| Author | Message | ||
     Ntmmd8r |
Howdy everybody...new guy here..Veteran biker. I fell in love with the Uly from the moment I saw her. Our local dealers can't hardly give Buells away, and I knew in a matter of time they'd crack..Cha-Ching! A very sweet bike, but I just can't believe that these things have such a problem with front end, fish tailing around, or wobbling...how ever you want to call it. My experience is anytime I'm on the road and get above about 62 mph. Wow what a cheesy action on such a nice bike. I've driven a few Corvairs in my time, and all of them were rock steady...If Ralph Nadar wants to ride something that feels extremely unsafe, he needs to ride one of these. I sure wish Erik Buell would start feeling a little guilty for these, and recall them for a proper fix. Such a crappy problem for such a great bike. Just wanted to get my 2 cents in. | ||
| Mrvvrroomm |
Dude, there's something wrong with YOUR bike, not everyone's Ulysses. | ||
| Ntmmd8r |
Well I agree with the fact there's something wrong with the bike, and it seems like there are a lot of other people posting the same problem...maybe in other forms of words.. but then again I'm sure there are some who just don't know any better. I was hoping the latter was true when I had read all the posts about the problem, but found out it was true, when I got mine. | ||
| Brat |
I just got home from riding along the freeway here in the rain at 70 mph and my Uly felt like it was tramlining on a squiggle! It's not unsafe but not very confidence inspiring either, coincidence that this thread had been started! | ||
| Davo |
Mine is rock steady and smooth as silk. I have had to 85mph. I am running the stock settings and the rear is turned down to softest setting. | ||
| Birdmanrh |
You need to spend some time with someone who knows how to set up a real suspension, not someone at the HD dealership. I have had mine topped out with no issues even similar to what some of you are describing. But, I know from experience that if I spent a few minutes detuning my suspension that I could get the bike to do what you are talking about. Maybe next year they will introduce a less advanced suspension and then you guys will be happy?? | ||
| Brat |
I ride two up, with gear, without gear and solo, I'm sure that an adventure bike shouldn't have to be tuned everytime you change the balance! Funny how some will be happy with a squirrely chassis if you tell them it's "race tuned"! | ||
| Ikeman |
I also ride solo, 2 up, loaded bags, no bags, etc. I got the suspension to where I was happy solo - nice compromise of plush vs cornering carving to cover the mix of roads I cover every day. I don't touch the compression and rebound settings when the load changes but I do change the preload on both ends. Takes me less than 5 minutes. The only wandering I get is at speeds above 65mph and appears to be totally wind induced and not unlike most unfaired bikes I've ridden that are less than about 600 lbs. I'm actually impressed at the stability based on the rake and trail figures and the height of the bike. If your used to riding 800+ pound cruisers (especially with barn door windshields) then, yeah, I can see where the Uly might seem unsettled to you cruising the superslab. | ||
| Debueller |
Ralph Nader is a pinko, faggot, tree huggin', commie and he DOES NOT need to be involved in motorcycles in ANY way, shape, or form. Take my word on that one. Sorry about the rant, but i resent people that threaten the things I enjoy. (Message edited by debueller on May 03, 2006) | ||
| Ulywife |
You need to spend some time with someone who knows how to set up a real suspension That seems to be the key. If your bike is not properly set up then your handling of the bike will certainly be "off". Don't sell the bike short until you've had an opportunity to get the bike set up for you and your style of riding. Like with everything new, it takes time to figure out what works for you. It's not a one size fits all. | ||
| Thunderbox |
Ralph was probably responsible for the entire auto industry manufacturing safe vehicles. Without his crusade we would still be driving unsafe POS they used to build. Ralph didn't take anything away from anyone he gave them something and in fact maybe everything. Commie????? What could be more American than sticking up for those who don't know better or are powerless. Give it a break. But it's OK for companies to build death traps and sell them to John Q public. I don't think so. Looking at it that way hes a frigging American Hero. What did he threaten that you enjoyed? Dying in a poorly engineered vehicle?????? Take a moment and think it over again. Just to elaborate Unsafe At Any Speed was about the unsafe American Auto Industry as a whole it was not a book about "The Corvair". If you haven't read it do. (Message edited by Thunderbox on May 03, 2006) (Message edited by Thunderbox on May 03, 2006) | ||
