to lock has never been an issue for me when I owned my 2006. I think some of the first reviews of the 2006 someone said they thought that the steering lock to lock might be an issue in a full lock slide in the dirt.  Turning the Uly is easy.... | ||
| Ratbuell |
...like I said, LEAN it, don't STEER it Froggy - I've found that on reallyreallyREALLY cold days, holding the throttle at about 5 or 10% while thumbing the starter will get a reluctant, "do you really want me to do this toDAY?" bike to start. | ||
| Froggy |
Yea you could do that, but it only proves the 06's are junk and inferior | ||
| Ratbuell |
It's gotta be the goofy tires, right? | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Froggy, Is that you sitting in the white t-shirt? | ||
| Froggy |
No, I am the dwarf that weighs 80lbs, remember? | ||
| Barker |
tight steering lock? | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
Froggy, On my screen that person is only 1" tall. Besides, I didn't realize that you had gained 10 lbs. | ||
| Buewulf |
tight steering lock? Was that you? I bet that hurt! That almost happened to me when I first bought the bike. I was trying it out on a dirt trail using the throttle and some english to try to steer it around a tight turn. The heavy flywheel combines with the D616 to produce a much more tractive contact patch than I had anticipated, so I end up rocketing forward lofting the front a little instead of sliding the back. I gave it a harder, more frantic (I was running out of trail fast!) snap to break the rear loose and very nearly left an impact crater on the side of the trail as demonstrated in the video, slamming the steering lock hard on both sides in rapid succession. Scary feeling. I stayed on the bike (and trail), but that was pure luck: there was no skill involved in saving it. |
