Riding it for a year now. 6000Km street and trail. Got a second 21/18 wheel set with bigger 54 tooth sprocket and new chain (amazing feel like proper dirt bike) got the same foot pegs(must), after market Protaper handlebar and love how it even fits with the dashboard. New hand grips with the Warp 9 aluminium gas throttle (strongly recommended!!) Dreaming about the Torp 1000 controller and the Sotion electric motor. The bike comes with a free virus with a dire need for easy upgrades.
I recently found your channel and I am enjoying the content. I’m asking this question in the comments because your website seems more focused on photography and content creation rather than vehicles. We seem to have similar taste in vehicles but you have much more practical experience. I’m considering my next vehicle but I’m stuck on what to get. Money is a factor so I’m buying used. I have a 15 minute commute to work, drive 1200 miles 4 times a year to visit family and do mild off-roading a few times a year. Driving to camping sights, hunting spots etc. I also do at least one long cross country type trip a year. I live in Florida and go out west, New Mexico, Colorado, like that. I haven’t done any serious overlanding but I haven’t had a suitable vehicle to do that sort of thing either. I drive a 2WD Tundra now. If I don’t buy another truck I’ll keep it for truck stuff, it has over 200k mikes on it so it’s not worth a great deal. My question is if you have a vehicle recommendation. I’m considering a 4Runner, a GX 460, an Outback Wilderness or another truck but 4WD, I like my Tundra but also thinking about a Tacoma or Frontier. It’s doubtful I’ll ever go anywhere a stock 4Runner can’t handle. More mud and sand in Florida than rock. But the vehicle needs to be a decent daily driver as well as reasonably capable and have some cargo capacity. Our kids are out of the house but I probably won’t be hauling the grandkids much in my vehicle, my wife has that covered. I’m in my 50’s, not my 80’s so I’m still out there having fun but I’ve stuck with work trucks my whole life so I don’t have any experience with anything else other than my wife’s cars or SUV’s that never leave pavement. Any advice will be appreciated, from you or anyone else. Thanks
There are too many variables to answer this question quickly. What I will say is that my GX460 is going to be up for sale if you're seriously interested in that platform. Personally, I prefer the GX over the 4runner. I'm always going to choose a V8 over a V6.
I understand. I haven’t watched all you videos about the mods you’ve done but I expect your GX 460 is out of my price range. I’m wanting to stay under 40 if possible. Thanks
Nice job on some simple and relatively inexpensive upgrades for the UB! I ultimately bought the W9 18/21 wheelset as I couldn't find a good balance between a 19" font / rear tires. The good news is that RM ATV/MC and others are now offering better tires for the stock 19-inch OEM wheelset. If I had to prioritize, I'd start with tires and risers IF you are over 5' 8" in height.
Bought my UB off alibaba so I had a lot of time to think about upgrades, first thing I bought was a used honda crf wheel on eBay. Bought a couple of sets of crf wheel spacers to mod them to fit (ChargedCycleworks made some if you live in the US or aren't confident in making your own). Got mine for super cheap, (about 100cad) granted I did replace the tire as the one in question was old and dry rotted and replaced the bearings/seals because it's a cheap and easy thing to do. So I'm rocking a 21/19 setup (100/90-19 Starcross 5 in the Rear 80/100-21 Millville in the Front) and the 21 front is a game changer. It's so much more stable then ff I like the 19 rear because it gives me that good moto tire at less weight then an 18". I did ride the stock ride for about 60km but I just couldn't find it confidence inspiring, with the 19 front it was just way too squirrelly for my riding. Put some street tires on that setup though and you'd have a great road ripper, just not on dirt. An 18 rear is unnecessary and most people aren't going to ride the tires hard enough to notice the difference between 18 and 19. The argument is "you can't find as many good rear tires in 19" but a 19 rear is pretty standard especially in MX and there are plenty of good tires in that size. It's just idiots repeating what other idiots (or shills) have said before. Save your money in the rear. Hell when I eventually rebuild to better wheels I'll probably just build some Excels and stick with the 21/19. Just don't buy those shitty kke wheels. Overpriced chinese crap (I'm aware of the irony). I also threw some 30mm risers but even at 5'11 I feel some taller bars would do me some good, but the rear brake line will need to be modified to make that work so I'm holding off for now. And pegs, even some cheap cnc pegs will be better than the awful stock pegs.
Oh another big one, I'm going to pickup some good bark busters, the stock ones are a good wind break but they won't protect you from anything more then a twig at trail pace. Didn't even hit 50km before mine cracked. Open or closed but I prefer open end because I rather not snap my wrists, been there done that. It's not fun.
I would agree with most of what you’re saying. Only thing I can say is that the KKE wheels may be Chinese but I’m not sure they’re actually crap like most people think. I just bought a paid and will be testing them over the next several months to see how they hold up. My opinion is that most people don’t ride hard enough to spend $1200+ on a set of wheels, but time will tell and I’ll definitely report my findings.
