07 vs 08 Ulysses

[Towjam]

I've owned an '04 12R, an '07 12R, and '07 12Ss and now my '08 XT. I can tell you without a doubt the '08 has much less fan time. In fact, it rarely comes on until you shut down.  As far as the radiant heat, the '08 does have the little side "heat shields" but your right thigh still gets cooked from the heat coming up between the airbox and seat.

Also, the accessory sockets no longer function with the key in the "park" position. The key must be in the "on" position and the kill switch set to "run". My dealer confirmed this was a change in the design but it's not accurately updated in the owners manual.

As far as the fueling, I don't notice quite as much as a stumble coming off idle, but I don't feel much difference between the '07 and '08 EFI.

just my $02  (and worth almost every penny)

[Bueller]

08

Lots of stuff not stated here.  Oil pump on a bolt mount instead o a nut that solves an inherent mid life weakness, hollow cams with oil injection.  ECM senses at something like 100x greater frequency.

Hit the rev limiter a few times (in low gears of course) and you'll kill for the higher revs.

The reduced fan time is not so good.  It is only because 'O8 has 40F higher temp before the fan cuts in because of polution laws.  The high front guard on the Uly blocks air so you need a right side scoop 06, 07 or 08 but definitely 08

[GS1100GK]

Just out of curiosity, did you consider the new Ulysses XT model?  I just finished reading the latest Rider magazine, which features the XT. The XT MSRP w/luggage was less than what you were quoted for the 08 X.  Regarding the fuel economy, they listed about 37 mpg and just over 170 mile range.

I hadn't heard that the 07's are coming with free luggage - that to me sounds like a great deal.  And if it is true that the 07's have better fuel economy, I would definitely choose that over an extra 300 RPM in the powerband.  I'm sure the 7100rpm redline is nice as the powerband can seem short, but I don't think 300 is a huge increase.

I don't know where you are in MD, but two dealers in Southern PA to consider calling would be Lancaster HD/Buell and Iron Valley HD/Buell.  

Rincewind, I did ride the XT and liked it a lot.  The extra versitility of being able to so semi-off road appeals to me so that is why I'm focusing on the X model instead.  

[GS1100GK]

Still debating.  However, took the Mrs. GS1100GK down to the dealer for the Goldie Locks test of the back seat.  We didn't get an opportunity to go for a test ride together, but I was mildly surprised that she was comfortable on the back seat.  Mrs. GS1100GK is 5'8" with long legs and she was worried about the leg room and was afraid her knees would be high in the air.  After she got on the bike I could see that her knees were actually lower than her hips which according to her is a very good thing.  After dismounting she gave me the thumbs up for comfort .  Now, I need to get her on the back for a test ride since the next test is how much air she gets.  I'm hoping my torso will provide her some protection.    

[Oilhed]

08

Hit the rev limiter a few times (in low gears of course) and you'll kill for the higher revs.

What does that mean?

[Bueller]

What does that mean?

My '07 hits the soft rev limiter at about 6,800 rpm.  It's not hard to extend the revs a bit and find that I've hit it. It is an uncomfortable sensation particularly through a corner where upshifting is a difficult option.  At the rev limit it cuts the fuel (perhaps only to one cylinder) and it feels like a breakdown in spark.  The '08s have the limit at 7,100 which is a big difference.

[Thunderbox]

My '07 hits the soft rev limiter at about 6,800 rpm.  It's not hard to extend the revs a bit and find that I've hit it. It is an uncomfortable sensation particularly through a corner where upshifting is a difficult option.  At the rev limit it cuts the fuel (perhaps only to one cylinder) and it feels like a breakdown in spark.  The '08s have the limit at 7,100 which is a big difference.

Really 300 rpms is a big difference, somehow I can't see it.  I seldom ever see redline the engine pulls so good from any RPM I can't see it as a big advantage.

[Bueller]

It is almost 5%.  It's 10 kph in top gear.  I'd take the 300 rpm if I could get it.

[Thunderbox]

The extra rpm would mean nothing as the torque drops drastically at that RPM on the Thunderstorm engine.  Both the new and the old engine have the same HP so the top speed is limited by that not RPM.  A simple gear change will do everything that extra 300 RPM will do.  I guess when you are talking to the guys who have other bikes 7100rpm sounds so much more than 6800rpm.

[Bueller]

The extra rpm would mean nothing as the torque drops drastically at that RPM on the Thunderstorm engine.  Both the new and the old engine have the same HP so the top speed is limited by that not RPM.  A simple gear change will do everything that extra 300 RPM will do.  I guess when you are talking to the guys who have other bikes 7100rpm sounds so much more than 6800rpm.

I used  to think the same way.  The HP may be the same. but the '08s in the club have better horses.  The 08 has slightly more peak torque.

[GS1100GK]

I used  to think the same way.  The HP may be the same. but the '08s in the club have better horses.  The 08 has slightly more peak torque.

The question is...is the increased torque noticable?

[Bueller]

The question is...is the increased torque noticable?

I think it is.  The '08s pull a little better.  

Does it matter?  Not a lot, but the '08 has a better motor - stronger, more reliable because of better oil distribution, and less maintenance - no timing and no TPS reset.

[GS1100GK]

I think it is.  The '08s pull a little better.  

Does it matter?  Not a lot, but the '08 has a better motor - stronger, more reliable because of better oil distribution, and less maintenance - no timing and no TPS reset.

I agree.

[Yankee Dog]

................. The 08 also has a lower alternator output.

How much lower?

Yankee Dog

[Thunderbox]

I used  to think the same way.  The HP may be the same. but the '08s in the club have better horses.  The 08 has slightly more peak torque.

So, I have to ask.  Why do you still have an 07 if you reccommend others get an 08.  Advice is so easy to give and dollars are so hard to part with.  You don;t even take your own advice.

[2DFlyer]

Take this for what it's worth...

I had a similar decision when I bought a "leftover" 03 XB9R in January 05.  I could have had an 05 if I'd wanted...and there were quite a few upgrades made between 03 and 05 (including different final drive, larger diameter fork tubes, improved neutral sensor, different kickstand with no interlock, lowered passenger pegs, longer rear-view mirror stalks, and I'm sure many more that I can't remember offhand).

I've been totally happy with my 03, and I'd do it again!  Sure, the later bikes may be "better," but...I'm loving my original year Firebolt!  

+1.  I'm with Koot here.  Maybe the question to ask here and at Badweb is if anyone who rides sanely is having problems with their older models that these upgrades would resolve.  Are you gonna flog an X bike the way you would an R?  Are you gonna worry about banging off the rev limiter all the time?  These are already like the best handling bikes ever so tweaks to suspension bits, while cool stuff, may not be that noticeable.  To me the most beneficial change here may be the larger oil cooler.  Anytime you can run cooler the better off the motor will be but you could probably upgrade the cooler.

I spent the day on an '06 X earlier this week.  I only got 240 miles, but was perfectly content the whole time under 6500 RPM.  Turning lock wasn't an issue even flippin uez.  46 MPG in mixed driving.  A little warmth on the right thigh that might be uncomfortable in stop and go if it were 15 degrees warmer outside.  

[Bueller]

So, I have to ask.  Why do you still have an 07 if you reccommend others get an 08.  Advice is so easy to give and dollars are so hard to part with.  You don;t even take your own advice.

Hadn't seen this.  

I don't change bikes every year is the reason.  When I bought my '07 there was no '08.  

I guess we're talking '09 now.  Hate black forks because of stone chips.  The rest of the black looks good.

[PSO]

GS1100K-What was the final decision?