| Author | Message | ||
     Frankf |
I finally got a test ride yesterday from Vallejo HD. in Nor California. Put an hour on it, about 50 miles. Short blast on the slab, across the bridge to Martinez and back on Alhambra Valley Rd, a twisty two lane. First some background. Bikes I've owned for comparison, an BMW1150GS, KLR650, Harley Dyna T-Sport, Buell S3T. I'm 6'-2", 52yrs young, weight 230. Found the fit and finish very nice. It all looks well put together. The demo has 1700 miles on it, so I can assume it was broke in. The motor has more low end that I remember from my S3T. Was a little rough running when cold, but settled down once warmed up. Height, its up there. Its the kind of bike you have to think about where your stopping and what the ground is like, or you WILL drop it. Not as top heavy as the GS was, the over all bike seems way smaller than the GS. Brake dive, lots if it, especially compared to the GS. The telelever front end of the GS eliminates dive. The vibes, not an issue. If you've ever ridden a thumper like the KLR, you know what vibes are. Its a twin, its how they feel. Wind protection, non existent. It would be tough to do 500 mile days on the slab. You will be fighting the wind all day, and like my S3T, it gets kicked around by cross wind and air movement from semi trucks. The wind was not turbelance, but clean blast on my chest. I found the foot pegs to be too high. My legs were bent way more that on the KLR. I had a tough time keeping the balls of my feet on the peg, they wanted to slide down. For off road riding, they increase the distance to the ground, and made me too tall when standing. I found a section of road that had a wide gravel shoulder, which I tried out. No way this bike replaces something like the KLR off road, and the KLR off road is no dirt bike, its classified as a dual sport. Compared to the GS, can't say. Probably a little better as its lighter and has what seems a lower center of gravity. I was always dumping the GS, and usually as slow speeds on uneven ground. Makes me question if I'd get a lower seat. It would cramp up my legs more by lowering the seat. The motor. Its great. Lots of pull. Lugged it down on the gravel section in 2nd gear and it did OK. Doesn't have the low end, stump pulling feel of at Big Twin, but it really likes to do the twisty sections in 3rd gear without having to do alot of shifting. The top end seems to go forever. No need for a 6 speed. The GS 6 speed was like an over drive. Useless at anything under 70 mph or against a strong headwind. Handling. Awsome. I'm no sport bike rider, so this bikes ability is way above mine. The reason I got a T-Sport was because it was the best handling bike that Harley made, adjustable front and rear suspension, mid controls, dual disk brake up front, 28 degree rake. This bike would take some getting use to for me. The front wheel seems more like a grocery cart, 0 rake. It seems too close to me, which is what makes it turn in so fast. I was turning in too soon on the corners. Something that could be fixed with more practice. It seemed to dart around a bit, like my S3T did. Did not seem as stable as the GS, but it handles faster. It take all your attention. I was thinking that its not a bike you ride and daydream on. I could get into trouble real fast on this bike. Will I buy one?? I'm thinking, I'm thinking.... It would be great touring the back roads of Nor California. We have a great selection of roads made for a bike like this. Two lane, poor condition blacktop. I live on the Coast where this bike would be in its element. Would not feel real comfortable just taking off down gravel roads to explore, as I would on the KLR, but if a gravel road came up while getting there, it could handle it. I like doing motorcycle camping and this bike would fit that bill. Room for luggage and some bags tied on the back. The problem would be if the destination was far away. Might not be as comfy as others, but is probably more of an all around bike, and one that does what it does well. I also like to do a blast to Death Valley a couple of times a year. Would it be good for that??? Probably not as good as some due to its lack of wind protection. Seems this can be changed with an aftermarket screen in a while. Hope I added something to the general knowledge base about the bike. I do have the T-Sport up for sale, so will see what happens.... | ||
| Bienhoabob |
The lack of wind protection for LD riding is also an issue for me. I contacted Corbin and inquired if they were going to have a Corbin Trim Tab fairing for the Uly. They responded, that they just got their Uly windshield/fairing out of tooling. It should be coming out shortly, hopefully along with other aftermarket companies and Buell. We should have some good options out there in a couple of months. Maybe just in time for Christmas? That would make a nice present. | ||
| Brotherbuell |
This is the first concern about wind protection that I've heard. Cycle World was quite positive about it. They said the fairing did a great job of diverting air from your chest and leaving "clean air" (no buffeting) around the helmet. I'll find out for myself this week when my bike arrives. I'm more concerned about Frankf's comment about "thinking about where you're stopping". Motorcycling is a stress reliever for me. I hope his bike doesn't take that away. (Message edited by brotherbuell on September 18, 2005) | ||
