Norm wrote:
Lars1974 wrote:
solo mainly, as the missus has her own bike...
You should also consider the STT. They are a couple of years old but, IMO, putting an Ss subframe onto a Uly makes it a fab looking scoot with all the benefits of a 12X.
Wise words.
Having owned an older X, new model X, and an STT (and done a few hundred miles on an XT), I'd vote for the X - which one you pick depends on whether you want the chance to improve and tweak performance or whether the heated grips and better steering lock of the new bike grab you.
The STT is absolutely, outrageously brilliant. The best XB for Sunday afternoon blasts (or track days), and, on a twisty backroad is pretty well a match for anything. Stunning. It's also surprisingly good at distance work. I was comfortable throughout the Germany trip last year, including the splash and dash trip on my own back to Calais. But, the riding position is more cramped than the Ulysses, and it doesn't have epic levels of comfort in the way the Ulysses does. Wind protection isn't as good, and it can get a bit unsettled when the roads get rough.
My times on the original Uly are fairly well known among those who were on here a couple of years ago. Mine was supremely comfortable and reliable, and fun and brilliant on a ride I did in 2007. A 15,000 mile ride. Almost impossible to fault it. Interestingly, the engine got looser and significantly quicker as the miles were piled on.
The 2008+ X adds the grips and steering lock, but the engine is definitely a bit strangled. I'm hoping that miles and a few mods will make a difference. I'm no longer interested in trying to crack the fast group at Brands Hatch though (the STT cleared that hurdle!), so it doesn't bother me as much as it would have done a few years ago. And it is so comfortable and easy to ride it's unreal - particularly after the STT which is pretty feisty - I don't know how big the geometry differences are on paper, but the riding experience is surprisingly different.
The XT is, for my money a bit pointless (unless you have ickle legs like Digger
). It's like a Ulysses-lite. It does come with the luggage as standard which is good, and the larger screen (which I hated).
Overall, and for what it's worth, I'd vote for the original X. It's fast enough to get you in trouble, and eats up miles in a big, big way. Selling mine was the worst car or bike decision I've made.
They're all good bikes, though, mate. You'll love whichever one you get.
Al
Register
Login
FAQ
Search
