| Author | Message | ||
     Jim_sb |
Hi guys, Okay, here's a new thread to provide the Buell factory an opportunity to get more ideas from their customers... I've already got some suggestions Buell can implement to improve the Ulysses. Not that I don't love the bike already (because I do). Here we go: 1. Make the low seat optional at the time of purchase. Let the buyer order the seat they want. I knew from the outset I wanted a low seat. Sure, I'm riding the bike now with the stock seat, but it's only a matter of time until I get a replacement from Buell or Corbin. I want to be secure when I put a foot down when off pavement on uneven surfaces. 2. Please re-route the clutch cable or relocate the clock / odometer. Sure, I can deal with it as is but why should I have to? A quick glance is all that should be req'd on a motorcycle. 3. How about a remote switch (on the switchgear) to cycle through the clock / odometer display modes? Those buttons on the dash are tiny for gloved hands while riding down the road. Or a dedicated clock display could resolve the same issue. I'm embarrassed to say that's all I can think of at this point.  Regards, Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Cabexbx |
I don't have a Uly so I can't add more, but I definitely agree with point #1. | ||
| Chadhargis |
As a tall person (6'5" w/ 36" inseam), the Uly is wonderful. I actually wouldn't mind if the seat were an inch or two higher. I envy you guys that aren't lanky like me. Do you know how many sportbikes and such I can't ride because they cramp me up too much? I'd have bought an XB12S if I could have fit on it.  | ||
| Bienhoabob |
1) I'd like to see both headlights on for low and high beams. 2) Heated grip option 3) Quieter fan 4) More color options (carbon fiber?) 5) All of #1 post Not a bad bike when you have to think hard of nit pick items. | ||
| Henrik |
From a touring point of view: 1) one more electrical outlet close to the rider seat for heated clothing. Of course yet another one for the passenger would be nice too. I realize there are 2 outlets, it would however be nice to keep those for other electrical accessories. 2) I realize that it may not be legally doable, but some sort of throttle lock is a good thing for long distances. 3) I'm nit-picking - I know  I think the Uly is turning out to be a great bike and a really good basis for "making" the sport touring bike of your personal preference. Henrik | ||
| Lowflyer |
I would like: 1. A dedicated clock. 2. A taller windshield option. 3. Ulysses logo'ed tank and tail bags. 4. Larger oil cooler and/or cool air scoop - make the fan run less often if at all. 5. More sound out of the can. | ||
| Javadog |
Here's my list: 1. Get rid of all that crap hanging down from the taillight 2. One piece(nonsplit) front fender option-CF? 3. Factory ceramic coated header pipes 4. A super loud horn(ridiculous I know, but hey) 5. Low profile front turn signals and fog lights 6. Improved crash worthiness- not sure where to start | ||
| Henrik |
Oh, yeah. I've mentioned it before, but a factory option for accessory lighting would be nice. Henrik | ||
| Cdallen |
So far the only thing I can think of besides what has already been mentioned is that I would like a temperature gage. It just makes me feel better to be able to see where its at. As far as above points for me... agreed move the clutch cable or digital clock/odo and quiet down the fan. I originally thought the ignition key location was going to be really annoying but it really is no big deal. Not to bad when all we can come with is mostly cosmetic stuff.  Way to go Buell! Oh yeah and they should probably de-tune the engine a bit... I am riding around like a darn hooligan with this big grin that won't go away... I actually lofted the front tire today... and liked it  | ||
| Ironbuttbill |
Along with the heated grips, I'd like to see a GPS mount. The cross bar on the handle bars is too big for the mounts on the market...I'll make something work there. Bill | ||
| Bosh |
I'm wishin for a QUIET FAN! That thing is "hella" loud! Also a relocated ignition key would be great. Tired of honkin the horn every time I reach for that thing. | ||
| Jim_sb |
Hi guys, Yes, heated grips would be nice. I do have heated Gerbing gloves and the heated jacket liner. It looks like there's room for a Gerbing power lead on the left side near a plugged electrical connector (is that the one for the engine diagnostics?). As for the GPS I think the RAM mount from my S2 will work fine. I need to check it out to be sure. But it looks like there's room. Regards, Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Jim_sb |