| Frankf |
There is no buffeting, but the clean air hits you on the torso, so it would be tiring leaning against the blast all day. The height will be a factor in the ownership of this bike. Its not like my Harley, where you are always close to the ground. I have a 32" inseam so I am almost flatfooted on level pavement. Its the time you forget to look where your stopping, and one side is lower than the other that will be the problem. I guess you just have to get used to it and make it an automatic thing to look for. | ||
| Daves |
I've done a 500 mile day on a Uly. It was no big deal. I was having too much fun to notice I guess? I put 1200 miles on in a weekend. Could've done much more if Ferris didn't take so many pictures! My way back to work that Tuesday morning was 300 miles of 4 lane. | ||
| Frankf |
Sure, and guys do 500 mile days on KLR's too. Guess my point is that a Sport Tourer, its not. A naked adventure tourer is more like it. | ||
| Stevem123 |
You're right about the no buffeting. they eliminated the buffeting by allowing air to go between the flyscreen and the windshield which should work just as well with a taller windshield. I'm shorter than you and the clean air hits me in the face instead of the chest. I have noticed what you talked about with the wind pushing you around. I found it was mostly due to stiff-arming the bars and the wind hitting the elbows was causing all the movement. I learned to relax my grip on the bars and all the moving around stopped. BC Steve  | ||
| Spoof |
Hey, newbie here---but very seriously considering a Ulysses for my next big displacement ride. I come off a long history of vintage German and Italian twins, have more recently had a Ducati Monster 750 and an Aprilia Falco. I just sold the Falco and have a KLR 650 and a DRZ 400SM. I'm 5' 10" and have about a 30" inseam. I weigh 210. I test rode the Ulysses this morning. The bike had 230 miles on it. I can touch the full ball of both feet and easily flat foot on either side without feeling unstable at all on even ground. The height was no worry on varied asphalt surfaces, though a little nervewracking on rutted dirt roads, but I think that's really because of riding the demo vs. my own bike. I find the seating, arm position and foot position to be very comfortable--wind blast not an issue to me, and I even tested it in my dirt helmet--although I didn't go over about 85 mph. Also, though I only rode about 35 miles, my shoulders did have a very slight ache from the positioning that differed from my other rides. The bike on the whole is very well put together, though I agree with some who find the switch gear a bit nasty or just curiously bland--it all functioned perfectly well. The fan that cools the rear cylinder is alarming to say the least--I had to get off the bike and inspect when it came on--it almost soundled like the fuel pump was stuck on high or something, a very unpleasant sound and loud and weird enough for traffic at stop lights to look at me with some concern. As has been noted the steering lock is a bit of a disappointment, but not quite as bad as I had feared. After reading on this board about lots of wires rubbing through on various models and causing infuriating shorts, it seems there is some potential for chaffing in the harness that hangs down from the instrument panel and ignition on the left side of the bike under the frame. The bike on the showroom floor showed chaffing already and those wires were actually stopping the steering at full left lock before the steering stop. The demo I rode and another bike in back seemed better routed, but it might be something to look at. Also, having never ridden previous iterations of Buells and being unfamiliar with the basic motor and tranny (since learning to ride on a 1200 Sportster in 1989) I'll have to take somebody's word that the Tranny is an improvement. I'm sure it'll smooth out with some more mileage, but it reminded me quite directly of the early 70s BMW boxers I used to run, in a not so good way. It's true that it's no KLR and, as I've spent a lot of time recently on my DRZ it was a good way to make the KLR suddenly seem light again. However, it felt surefooted enough on dirt and gravel that I'd happily go fire-road bagging on it, though before I got real adventurous I might want a spare shift linkage set up. I also wonder about carbon frame protection or something---just a lightweight sheath to prevent scarring when I do something stupid. The engine was not only tractable and reassuring on dirt and gravel but was a pleasure on the road, it reminded me of vintage boxers in a good way--but with more power--and, I didn't suspect I'd think this of a Harley motor, but I found the powerplant to be, um, elegant. I know it's got nothing to do with the V-Rod but it was Porsche-like, it was well-mannered but exciting and involved. I really liked it, though for me it would take a bit of getting used to when the bike starts shuddering as it comes down to idle. At speed it smoothed out considerable, thought there was some footpeg vibe that seemed like it could get numbing after a few hundred miles. Most recently riding the DRZ and KLR, brake dive was a non-issue for me, but the power and progressive bite were fantastic. Some have called it grabby--not the model I rode. Rear brake was a bit wooden, but I suspect will soften. Overall handling was stellar---the tires had good feedback and the suspensionm, though not set up for me, was not far off for my weight and tastes and I'm sure would dial in well enough to make me pee my pants with glee. I'm super into it and scheming now. There are some nitpicks but nothing that a bit of owner diligence and some aftermarket (which I expect will be enthusiastic) won't solve. I'm very pleased with the blend of comfort and sporty, involved riding nature. dig it, dig it, dig it! PS. Anyone have a measurement on how wide the hard bags are, especially vs. the handlebars? And thanks all for the great board! | ||