@@roamingwithjosh I saw you posted that just a day before I wrote my comment. I hope they work better for you than your subie lol. Should've bought a 2019, mine has been bulletproof, mind I do my own maintenance. Wouldn't trust a dealership to change my oil let alone anything else. Over 100k and no problems aside from construction sites and tires lol. *typos
Great vid, and great tips on tires. Keeping 19" IS an option. I may upgrade to 21 front (keeping 19" rear with MotoZ) on rear. Is there a point to be made about upgrading everything on your Ultra? Of course. :) My additions: 1. Wrap around hand-guards if you are riding in the trees (versus the flags); 2. No matter what tire you have on your bike -- Rim lock on rear wheel so you can run lower pressure without ripping off valve stems! I have to say, on the bar pads .. this is certainly great advertising when you are filming your rides ;) But I do not know if I ever had an "altercation" with this section of the handlebar? I did break my femur on my handlebars on a 20 foot "surprise" drop off about 30 years ago that the pad would not have helped, but I can learn -- is it common to need that? If so, I have to move my phone mount! :)
Thanks for the comment! I wouldn't say a bar pad is necessary, but it makes things better for your chest or head if it ever comes to that. I'm also thinking of how to mount my phone with the pad, but unfortunately, the pad may need to come off. I got the new hand guards in the mail the other day; they are definitely important for the forest!
Nice thing about the Ultra Bee vs Light Bee is that it doesn't require many mods. Another cheap mod is handlebar risers if you are taller. Still the best one you'll ever do is the 18/21 wheel set with some good dirt tires. It will cost you though.
You said wayne national forest! Im from Cbus. I always park at the Dorr run trail! Im looking for good enduro tires for the stock 19" wheels. I ride street and single track a lot. So im wanting DOT tires
Need more vids like this💯 all these creators dropping coin on mods like it’s nothin
It's easy to do when it's free for them. I'll keep them coming!
Riding it for a year now. 6000Km street and trail. Got a second 21/18 wheel set with bigger 54 tooth sprocket and new chain (amazing feel like proper dirt bike)
got the same foot pegs(must), after market Protaper handlebar and love how it even fits with the dashboard.
New hand grips with the Warp 9 aluminium gas throttle (strongly recommended!!)
Dreaming about the Torp 1000 controller and the Sotion electric motor.
The bike comes with a free virus with a dire need for easy upgrades.
Dude, I freaking love this bike! It's so solid on the trail now with the new wheels and tires I put on. New video drops on sunday!
I recently found your channel and I am enjoying the content. I’m asking this question in the comments because your website seems more focused on photography and content creation rather than vehicles.
We seem to have similar taste in vehicles but you have much more practical experience. I’m considering my next vehicle but I’m stuck on what to get. Money is a factor so I’m buying used. I have a 15 minute commute to work, drive 1200 miles 4 times a year to visit family and do mild off-roading a few times a year. Driving to camping sights, hunting spots etc. I also do at least one long cross country type trip a year. I live in Florida and go out west, New Mexico, Colorado, like that. I haven’t done any serious overlanding but I haven’t had a suitable vehicle to do that sort of thing either. I drive a 2WD Tundra now. If I don’t buy another truck I’ll keep it for truck stuff, it has over 200k mikes on it so it’s not worth a great deal.
My question is if you have a vehicle recommendation. I’m considering a 4Runner, a GX 460, an Outback Wilderness or another truck but 4WD, I like my Tundra but also thinking about a Tacoma or Frontier. It’s doubtful I’ll ever go anywhere a stock 4Runner can’t handle. More mud and sand in Florida than rock. But the vehicle needs to be a decent daily driver as well as reasonably capable and have some cargo capacity. Our kids are out of the house but I probably won’t be hauling the grandkids much in my vehicle, my wife has that covered. I’m in my 50’s, not my 80’s so I’m still out there having fun but I’ve stuck with work trucks my whole life so I don’t have any experience with anything else other than my wife’s cars or SUV’s that never leave pavement.
Any advice will be appreciated, from you or anyone else.
Thanks
There are too many variables to answer this question quickly. What I will say is that my GX460 is going to be up for sale if you're seriously interested in that platform. Personally, I prefer the GX over the 4runner. I'm always going to choose a V8 over a V6.
I understand. I haven’t watched all you videos about the mods you’ve done but I expect your GX 460 is out of my price range. I’m wanting to stay under 40 if possible. Thanks
Finally a vid giving for people who are balling on a budget
That was the idea! Hopefully it's helpful.
He’s really smart with how he uses his money for his toys.
I roll a WRX 250, gotta say I’m interesting in you impressions for your new rig as I’ve had lots of issues with the 250
Nice job on some simple and relatively inexpensive upgrades for the UB! I ultimately bought the W9 18/21 wheelset as I couldn't find a good balance between a 19" font / rear tires. The good news is that RM ATV/MC and others are now offering better tires for the stock 19-inch OEM wheelset. If I had to prioritize, I'd start with tires and risers IF you are over 5' 8" in height.