PS. Re the fan noise, I always wear ear plugs and a FF helmet. So the fan noise isn't really an issue for me. Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
Re: the larger oil cooler. I'm no engineer, but seems to me you'd want your oil to heat up well. Better flow? You get used to the fan... | ||
| Stevem123 |
Ummm, Better mirrors so stuff behind me isn't just a blur? Well I guess slowing down would work too....or maybe not! Maybe an optional fairing. Real cruise control. BC Steve | ||
| Brad1445 |
Gas Gauge please. Maybe a sixth gear? | ||
| Court |
2. Please re-route the clutch cable or relocate the clock / odometer. Sure, I can deal with it as is but why should I have to? A quick glance is all that should be req'd on a motorcycle. 3. How about a remote switch (on the switchgear) to cycle through the clock / odometer display modes? Those buttons on the dash are tiny for gloved hands while riding down the road. Or a dedicated clock display could resolve the same issue. Those were the two suggestions I made when I returned the CityX. I hope we see them. I like the lighting option too. In fact, even if the lights weren't included it'd be good to see the breaker, relay, switch and wiring (w/plugs) in place to allow a person to choose lighting to suit their needs. This is an outstanding motorcycle. Court | ||
| Jim_sb |
Amen!  | ||
| Csg_inc |
OK. I just have one that was not stated above. I would love some 50% street / 50% dirt use tires. Outstanding motorcycle---that is a true statement | ||
| Bienhoabob |
Forgot one: Self-canceling turn signals | ||
| Jim_sb |
Hi Bob, I *hate* self-cancelling turn signals! <g> In CA (home of the hard-charging tail-gaters) it is beneficial to be able to get that turn signal to stay on a little longer. On my S2 I put them on twice. Once initially and again after they go off. Then I can turn. Jim in SB | ||
| Jim_sb |
Another suggestion: The long-wished-for Single Key system! (I'd be ecstatic if the ignition key could also open the hard bags). I hate lugging keys around. Regards, Jim in Santa Barbara | ||
| Branebanger |
these have all been mentioned but here's my vote: standard steering dampener approved dual-sport tires (semi-knobbies) taller windscreen options 2 more power outlets(1 near each person) gas cap cord/wire 1 more helmet lock muffler options (quieter/louder) (I know its impossible) a centerstand sturdier (reinforced) handguard options (Message edited by branebanger on September 27, 2005) | ||
| Lowflyer |
--Re: the larger oil cooler. I'm no engineer, but seems to me you'd want your oil to heat up well. Better flow? You get used to the fan...-- Charlieboy,  The idea here is to post a ****ing wish list and/or suggestion. In addition to my earlier suggestions, I would also like an ejection seat with a ballistic parachute and an impact-actuated 10-g inertia switch.  | ||
| Two_buells |
a GPS and where are my saddlebags! | ||
| Brad1445 |
Slightly shorter kick stand so it OK to park on shoulder of road Need more lights at night for visibility, Please light up both sides | ||
| Javadog |
I hope some engineering genius is already designing an upgraded lighting system. I also need a set of amber foglights. Take a look at this bmw lightbar: http://www.bestrestproducts.com/celestia/order/orderform/?recno=35 Maybe that company could make one for the Ulysses. Call me old fashioned but I think any more than 6 headlights on a motorcycle starts to look ridiculous. | ||
| Dave |
A Uly w/bags could use a cleaner look when the bags are off. A quick release bracket/hardware without sacrificing the integrity of the system. DAve | ||
| Al_lighton |
Well, I probably should shut up because every time I talk about a project I'm working on, I then have to field the 'Is it done yet?' questions until it is. And when the project goes like my right side air scoop project just went (2.5 tools until it was perfect), that can be a while. However, since I'm too stupid to learn, I'll say that I have many plans that will address some of the things that have been mentioned here. May not be your cup o tea, but look at these two pictures:   What you'll see is 1)mirrors that work very well (but no hand guards) and 2) no cross bar or clutch cable in the way. It really cleans up the dash and make both the digital display and buttons much easier to see/work. The Magura hydraulic clutch conversion kit is near release and features some improvements over any that you may have seen before. You'd have to squeeze my clutch to believe