| Branebanger |
I found the wind buffeting to be a bit much at 90-100 (some flatlands on I80). was fine at ~70 mph. Before I do another cc on the Uly I'll seriously consider any additional windscreen options. to be fair, alot of the buffeting was crosswinds, and I'm short - 5'10". the seat was very comfortable. and no knee/foot pains of any kind during the 2-3 days it took to do the 3k mile trip each way cc. The worst pain I experienced was neck/shoulder from having my head kicked around in some of the flatlands along I80. As many have said before, if you've ever ridden a dirtbike, this bike is a peice of cake, otherwise may take a few rides to get used to the height. I'm 5'10", ~30-31" inseam. I've had 10 or so close calls, but now know the balance so well, the only way I'm going down is stalling mid lowspeed turn, or offroad. My bike was noticably different (performance wise) after 700+ miles and 4500+ miles. (Message edited by branebanger on September 19, 2005) | ||
| Opto |
It take all your attention. I was thinking that its not a bike you ride and daydream on. I could get into trouble real fast on this bike. Frank, that's typical of all Buells, they are a lot of fun to ride and beg the rider to ride them harder.  I also find the capabilities of these bikes to be greater than my ability to ride, and that is a good thing. I don't like bikes when it is the other way around. | ||
| Frankf |
>I have noticed what you talked about with the wind >pushing you around. I found it was mostly due to >stiff-arming the bars and the wind hitting the >elbows was causing all the movement. I learned to >relax my grip on the bars and all the moving around >stopped. >BC Steve > How do you do this when the wind is trying to push you off, due to the wind pressure?? I think your right about this being the cause of the pushing and darting. ff | ||
| Henrik |
How do you do this when the wind is trying to push you of It's a good idea to get into the habit of holding/supporting your body using your legs, abdominal and back muscles. It makes a world of difference, both on longer trips as well as on twisty back roads. Henrik | ||
| Steve_a |
>I have noticed what you talked about with the wind >pushing you around. I found it was mostly due to >stiff-arming the bars and the wind hitting the >elbows was causing all the movement. I learned to >relax my grip on the bars and all the moving around >stopped. How do you do this when the wind is trying to push you off, due to the wind pressure?? I think your right about this being the cause of the pushing and darting. It's almost always a good idea to use your legs to grip a bike, which will allow you to keep a very light touch on the handlebar. On the Ulysses at very high speed, scoot back on the seat so you can lean forward more to balance the wind. | ||
| Flick |
Can't believe you guys with a 30" inseam can actually "touch the balls of your feet" on the ground on a Uly!?!? I have a 30" inseam, and when I test rode it, the very tips of my boots BARELY touched terra firma! Don't know how you're doing it, unless you slide your rear to one side, there is no way I can touch down without fear of falling over. Or do you have one foot on the curb when you stop??? Just wondering... | ||
| Sargent |
Don't forget some of these 30" inseam guys might weigh a bit more than you. With gravity's help they might be a bit closer to the ground than you.  | ||
| Thunderbox |
I have a 30" inseam and I find the Uly to be a bit tall. Big thing is to get off the bike if you want to move it as it is just too hard to do it on tip toes. Other things Iv'e noticed are the mirrors are not as clear at highway speeds as my M2 was. I don't find it has the low end grunt my M2 had either. Passing in 5th at 60 is no way as quick as it was on my other Buell. I will probably get a drummer muffler to correct for that problem. Maybe the timing is off as many have said and that may have effected lower end torque. Time will tell. It's due for the 1000 mile check up now. Still no sign of my bags. I liked the instrumentation on the M2 much better but that is a really small detail. Old lady loves the Uly for the rear seat. Much better than any other Buell made to date. She thinks it's just the cats •••. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
Anyone here tried it with the screen removed? Anyone been caught in a good soaking rain? | ||
| Branebanger |
got gass on my screen, so its been off since first week of september. its a small change, but makes the bike look alot like a dirt bike from the front. on my cc I got caught in a bad storm in PA, the kind where the rain is a wall of water and you can't see 10 feet in front of you. the bike and I got soaked. hit 2 more storms on the way back from cali - but not as bad. I wouldnt worry about any kind of rain, well I mean you should probably wear a rain suit but, don't worry about the bike. ~30" inseam, 5'10" ~160lbs (Message edited by branebanger on September 21, 2005) | ||
