| Author | Message | ||
     M2nc |
I've been reading some threads and it has become clear that we have allot of new faces (per say) around here. So how many of us Uly owners are new to Buells anyway? If so, what have you ridden in the past? | ||
| Speedstar |
I just got my Uly and it is my first Buell. I have a DL650 V-Strom now also. Before that I had a Yamaha RS Warrior and a Honda Shadow spirit 750. Before that two KTM's and about 20 different off-road bikes and quads. | ||
| Smoky |
My first Buell will be a Uly. I currently ride a BMW R1100RT, and I will keep it for 2-up riding. Think there will be any changes between now and the end of March? | ||
| Lovehamr |
My Uly is my first Buell. I've had all jap bikes before now. I still have my old Yamaha FJ1200 and I still dig it, but I ride the Uly nearly all of the time. I don't consider myself a "Harley" guy in so much as I have no use for cruisers. But I've always admired the Buells. Before the X came out though, whenever I sat on a Buell I felt like the proverbial monkey with a football. I had read Erik's postulating on mass centralization and all of that stuff but to someone who doesn't fit on the machine that stuff may as well be written in sand skrit. This meant that a significant portion of the riding public would be alienated from Buells simply because of the "fit-factor." "Oooh! It goes around corners great.....just not with your big a$$ on it." LOL Then I read about the upcoming X, sat on the first one at my dealership and had to have that puppy! I love it. BTW Smoky, my wife and youngest son both say that the Uly is much more comfortable 2 up than my FJ. That kind of surprised me. Steve | ||
| Wasions |
My next bike, and first American ride, will likely be a(n) Ulysses. Like Lovehamr, I've never been much into cruisers. I've been riding since 1969, and have had 14 different bikes (I think), about half street and half dirt. The biggest bike I've owned to date was the Suzuki Burgman 650 that I totaled last April. The most fun was a Honda TLR200 Reflex (dual-purpose/trials). What I really want is a DR400SM and a touring bike and a sport bike and and d-p. Thank you Eric, for coming up with an incredible 4-in-1. Steve Gear up! | ||
| Seanp |
My next bike will be a Ulysses, (unless something really cool comes out from Buell before next August, like an XB12T or something...) But I'm already starting to plan routes that include some dirt roads I know. And I'm thinking about taking some cross-country trips. Most of my planning is around the abilities of the Ulysses, so it's pretty much a given that it will be the bike I have next August. | ||
| Thesmaz |
The Uly will be my first buell as well. I had previously owned sportbikes but now find them to uncomfortable for the type of riding I want to do, although I still like them and the technology that makes them what they are. I too really like the XB line when it first came out and wanted one until I sat on one and decided that it was too small. I'm 6'4" and when I sat on the Lightning I looked like I was ready to join the circus as a big clown on a little bike  Then the Uly was released, had too call around to several dealers here in Belgium in order to find one to have a look at and fell in love with it upon first sight! It seems that it will do everything that I want it too and will be a blast riding around Europe over the next 3 1/2 years that I'll be here. I've ordered a Barricade Orange one (already did the black bike thing) through the Military Sales office and it should be available in Germany for pickup in late Mar/early Apr. I had to special order it because they only had Black ones available and it wouldnt've been delivered until late Dec/early Jan. The weather that time of year here sucks for riding and I didn't want to trailer it back only to have it sit until I could really enjoy it. I CAN'T WAIT!! | ||
| Court |
Most....well, actually MANY. Of some note is the number of folks buying Uly who have never ridden a Buell or HD prodcut. Of no less interest is the folks who see the Uly as a "better FLH" and trade in Harley dressers. Times are good. | ||
| Brotherbuell |
That would be me Court. Went from a Road King to the Uly....my first Buell. Like they say, "you can never go back..." | ||
| Homer |