it. The Uly clutch is already lighter action than the other XBs but with the hydraulic conversion, it is like butter. And the clutch hose is so small it tucks right out of the way. Another nice feature of the bar end mirrors is that it frees up two threaded hard points on the bars for mounts for things like GPS receivers, radar detectors, etc. First CF products out of the chute (other than the ones that crossover from the other XBs) will be the rear hugger with an improved more stylish shape. The shape of the stock squarish hugger is not to my liking. The CF lower belt guard in stock size and shape is already in tooling. A new upper rear fender/LP bracket is already in work, and I hope to integrate the turn signals into that. A stock sized CF flyscreen isn't too far behind, and a slightly larger one is planned. I hope to release a frame mounted fairing as well, but this is more ambitious and will not come fast. And I absolutely will have a CF regular front fender to replace the dirt bike beak. The regular XB fender fits, but it is too small both aesthetically and functionally. I hope to have one that is more like an cross between the regular XB fender and the S2 fender. I've got some ideas for some power octopus things that I need to gel a little prior to saying much about them. The Uly is a great motorcycle. It isn't a dirt bike to me, but with the suspension and tires, it is comfy on just about any road, gravel included. But I will be transmogrifying mine into a bike with more street sport touring emphasis, thus the mirrors, bar, and handguard removal changes. Looks like Matt at Trojan is taking the opposite direction, turning his into a monster motard. It's all good! | ||
| Chadhargis |
I LOVE the hydro clutch. Where'd you get it? | ||
| Al_lighton |
Magura recently released one for sportsters, but the kit didn't fit the Buell (wrong handlebars) and the slave cylinder interface leaked primary fluid. I asked them to make some changes for the Buell application and they did. They one on the Uly in the picture is the prototype. More are on order, they'll be up on the web site soon. It will fit ALL 96 and later Buells with 7/8" bars. It is sweet, I've been wanting one that worked forever. Al | ||
| Javadog |
Al that looks like the picture of the low Renthal street bar from your previous post. It looked to me like I would be more comfortable and upright with less wrist pressure with the medium bars. Are you going to sell both? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? How about balance and handling compared to the stock bar? | ||
| Chadhargis |
What website will have the clutch kit listed? How much will it cost? | ||
| Al_lighton |
Those are the low bars. The mediums were pretty close in height, but were ever so slightly narrower. I liked the additional balance the motorcycle has with wider bars, but the stock ones are just too wide for me (especially in traffic) These are about right for me, but I tend to like a little more forward lean in my sport tourer (i.e, I prefer S3 to S3T bars). For many of those that put the lower seat on (Corbin or factory), I think the stock bars are going to be too high (apehangers!) and these Renthal lows are going to be a good match. I'll put both on the web site. Chad, You'll find it on the www.americansportbike.com site hopefully within a 2 weeks or so. I'm waiting for final pricing details due to the last changes that we made to the kit and for some delivery schedule assurances before putting it up there. But the engineerings done, it's ready to go, just have to prime the supply line. Al | ||
| Jim_sb |
Hi guys, I had to run some errands tonight. Gas is expensive, so I took the Uly of course! (Nah. I took it because it's fun). Anyway, in looking at the dash I'm wondering if I'll get a good view of the clock when I get the low seat. The clutch cable seems ideally routed to block the clock in it's current position. Just musings. It also looks like I could reroute it slightly with a zip tie as well. Jim in SB | ||
| Bienhoabob |
Jim sb, I had my seat lowered. It did nothing to improve the read out view. Still have to either lower or raise myself to see the odometer/clock, etc. I still voting for self canceling turn signals, caught myself yesterday riding like a novice with turn signals on and not turning. Usually the flashing catches my eye in time, but if the sun hits the panel just right, I don't pick up the flashing. | ||
| Chadhargis |
Thanks for the clutch kit info. I checked out the website and even ordered some Formula+ primary oil and a couple of oil filters. |