| Reepicheep |
Brane, you can probably clean up the screen just like we clean up the 9sx plastics. If it is not bad, start with novus 2. If it looks like frosted glass, start with novus 3, then use novus 2. Follow up with Harley sealer glaze, Novus 1 is fine, but I think it is more about being non static then being a finer polish. | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
PS. Anyone have a measurement on how wide the hard bags are, especially vs. the handlebars? 31-3/8" bar ends at widest point 35-1/2" hand guards at widest point 40-1/4" saddlebags at widest point all figures +/- a few hairs... Ferris | ||
| Branebanger |
thanks for the tip reepicheep. my fiance, who hates bikes, tried her best to clean the windscreen, and to her credit the screen is much cleaner, but with many areas that look as you put it, like "frosted glass". I'll try to hunt down some novus 3 and give it a go, I personally dont care if the screen's on or not, but my fiance is giving me clear signals that if she's gonna ride on it, the shields gotta be clean. don't ask me why, i just listen and obey (sound of whip cracking) Adam | ||
| Spoof |
Thanks for the measurements, Ferris. Doesn't sound too bad as far as gauging the width of the ••• end based on the front end, in those tight spots. If, uh, everybody gets what I'm talking about. Some bikes I've test driven, been excited by and then kind of forgotten about within 72 hours--the 1200 GS comes to mind--but I've still got Buell on the brain and I think Ulysses is the cure. | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
...but I've still got Buell on the brain... me, too, going on ten years. FB | ||
| Duck |
I have done 6300 miles since 25 August when I picked my bike up from DaveS. Last week I did 5 consecutive days of 500+. No problemo for me, but I like being in the wind. Everybody has different opinions on what sport touring is. All I know is that's what I've been doing non-stop since the day I picked the bike up. Duck........typing from the Ironhorse Campground near Deal's Gap, NC | ||
| Henrik |
Duck........typing from the Ironhorse Campground near Deal's Gap, NC Henrik - right now hating Duck from a small, gray cubicle in hot and over-crowded NYC  | ||
| Road_thing |
Road_thing- waiting for a Cat 5 hurricane to come ashore tomorrow about 50 miles from here-- willing to trade places with Henrik...and experiencing major Duck envy! rt | ||
| Javadog |
Road_thing- I would be packing for a weekend camping trip and getting out of there if I were you. There will be massive flooding. You don't want to get caught in the last minute evacuation traffic jam. | ||
| Road_thing |
You don't want to get caught in the last minute evacuation traffic jam. Dog: Too late... rt | ||
| Blackmojo |
I am sure this may have been mention about the wind pushing and the peg vibration. I am approaching 5k miles and complete a cross country ride similar to some of the other riders. Mine was two up riding the whole way. I only noticed the wind during heavy cross-winds in SD. Other than that I did not notice it as a problem. I did the second have of my trip all above 90mph. I will note that I have never owned a cycle with a large windshield. I am use to the wind and don't mind it at all. I think you will get use to it over time. Or maybe not. The foot-peg vibration is not that big of a deal for me. Mine vibrates more at 60mph than at 90mph. It did not numb my feet for long legs but you will notice it. By the way, there is no vibration in the bars. I have a 32' inseam and I can touch the balls of my feet down. 2 up riding and loaded down I am flat footed. I ride with a pretty soft suspension while 2-up. I received my autographed windshield yesterday. Number 28 and signed by Erik. It makes for a nice trophy. Take care  (fixed typo ) (Message edited by reepicheep on September 22, 2005) | ||
| Bienhoabob |
Just got my trophy too. Number 51/100 Very nice touch. | ||
| Al_lighton |
Got mine this week too. #8/100 | ||
| Lornce |
Took a Uli for a spin yesterday at Barrie Buell ( they seem to deal H-D apparel, too ) and I liked it. Nice big seat and generous leg room. With bags there'd be plenty of room for hauling all your stuff along on road trips. I'm a shade under 6' 3" with a 36" inseam and I couldn't flat foot the bike. I was on toes on both sides with the spring preload backed all the way off. Not a big deal. Like the too-close bars, it'd be one of those things you'd get used to with familiarity. The motor felt nice: smooth and tractable with plenty of immediate stonk. Perfect for actual riding on actual roads. Shifted well with smooth and progressive clutch engagement. Throttle's light and unobtrusive and brakes felt strong and linear with no surprises. Interesting attention to cooling air management on these XB bikes. Shrouded and ducted like aero engines. Good thinking. Not as smooth and unearthly comfortable as my GS/PD (no other bike matches that) but WAY more chassis and motor. Lots more fuel efficient, too. May have to consider shuffling the deck in the garage to make room for one of these things... Windshield trophies? |
