| Author | Message | ||
     Chorizo |
Im diggin the Uly and have always ridden tall bikes. I would look for a rock to stand on to start my CR 500. However I have had some difficulty in slow tight turns and have almost fallen on some turns at only 5MP. Feel like a spaz having to paddle my way out of embarrassment. Im considering upgrading the triple clamp to an 08 or later because Im thinking it just needs to turn more? It is the steering sweep right? Or should I just upgrade the whole bike and get the later model? Whats the easiest way, what parts are interchangeable, did it improve slow maneuvering parking lot capability? | ||
| Bosh |
If you're new to the bike I'd wait for awhile before messing with it. It's something you will get used to fairly fast. The other thing you can do is take a Ducati sport classic for a ride and you'll never have another complaint about your Buell's turning radius. | ||
| Towpro |
as Bosh said, in a short time I just got used to my 07 steering. the part about paddling makes me think you are having problems touching the ground? Being able to flat foot the bike on level ground (with both feet) makes tight turning in parking lots a lot easier. 1) Did you adjust spring load (front and back) by the recommendations in the owners manual? 2) Getting boots with a taller sole can help. 3) maybe get a lower seat. Even with 32" inseam, I had to make sure I was all the way forward against the tank to assure both feet could hit the ground. | ||
| Buewulf |
I dropped my '06 in a parking lot twice before I got used to it. But I got used to it. It was really scary in the dirt at first, but I got used to that as well. I am short (30" inseam), so there is no way for me to "paddle" my way out of embarrassment, and I too was always used to tall bikes. I think it is more a combination of the weight and height that takes some getting used to with that short steering lock. Gravity just seems to work faster on these porky bikes. Like Bosh says... Give it some time. If it still bothers you, either solution you presented will work. There are several posts on here about upgrading your steering lock. Others could tell you exactly what you need. | ||
| Shagg1970 |
I did mine over a winter, putting the 08 triple trees on with the original forks, and I love it. I can turn around within a parking spot. You have to replace the steering lock pin with a longer one, if you search on here there is a technical drawing of one someone made I took that and my old one to a machine shop and they made the pin for me, works perfect. With the stock forks and 08 trees the wheel base is about 1/2 inch longer but it feels and handles the same to me. This upgrade and xb9 primary gears and chain I did at the same time its much more fun with the xb9 gearing (11% under drive) gives it more low end grunt. Also put on Pirelli Scorpion Trail tires. They made my bike much more stable, I had a high speed wobble in the front end that is now gone. sorry I went a little off track but part of the fun is doing what you want to it to make it yours so enjoy. | ||
| Froggy |
If the lack of steering really bothers you, the 08 trees you mentioned will bolt right on, but you will lose your ability to lock the forks with the key unless you get a longer pin for that. | ||
| Chorizo |
I will give it some time. Just to be sure I am not a spaz! But I do get satisfaction turning around in a parking spot and I have other bikes that'll do it. They're just not as badass as the Uly and pale by comparison in every other area. Still trying to find the parts and the technical drawing of the pin. Any search ideas would be appreciated. | ||
| Chorizo |
Oh yeah, at 5-9 Im not short either  | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Anyone have the part numbers for the 08 trees? I only have the 06 parts manual. Thanks! Brad | ||
| Buewulf |
I think this is what you need: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/452624.html?1240447223 | ||
| Buewulf |
Here is a link with PN's: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/536961.html?1272339018 | ||
| Treadmarks |
5'10" w/32s here. I waited till I got used to it to make the swap. As soon as I made the swap, I wished I had did it sooner. Everything the bike did good, it did better with the new trees. For me, high speeds about 130-140 daily wire more stable and smooth after the swap. All I changed were the trees. Everything you need to know before you decide. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/321357.html http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/323241.html http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/567514.html Hope this helps and good luck with your modding. | ||
| Tootal |
I recommend the 08 trees as well as I could not just get use to it. I'm too use to dirt bikes and I'm use to using the added turn in. I did this after Treadmarks and was very happy. Between the tree change and the XB9 primary it transformed the Uly and made it much more ridable to me. Here's a thread I did during the swap. Hope it helps. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/142 838/442538.html?1236474150 | ||
| Yjsrule |
So what's the difference in the newer trees? Is the stop on the lower tree just shorter or are there any other differences? | ||
| Dio |
They are completely different castings. The '08 moves the fork legs further forward. The steering bearing adjuster nut is moved out from under the handle bars since the forks move forward. If you get a chance, look at an '08 or newer, and the difference will be obvious. | ||
| Chorizo |
Thanks everyone. Super inspiring and looks easy. Is the lock pin necessary for safety or locking the steering for theft? Or where can we buy on already made since the machine shop is gonna be a challenge. Thanks again. | ||
| Spacecapsule1 |
with the 08, did the bars get moved a bit more forward too? or just the forks? | ||
| Shagg1970 |
The steering lock pin is only to lock the forks for anti theft. and no the handle bars dont move as far as I can tell it was the same. | ||
| Svh |
Make sure they are for a 08 X as well not a XT as those kept the triple clamps from the older X if I am remembering correctly. | ||
| Sqrlnts |
posting to bookmark. Great info here. |
