| Author |
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Court
| | Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 05:25 am: | 
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It's beginning to look like "in stock" is going to be the single most difficult place to find the Ulysses.
The seem to go from "in production" to "in transit" to "In use" leaving little time for "in stock".
My local dealer has his first two "pre-sold"....they'll never see "in stock".
This pleases me.
Court |
Al_lighton
| | Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 10:12 am: |
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I haven't picked mine up yet, but Don was kind enough to let me putt about on his at last nights SCAB meeting. I never left the parking lot, because I wanted to feel it's low speed manners. It is very well balanced, I could drive at 1 MPH easier on that bike than any I've ridden. That is, until you try a tight turn around at that speed. I hit the steering lock and had to throw my foot to the ground to stop the fall. I was fully expecting this, so it wasn't a big deal, but there WILL be tipovers as a result of this.
The flip up backrest thing is cool, looks better in person than in the pictures. It's solid. Has molded into it "11 lbs maximum", which seems pretty light, I'm sure a 120 lb passenger thrust into it will put far higher load on it than that. But I'm sure it is a conservative rating, it felt pretty strong to me.
The side rails are almost certainly the same as on the lightning long, with a couple extra holes drilled to accommodate the Ulysses tail attachment. It's cleverly implemented, but it's easy to see why the seat drapes over the side rails. The lightning center tail section attachment is very clean, the Ulysses center tail attachment is a little industrial, but it's well hidden by the seat and the lines of the seat into the tail flow very well.
The LED tail light is VERY BRIGHT. Not as bright as the one we sell, but the one we sell has something like 30 LEDs on it. The Ulysses LED assy has only 10 LED, but has a mini-reflector for every LED, ensuring that all light goes rearward. Very nice, best tail light yet seen on a Buell.
I could not figure out the airbox. That little vent behind the fuel tank filler seemed pretty small, and at that, it seemed like it was pretty well blocked right behind it. I put my hand completely over it while the engine was running, and even while revving it up a little, never could feel more than a whisper of air flowing into it. Completely blocking it seemed to make no difference on the engine operation. I'll know in a couple days when I pick mine up where the air gets in, so far, I don't get it.
The bike seemed VERY well implemented all the way around, GREAT JOB, Erik & team.
Al |
Rkc00
| | Posted on Friday, August 05, 2005 - 04:49 pm: |
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Al,
What do you think about starting with an XB12Ss and adding the XB12X tail section, Seat And passenger pegs? Will they bolt up?
Mike
Long Island, NY |
Paint_shaker
| | Posted on Sunday, August 07, 2005 - 03:33 pm: |
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Saw, sat on and intensely eyed the Ulyssess and a Lightning Long today (in stock at the local yocal, unfortunately no test ride (see my post, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly".....)
(Message edited by Paint shaker on August 07, 2005)
(Message edited by Paint shaker on August 07, 2005) |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 01:39 am: |
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Hi guys,
Ventura HD/Buell has a new Black XB12X in stock. I saw it today.
It is *big*. Taller and longer than the other XB's.
It's too tall for me stock. I can't quite get both tip-toes down simultaneously; not sure how much pre-load they had in the rear spring. I will definitely need a low seat before I would be comfortable trying a demo ride.
The seat is huge. If you can't get comfy on that I guess you need a recliner. The luggage rack is slick.
The steering lock that has been discussed by many seems improved versus the lock to lock turning radius on my S2. If that's accurate I don't think that aspect of the bike would bother me whatsoever.
I'll swing by there later this week when I have more time to examine the bike. Sure wish they had one in yellow with the low seat.
My checkbook isn't locked up. 
Jim in Santa Barbara |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 01:41 am: |
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PS. I was in SFO over the weekend. Stopped by Dudley Perkins Buell. None in stock. 1st 2 bikes they are receiving are already sold to customers - sight unseen.
Jim in Santa Barbara |
Jerry_haughton
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 04:51 am: |
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Jim, thanks for the report.
Denise is making up something "special" for FBRAT for anyone doing the gig on a Ulysses (me, the Donfather, ReindogForgerTom and Al from American Sport Bike so far).
if you hurry (as in: maybe black ain't such a bad color after all?) you can get a piece of the action, too. 
Ferris |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 02:12 pm: |
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No, Ferris. I just can't buy a black bike.
But if they get a low seat in I can test ride it and order a Yellow one. Sure would like to see the yellow in person first though.
Jim in SB |
Whodom
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 02:33 pm: |
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Jim_sb:
What's your inseam measurement? I'm just trying to get a feel for how tall is "tall". Thanks. |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 02:45 pm: |
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Whodom,
I don't know the exact measurement. Jeans / pants / Dockers I buy will have a 29" or 30" inseam.
I also have a DRZ400S (36.8" seat height) that I ride regularly. But the suspension compresses more when I sit on the bike (it may be that the XB12X I saw is set up too firm right now, or it could be right on the money, I don't know) than did the XB12X suspension.
I could ride the bike, I don't have to get a foot down. But I'd like to be able to. If the low saddle gets me 2" closer to the ground it should be fine.
Jim in Santa Barbara |
Whodom
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 03:02 pm: |
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Jim, Thanks for the info. Seems to be a lot of us with about the same length legs (you, Al, Reg, me). |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 03:36 pm: |
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I've ridden many bikes over the years (dirt & street, from Hondas to Beemers). The XB12X feels the tallest. I suspect it also has to do with the wide seating area which causes your legs to splay outward a bit.