Same as many folks above, I'm new to Buell, have always ridden sport bikes, and have no interest in cruisers. When shopping for sport bikes I never much cared for the Buell styling and the relatively low-tech engine. Even with the Uly I'm not overwhelmed with the looks of it but boy is it fun to ride! I bought the Uly because I live on a gravel road and there are a lot of roads around here that suddenly turn to gravel from pavement. I also needed something with bags for hauling my laptop and storing my gear at work. Since I bought the Uly though I've been having so much fun on it that I only ride my Aprilia and FZR when I feel like I must because they've been sitting for too long. | ||
| Morticia |
I traded in my 2003 H.D. 1200 Sportster for a Uly, & there are no regrets on that score. Hard to believe both bikes almost share an engine. I've still got my BMW K1, now relegated to a ride to work hack. | ||
| Spoof |
I'm a newbie to Buell as well. I've wanted one for about a decade but there's never been a bike in the fleet that really worked for me before. I've got no regrets so far, I'm loving every minute of it. I also currently have a KLR 650 and a Suzuki DRZ supermoto. I sold an Aprilia Falco to get the Buell and before that I had a Ducati Monster, a Cagiva Elefant, and a whole slew of vintage BMW and Moto Guzzi twins. | ||
| Wolffone2000 |
I had never ridden a Buell before my ULY purchase. I think it was because the other models were so small, that was about it. And I already had a sport bike. I currently have 5 other bikes and the ULY gets ridden the most. | ||
| Court |
How that Court know this?  | ||
| Dmcutter |
My first Buell, too. I've had about half a dozen Kawi and Honda sportbikes over the last 22 years. I've always liked Buell's engineering, especially the X frames, but was put off by the Harley motor and lack of power compared to the inline 4s. The tractability of the motor and the sharp handling in such a comfortable package are a revelation to me. The Kawi zx-10 got sold last saturday, so now I'm strictly a Buell guy. | ||
| Uselyssxb12x |
Never had a Buell before. I have had nearly everything (Hondas, KTM, Bultacos, etc.) in the past. Last bike is a KTM Supermoto, (still have), wanna talk vibration! I am NOT a cruiser/Harley guy by any means. I still feel strange walking into a Harley dealership, but am trying to get past this. The Uly is fantastic, it is hard for me believe that it has a Harley motor/trans. I'll say it again though, I LOVE THIS BIKE!  It is what I wanted the KTM to be, but is miles ahead of it. | ||
| 2hogs |
The XB12X is my first Buell. I have a FLTRI for more sedate riding. Had a FXSTB that had to go to make room for the XB12X. I have the factory side cases and tank bag along with a Roadgear tail bag. Which makes the little beast very versatile and fun to ride. I only see HD and Buells in my future. Cheers | ||
| Lovehamr |
"I still feel strange walking into a Harley dealership, but am trying to get past this." LOL, Me too! | ||
| Javadog |
Mine is my first Buell also. I had a Kawi Vulcan 500 and a Honda VTR1000 before. There are a lot of gravel and dirt roads and driveways where I live. The Honda spun out on gravel like it was on ice. I sold it and was looking to replace it with a BMW or Ducati then heard about the Ulysses and came to my senses. I did not need a big, heavy superslab touring bike. What I needed was a dependable and economical to own commuter which could also be comfortable for overnight trips and dirt road driving with or without a passenger. The Uly was made to order for what I needed my next bike to do. | ||
| M2nc |
Like Court said, how did I know that. "I still feel strange walking into a Harley dealership, but am trying to get past this." You know when I first heard about the Uly, I talked to the Manager of our local HD dealer and asked him how he was going to deal with the non-bikers (motorcyclist) that would come to look at the Uly. John (the manager), which has a V-Rod and a Buell XB9S, just gave me a confused look. I had a feeling that this was Buell's cross-over bike, and it has proven to be. I rode dirt bikes and moped/scooters as a kid, but when I got my drivers license, I walked away from two-wheel transportation. It was Father's day 2003 when I bought a Honda CB750 to ride with friends and I was hooked. I ride to work most days and average around 16,000 miles a year on the bikes. I had three bikes up to this past Thursday when I turned over the keys of the CB750 to its new owner. I bought my first Buell, mother's day of last year. I always liked the XB, but my wife has stated under no uncertain terms, she would not have her own bike and is perfectly happy riding with me. That meant the the XBs were out. I bought a used M2 on EBay and have since put another 14,500 miles on it. The Uly came out and after confirming I could live with its height, I rode it home. I am quite