| Author | Message | ||
     Javadog |
OK, I expect to get soundly smacked for asking this but here goes. This is the second in my growing series of "Convince me" threads. I have money burning a hole in my pocket from selling my house and becoming a homeless person. I have a deposit on a Ulysses but the dealer says he will not have another for sale until January "sometime". Unfortunately other bikes will not quit talking to me. Today it is the Honda Interceptor, telling me how good she would treat me and how great she would look with a little jewelery like bags, bar risers, possibly a new seat and windshield. How do I get her to stop? | ||
| Thunderbox |
Just think of this. If you aren't riding a Buell you may as well be walking. Or even better. Remember that really good looking girl you wanted. Had to wait a long time. Finally you scored and it was the best thing that ever happened to you. You and her had the greatest time. Well thats the Buell buddy boy. Remember the ugly girl with the acne and the bad body odour now thats the Honda. You chose. Seems like a no minder. Put your money in the bank and put it to good use when a Buell is ready. Everybody has ridden a Honda. But the Buell girl is something else. Treat yourself and wait. Ha Ha lmao | ||
| Brotherbuell |
Java, I was in exactly the same position. The VFR is a remarkable piece of engineering and the bike fit me well. What drove me to the ULY was the engine. The low end torque of the V-Twin pumps out fun from the first twist of the throttle. The VFR doesn't really get exciting until the V-Tec kicks in. It really lacks any character in the low RPM range. I also think that Buell did a better job with the luggage. I don't know if you've seen a VFR with the Givi bags but it definitely looks like an afterthought.I believe that both of these bikes are at the top of their game from an engineering stand point but the Buell provides much more bang for the buck in the fun department. Steve | ||
| Henrik |
If you're looking for sport touring proves, you can do a lot worse than the VFR with the modifications you mention. The extra weight of the latest model, along with the bump in the torque curve when the V-Tec kicks in are let downs. But you'll still be having a lot of fun in the twisties and be quite comfortable getting there and back. All that said - if I had the $$ I'd be buying a Uly. Henrik | ||
| Brotherbuell |
Java, I just remembered two more things that persuaded me not to buy the VFR TOO MUCH PLASTIC: I don't know about you but I really like looking at all the mechanical bits and pieces. A little peak a the valve covers just didn't do it for me. There is an aesthetic that comes from mechanical things done right and Eric and company got the XB12X right. (As a counterpoint look no further than the new BMW 1200 RS or GS.) HBS or Hot But Syndrome:} As much as I like the look of the underseat exhaust, which by the way you can't see with the bags on, I couldn't bear he thought of having all that heat so close to my but. Now don't get me wrong, under the right circumstances that could be fun....just not while I'm riding. Steve (Message edited by brotherbuell on September 24, 2005) | ||
| Lowflyer |
I looked at the VFR before buying my Uly. My friend has an '05 VFR and loves it. It is a good solid bike, no doubt. But when we go anywhere together, my bike gets all of the attention. So using the chick analogy, do you want a bike that makes other people stare and drool with envy, or one that gets ignored like a sobbing red-faced fat chick at a frat party? Good things come to those who wait.  | ||
| Sargent |
Well, I'll probably be the only one here to tell you, if you like the VFR, go for it. I've got an 02 and it's a really great sport touring bike. Like you said in your orig post, I've added a Sargent (no relation) seat, GenMar Bar risers, and the factory side bags to mine and it's darn near perfect. I've done 1200 miles in one day on it and was ready to go out again the next day. For real world, every day, ready to take off to where you want to go riding, you'd have a hard time finding a better bike. Now onto some of the Myths perpetrated above! The extra weight that some comment on is not really an issue unless you ride a stats sheet. It, like a good bike should, carries that weight low in the bike and you'd have a hard time feeling it between the current and previous models. I've had both in my garage before so I'm not just guessing (my wife owned an 01). Another big complaint that some feel is the VTEC. I admit that it's a technology that I'd have bought the bike with our without, but it's really a non-issue. The big torque hit that's supposed to come in at the change over is a myth, the bike simply barks a little louder and revs faster. If you look at a dyno of the bike you can see that a 2-3 increase in lb/ft isn't really going to loft the front wheel uncontrollably. Honestly, without the extra sound, I probably wouldn't notice it. The exhaust seems to be a concern to some as well, but the heat shielding on the exhaust and the underside of the bike itself are so effective that you touch the shields right after a ride and it's only warm, not burning hot. I've not once noticed any heat on my bum compared to any other bike I've ever ridden. Lastly the bags! Oh the wonderful bags, because of the VFR I'm now in the camp that will never own a bike without them. They integrate into the bike well, hold a large amount of gear, and are pretty tough. Looks are subjective so it's no use arguing with anyone that doesn’t like it. I've grown fond of it after owning it for 4 years, but it's for sure not everyone’s cup o' tea. I'm a VFR fan boy, no doubt about that and would happily recommend them to anyone that's shopping it. But what the hell am I doing in a Buell, specifically Ulysses board then? I'm simply ready for a change. The Ulysses looks to be something different than the VFR, but at the same time offering some of the things that I love about the VFR. Sport-touring with an emphasis on fun. By the way, mine's for sale if you know anyone looking  (Message edited by sargent on September 23, 2005) (Message edited by sargent on September 23, 2005) (Message edited by sargent on September 23, 2005) | ||