| Dudeman |
Can we get back on topic folks??? I'd like to see some posts from riders illustrating their weight, tire type and riding style along with actual suspension settings and tire inflation. But then again, I'm just a redneck.  | ||
| Thunderbox |
The topic is "Where is Ralph Nader when you need him" Off topic??????? | ||
| Debueller |
I think that Ralph Nader is an extremist that would like to ram his agenda down everyones throat. The only way I know how to deal with people like him is to be an extremist in the opposite direction. Hopefully the opposing views balance themselves out. In a crash, the Corvair is probally going to keep you safer than a motorcycle and look what Ralph did to it. I don't know exactly what his stand is on motorcycling as a whole, but I do know he would like to lock everyone out of public forest lands that chooses to ride one there. People of his sort have been sucessful at closing many riding areas on public land that were properly used for recreational purposes. That includes personal watercraft, 4X4's, quads, and mountain bikes. Ralph Nader stands for alot more than consumer activism. Most of it is rather extreme. I shouldn't try to be an expert on such complex issues but I have my opinions. That is why I pay dues to the AMA & the Blue Ribbon Coallition. They study the issues and engage in debates much better than I could. I really would prefer that someone with extreme views stay out of motorcycle safety issues. Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread. Just my $.02 (Message edited by debueller on May 03, 2006) | ||
| Thunderbox |
Many would say you have extreme views but if you have some ideas about motorcycle safety I would like to hear them. Extreme views are a relative thing and where you are right or left of that idea makes it extreme or not. In my mind Ralph has some very good ideas and some I don't support. If I wait until I find someone that I like all their ideas I think I will be waiting a long time. So waiting isn't really an option so you have to use what you can at the time. Generalizing against a certain person only shows how extreme you really are. Lets have safety issues relevant to motorcycles discussed and if reasonable implemented. | ||
| Lorazepam |
Hey! My corvair was safe as far as I know. Never hurt me to drive it. I get the wandering that you speak of on the highway, and I believe it to be wind generated/associated with the airflow around my body. I believe this because when I wear different jackets (yes I am a jacket slut) the amount of wandering changes. I think the center line in the front tread may contribute a bit to it as well. I have the suspension set up as per the manual, and find the ride plush, but the handling great. This bike is very unique in that regard, having great handling plus a comfortable ride. | ||
| Bomber |
Sadly, Nadar's stance on life is becoming more and more common, on both sides of the political/social/religious fence -- his (and other's )willingness to declare himself an expert and then try to turn his opinion into laws, then enforce those laws would be comical if it was a sitcom | ||
| Debueller |
My opinion on the Uly being safe/unsafe: The first couple of rides on mine did feel slightly "twitchy" & "wandering". I think that is because I had been riding older larger bikes. (1986 FJ 1200, 1979 XS1100). The Buell is very responsive compaired to them. I also played around with my suspension and found I liked it set up on the taunt side. I am so happy with the confidence and rock solid feel of the Uly now (even with the luggage fully loaded) I have a hard time putting them into words. Awesome stopping ability, great traction from the 616's, ability to soak up ROUGH pavement, and comfort, to me spells a very safe motorcycle. BTW, Thunderbox, I've been waiting for the perfect politican. I think it's going to be a long wait. | ||
| Chadhargis |
My mom loved her Corvair, my friends Pinto never blew up (he wished it would have) and my Ulysses is rock solid at any speed. Kiss my butt Nader! LOL! Some folks have complained of a wobble at speed, but many have determined it's either a improperly torqued steering head, improper suspension setup, or the cruddy stock Dunlops. | ||
| Thunderbox |
I'm with you on that Debueller. You can not say "perfect and politition" in the same sentence. Thats a rule. My bike has had some twitchyness but it's so minor I don't even pay it any mind. I do notice that it is absent when there is little or no headwind. I couldn't be happier with my Uly thats for sure. I will let you all know whern I 2 up it for 6ooo miles this June. | ||
| Reepicheep |
They are a disaster, and not only does it wobble at speed, but will probably spontaneously explode at any moment. It's not in your garage, is it? Oh geesh. Me, being the kind soul that I am, will take this life threatening risk off your hands. I'll even give you $5000 for it, me being the great guy that I am  Where should I show up with the check? | ||
