| Author | Message | ||
     Snarlywino |
I am going to look at (and hopefully purchase) my first Uly. It's an '09 with 28k. What should I be looking for/asking about in relation to this particular MY? | ||
| Hugie03flhr |
I have to say the only annoying thing is a broken or bad wire connection in the neck area of my 09. If I turn the wheel lock to lock the gauges will sweep as if I turned the key on. When it does it, the clock and mileage resets. The usual warnings , contact between the seat and ECM, wheel bearings and signs of abuse. | ||
| Snarlywino |
Thanks Hugelmeyer! | ||
| Teeps |
Look for rust at the wheel bearings. Ask when/if the belt was replaced. (the belt on my 06 was still in service at 28k miles but got a hole punched by a rock, so was replaced) And, of course maintenance records. Engine and transmission oil/fluid used. Air cooled engines like frequent oil changes. | ||
| Snarlywino |
Thanks Teeps, the wheel bearings check is a good tip. Everything else was on my list. | ||
| Jasonmcelroy |
Things I'd look for: * Look at all the fasteners. do they seem keyed up and distorted from sloppy tool use or frequent wrenching. People that don't take care with fasteners don't take care with other aspects of ownership and maintenance * If it has the stock exhaust, turn the ign key and run switch on while observing the exhaust valve bracket where the cable connects (you'll need a flashlight but you *can* see it with the chin fairing in place). Make sure it opens and closes. * Ask the owner (only after you've arrived to see the bike) if you can dump the ECM error codes. A simple female spade connector (I keep one on my bike for this purpose) across the top right and bottom right pins of the diag port will accomplish this. * Look at condition of wheel bearings as already covered. * Ask owner to pull oil dipstick. If it's filthy maybe the owner didn't care so much about maintenance. Ask when last change was and/or why it wasn't done. * Remove seat and see if it looks like a mess or well organized under there. Look for signs that wiring loom/wrap has been removed and replaced for repairs and splices. Look for those crappy blue crimp connectors that hacks often use (no flame war intended). Wiggle the ECM connectors and look for signs that the potting has started to crack from seat bearing down on ECM. Bonus points if has already been relocated nicely to another position. * In talking to the owner, try to assess their level of understanding of the bike. Ever have trouble with TPS? Have you ever cleaned the IAC or needed to replace the IAT sensor? Ever have problems with the exhaust valve controller? High degree of understanding shows user was more invested in ownership and probably did a better job. * Feel the engine when you arrive to see if it's been warmed up in advance to make it start easier. Do a cold start and let it idle for a full minute to see if it will maintain steady idle. Note how many engine rotations it takes to start. * With the engine running put a voltmeter across the battery terminals to make sure it's charging properly. Your looking for around (look at book for exact specs) 13.5 to 14V. * Remove primary inspection covers and check that chain play is correct. Excessive and it's been ignored and may be hitting case. Too tight and your sprocket shaft and trans main gear bearings have been taking a beating. The fluid should NOT be milky. Moisture intake is a known hassle and takes out clutch hub bearings quickly. Jason | ||
| Snarlywino |
Thanks Jason, that is Very thorough. I can't promise I will remember all of it, but some of it was already on my list. I will study up on code reading and be sure to take by VOM. I had planned on checking for ECM pressure ware, oil condition, wheel bearings and such. | ||
| Arry |
Look for signs of fork seal leaks. Not the end of the world, and not expensive (if you do it yourself), but a pain in the ..., at least the first time around. It's usually the right side (brake side). It could be wiped up clean, so take a look after your test ride. The front motor mount is worth taking a look at, there should be a gap between the "bolt" head and the casting of the motor mount, and the rubber shouldn't be badly cracked and deteriorated. A little hard to assess, if you haven't looked at one before. Usually easy to replace anyway. | ||
| Snarlywino |
Thanks for the tips everyone! I took them all into consideration in evaluating a bike this weekend and ended up bringing home what I feel was a really good deal. Fork seals had been replaced recently. Wheel bearings did not look degraded at all, but it will need new tires in the spring so I will probably change those then just for the heck of it. Belt looks good. Charging system working well. No ECM codes. Oil was clean and changed recently. ECM showed no concern-able wear from the seat, but I plan to move it anyway. I put 170 miles on it coming home with no concerns whatsoever. I am looking forward to getting to know this bike more and touring some roads that were off limits in my cruising days.  | ||
| Arry |
Looks good! Apparently an XT model (?), a little lower (shorter suspension) and more street oriented (you can still get off pavement), and came stock with all the luggage. I wouldn't change the wheel bearings "just for the heck of it", but it would be worth taking the wheels off, and "feel" for smoothness/roughness to assess their current condition. (put your mind at ease, for the summer). Also, if there is any sign of contact, between the seat and the ECM connectors, it could be a problem... It doesn't take much... Should be a great bike!! Have fun!! | ||
| Hugie03flhr |
Sounds like you are off to a good start! Enjoy it and ride it like you stole it! | ||
| Rkc00 |
PRICE PAID? | ||
| Ourdee |
Oh crud, He got a red one. The blue ones are faster. Sorry to see that. | ||
| Zane |
Red is more flickable though... | ||
| Snarlywino |
Sorry @Rkc00, though I mentioned that. $4200 | ||
| Hugie03flhr |
That is a sweet looking bike and a very fair price! Enjoy!!! | ||
| Ourdee |
Seams to be the going rate. Don't get rid of it. You will miss it. | ||
| Buellerxt |
Keep rubbing it in, Ourdee.  Hey, you warned me, as you did this fellow. Great bikes. Congratulations, Snarlywino. | ||
| Ourdee |
Preachin' to myself as much as to you Mike. 42,000 miles of heaven and I walked down the stairs all by myself. |