hooked on it now. It took four years for the Tuber (original platform for Buells) owners to convince Erik the XB was too small for the masses (no pun intended). He failed to do the most common of business functions, listen to your customer base. He finally listened and will probably have the best year ever (Even though he did his way, and it was a good move). To all, welcome to the Buell adventure. On top of riding a truly well rounded bike, you can also choose to join this band of misfits which has proven to me, to be a great little family. Now Erik, there are some vertically challenged folks that want the comfort and touring capacity of the Uly in a lower package. Also, the Firebolt needs 20 more horses (ie, short stroke 1150 for the street!) | ||
| Dragon_slayer |
Well I am not new to Buell but the Uly is the first Buell I purchased. I was at Farrow's in Cols., OH when they unloaded their first Buell, I believe it was a RR1000. The owner said "You like hot H-Ds, this is the bike for you." But I am more of a GT type person. I like sporty, fun, and powerful vehicles that are functional. I like my vehicles to be a trusted companion, not just a play thing! Damn, now that I think about it, I like my women the same way! Then the V-Rod came along and the same dealer said the same thing. But no, this was not my kind of bike. Tried various Buell over the years but none followed me home. Had rode enough bikes over the years to know what is important to me. Read about the Uly in Cycle World and on the "Net" and knew this was the closest bike for me. Bought it over the phone. No regrets. As far as bikes I have rode in the past there were many: owned, demoed, and borrowed. I have owned Honda, Kaws, H-Ds, and Moto-Guzzi. (Message edited by dragon_slayer on November 06, 2005) | ||
| Brat |
This is my first Buell, and not my last. Yesterday my GF and I went on the local HOG ride, we were the only Buell present, I wasn't a member just met one of the members at a cafe that morning who invited us along with "I'll ask, if it's ok come along", (we're from interstate) we had a great time, the Harley riders were stoked with the Uly, not a bad word about Buell, even in joking was said, one wideglide rider even commented that they must have been slowing me up in the corners! | ||
| Two_buells |
Wow, Welcome all the newcomers. This is an exciting time for Buell. I’ve been a Buell owner since 1996 my Uly is my 6th Buell and 8th H-D product. From 1976 to 1984 I raced Motocross and never owned a street bike till 1993. (1994 Fatboy) Over the last ten years I helped set-up events @ H-D York’s Open House, Laid out a B.R.A.G. ride with Erik, and being a BattleMaster set-up over 30 BattleTrax events here in Pa. Buell has been a big part of my life. I haven’t been so excited about a bike since my First 1996 S1 lightning. I traded my XB9R for my Uly. I hated to get rid of the 9R but it was the smart thing for me to do. My XB9R gave me no trouble in three years of ownership. My “9R” was a surgical tool in the corners. After about 3 hours of riding my 9 I was ready to get off. My S3, I just rebuilt the top end and is running better than it has ever had. The S3 was my everday bike. (44,000 miles) . My 1998 S1 is just too much fun. Loud, Mean, Fast and fun! I’ll always have an S1 even though I get tired of the seat after two hours of riding. After owning a Ulysses for almost two months I think I can say this is the best bike I’ve ever owned. Big seat, Big handle bars, Big suspension, and motor. (note: I was coming off a XB9R) I’ve never gone into corners so fast. I don’t think that I am but than I look at my speedo and scare myself. “the Uly just tells me, “go faster, go faster” The Uly just gives you confidence. Well, any Buell will give you confidence in riding. Now that the Uly is my everyday bike I think I might sell my S3. I would really like to get a XB12R or a CityX. Or maybe another Uly and put a Firebolt fairing on it with lower handle bars. btw the Uly is #1 on my list of bikes to ride.... | ||
| Royintulsa |
