I was thinking about describing my Uly and thought about using the word hooligan. I have an internal or emotional understanding of what makes a bike a hooligan, but I'm not sure I can put it into words, especially for someone who doesn't ride.
So I was curious to hear what you all think makes a bike a hooligan or how you define hooliganism.
It refers to the rider and not the bike. One who shows off, taking chances with disregard for other's safety or respect. Not something one would want to align themselves with (in my opinion).
Per Wikipedia: "Hooliganism refers to unruly and destructive behavior. Such behavior is commonly associated with sports fans, particularly supporters of association football and university sports. The term can also apply to general rowdy behavior and vandalism, often under the influence of alcohol and or drugs".
A Uly would not fit into the hooligan bike category because it has an intended purpose as a daul sport. An XB9s or 12 will fit that category along with ZRX1200 Kaw, Suzuki Bandit, Yamaha FZ1, Honda 919. These bikes have upright sitting, are quick and wheely on command.
skate park 23o am logging roads, full moon, no lights loading dock 845 pm construction zone cone weaving on gravel 100 am vacant lot puddle hopping 12oo pm power line commute home golf cours maintence road 330 pm Wednesday
that should get you started, remember the key is to ride through once, and not turn around for a second pass DAMHIK
Steelshoe wrote: A Uly would not fit into the hooligan bike category because it has an intended purpose as a daul sport. An XB9s or 12 will fit that category along with ZRX1200 Kaw, Suzuki Bandit, Yamaha FZ1, Honda 919. These bikes have upright sitting, are quick and wheely on command.
That's funny... My Ulysses has upright seating, is quick and will wheely on command...
Ulyssesmatt, I am just curious about the wheely thing. I am still getting used to my bike and only have 1100 miles on it so far. I have not really tried very hard to do wheelies yet but it doesn't seem like it will pull the front wheel by just using some heavy throttle.
When you guys wheely your XT, do you really hammer on it, dump the clutch and tug the bars or will it just pick the front wheel up on hard acceleration? I know the X would be easier to wheely than the XT because it sits a bit higher.
Am I doing something wrong or am I just not wanting to abuse my bike a little? I assume it would be even easier to wheely with a passenger on the back? I used to love doing wheelies on my Honda XR250 when I was young!
Trevd, you are probably right about the RPM thing. I guess I am starting to ride like an old man. I am 51 after all. Last time I rode it I pulled away from a stop sign quite hard but I'm guessing I only twisted the grip about 1/2 way. I really wasn't trying to pick the front wheel up but it did feel pretty light. Man, this bike is a rush to ride! Once I get used to it, I will probably be asking you guys how to keep the front wheel on the ground!?
doesn't seem like it will pull the front wheel by just using some heavy throttle.
My '06 will reach for the sky in first gear under heavy throttle. In second, it just gives me a quick, friendly little 6" or so lift as it passes 4500rpm if I keep my weight off of the bars. Anything more hooliganish than that on my Uly requires the clutch.
I have both an 05 XB12s and an 06 XB12X. The Lightning has a D&D pipe, while the Uly has a Jardine pipe. The D&D starts to hit the torque in the 3500-4500 RPM range, and will power wheelie (no clutch) on throttle alone in this range (I'm too chicken to keep it going long). The Jardine pipe starts to hit the torque later, in the 4500-5500 rpm range, and will also wheelie under throttle alone. Al at American Sport Bike gives the same description of the differences between these pipes (his shop is just 5 miles from my house).
Note that the Uly will wheelie even easier when you have a passenger (more weight up high and in the back).
Just had new brake pads installed (only 5k on the stockers!), and the mechanic gave it a test ride (he owns an XB12R). When he returned, he commented on how smooth the front fork felt when leaving a stop, almost like he was riding on air....... Then, he realized that he was, in fact, "riding on air" up front.