| Gowindward |
Please "No Feeding The Trolls"  | ||
| Buellgrrrl |
Nader was right on some points- problem is he got obsessed with the Corvair and ignored a lot of really unsafe stuff on the roads. Nader's never held a drivers license, and it shows- he should have left auto safety to the experts and litigated in fields he was familiar with. As for the "Blue Ribbon Coalition", I received some of their propaganda including some really disgusting anti gay ranting in the box with a new shock I bought years ago. Motorcycling and bigotry don't mix, and I will never patronize that shock manufacturer again. | ||
| Debueller |
I'm not aware of the BRC, www.sharetrails.org supporting anti gay legislation. They are as far as I know a pro access group that encourages the sharing of public lands for all to enjoy. | ||
| Chadhargis |
Since I'm not gay, as long as they sold me a good shock for cheap, I'll by from them.  LOL!! | ||
| Dr_greg |
I second Debueller's opinion of the Blue Ribbon Coalition; I've been a supporter of theirs for years and there's never been a hint of "that kind" of material in their newsletter/magazine. Re: Ralph Nader --- I owned a '62 Corvair Spyder and a '65 Corvair Corsa (turbo)...I enjoyed both, but by '65 when GM completely redesigned the suspension the "Nader damage" had been done, and it wasn't selling. Out of curiosity a few years ago I read the "Corvair" chapter of "Unsafe at Any Speed" and found it to be quite accurate. I still didn't like it, however... Haven't kept up with Nader for a while, but quite possibly not my kind of guy. | ||
| Bross |
When you guys are setting up your suspensions, do you add 30lbs for gear? I haven't actually weighed myself with all gear on, but by the time I get my wallet, key's, cell phone, palm, spare change, etc, loaded into my pockets, my jacket has to weigh at least 30 lbs. Could this be the difference some riders are seeing in their suspension setups? | ||
| Dave |
"Hey. My name is Ken and I think I'm having a problem with my Uly. It feels squirmy at speed...like the front end is meandering. Have others resolved this issue? What can your recommend?" Kenny: I was trying to find something positive about the style of your post but can't. Your post just rubbed me wrong. Maybe I missed the humor? From your post you want to assume all Ulys have this problem and you just want to complain in a semi-public forum. Buy a bike from a H-D dealership that doesn't support the line then openly attack Buell because it doesn't handle right. Do your homework bud and seek resolve if that's what ya want. Comparing a Uly to a Nader crusade isn't scoring points anywhere except with Buell bashers. Get your bike suspension set up correctly and pursue resolve with your dealership of choice. If you're really wanting a solid bike. My Uly is solid. About 7000 miles, speeds up to 100 mph, single, two-up, and w/bags. DAve | ||
| Homer |
Bross - I actually weighed myself with full aerostitch suit, helmet, gloves, and boots and it added about 25 lbs (oh, clothes too ) I set my suspension up for that weight plus a few for the bags when empty and mounting hardware (does anyone have accurate figures for that? Does it matter?) Of course now that I've lost about 35 lbs I need to redo the setup. | ||
| Windrider |
Ntmmd8r, I noticed the same feeling about the bike when I first got it. Here are some suggestions: 1. Set up suspension by the nice chart in the manual. 2. If the problem is still there go softer with settings, not firmer. 3. Verify tire pressures. 4. Take a bit to get used to the bike. The Buells have an extremely short wheelbase and ANY input in the bars will be a direct translation into a turn. If your clothing is loose and flapping around your arms this will cause the same swimming feeling. ANY input into the bars will initiate a turn... get used to this and don't clamp onto the grips too tightly. 5. The D616s cause this as well. Others who have put the Pirelli Scorpion Sync tires on report that the swimming feeling is gone. 6. After you ride the bike a bit the suspension will break in and loosen up a bit. This was quite noticeable on my bike. Once you have 1K miles on it and have dialed the suspension in you will love it. It is a great handling motorcycle, but it is different than anything else you have ridden (unless you come from other Buells) and thus it will take time to get used to it and comfortable with the way the bike handles. I had a very nervous feeling on mine for the first 200 miles but now I feel like I can put the bike exactly where I want it. It holds a line wonderfully at any speed. I am even used to the D616s now. It is IMHO the best handling motorcycle I have ever ridden. Good luck and Happy Trails, WindRider PS Nader comments withheld for the sake of Brevity ... |
