| Author |
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Clayman
| | Posted on Monday, February 06, 2006 - 10:36 pm: | 
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I am starting to wonder why do i have a uly and a dr650 since both are supposed to be dual purpose but only one is any good at it. This is what has led me to thinking of selling the uly. |
Lowflyer
| | Posted on Monday, February 06, 2006 - 10:56 pm: |
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I think the Uly is dual-styled more than it is dual purpose. It seems to be more for riding everywhere except where a dirt bike would do better (i.e. singletrack, jumps, mud, etc...). I would love to have both a dual sport and the Uly. |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Monday, February 06, 2006 - 11:47 pm: |
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The term dual sport is extremely broad.
For some it is a full on dirt bike with a license plate, lights and turn signals added. For others it is a street bike with some gravel road capability. There is a lot of room in between the extremes. And a lot of fun riding.
The places I ride my dual sport DRZ400S are simply not suitable for a Ulysses, Multistrada, V Strom or a GS1200. The trails are too narrow, too steep, too rocky. In fact, I've never run across either out on the trail. On those rides the biggest things we see are Honda XR650's and those are referred to as "pigs". Most bikes we see are in the 250 - 500cc range. I rode with a guy once on a KLR650 and while he got through the ride he went down a bunch. It was a handful for him.
BUT, and it's a big BUT, as fun as my DRZ400S is when off road, it really runs out of steam quickly on the street and is absolutely no match for a bike such as a Ulysses.
The Uly is so fine on pavement, any kind of pavement, including the 40 year old pothole strewn stuff. It's also fun on gravel roads and reasonable fire roads. On nicer gravel roads the Uly would have an advantage. On technical or bumpier roads the advantage would quickly swing to the DRZ. It's a bike you can ride to Pike's Peak - and ride right up the gravel road to the top. You don't have to worry about your chrome if you want to take that side road heading off into the forest.
True dual sport bikes have their limitations. Where they stop is where the Uly starts. It's a great combo.
Best,
Jim in Santa Barbara |
Kreature
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 10:29 am: |
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I've been told by friends and strangers alike that I ride my KLR650 in places it should not go! So the term dual sport I believe is interpreted by the rider not by the bike. |
Lowflyer
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 11:22 am: |
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"interpreted by the rider not by the bike."
True in the case of a stock KLR. Not true at all on the Uly in it's stock form. The bike truly has some off-road limitations. The combination of street tires, wheel size, seat height and weight on the Uly can quickly get even the best dirt rider in over his head in a hurry.
I know this because I am the best dirt rider.  |
Clayman
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 06:54 pm: |
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I think that to put the uly in any class calling themselves dual sport is false, most street bikes out there could do most of what the uly can. Dont get me wrong i love the bike, i am just trying to justify to myself why have a bike that is set up to do something that it really cant. I think i would be better off with a long for my urges to go real fast and for the real adventure off road stuff get something is a lot more dirt worthy. |
Jim_sb
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 07:18 pm: |
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Clayman, nothing wrong with that.
I view the Uly as a bike you ride to Yosemite, at times on potholed, rough (but twisty and scenic) backroads. Most streetbikes are awful in that environment, including many of the top of the line sport tourers. Their suspensions are simply not up to the task.
Plus you don't need to fear taking a gravel road here and there along the way such as can be found in many areas of the Southwest.
If I were taking my DRZ to Yosemite I'd haul it there - it's not made for 500 mile days in the saddle. But the Uly will be ridden.
Yosemite, Death Valley and the Carrizo Plain are all on my near term "must ride" list. Utah, Nevada and Arizona will come later. Hopefully one day to Alaska and back as well.
Only you can decide what's right for you - but the Uly is definitely right for me. It can be ridden on asphalt at all sane speeds (and beyond if that's your cup o' tea), has spacious hard luggage and a roomy passenger area.
Regards,
Jim in Santa Barbara |
Windaddiction
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 07:52 pm: |
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Clay man I've thought of the long as well, but the uly is just so comfy for me! btw If you get ur dr going let me know! |
Clayman
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 08:21 pm: |
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Yea i know it is a great bike and i am definatly not knocking it. I guess i am looking for some one tell me it sucks so making my decision will be easier. I think what i want is a bike to suit every riding style, which i know is impossible, the alternative is one of at least 5 bikes, and thats just not in the cards for me any time sone. I am mulling over trading it in but if i do i will take one hell of a beating on price. Anyhow decisions decisions, do you go left do you go right, i hate them. As far as the dr goes im thinking if anybody has need of a boat anchor let me know. |
Windaddiction
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 10:05 pm: |
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waoh how much work does the dr need and how much would u sell it for? |
Clayman
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 08, 2006 - 01:05 am: |
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the dr needs the engine rebuilt, i am waiting for the estimate, i just had it done but the person that did it was incompotent and it blew, 2000 down the drain. I think it is going to cost that again, not sure if i am going to do it or not. As far as a price, i dont have a clue. I would probably be better off parting it out. Make me an offer well talk. |
Kreature
| | Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 09:27 am: |
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So if I wanted to do a 400 mi day on two lane asphalt and forest service dirt raods and maybe some two track off roading would the Uly be up to the task? |
Lowflyer
| | Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 09:39 am: |
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I certainly think so, Kreature. As long as I did not encounter too much mud, I would be happy after a ride like that on the Uly. |
Kreature
| | Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 11:08 am: |
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Thanks Lowflyer. I'm hoping to help Dave with his Ride to the U.P in May and info like that can help me better plan a ride. |
Lowflyer
| | Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 12:46 pm: |
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I forgot to mention that ruts will screw with the 17-inch front tire and throw your ass around a bit if you aren't paying attention. I have had a few 'Bob Hannah' moments on mine.
Bob Hannah was a famous MXer from the 70s-80s that was known for occasionally falling all over and around his bike while still holding onto the handlebars. |
Lovehamr
| | Posted on Saturday, February 11, 2006 - 12:43 pm: |
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Lowflyer, as soon as I read the name Bob Hannah I started chuckling with a mental image of you, feet in the air, while still hanging on to the bars for dear life. Great analogy for anyone who has seen the man ride. LOL
Steve |
Cactusjack578
| | Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 04:34 pm: |
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Clayman, keep them both. I haven't ridden a Uly but it would seem to me it would be better for long rides and faster too.
Check out the guys under "Why I bought a Uly" in Big, Bad and Dirty. Cactus Jack |
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