Getting anxious for the EBR AX to come out ...

[djohnk]

I am anxiously waiting for the EBR AX, I have decided to wait for that after seeing the new 1190RX (instead of purchasing a 2014 KTM 1190 Adventure).

I don't mind waiting too much since I can still ride my '07 Uly (I also decided to keep it even when I get the new AX).

 

[theoctopus]

If the Uly is any indication of Buell's take on ADV bikes, and you want something that is very competent off-road, I wouldn't even think about the AX. The KTM Adventure series bikes are incredible both on and off the road. I had a 2010 KTM 990 Adventure R that I threw off of mountainsides, rolled down hills with, and generally banged around. It is the only bike that I miss.

Sure, the maintenance was a bitch and the seat was like riding a 2x4, but I cannot imagine any improvement over what it already offered.

 

[StarWolve]

I think the Uly is competent off-road, but really more for trails and fire roads. (And I think TKC80's were a major factor in making it better) The bottom line is that a 500lb bike with 17" rims is never going to be a KTM or other purpose built machine. The Uly is a tall sport bike in ADV trim, but that doesn't mean it's not a lot of fun on the trails. With a decent rider, good tires, and a set of brass ones - you can keep up with most ADV riders on the trails. I've had my Uly on trails in the mountain of NW North Carolina, and a lot of ADV guys have been impressed with how well it did in less than ideal trail conditions (with Scorpion trail tires, too. I didn't have the TKC80's yet.)

What I would like to see in the AX:
1. 19" front wheel or larger
2. Rock guard, at a minimum. Full bash guard preferred.
3. Ability to outfit drop protection on the frame, to minimize damage
4. Real lever protection/hand-guards - not a plastic guard that wouldn't survive a tip over, let alone a crash - something with a metal bar and decent size.
5. Options/wiring for additional lighting without having to extensively modify the wiring and add switches.
6. A decent 1st gear for low speed crawling
7. Luggage options that are ADV oriented - such as metal panniers instead of plastic.
8. Good lights from the factory - the stock lights on the Uly were pitiful and the reflective housings wear out.
9. Standard bar clamp size to allow easy swap for dirt bike bars

Anything else on the wish list? I know the 19" wheel (or larger) is a total departure from the ZTL's, but I think it's needed for an ADV bike.

I'll admit - I'm excited about an AX model. I love my Ulysses and definitely take it off road, but it's going to be hard to justify replacing it with an AX (eventually) when there's Triumph Tiger XC's and KTM's. I think what more likely is that I'd get an AX for a sport-touring/ADV bike once the Ulysses reaches end of life, and try to pick up a DRZ 400 or KLR for dedicated off-road riding.

 

[theoctopus]

I think what more likely is that I'd get an AX for a sport-touring/ADV bike once the Ulysses reaches end of life, and try to pick up a DRZ 400 or KLR for dedicated off-road riding.

I've owned a DRZ400 and a KLR650 as well. Both are killer bikes. I did my best to destroy my 2007 KLR650 (though not intentionally), and it always kept on ticking. Had to do more than a few side-of-the-trail repairs on it after knocking things off of the bike.

If I were looking for sport-touring/ADV bike, I'm still not sure I'd wait for the AX. A well-outfitted R1200GS or KTM Adventure would still be my first choice.