I asked Ventura Buell if they would order a Low seat to have on hand - the salesman said he would - he thought he would need to keep one around because the bike is tall. I told him I couldn't buy a bike without knowing I could fit on it. Undoubtedly Corbin will rush to fill any perceived seating deficiency, but I'd like to see how things go with the Buell low seat and go for a test ride. At that point it might be time for me to place a deposit. We'll see.
Jim in Santa Barbara |
Paint_shaker
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 05:10 pm: |
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I was able to do a very, very short test ride on a black one today. At 5'11" I was on my toes to touch the ground. Seat seemed comfortable enough, as well as the seating position.
Unfortunatley due to the short ride I can't really say much else about the bike. I look forward to test riding the bike again for a longer period of time and 2 up (if that is allowable) to get a better handle on the bike.
Oh yeah, it looks alot better in person than pictures!! |
Whodom
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 05:33 pm: |
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I've been thinking about this height issue a lot. People with different heights seem to have similar opinions on the height of the Ully.
It seems pretty evident the person's height doesn't really enter into it, inseam measurement would be the telling number. It also seems like shoe size would make a significant difference. E.G.- someone with a 30" inseam and size 11 shoes would have an easier time getting a toe down than someone with a 30" inseam and size 8 shoes.
I've also seen people here who say they are 5'8" complain about the height of a regular XB (seat height ~30" ) and Reg didn't have any problem with a low seat on a Ully (seat height ~33" ). I'm sure riding experience enters into this a lot too.
I guess the only way I'll know if a Ully will work for me is to try one. |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 05:37 pm: |
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I've ridden an XB9S and an XB9R. Stock seats (not the low stuff). No problems at all. They feel closer to the ground than my S2, far closer than my DRZ400S. I think I can get flat-footed with the earlier XB's. Not quite with my S2, certainly not with the DRZ.
But I don't need to be flat-footed. Just need to find some pavement (or dirt) down there somewhere.
Jim in SB |
Impulse_101
| | Posted on Monday, August 08, 2005 - 07:26 pm: |
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I just sat on a new XB12Ss long at Racine H-D. I liked the ero's a lot. Small changes made for a big difference to a 6' 250 pound guy.
JT |
Eor
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 09, 2005 - 06:28 pm: |
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Had service on my Geezer Glide today and asked the local dealer about the new Buells. The dealership is undergoing an ownership change. The current owner wanted to order a Ulysses but the soon-to-be owner was afraid they wouldn't be able to sell it, so it was canceled.
Of course, while I was talking to members of the current owner's family about how well it had been received by the press, and how it seemed to be selling well, and how I was considering one after I sold off a couple of bikes...his cell phone rang...one of their regular customers wanted one....  |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 09, 2005 - 11:40 pm: |
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Okay,
I went back to Ventura Buell today to look at the Uly some more.
I dialed the rear pre-load all the way out to low (very difficult to perform, required extensive training, prolly took all of oh, maybe 5 seconds?).
At that setting I could sit on the bike (stock seat) and touch with both tip-toes simultaneously. Not a problem for street riding but could end up with a dropped bike on a gravel or dirt fire road.
They said they ordered a low seat so I'm biding my time waiting for that to come in. When that does I'll do a demo ride. Then will be decision time. Keep the S2 or go Uly. Decisions, decisions...
Jim in Santa Barbara |
Dave
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 09:19 am: |
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...just say no to the or Jim....
ANd is much better.
DAve |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 - 11:33 am: |
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Dave, you (and FMJ before you) are right, of course.
There is no sane reason to sell my S2. It should be cleaned, polished and ridden with pride regularly.
BUT dammit I've already got 2 bikes. The Wife already said NO to 3 bikes (BTDT and still have the scars...). We won't even discuss my other toys. But yes, I am spoiled...
Surprisingly I didn't even ask her for the Uly. I merely walked into the kitchen and said "Hey! Look at this new Buell in Cycle World!".
She looked at the pics for about 20 seconds then said "How much?". I showed her the MSRP. She said "If you want it, go buy it, but you have to sell your other Buell"....
Sheesh. Apparently my Wife *likes* parking in the garage! Wimmen!
PS. My "other" bike is a DRZ400S which is for my dirt fix. Gotta keep that. Loads of fun off road, crossing rivers, streams, mountains, rattlesnakes, etc. Okay, well the rattlesnake was an accident (all apologies to SPCA). He shouldn't lie in the middle of the fire roads... I was in 5th gear and didn't see him until it was too late.
The thing is, the Uly is the perfect stable-mate to the DRZ. Both will be set up for "adventure" riding. When the adventure leans towards mostly paved roads, the Uly will be the weapon of choice. When the road turns to mostly trails, rocks, water crossings, sand, etc. the DRZ (street legal of course) will be the weapon of choice. Sweet!
And for typical SoCal mountain and canyon twisty bits, the Uly is quite capable from everything I've read so far.
Jim in Santa Barbara |
Nedwreck
| | Posted on Thursday, September 29, 2005 - 04:37 pm: |
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There's one on the floor at H-D Buell of Central MS.
Get it the hell out of my sight. It's killing me that I'm too short to ride it coz I want one BAD.
Jackson MS. Ask for Pat 6013725770 I don't know the price.
Bob |
Ara
| | Posted on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 02:19 pm: |
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No, none at all. Methinks they're a PhotoShop gimmick! |
Tripper
| | Posted on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 05:14 pm: |
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American HD in Buffalo just got one. Not pre-sold... |
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