| Reepicheep |
It's a Uly. Call every dealer on the planet until you find one available, grab your gear and a cheap flight, buy it, and ride it home. It'd be a great adventure. | ||
| Court |
>>>OK, I expect to get soundly smacked for asking this but here goes. I doubt you'll get any guff. The VFR is an incredilbe motorcycle, univerally recognized for it's staying power in the Cycle World "Top 10" year after year. Anybody who tries to convince you the VFR is not a great bike lacks knowledge and fact. However, I see you have a chick in your life. The VFR will earn yoiu a reputation as a really frugal guy who makes tons of well consider rational decision. This lays the groundwork for a poor relationship. You become a vanille wrapper boy, expect your love interest to slowly morph toward you. The Buell is equal to the Honda in many respects, lacking only provewn staying power. It is, in this day and age, an inaccurate statement to say the Honda is more reliable. . . like saying "Reason is Presidnet, it's a statement that was once deadly accurate and is now zero accurate. The Buell exceeds the Honda (thank you brother Ferris for giving me off-road fever, commonly know as "Woods wood" with the pics of Ocotillo) in flexibility. This will inpress chicks. Long and short of it it that to rise to your rightful station aboard this spinning orb of confusion, you're faced with a fairly simple choice. Buy the VFR, enjoy a very reliable, perfectly capable ride in life's coach seating. Or . . . Buy the Buell. . .step in too life's cockpit, Carpe Buellem (seize the bars) and become an Ace Fighter Pilot in the world of living. Still a doubter? Go to a Honda dealership and stand for 15 minutes. Think of your children at home as yoi ulook around and see the folks you'll be with. Now. . . show up at Libery Harley-Davidson tomorrow. Listen to controlled feedback oozing from a Dr. Z as like minded "Pilots in Life" talk bikes, compare graphs and argue about contact patch. Ride a Ulysses. That's right, you can DEMO RIDE the Ulysses. The Honda, bless their hearts, is like 21 in Vegas. . . you'll probable be okay, but you have no way of knowing till the $$ are committed. Please buy the Buell. Court | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
...thank you brother Ferris for giving me off-road fever, commonly know as "Woods wood" with the pics of Ocotillo... my pleasure.  FB | ||
| Brotherbuell |
So Court, I can send you a postcard in the mail that says that you "WON A ULYSSES". That should keep the Mrs. calm while you add to the fleet. (Message edited by brotherbuell on September 23, 2005) | ||
| Court |
>>>>That should keep the Mrs. calm while you add to the fleet. Yeah . . . . about as calm as she was when the Cty Cross arrived via FedEd without any warning. She's written me off as hopeless. | ||
| Daves |
Smart woman! You could, of course always book a trip to Wisconsin. Yep I'm talking to both of you, Java and Court. I am sold out right now but have 5 more coming. I also just inked the deal on a XB12Ss and a Uly. This has been a banner Buell week here in little ole Appleton. Let's see if I can do a tally, XB9S 3 XB9SL 1 XB12X 2 XB12Ss 1 Yep, 7 Buells in one week and it's only Friday | ||
| Daves |
PS, that makes 11 Buells this month! Whooo Hoooo Pretty soon I won't even have time to sell any HDs. | ||
| Jlnance |
Yeah . . . . about as calm as she was when the Cty Cross arrived via FedEd without any warning. You shipped a bike? Did hell just freeze over? | ||
| Jlnance |
Pretty soon I won't even have time to sell any HDs. LOL When ever people start talking about stand alone Buell dealerships, I start wondering if there is anything that says HD/Buell dealers actually have to sell HDs. | ||
| Javadog |
You could just park one sorry HD in a dark dusty corner and if nobody buys it-oh, well. | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
Yep, 7 Buells in one week and it's only Friday. any wonder why he's known as The Wizard? | ||
| Brucelee |
I have a VFR and an XB. Both are wonderful. Ride and decide! | ||
| Cabexbx |
What are you looking for in a motorcycle? That might help determine which bike to buy. I personally would go for the Uly over the VFR, but there are a handful of other bikes that I'm considering along with the Uly. | ||
| Javadog |
I know the Uly is everything I want and more than I need. I am looking for a dependable commuting/touring bike that is fun, not excessively complicated(easy to work on),not too much of an oddball that parts and service will be a pain(Ducati), can handle gravel and reasonable dirt roads easily, is comfortable for a passenger, has decent luggage and is not ridiculously priced(BMW). I have described the Uly to a T. There are other bikes that would be fun to take a spin on, but I have made a commitment to the XB12X. It is like being engaged to a woman but there will always be sultry others who will catch your eye and turn your head from time to time. | ||
| Spoof |
Sounds like that b*tch of a valve adjustment on the VFR will knock it out of the running then.  | ||
| Brotherbuell |
Amen Dog. Now don't put us through a scare like that again! (Message edited by brotherbuell on September 24, 2005) |
