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Portero72
| Posted on Monday, May 22, 2017 - 07:56 pm: |
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I am betting this has been covered before to some extent (more so a Uly with an SS tail), But I searched and didn't find much. I am VERY CASUALLY exploring the idea of taking my 08SS and putting either Uly suspension on it or trying to replicate the TT suspension (TT shock with Uly forks slid up the trees, since TT forks are rare as hen's teeth). Basically, I would like to know what parts would be required. I am guessing a longer front brake line at the least, since I put a wider bar on the SS and it seems maxed already. Reason I am considering this is because I loved the utility of the longer suspension on my Ulys, and have always been a fan of the motard-y Buells. They are just so butch. Thoughts? Anyone see pros or cons going either way? Potential pitfalls? |
Portero72
| Posted on Monday, May 22, 2017 - 07:59 pm: |
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Oh yeah, before anyone tells me to just go buy a Uly or TT, I have had 2 Ulys, and loved them both. I am sure I will have another someday. And TTs? Rare as well. Plus, my clean, stock, LOW mileage SS was picked up for a song, and it seems foolish to part with it. Plus, I love to tinker. |
Froggy
| Posted on Monday, May 22, 2017 - 08:18 pm: |
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I'd go with whatever you can find. The TT and XT forks bolt right up, as do the 06/07 X forks. 08+ X forks will require you to change trees. All the shocks bolt right up. XT and TT are similar in height and springiness. |
Ratbuell
| Posted on Monday, May 22, 2017 - 10:00 pm: |
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Check your belt part numbers, too. I honestly can't remember if all the long wheelbase bikes had the same belt...or if the "taller" ones had a different belt yet again. |
Froggy
| Posted on Monday, May 22, 2017 - 10:09 pm: |
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All the long wheelbase bikes use the same belt |
Bernhardgrave
| Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 08:09 am: |
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Mark, I believe in 2008 the SS started coming with the TT suspension already, with front and rear travel an inch more than before but an inch less than the Uly (In other words you would end up with the same forks after parting with the $$ but your forks will be black). That being said, I have put the pre-o8 uly forks on my 09'SS as well as the triple trees from the 08 Uly with greater offset and kept the stock 5.5" travel rear shock and am very happy with the way it handles and rides on our crappy pothole riddled streets, and the slow speed maneuverability. |
Froggy
| Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 08:59 am: |
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2009 model year is when the SS switched to the TT suspension. |
Portero72
| Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 09:10 am: |
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Bernard- Froggy is correct, your SS started with a bit more length in the shock than did mine (that's what SHE said! ). Juvenile humor aside, sweet bike in your profile. Did you have to slide the bars up into the trees to balance the suspension? Were there any clearance issues to speak of? TT shocks seem to be reasonably priced, and NOS Uly forks abound, so I may go that direction. Inquiring minds wanna know... |
Ratbuell
| Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 09:39 am: |
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Part of me (again, old age may be fogging things a bit) wants to say the TT and XT had the same suspension...but as Froggy pointed out above, my memory isn't the most reliable these days for bikes. Ask me about PA systems or apartment renovations...I'm your guy. Just haven't had time for bikes this year, so those brain cells have been reassigned |
Bernhardgrave
| Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 12:49 pm: |
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Thanks Mark, Go for the Uly Fork. Two extra inches of plunge ability is a great thing (now i'm stuck in Juvenile mode). I have the Uly forks in the standard place with the little rings in the groove. I am 165 lbs and I have them adjusted on the softer side so that she glides muy suavecito over the potholes around here, while the rear shock is adjusted to the shop manual settings for my weight. I love it. I have no issues with clearances. I Ulygized my seatframe and pegs too, since I love touring on it, but I have to admit it looked really mean when the Ss seat was still on it (a TT basically). |
Bernhardgrave
| Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 12:54 pm: |
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Oh, and sorry but as far as the brake line goes, I did a custom Goodridge setup so I can only guess you would likely want the longer hose too, to avoid it rubbing on the fork. c",} |
Portero72
| Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 02:04 pm: |
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BAZINGA!! Well said, Bernard. Throttle cables and such still stock? |
Portero72
| Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 02:08 pm: |
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And thx to Froggy for all the good info, as well. |
Bernhardgrave
| Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 02:34 pm: |
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Yes, I put Uly height bars when I bought it 6 years ago, requiring me to put the Uly throttle and clutch cables. |
Portero72
| Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 08:48 pm: |
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Froggy- Will the 09-10 SS forks bolt right up? They come in the 'none more black' color that is also sooooo butch. |
Froggy
| Posted on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 - 08:55 pm: |
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Yep! Same trees and everything, might need a brake line as you already mentioned. |
Portero72
| Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 - 02:17 pm: |
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Last question, I swear. Aside from the preload adjusted, will a Uly shock work? |
Froggy
| Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 - 02:34 pm: |
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Correct, you will just need to get creative with the mounting point for the preload adjuster. I don't recall if there are pre-drilled holes on the SS/STT subframe rail to make it plug and play, as the SS/STT and Ulys share the same subframe rails. (Message edited by Froggy on May 24, 2017) |
Bernhardgrave
| Posted on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 - 03:10 pm: |
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I believe Froggy is talking about mounting the hydraulic preload adjuster and/or the reservoir since the shock body itself fits with out modifying. |
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