Appreciate the input!
Bought my UB off alibaba so I had a lot of time to think about upgrades, first thing I bought was a used honda crf wheel on eBay. Bought a couple of sets of crf wheel spacers to mod them to fit (ChargedCycleworks made some if you live in the US or aren't confident in making your own). Got mine for super cheap, (about 100cad) granted I did replace the tire as the one in question was old and dry rotted and replaced the bearings/seals because it's a cheap and easy thing to do. So I'm rocking a 21/19 setup (100/90-19 Starcross 5 in the Rear 80/100-21 Millville in the Front) and the 21 front is a game changer. It's so much more stable then ff I like the 19 rear because it gives me that good moto tire at less weight then an 18". I did ride the stock ride for about 60km but I just couldn't find it confidence inspiring, with the 19 front it was just way too squirrelly for my riding. Put some street tires on that setup though and you'd have a great road ripper, just not on dirt.
An 18 rear is unnecessary and most people aren't going to ride the tires hard enough to notice the difference between 18 and 19. The argument is "you can't find as many good rear tires in 19" but a 19 rear is pretty standard especially in MX and there are plenty of good tires in that size. It's just idiots repeating what other idiots (or shills) have said before. Save your money in the rear. Hell when I eventually rebuild to better wheels I'll probably just build some Excels and stick with the 21/19. Just don't buy those shitty kke wheels. Overpriced chinese crap (I'm aware of the irony).
I also threw some 30mm risers but even at 5'11 I feel some taller bars would do me some good, but the rear brake line will need to be modified to make that work so I'm holding off for now. And pegs, even some cheap cnc pegs will be better than the awful stock pegs.
Oh another big one, I'm going to pickup some good bark busters, the stock ones are a good wind break but they won't protect you from anything more then a twig at trail pace. Didn't even hit 50km before mine cracked. Open or closed but I prefer open end because I rather not snap my wrists, been there done that. It's not fun.
I would agree with most of what you’re saying. Only thing I can say is that the KKE wheels may be Chinese but I’m not sure they’re actually crap like most people think. I just bought a paid and will be testing them over the next several months to see how they hold up. My opinion is that most people don’t ride hard enough to spend $1200+ on a set of wheels, but time will tell and I’ll definitely report my findings.
@@roamingwithjosh I saw you posted that just a day before I wrote my comment. I hope they work better for you than your subie lol. Should've bought a 2019, mine has been bulletproof, mind I do my own maintenance. Wouldn't trust a dealership to change my oil let alone anything else. Over 100k and no problems aside from construction sites and tires lol.
*typos
Great vid, and great tips on tires. Keeping 19" IS an option. I may upgrade to 21 front (keeping 19" rear with MotoZ) on rear. Is there a point to be made about upgrading everything on your Ultra? Of course. :) My additions: 1. Wrap around hand-guards if you are riding in the trees (versus the flags); 2. No matter what tire you have on your bike -- Rim lock on rear wheel so you can run lower pressure without ripping off valve stems! I have to say, on the bar pads .. this is certainly great advertising when you are filming your rides ;) But I do not know if I ever had an "altercation" with this section of the handlebar? I did break my femur on my handlebars on a 20 foot "surprise" drop off about 30 years ago that the pad would not have helped, but I can learn -- is it common to need that? If so, I have to move my phone mount! :)
Thanks for the comment! I wouldn't say a bar pad is necessary, but it makes things better for your chest or head if it ever comes to that. I'm also thinking of how to mount my phone with the pad, but unfortunately, the pad may need to come off. I got the new hand guards in the mail the other day; they are definitely important for the forest!
The newer UB's are now coming stock with 18 inch rear wheels/tires. Good news.
I wish they would have done that from the beginning!
yeah.. mine's 05/24 and nothing changed except the motor cover. This was after this apparent change started so I'd take it with a grain of salt.
@@Some.Canadian Mine is a 7/24 build date and came with the 18 inch rear wheel/tire.
Nice thing about the Ultra Bee vs Light Bee is that it doesn't require many mods. Another cheap mod is handlebar risers if you are taller. Still the best one you'll ever do is the 18/21 wheel set with some good dirt tires. It will cost you though.
That's what I'm learning. It's such a better bike than the light bee is in terms of how close it is to an actual gas bike.
You said wayne national forest! Im from Cbus. I always park at the Dorr run trail! Im looking for good enduro tires for the stock 19" wheels. I ride street and single track a lot. So im wanting DOT tires
Nice! That's usually where I park too. I haven't done much research into DOT tires for the ultra.
Forget Stark. Get an Eride Pro SR.
I've never seen one of those in person to be honest. I hear they're really fast.