I have been riding motorcycles since I was 12 years old. Owned 3 Ducatis, 4 Hondas, an Aprilia and a BMW. I bought my Uly 3 weeks ago and I can tell you right now - it is may favorite. I feel I have only scratched the surface if what this bike will be like. It is the first American made bike I was even interested in. I have been a Cycle World reader for years, and when the issue came out that featured the Buell, I did not even read the article for 2 months. Buell and Harley did not make anything I was interested in, I thought! I am selling my 1998 Ducati ST2 and my 2002 BMW1200RS that I have ridden nearly 40,000 miles in the past two years because of the Ulysses. It is as close to the perfect bike for the riding I do at my age as I can find. I am getting used to not having a fairing, but I am sure there will be a larger wind shield available soon. I like the engine performance as it is, however, a little more never hurts. I am so impressed with this bike, if I ever decide to get another sport bike, I would consider looking at the XB12Sg - with a race kit it would be more bike than my skill can appreciate. I would like to thank Mr. Buell for making a bike just for me. That is how comfortable I am on the Ulysess. | ||
| Court |
>>>This is an exciting time for Buell. That is an accurate statement. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I've never owned a Buell mainly due to the fact that I'm 6'5" 220lbs with a 36" inseam. I can't fit on many bikes, especially ones with any sort of sporting aspirations. I liked the idea of Buells, and I rode a Firebolt and a Lightening, but just didn't like being that cramped up. I ended up picking up a used Ducati Monster for my hooligan bike instead of a Buell. My FJR1300 was my long distance bike. Even it was a bit cramped, but Advil made it bearable. Then I saw the Uly. Heard all the pissing and moaning about the tall seat height. Since I'd never sat on a bike with a seat too high for me, I went to look at one. As soon as I sat on it, I was so happy to find a bike that actually fit me. No folding up required. I don't give a hoot about riding off pavement, and the Uly seems to be geared more toward being a "big sportbike" than anything else. That's what I've been looking for. Until Honda increases the seat to peg relationship on the RC51, I'm a Uly guy! | ||
| Smcnamara |
The Uly marks my entry into the Buell world, and I absolutely couldn't be happier. In the past, I've owned a couple Yamahas including a V-Max, and most recently have been riding an Aprilia Pegaso thumper. Several years back, I was having a discussion with someone who was saying that it was my responsibilty to "Buy American." I explained to him that as soon as an American company manufactured the kind of bike I want to ride, I'd certainly look at buying an American bike. When I recently decided to get a new ride, I had a few contenders on my list: BMW R1200GS, KTM Adventure 950, Suzuki V-Strom... All great, solid bikes. Unfortunately, my wife (who works in the visual design field, and also has VETO power) was left flat by the styling on all three. After hearing about the Uly, I called a local dealer to get notified when they arrived. I got the call, and with the wife in tow went to the dealership that evening to see it in person and get a test ride in. With one look and a quick test of the pillion, she gave sign-off. After my test ride (short 10 mile loop in heavy traffic) I had some real concerns regarding vibration and heat, but was comforted by one of the guys at the dealership who is a Buell rider, and whom came across as a real straight shooter. I picked the bike up the next day, and couldn't be happier with it. My riding is about 85% street which includes some pretty aggressive sport-biking, with the other 15% being dirt/gravel road. No real off-roading for me, though I'd like to learn. With those parameters, the Uly seemed (and is proving to be) and ideal machine. I'm wondering how the Uly would fare at a track day. Anybody tested it out yet? -Sean | ||
| Chadhargis |
I'm wondering the same thing. Man, it would be nice to rail around the track in comfort. I've seen some Goldwings and BMW LTs on the track and thought those guys were crazy. Maybe not!  | ||
| Lowflyer |
The Uly is my first Buell. They are very lucky to have me as a customer.  | ||
| Pascal |
This is my first Buell. I just felt in love with the look of this bike. This is my 4th HD product. I ran away from HD 2 years ago since I was tired of fixing the machines after each ride. I then decided to buy reliable bikes: Japanese. I never went back to the dealers except for getting the newer model! Now, I have this Buell (I never judge without knowing). My feelings are not clear yet. I am not in love as much as I thought: engine light always on (code 21 - exhaust valve), loads of vibrations and no stability at high speed. My dealer is working on solving all of these and hopefully they will work them out and I will enjoy the bike as much as I should. Other than this, the concept is really nice and cornering with this thing is just pure pleasure. The bike wants to lean more and more! |
